how to take care of horses?

Question

my parents no how much i love horses and they are trying to get land to maybe own a barn. i no the simple stuff like saddling up the horse, grooming and riding. but not cleaning stalls and diet. my parents had horses whe n younger but i am not sure if we no enough? what should i do?

Answer 1

i suggest a book called "Horsekeeping on small acreage" that should tell you what you need to know about a horse in general. Find out what the previous owner is feeding him. If he is on grass only and you want to feed him grain and hay and grass then you have to take the time to adjust hsi system. If not you will end up with a severe bout of colic. Horses systems are built so that the food goes in and out one way. Horses cannot vomit, per say. A horse can get food caught in his throat and choke and can regurgitate some of it but very little. If the horse is on grain and hay and little grass and you want to put him on grass only, then you have to take the time to adjust his system too. Find out what he has been eating and keep him on that. Ask the owner if she makes any changes in his diet. Like if in the summer he is turned out a lot or not, etc. When you go out to visit your horse every day, like feeding time, run your hands over his body to check for any changes, like cuts or wounds. Take the time to brush him after you have fed him and before you turn him out. Make sure to check his legs for cuts and wounds because believe it or not a cut can hide on the leg and you dont know it til you go to ride. Make him lift his legs when you clean the hooves and run your hands over his ankles.check for stiffness each morning. As the horse gets older, he will start to require feeding supplements. Arthritis is the most common age defect. This will mean warming himup more and probably feeding him something like glucosamine cookies. Horse care is all about changing to fit the horses current needs.

Answer 2

Find someone with horses who will show you all that stuff. Clean stalls in trade for lessons. Read some books on horse management.
For basic handling you should read a book calle Finding The Magic by Dan Summeral. He teaches you how to be alpha horse. His methods work, are easy on you and the horse, and keep you safe. Anyone can learn it. Do you see the two kids with the horse in my picture? That is my 2 year old riding, by herself, and my six year old feeding the horse leaves. The horse is a very well mannered stallion. All three know the Dan Summeral method. It is one of the best things you can learn if you are going to be around horses.

Answer 3

Keep the horses on a good diet - the diet will depend on how much exercise they get, but overall, they should have both hay and a sort of grain, whichever works best. Pasture time to feed on grass is also good. Make sure there is plenty of water at all times, especially if you live in a hot climate. For the stall cleaning, there is a straight answer on that - clean once a day, making sure to get the stall very clean (think of it as if you would want to sleep on poop or not... yuck!). Make sure to change sawdust whenever needed, also. Good luck!

Answer 4

You don't sound ready yet, but when you follow these things, you will be! Don't be impatient, this will take time. take lessons at a local barn. there's a lot of hope for you! you'll be fine. ask them to teach you the basics about vet medicine, grooming, treating wounds, feeding, watering, washing, training, breaking cribbing habits, and such like that. they will gladly help you. not only will you get riding experience, you will ride different horses and learn about each different one. they will also teach you about which farriers are good and which vets to call. go to a horse camp and such and they will teach you all about this, now that i think of it, possibly more than lessons. tell them you will help clean stalls and such if they teach you and ask them to show ratios of hay and grain and water and such. once you attend lessons and a few horse camps, i'm sure you'll be ready. do you have any friends at school or people you know with horses? ask them to come check out how your horse is doing once you have your horse and show them what your feeding your horse. have them inspect your fencing and footing, as well as the weeds that can kill or sick a horse. learn about colic and the signs of it. you'll be ready after all of this preparation!

Answer 5

Lessons would not hurt. Make sure your horse has shelter, fresh water daily, plenty of grass and/or hay, and an adeqwuate amount of a nutritious feed. Horses differ in feeding needs - some horses may require special feeds, some may need only hay and grass and supplements. If you buy a horse, ask what and how much feed it has been getting. I have a mare who needs special feed (senior feed) and another who needs barely a mouthful of grain to stay fat.
Clean stalls daily - remove soiled bedding and manure, replace with fresh clean bedding. I prefer to allow my horses to roam in a paddock and not keep them stalled. As long as they have shelter when they want it, why make them stay cooped up?

Read all you can about horse nutrition and care. Subscribe to horse magazines. Ask a horse owner to take you under his/her wing and teach you. You have the willingness - just be prepared to do the work!

Answer 6

get books and read. I don't know how old you are but the American Pony Club in your area is a good start and also 4-H is also good. Or get in a youth horse club like I say Pony Clubs are good.m

Answer 7

this is a great site- spend a few hours here-
www.newrider.com

they have everything from feed to hoof care to riding habits.

have fun! :)

Answer 8

well you can talk to someone who knows about horses and i think you find her .

Answer 9

Your local 4h can help