| Spending time with your horse not only enables a | | | | essential. If you are a regular with the horse trailers at |
| close bond to develop between you both, but it also | | | | horse shows etc, your horse may need to show a |
| enables you to learn how your horse responds to | | | | negative Coggins test, which is for a serious equine |
| situations and how they are in themselves. In time you | | | | virus called equine infectious anaemia (EIA) for which |
| will learn your horse's body language. A happy horse | | | | there is no cure or treatment. |
| will generally appear calm and be responsive to you. | | | | Having regular farrier visits is also essential for a happy |
| He will keep a low head, relaxed jaw and have soft | | | | and comfortable horse. It is important for your horse's |
| eyes. A happy horse will seek affection from you and | | | | comfort, mood and performance that you do not allow |
| show respect by not invading your personal space. | | | | his feet to get too long and unbalanced. Your horse will |
| When a horse yawns this is not a sign of being bored, | | | | need his hooves trimmed by a farrier at least every |
| but a sign that he is calm and relaxed. You can tell by | | | | eight weeks; sometimes more often is necessary. |
| the way a horse holds himself if there is something | | | | Your horse will need a blanket or coat during the wet |
| wrong; a troubled horse will be reluctant to stand still | | | | and cold winter months and during the summer, a fly |
| and will hold his head high with a tense jaw and darting | | | | protective horse sheet or mask is advisable. If your |
| eyes. When a horse is anxious, you must let him settle | | | | horse is prone to lathering during or after exercise then |
| in his own time without trying to force the issue - | | | | it may be best to use a horse cooler until he has |
| otherwise he could end up feeling trapped and even | | | | calmed down. Drinking water directly after exercise |
| more stressed. | | | | could put a horse's body into shock. When you have |
| Grooming your horse gives you the opportunity to | | | | been exercising your horse, allow him to cool down |
| check him over regularly. You should perform regular | | | | sufficiently before a meal. After eating you should give |
| inspections of your horse's teeth, eyes, hooves and | | | | your horse at least an hour before exercise. |
| shoes as well as keeping an eye on his droppings. Any | | | | Horses need to have a purpose, whether it is riding, |
| change in the normal should be reported to your vet at | | | | showing, therapy, carriages or dray. Horses love to be |
| the earliest opportunity - any delay could cause you | | | | needed. It is important for a horse's sense of purpose |
| extra worry, expense and a potential claim on your | | | | and focus that he receives regular praise - especially |
| horse insurance. It is also important that your vet has | | | | when young - for performing simple tasks such as |
| regular worming and vaccination appointments set with | | | | simply standing still or in the right place. As horses are |
| you. If you rotate medications you stand a better | | | | naturally inquisitive animals, they will become more |
| chance of killing off as many different types of worms | | | | brave, positive and confident the more new |
| and parasites as possible and also giving less time for | | | | experiences you introduce to them. |
| them to build immunity. Colic, heart and immunity | | | | A horse is a beautiful and magnificent creature that |
| problems can all be caused by lack of suitable | | | | deserves a good home for life with excellent care. As |
| medication. It is important that your horse is vaccinated | | | | a horse owner you have a responsibility to provide the |
| against rhinoneumonitis, influenza and encephalitis. | | | | best healthcare possible for your equine companion. |
| Tetanus and rabies are also advisable, but not | | | | |