Caring for a horse is not just a matter of feeding it and riding it occasionally: it involves a great responsibility for their physical and mental healthAlthough they are strong animals, they are also very sensitive to changes in diet, stress, lack of hygiene, or poor daily handling.
If you have a horse or are thinking about getting one, it's essential to know the basic equine health care and the most common diseases that can affect them. With good prevention, daily observation, and the help of a veterinarian, it is possible to avoid many serious problems and enjoy a healthy, balanced, and high-performing horse.
Basic principles of equine health and welfare
The foundation of a healthy horse lies in ensuring a good nutrition, clean water, hygiene, exercise, and a suitable environmentThese pillars, combined with preventative medicine, make the difference between an animal that merely survives and one that truly enjoys well-being.
Equine health is not only measured by the absence of disease, but also by the horse's ability to express its natural behaviorto move freely, interact with other horses and carry out their activity (sport, leisure, work) without pain or excessive stress.
In everyday life, it's key to observe any change in their behavior, appetite, performance, or characterA horse that stops eating eagerly, that appears apathetic or overly irritable, that lies down more than usual, or that refuses to be ridden, may be warning of a physical or psychological problem.
Furthermore, it is important to always keep in mind that many serious disorders, such as colic or certain types of lameness, can be largely prevented with a proper management of nutrition, exercise, and facilities where the horse lives.
Horse and facility hygiene
Hygiene is one of the most important aspects in the Prevention of skin diseases, hooves and respiratory systemIt is not enough to have the horse half clean: the stable, the box and the passage areas must be kept in good condition every day.
A dirty, damp bed means a horse that is constantly soiled, with its skin in contact with moisture, feces, and urine. This increases the risk of skin infections, mange, ringworm and hoof problemsin addition to delaying the healing of any wound the animal may sustain.
In the stables, one of the biggest enemies is the ammonia from urineWhen the bedding is not managed properly, this gas concentrates in the environment and can irritate the respiratory tract of both the horse and the people who work there.
There are two common ways to manage the bedding. On the one hand, you can choose to remove the manure and very wet areas daily and add a good fresh layer of straw or absorbent materialOn the other hand, some farms use the so-called "manure mattress" which is well structured: the bottom part is not removed, but it is covered daily with at least 10 cm of straw, allowing the deeper layers to be transformed into humus by microorganisms that help to reduce ammonia.
To enhance this nitrification process, it is recommended to use cut straw, straw stalks or straw pellets Instead of very long straw, longer straw is used, as it offers more surface area for microorganisms to act and retains moisture better. However, this system requires very rigorous maintenance; those who skimp on straw or clean it only every few days put their horses' health at risk.
Stables disinfection and germ control
Mechanical cleaning (removing manure, sweeping, washing with soap and water) is necessary, but not sufficient for eliminate bacteria, viruses and parasites that hide in cracks in floors and walls. That's why it's important to schedule regular disinfection of stalls, stables, and walkways.
To do it correctly, a Specific disinfectant for stables, well diluted as directed by the manufacturer. Apply to floors with a broom or brush that reaches the joints and cracks, and to walls using a sprayer or similar, making sure to cover all corners.
Once the disinfectant has been applied, it must be allowed to dry completely before the horses are brought back in. This waiting period is essential for avoid skin and hoof irritations and ensure that the product has acted effectively against microorganisms.
Combining daily manure removal, good bedding use and regular disinfectionsThis greatly reduces the risk of environmental infections, both skin and respiratory.
Daily grooming and body inspection of the horse
The cleaning routine isn't just about aesthetics: daily hygiene is one of the best ways to to detect wounds, inflammations or painful areas in timeFurthermore, it is often a very positive bonding moment between horse and handler.
Ideally, the horse should be brushed before and after work. The curry comb is used to massage areas such as the rump and neck. loosen dirt and dead hairThen a brush is used to remove grease, dandruff and sweat residue, and a root brush to remove mud and stubborn stains.
For the mane and tail, a A specific brush that avoids breaking the hairThis brushing also allows you to check for chafing from the saddle, insect bites, scabs, or areas of alopecia that may indicate dermatitis or the presence of external parasites.
The bath is usually given after intense exercise to remove sweat and help the horse lower your body temperature graduallyIf you don't work daily, a weekly shower may be sufficient, as long as you maintain good brushing on the other days.
It is very important to dry thoroughly, especially the extremities, to avoid promoting the appearance of Fungal infections and skin problems on the pawsAfter a shower, resting bandages are often placed on the limbs, once they are completely dry, to aid recovery and prevent inflammation.
Horse nutrition: key to preventing colic and other problems
Nutrition, along with daily management, is one of the pillars of Digestive and general health of the horseTheir digestive system is delicate and very different from ours, so mistakes in their diet can quickly lead to colic or other disorders.
Each horse needs a ration adapted to its needs. exercise level, age, race, weight, and ease of gaining or losing weightA top-level sport horse has different needs than a retired horse or a growing foal. A veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help adjust the amount and type of feed.
