ways to keep your horse healthy

7 Easy ways to keep your horse healthy!

There’s a saying about horses – they are born, then they spend every waking moment trying to get into trouble. It’s true. Lucky for them we are equipped with a skill set that involves bubble wrapping their worlds to prevent certain disaster. And it doesn’t have to be complicated – these 7 ways to keep your horse healthy are easy and fast.

 

  • If you go to horse shows, keep your horse away from other horses. Ever wonder why there are so many EHV-1 outbreaks every year? Because show grounds are excellent places for horses to get each other sick and then take that illness home. Nose-to-nose contact should not happen, and you should be washing up between handing horses. Don’t touch other people’s horses, and don’t let them touch yours! For more on show biosecurity, read this.

horse thermometer with attached string

Taking your horse’s temp takes less than 3 minutes. Even less if you use a digital thermometer.

  • Take your horse’s temp. I’ll admit it – for years and years, this was basically a load of bunk for me. Why bother? Many of us believe a horse will stop eating or drinking or tell us in other ways that he’s ill. I have known two horses with life-threatening fevers (over 104) that have acted as if nothing in the world is wrong. We caught them early and prevented the spread of a virus through the barn, and helped prevent fever-related laminitis. For more on your horse’s vitals, this is the article for you.

mouse trap up against a wall

Mice and rats also make for a gross feed room.

vet giving sub q shot

There’s a slew of horse-killing diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.

  • Your horse’s hay is the source of his nutrition, but making sure the hay is healthy is a must. Botulism is a serious risk, mold can cause problems, and blister beetles will kill your horse in a few days. Spend the seconds every day to inspect your horse’s hay. Check out this article on blister beetles and keep your eyes peeled and your nose sharp.

  • Also, spend the few extra bucks to get your horse his own set of grooming tools. Skin conditions like rain rot are easily spread. And this also keeps you more organized – anyone need help with that as I do? Rain rot is discussed here, in this article.

black horse with his head out of the stall

No sharp things, no snaps opening towards noses, no faulty wiring.

  • Lastly – make sure your horse’s stall and paddock are not trying to kill him with pokey things! Or things that will get him stuck up against the wall! Or with metal things in the ground. I love huge magnet like the ones roofers use to pick up stray metal bits all over the land. Or that horrible ammonia smell. Ventilation and a safe stall are mandatory. Tips for doing a safe stall inspection are here!

These little things are not time-consuming and easy to incorporate into the routine. Keep your horse healthy!

go shopping button for horse products

These handy items can help you stay ahead of any horse health issues. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but there is no extra charge to you. And I greatly appreciate your support!

ADC Veterinary Thermometer, Dual Scale, Adtemp 422 – For easy temperature taking

3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope, Black Edition Chestpiece, Black Tube, 27 inch, 5803 – For finding heart rate and gut sounds

 

Fast and easy weight tape for your horse.

36” Rolling Magnetic Pick-Up Sweeper with Adjustable Long Handle, Floor Cleaner

Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher Powder, 40-Pounds

Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher Granules