The Health Guide for Horses: The Scientific Way to Protect the Health of Steeds

In the long river of human civilization, horses have always been loyal partners and capable assistants. From ancient battlefield battles to modern equestrian competitions and leisure riding, horses play important roles in different fields. Scientific health care is essential for horses to maintain good condition and perform at their best. Below, we will delve into the methods of horse health care from multiple dimensions.

1、 Reasonable diet: the cornerstone of health

Horses are herbivorous animals, and forage is their main source of food, accounting for 60% -80% of their daily diet. High quality hay is rich in fiber, which can promote the intestinal peristalsis of horses and maintain the normal operation of the digestive system. Alfalfa hay has high protein and calcium content, making it suitable for young and pregnant horses during their growth and development period; Timothy hay is rich in fiber, which is very beneficial for maintaining the intestinal health of adult horses.

In addition to forage, the combination of refined feed is also crucial. Oats are a common concentrated feed, rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can provide sufficient energy for horses; Although corn has high energy, it should not be overfed to avoid digestive problems in horses; Soybean meal is a high-quality source of protein, which can be added in moderation according to the different physiological stages of horses. In addition, horses need to drink a large amount of clean water every day, especially in hot weather or after a lot of exercise, to ensure sufficient water supply. Generally, a horse drinks 25-55 liters of water per day.

In dietary management, the principle of timing and quantity should be followed. Avoid sudden changes in feed. If a change is necessary, it should be gradually transitioned to give the horse's digestive system an adaptation process and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort caused by dietary changes. At the same time, attention should be paid to the storage conditions of feed to prevent moldy and spoiled feed from being ingested by horses, causing serious problems such as poisoning.

2、 Moderate Exercise: The Key to Maintaining Vitality

Developing a reasonable exercise plan based on the purpose and individual situation of horses can help enhance their muscle strength, cardiovascular function, and joint flexibility. For horse racing and working horses, high-intensity training such as running, jumping, etc. is needed to enhance their competitive ability and work efficiency. But training should be gradual and avoid excessive fatigue and injury. Before each training session, it is necessary to warm up thoroughly, such as taking slow steps, running small steps, etc. After training, appropriate relaxation activities should also be carried out, such as slow walking, stretching, etc., to help the horse relieve muscle tension.

Leisure riding horses also require exercise, with 3-4 rides per week and each ride lasting around 1-2 hours, with moderate intensity exercise being the main focus. During exercise, it is important to observe the horse's condition, such as breathing and gait. If any abnormalities are detected, the movement should be stopped immediately and the cause examined. In addition, regularly allowing horses to freely move around in open areas can help them relax and enjoy nature, which is also beneficial for their mental health.

3、 Daily care: details determine health

Horse hair needs to be combed regularly, 1-2 times a day is recommended. Combing hair can not only remove dust, debris, and parasites, but also promote blood circulation in horses and enhance skin resistance. At the same time, by combing through the hair, the breeder can promptly detect any abnormal conditions such as wounds and lumps on the horse's body for timely treatment.

The care of horse hooves is crucial. Horseshoes need to be cleaned every day to remove dirt, stones, and other debris to prevent foreign objects from damaging the hooves. Regularly trimming the hooves, maintaining the appropriate shape and length, can avoid problems such as deformation and cracking of the hooves. For horses that often walk or work on hard roads, it is necessary to install suitable horseshoes to provide protection and support. In addition, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the horseshoe, and if there is any looseness, wear, or other issues, adjust or replace it in a timely manner.

The oral hygiene of horses cannot be ignored. Regularly check the horse's teeth to observe for wear, decay, and other issues. Generally speaking, it is necessary to have a veterinarian conduct a dental examination and polishing for horses once a year to remove sharp tooth tips, ensure their normal chewing function, and prevent tooth problems from affecting their appetite and health.

4、 Disease prevention: Take precautions before rain to ensure safety

Vaccination is an effective means of preventing equine infectious diseases. Common vaccines for equine infectious diseases include equine influenza vaccine, tetanus vaccine, equine herpesvirus vaccine, etc. Based on the local epidemic situation and veterinary advice, developing a reasonable vaccination plan and timely administering vaccines to horses can greatly reduce the risk of horses contracting infectious diseases.

Regular deworming is also an important part of horse health. Common parasites in horses include roundworms, tapeworms, nematodes, etc. External parasites include ticks, mites, etc. Generally, deworming should be done once every 3-6 months, and suitable deworming drugs can be mixed into the feed for feeding; The external anthelmintic treatment is carried out according to the living environment and seasonal changes of horses, such as the use of anthelmintic spray, medicine bath and other methods to keep the horse's body surface clean and prevent the breeding of parasites.

In addition, it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the stables, regularly clean and disinfect, promptly remove feces and debris, maintain good ventilation and dry environment, and reduce the growth of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. At the same time, avoid letting horses come into contact with animals of unknown origin to prevent the spread of diseases.

5、 Psychological Health: Pay Attention to the Emotional Needs of Horses

Horses are emotionally rich animals, and good mental health is equally important for their overall health. Providing a comfortable living environment, such as spacious stables and soft padding, can make horses feel at ease. Establishing a good interactive relationship with horses and providing them with care through caressing, gentle communication, and other means can enhance their sense of trust and security.

To avoid keeping horses in a monotonous and oppressive environment for a long time, it is advisable to increase some recreational activities, such as placing toys, setting obstacles for horses to play, etc., to enrich their lives. At the same time, in the process of raising horses, attention should be paid to observing the emotional changes of horses, such as anxiety, irritability and other abnormal emotions, analyzing the reasons in a timely manner, and taking corresponding measures to appease and adjust them.

Horse health care is a systematic and meticulous work that covers multiple aspects such as diet, exercise, care, disease prevention, and mental health. Only by doing all these aspects in place can we ensure the health and vitality of horses, allowing them to exhibit their best state in different fields. Every horse breeder and enthusiast should study and master scientific health knowledge with care, and protect the health of their horses with love and professionalism.