The basis of the diet should always be good quality forage (hay, grass)which usually makes up the majority of the daily ration. Concentrates (feeds, cereals such as oats or barley) are used in smaller quantities, adjusted to the work the horse performs and its energy needs.
It is essential to respect that the horse's stomach has a limited capacity (approximately 2,5 kg per serving)Very large portions of cereals, eaten all at once, significantly increase the risk of colic, especially if the grain is not digested well and passes excessively into the intestine.
A good strategy is to distribute the food in several doses per day (at least 2 or 3)Try to maintain a regular feeding schedule. Additionally, avoid feeding immediately before or after intense exercise, always allowing enough time for the digestive system to work calmly.
Regarding forage, it is best if the horse can snacking throughout the daywith small portions in the morning and slightly larger amounts at midday and in the evening. This more closely resembles their natural grazing behavior and reduces the risk of digestive problems.
Forages, especially those from Long, thin branches are more digestible. than concentrated feeds. In addition, they stimulate saliva production, which helps food pass from the stomach to the small intestine and then to the large intestine, where the intestinal flora is responsible for fermentation and final digestion.
Hydration: the importance of clean, fresh water
Water is even more essential than food: an adult horse can reach drink up to 60 liters of water a dayDepending on the temperature, exercise, and diet, your child's water intake will vary. Therefore, they should always have constant access to clean, fresh water.
In stalls and paddocks, water troughs easily become dirty with straw, insects, droppings, or food scraps. It is essential to keep them clean. Check and clean them dailyensuring that the horse always has enough water.
If the system uses automatic drinkers, in addition to cleaning, it is necessary to frequently check that They are working properly and are not obstructed.A malfunction in the mechanism can leave the horse without water for several hours without anyone noticing.
Inadequate hydration contributes to problems such as impaction colic, kidney problems, or impaired athletic performanceIn hot weather or after strenuous work, it is important to pay special attention to ensuring the horse drinks normally.
Hoof care: the foundation of locomotor health
It is estimated that a large proportion of veterinary consultations in the equine world are related to hoof problems and lamenessIt's no wonder: the hoof supports the entire weight of the animal, and any alteration can cause pain, reduced performance, and even an inability to move.
Care begins with a thorough daily cleaningespecially before and after riding. A hoof pick or scraper is used to remove dirt, stones, loose nails, or other foreign objects that may be lodged in the frog or in the grooves of the hoof.
Very damp bedding and the use of unsuitable grease are factors that contribute to problems such as frog infections and pododermatitiswhich can cause painful and difficult-to-treat lameness if they become chronic.
Shoeing and trimming should be done by a professional farrier. In general, You shouldn't go more than 6-8 weeks without trimming or shoeing.However, the exact interval depends on hoof growth and the type of work the horse does. If the interval is too long, the hoof's balance is disrupted and can permanently affect the internal structures of the leg.
In addition to trimming and cleaning, it is advisable to maintain the helmet well-nourished and flexibleusing appropriate products (not just any fat) and, where appropriate, biotin supplements that promote strong and healthy growth.
Rest area and suitable facilities
The place where the horse lives directly influences its physical health and emotional balanceA well-designed box or stable provides shelter from the cold, rain, and excessive heat, while allowing the animal to lie down and rest comfortably.
The floor should be a surface that, with the appropriate bedding, will be soft and safe to lie down onAvoiding bumps and scrapes. The bedding is usually made of straw or wood shavings, and it is essential to clean it regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent respiratory and hoof problems.
In the pit box or paddock, there must be a feeder and waterer in good condition, placed so that the horse can access it comfortably without risk of injury.
In hot climates, many caretakers choose to keep the horse in its stall during the hottest hours of the day, to protect it from intense sunlightand then release it into the paddock in the late afternoon or evening. This combination allows for a good rest and, at the same time, a certain degree of exercise and socialization.
The facilities must be secure, with a non-slip floor, good ventilation and sufficient spaceWhenever possible, it is very positive for horses to maintain at least visual contact with other equines, which reduces stress and abnormal behaviors due to isolation.
Dental maintenance and veterinary check-ups
The mouth is often overlooked, yet dental health has a direct impact on overall well-being. The horse's ability to chew well, make good use of its food, and work comfortably with the mouthpiece.
Over time, a horse's teeth can develop sharp points, hooks, or irregularities These teeth rub against the mucous membrane, causing pain and making chewing difficult. The most frequent signs of dental problems are weight loss, food falling out of the mouth while chewing, bad breath, excessive salivation, or changes in behavior when riding.
It is recommended to perform at least one annual dental check-up by a qualified equine veterinarian or dentist. During these visits, the points are corrected and an assessment is made for damaged teeth, infections, or other issues requiring more specific treatment.
Regarding general preventive medicine, it is vital to keep up to date with vaccinations against equine influenza and tetanus, in addition to others that the veterinarian may recommend depending on the area and type of activity.
