Horse Health - A Few Important Things to Learn and Remember!

There are some basics that every owner must knowProper ventilation will eliminate the possibility of
about horse health to ensure your horse's well-being.respiratory disease. All the flooring in the stable should
You must evaluate your horse regularly to ensurebe level and always kept in a dry condition.
disease is not present and provide proper horse careCheck your horse's feet daily, looking for signs of
and maintenance. It is highly recommended that allthrush and for any problems with shoeing. If a farrier (a
horses be wormed on regular schedule, at a minimumspecialist in equine hoof care) needs to be called, do
of five times a year. Proper horse worming can helpnot delay, as a lame horse is never optimum. Proper
prevent digestive illnesses and diseases that arehorse care includes daily checking of pulse, respiration
deadly to all equine species. Your horse's teeth needand overall appearance. The coat should lay flat and
to be checked at least twice a year by an equinebe dry, with sweating on visible in extremely hot
dentist and proper vaccinations should be done byweather. Horse pregnancy can be determined in a
your veterinarian on an annual basis.variety of ways, from serum tests, ultrasound and
A clean stable must be maintained to ensure goodpalpitation. Typically, a visual diagnosis of pregnancy
horse health. Manure should never be allowed tocannot be made till after 320 days gestation, so if you
accumulate in the horse's stall. Bedding should be freshdo not want to administer a serum test yourself, you
and the barn should never smell of urine. Wateringshould call your veterinarian.
troughs and feed bins and bags must be clean andAlways remember, maintaining your horse's well-being
sanitized to prevent digestive disease. Maintainis your responsibility. Any time your horse does not
temperatures in the barn that reflect the outdoorappear in optimum health, time to check several things
temperature as horses do not require a heated facility.and your veterinarian should be called immediately.