Horse owners know that taking care of a horse is a major time commitment. Horses require a lot of attention in order to remain healthy and happy. It can be difficult for new owners to find the time to take care of their horse. However, it is absolutely possible to find ways to fit horse care into your schedule. These are just a few tips that can help you get started, but finding a schedule that works for you will be the most effective method to stay on top of horse care.

Daily Requirements

Every horse has a need to eat and drink water throughout the day. Horse owners must take care of their horses’ needs by checking in on them daily. If you work a full-time job, this can be difficult to do on your own. However, checking in before and after work will ensure that your horses are being cared for. If a daily time commitment is more than you can handle, consider boarding your horse to make sure it is receiving adequate care.

Additionally, it is always a good idea to check on your horse at least once per day to make sure it is not ill or injured. Both issues can arise quickly, so sticking to this schedule is important.

Grooming

Horses must be groomed on a regular basis to ensure their own safety and health. Plus, regular grooming is also beneficial to keep horses from becoming dirty or looking unruly. How often you groom is up to you and your horse’s needs, but a daily quick once-over is usually sufficient. You should also plan to fully groom your horse once per week to keep its body in top shape. The easiest way to fit grooming into your schedule is to groom in the evenings, and do your full groom on the weekends.

Exercise

Horses need exercise regularly to keep them healthy and avoid medical conditions. Horses do best with a wide open space to roam and run in, but if you do not have that option, you should make sure to take your horse on a lengthy ride several times per week. In some areas, this can be difficult due to weather conditions, and some people just might not have time to take their horse out when the weather is nice. This is another reason to board your horse somewhere that it will have room to exercise regularly.

Maintenance

Horses often live in stalls. If this is the case with your horse, you must make sure to clean out the stalls at least once per day. Like with grooming, this is often easiest in the evening, but you can also do some smaller cleaning in the morning to make it easier on yourself later. You also have to make sure the horse is safe and secure from wild animals and poor weather, so make sure to look over your barn regularly. Fencing for an outdoor area should also be kept in peak condition. Checking in on these things at least once a week will make sure you are prepared to make any changes necessary before they become too urgent.

Horses need a major amount of care to stay healthy and safe. If you are not prepared to put the time in, there are some boarding stables and farms that will take care of these things for a price. Be sure you are prepared to support your horse before you get one, and always have a backup plan in case things do not work out.