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Creating A Healthy Environment For Horses:

Last Modified: January 10, 2002

This guide has been developed for the “Pleasure Horse” Owner, as a guide to better horse care. It is for owners who want to know more about providing horses a healthy, longer life. It has been provided at this location, courtesy of Masterfeeds. A link to the Masterfeeds site is available at the bottom of every page.

IN THE FIELD

Fresh air, sunshine and pasture to graze on can be very beneficial to a horse's health. Here are some important features to consider when selecting or developing a paddock area:

Pasture: Horses graze very selectively, eating some areas right down to the ground, and leaving others. Mowing or including sheep or cattle in the pasture area will help reduce weeds and stimulate new growth. Toxic weeds such as deadly nightshade, horsetail, yew, ivy and St. John's Wort should be removed. Red maple and oak leaves and acorns should not be available in large quantities.

Drainage: Look for dry ground, especially for the water trough or bowl and shelter. Water should be able to drain away quickly to avoid creating mud holes. Fencing: Strong wood, plain wire with visible markers, or other sturdy fencing material should be used to keep horses in the pasture and away from ponds, poisonous vegetation and other hazards. Barbed wire should never be used due to risk of potential injury. Gates should be solid and well maintained.

Water: A supply of fresh water should be available (ensure that it does not freeze in winter or heat in summer).

Shelter: Access to a barn or sturdy open shed will protect horses from the elements. Shade trees or tall hedging are also beneficial. Turn horses loose into the field one at a time, to help avoid injuries that might result from excitement or confrontation.

IN THE STABLE

To ensure the comfort and safety of horses in the stable, a solidly built, secure and clean environment is essential. Here are some features to watch for:

Site and Buildings: the barn should have a dry, textured concrete floor or floor mats with well-drained entrances, to avoid water, ice or waste buildup. Manure piles should be located downwind, away from the rest of the yard. There should be a readily available source of fresh water and a hose for cleanup. Feed must be located in a secure separate room, with no access by horses that might get loose. A separate tack room with space for cleaning and maintaining equipment is desirable, as is an open floor area, where horses can be tied for grooming. Hay forks, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc. should he hung up or otherwise kept away from horses, due to their potential for injury. A fire extinguisher should he placed in a central location for easy access in case of fire.

Lighting and Ventilation: Good, fresh air flow and light are important. Windows should he covered with wire mesh and wire guards should be installed on all light fixtures to prevent injury.

Stalls: Construction should be of solid hardwood so the horse cannot kick through the wall and risk injury from splinters. Horse-proof bolts should be installed on the doors, with no protrusions that might snag the harness. Tie-rings should be installed at ear-height or lower for easy access by the groom.

Feed and Water: Water bowls or buckets and mangers should be located at nose height near the door. Rounded contours on these are preferable, to avoid having material lodge in the corners.

Bedding: Clean, dry bedding such as wood shavings or straw are essential for the horse's health and comfort. Dirty or wet bedding should he mucked out at least once a day, and more often if the horse is confined to the stall all the time. If allowed to accumulate, soiled bedding is an ideal breeding ground for disease and foot infections. (NOTE: Do not use walnut shavings, as these will cause founder in the horse)

The above content has been provided by and is copyright ©Masterfeeds.
It may not be reproduced without Masterfeeds written authorization.
Reprinted on this site with the kind permission of Beverley
at the Calgary, Alberta Masterfeeds location.

Masterfeeds
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