Horse Care Tips

Horses are wonderful animals whose strength, grace, and emotional intelligence have had a significant impact on history. What is one thing that all new horse owners rapidly learn? Horses require a lot of care, which translates to a lot of work. We are here to help! Continue reading for horse care tips from a Pickerington, OH equine veterinarian.

A Little Bit Nicer

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize that putting a cold piece of metal in your mouth will not be comfortable, especially in freezing weather. A crockpot can help you warm Silver’s bit when it’s old. You can also do this with an electric kettle. You will also have easy access to hot water for cleaning, hot toweling, or simply washing your hands. Just pick something that will turn off automatically and connect it to a surge-protected outlet. (It’s also a good idea to check that it’s turned off before leaving the barn at night. Fire is something you can never be too careful about in a barn.)

Healthcare Hacks

Keeping Silver’s hooves in good condition is critical for his overall health, mobility, and well-being. Unfortunately, many of you may experience foot problems such as abscesses or thrush at some point. Poultices can be applied using infant diapers. They can also be soaked and frozen to create ice packs.

Dispensers

Do you have something that you need to apply immediately? Clean out an old ketchup bottle. This is also an excellent way to apply hoof oil. You can also grab a dish scrubber and fill it with your choice product to whiten Silver’s socks. This is handy to have on hand for shows.

Shower Power

No matter how clean your stable is, dust will find its way everywhere. One thing you may do to safeguard your tack? Buy clear shower curtains and hang or drape them over your saddle racks. The rings and ring holes provide a great deal of versatility when working with various areas and settings.

Bait & Switch

The next time you have to give your hooved companion parasite control, clean the tube thoroughly and fill it with molasses. He may miraculously become more willing to take his medicine!

A Clean Sweep

Another thing on our ‘bucket’ list? Clean out the buckets with a (new) toilet cleaning brush.

Finishing Touch

Shower caps can also be used to portion out grain. Placing them over buckets will keep flies out of your horse’s food. If you like to divide up portions at night to make those early-morning feedings easier, this could be a game changer.

Apron

Aprons exist for a reason: they protect your clothing. While they were designed to keep cooks from getting stains, they are also extremely useful in a barn. Wearing one to groom Silver minimizes your chances of becoming fully covered with horse hair. The pockets are also ideal for storing brushes, hoof picks, and tiny bottles. (Your horse won’t mind if you use them for carrots or apples, either).

Avoiding Mix-Ups

Boarders frequently struggle to keep their belongings apart from the rest of the barn’s. To immediately identify Silver’s belongings, use baggage tags or patterned tape. (In an ideal world, everyone in the barn would do this, but that’s another matter.)

Tacky Hacks

Shoe racks and hanging coat racks (with hooks) are a far better way to hang bridles than a board with a nail. These are frequently available in secondhand stores at a low price. Attach a clean tuna can to a board and paint the entire thing for an extremely low cost.

Hydration

Are you worried that your horse isn’t getting enough water? Try mixing in some organic apple juice. You may also wish to experiment with changing the temperature slightly. Cold water may not appeal to all horses.

Hacks of ID

Luggage tags might be useful on the path. Put your contact information on them, and Voila! Your horse is now equipped with ID tags. If something goes wrong and your horse escapes, he will still have a connection to you.

Trail Smarts

Consider purchasing a fishing vest for your trail rides. All of those pockets are ideal for holding munchies, your phone, a hoof pick, and a first-aid kit. (And, of course, apples and carrots.)

Make a Windbreak

Hedges have long been the norm in the UK, and not merely for aesthetic reasons. They also help to identify land boundaries and provide habitat for local fauna, and serve as windbreaks for livestock owners! Choose non-toxic, fast-growing choices. Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Prunus, Photinia, and Thuja are all suitable options.

Lighting The Way

A miner’s helmet or headband might be a useful tool if you’re trying to do something at night or in a dark location. Keep one in your trailer, too.

Untangled Polo Wraps

Wraps are a reliable staple, but they aren’t the simplest to clean. To prevent them from becoming tangled, use a lingerie bag when washing them.

Reducing Time

Do you use shavings for bedding? Instead of cutting the bag open across the perforation, make an X on the larger flat surface. When you turn it over, the shavings will all come out at once. This is much easier than trying to hold the bag up and shake everything inside.

Ice Blocker

Before allowing Silver to enter a snowy paddock, apply hoof dressing or conditioner to his hooves. This will prevent snow from adhering to his feet and generating ice balls.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Pickerington, OH Equine Veterinarians

Are you looking for a quality equine vet in Pickerington, OH? Please do not hesitate to contact us for any of your horse’s veterinarian care needs. We are excited to provide amazing service and attention!