Horse Care Basics

Caring for a Horse or Pony

Owning a horse or a pony is a big responsibility. They cost a

lot of money and need care several times a day to keep them
healthy. Horses can be loyal and loving pets and owning one is
a lot of fun if you have the time and money.

Things to think about when getting a horse:

• Housing and shelter • Handling and companionship
• Nutrition and grazing • Health and vet care

Housing

Horses are herd animals and need to be with other animals to be happy. They have to live with
at least one other herd animal to be their friend. Horses, ponies and other equine animals make
the best companions, but horses have been known to befriend other animals, such as cows,
sheep, or even a cat or dog if no other equines are available to them. They much prefer having
other horses around.

Horses can live inside or outside, and ideally, they should have access to shelter and a field or
paddock. Horses need access to shelter to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Keeping
them in a stable at night makes this easier, but stables are full of germs and dust. They require
‘mucking out’ every day, where droppings and dirty straw must be taken out to stop the horse
from getting ill. Stables must have lots of bedding to provide a soft bed to protect the horse’s
bones when lying down.

Horses that are kept inside a stable all the time can get bored and form bad habits like chewing
on wood, pacing and weaving. Regular access to a field or paddock can help keep them happy
and healthy. Horses must have company, and stable doors are usually open at the top so that
the horse can see their neighbours.

Horses need lots of exercise and should have plenty of freedom to run around in fields and
stretch their legs. Many horses live outside in all weathers, but they still need shelter. It costs
less money for a horse to live outside, but it is harder to track what they are eating, and it can
be difficult to catch a horse if they do not want to spend time with their human. Fields must be
checked for dangers like loose fences, toxic plants, and sharp objects that could hurt the horse.

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Nutrition

Horses are grazing animals and like to eat little and often. They must
always have access to clean, safe water. They eat grass and their fields
must be checked for poisonous plants so that they do not eat them by
accident. Ragwort and yew are two poisonous weeds often found in fields.

As well as grass, horses are given hay and sometimes treats like apples and
carrots. Hay is grass that has been cut and dried. Horses need a lot of extra
hay in winter when there is not much grass growing in the fields because of the cold weather.

Horses like to eat: Horses should not eat:

Grass and hay Pony nuts Melon Garlic Onions Tomatoes

and oats

Apples and pears Carrots Chocolate Rhubarb

Strawberries Parsnips and turnips Pineapple Brans Dairy Bread

Grapes Mangoes Sunflower seeds Potatoes Cabbage Avocado

Bananas Plums and Oranges Broccoli Cauliflower Meat

apricots

Raisins Celery

Green beans Peaches and Beetroot

nectarines

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Some horses need extra energy, for example those who are sick or who have difficult jobs. They
are given a special type of feed called hard feed, or concentrates. Pony nuts or oats are types of
hard feed. Most horses do not need this type of food, and it is important not to feed horses too
much, as overfeeding can cause serious health problems like colic and a painful foot problem
called laminitis.

An owner should always talk to their vet about exactly how to

feed their horse.

Health

You should not be able to see a horse’s ribs, but you should be able to feel them when you rub
the skin. A healthy horse should have pink skin inside their nose and mouth. If a horse does
not show any interest in people or food or is rolling on the ground and kicking a lot, then they
could be unwell and should be seen by a vet.

Even if a horse is healthy, they need to be seen by a vet several times a year for injections,
checkups, and worming. A horse needs grooming (cleaning and brushing) at least once a week
to look after their skin and hair, and their feet should be cleaned every day. It is very important
to look after a horse’s hooves, feet and legs, and a horse needs to see a farrier every six to
eight weeks.

Grooming Essentials

Grooming Mitt Dandy Brush

Body Brush Curry Comb Sponges Hoof Pick

Water Brush Mane and Tail Combs Sweat Scraper

"Just how spoiled Aleks is only 6 days after adoption..." by IndyDina with Mr. Wonderful is licensed under CC BY 2.0
" Decker Professional Grooming Kit W/ Original Well Loved Box" by David Blaine is licensed under CC BY 2.0

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Handling
Because their eyes are on the sides of their heads, horses cannot see
right in front of their faces, or behind them. They should always be
approached at the shoulder where they can see you so that they are
not surprised. It is helpful to talk to them so that they know where
you are so that they do not stand on you or kick you by accident.

Never run away from a horse with your back turned to them. Horses are nosey and playful,
and many would think that running away means that you want to be chased. If you want to
get away from a horse quickly, the safest way is to walk backwards while looking at them.

Remember
Caring for a horse or pony is hard work. You must do lots of research before deciding
to get one, and seek regular advice from a qualified vet. For more information,
the RSPCA and British Horse Society websites would be good places to start.
You can also take a look at our horse care resources!

This resource is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to offer general information and should never be taken as medical
advice for your pet. As medical information is situation- and breed-specific and can change, we do not warrant that the information provided is correct.
You and your family should not rely on the material included within this resource, and we do not accept any responsibility if you or your family do. It is up
to you to contact a suitably qualified veterinary professional if you are concerned about your pet's health.

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Comprehension Questions
1. Which of the following animals would make the best companion for a horse. Tick one.

Dog

Sheep

Pig

Pony

2. What does ‘mucking out’ mean? Tick one.

Checking the field for poisonous plants

Cleaning your riding boots

Cleaning out the stable

Helping your friend with their horse

3. Find and copy one word from the first paragraph which shows that caring for a horse is
hard work.

4. Fill in the missing word.

Many horses live outside in all .

5. What colour should the skin be inside a horse’s nose and mouth?

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6. Draw a picture to summarise what you have learned about a horse’s diet.

7. In your own words, explain why it is not a good idea to walk up to a horse from behind.

8. Do you think you would like to own a horse? Give reasons from the text in your answer.

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Comprehension Questions Answers

1. Which of the following animals would make the best companion for a horse. Tick one.
Dog
Sheep
Pig
Pony

2. What does ‘mucking out’ mean? Tick one.

Checking the field for poisonous plants
Cleaning your riding boots
Cleaning out the stable
Helping your friend with their horse

3. Find and copy one word from the first paragraph which shows that caring for a horse is
hard work.

Responsibility

4. Fill in the missing word.

Many horses live outside in all weathers.

5. What colour should the skin be inside a horse’s nose and mouth?

Pink

6. Draw a picture to summarise what you have learned about a horse’s diet.

Children’s own responses. Accept any picture that represents any of the foods that a horse
can or cannot eat, or that represents any of the problems associated with overfeeding.

7. In your own words, explain why it is not a good idea to walk up to a horse from behind.

Children’s own responses. Accept any reasonable answer that refers to the horse’s eyesight,
blind spot, eyes on the side of their heads, safety, being kicked, getting hurt.

8. Do you think you would like to own a horse? Give reasons from the text in your answer.

Children’s own responses. Accept any reasonable answer that includes examples from the
text. For example:
Even though it is hard work, I would like to own a horse because they are playful, loving
and a lot of fun.

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