How to take care of a horse so that they’re happy and healthy

Knowing how to take care of a horse is vital for keeping a happy, healthy horse — and for being a content, fulfilled horse owner. There is a lot to think about when considering what that actually means and there is one over-riding theme: you’ll never stop learning. I have been fortunate enough to own and take care of numerous horses and ponies in my lifetime, and every single one of them has required a slightly different care approach to satisfy their individual needs and personalities. I’d say that this is the golden rule to remember about horse care: they’re all different.

Hoof care, diet, exercise, general health, teeth, worm control, and mental health are seven core areas to think about first when considering how to take care of a horse. Fail to provide what your horse requires in any of these areas, and you leave them at risk of serious illness, pain, physical problems, and general unhappiness. Each area is influenced by things like changing seasons, where you live, the age and breed of your horse and pony, and how experienced you are as a horse owner and rider. I talk more about each one below.

Essential hoof care for horses

Every domesticated horse in the world requires regular hoof care from someone who is qualified, and checks must be carried out at regular intervals throughout the year. This is the case whether a horse is shod (wears shoes) or unshod (barefoot). In the UK, only a qualified farrier can put shoes on a horse; an equine podiatrist is able to do hoof trimming, but make sure you choose one with the correct credentials.