Internal deworming should be approached responsibly, ideally through stool analysis every 3-4 months to find out which parasites are present and choose the most effective product, instead of administering antiparasitics "blindly".
Exercise, daily work, and mental well-being
The horse is designed to move: both its Physiology, like your mind, needs regular exerciseAn animal that spends many hours locked in the stable and is hardly worked has a greater risk of developing physical and behavioral problems.
The amount of exercise will depend on age, breed, temperament, and physical condition. As a guideline, a healthy horse typically needs at least one hour of work, about four times a weekwith at least one full day of rest.
The sessions should be structured in three parts: one progressive warm-up (walk, trot, gentle canter, allowing the horse to stretch its neck and activate its back), a more intense work block adapted to the discipline (dressage, jumping, walking, lungeing, walker) and a final phase of Cooling down and gentle stretching to avoid muscle discomfort.
In addition to track work, it's highly recommended to occasionally go out into the countryside or woods. Walking on varied terrain helps to strengthen tendons and musclesIt breaks the mental routine and is usually very beneficial for the horse's mood.
The social component should not be forgotten: horses are herd animals and, whenever possible, it is advisable allow them to interact and live with other horses in paddocks or meadows. These relationships reduce stress, promote mental health, and help prevent stereotypies (such as tics, rocking, wood chewing, etc.).
Digestive diseases: colic in horses
Colic is one of the most frequent and dangerous veterinary emergencies In horses. It is not a disease in itself, but a set of abdominal pain conditions that can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening situations.
The causes are varied: Sudden changes in diet, excessive cereal rations, lack of water, parasites, poor forage quality, stress, or lack of movementAmong others. Some types of colic require urgent surgery.
Typical signs include restlessness, sweating, staring intently at the abdomen, try to lie down or roll over frequently, lack of appetite, absence or change in the defecation pattern, and sometimes neighing or pawing at the ground.
Prevention is based on Maintain a stable feeding routine, avoid sudden changes in feed or hayProvide quality forage, constant access to clean water, and ensure the horse gets enough exercise each day.
If colic is suspected, it is essential to Call the vet immediatelyPrevent the horse from rolling violently (it may injure itself) and do not administer medication on your own without professional guidance.
Laminitis and other hoof diseases
Laminitis is one of the most feared diseases for horse owners, as it can seriously compromise the ability to move and even the life of the animalThis is a painful inflammation of the laminae that connect the hoof to the distal phalanx.
It may be related to overfeeding (excess of cereals or pastures very rich in sugars)Overweight, metabolic diseases, overload from putting too much weight on one limb due to an injury to the other, among other factors.
The most frequent symptoms are limping (often in several feet), difficulty moving, Excessive heat in the headphones and a very marked digital pulse in the affected limbs. The horse may adopt a characteristic posture, shifting its weight backward to relieve pain in its front legs.
Prevention involves Control body weight, adjust diet, avoid very rich pastures When the horse is prone to or has already suffered from laminitis, and respect recovery times in case of other injuries that force it to overload a foot, as well as consult natural anti-inflammatories where applicable.
In addition to laminitis, other hoof diseases include abscesses, pododermatitis, and frog lesions. These typically manifest as lameness of varying severity. Sensitivity when applying pressure to certain areas of the helmet and sometimes changes in the shape or consistency of the wall.
Respiratory problems in horses
Respiratory illnesses are relatively common and can greatly affect athletic performance and the horse's overall well-beingAmong the best known are equine influenza and pneumonia, as well as allergic or chronic processes related to dust and mold.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, nasal discharge (clear or mucopurulent)Fever, respiratory distress, and a marked decrease in performance. In some cases, the horse shows excessive fatigue with efforts it previously performed without problem.
Many of these illnesses, especially the flu, are contagious. That's why it's important isolate sick horses, take extra hygiene measures and follow the vaccination guidelines recommended by the veterinarian.
Prevention also involves Maintain good ventilation conditions in stables and barnsReduce dust (for example, by wetting the straw or using less dusty forage) and prevent the horse from spending many hours in an ammonia-laden environment.
If coughing, excessive secretions, or fever appear, a veterinarian should be consulted quickly. diagnose the exact cause and apply the appropriate treatment.avoiding major complications.
Skin problems and dermatitis in horses
A horse's skin is constantly exposed to insects, parasites, moisture, friction, and cleaning products. Therefore, it's not uncommon for rashes to appear. dermatitis, hair loss, itching, or scabbed sores that need to be evaluated.
Common causes include external parasites such as mites, lice and ticksThese can cause scabies or other conditions with intense redness, itching, and hair loss. Allergies, fungal infections, or irritations from unsuitable products can also be contributing factors.
The signs that should alert us are reddened areas, the horse scratching insistently against walls or posts, scabs, wounds that do not heal well or bad odor in certain areas of the skin.
Prevention includes a regular hair and skin care with daily brushing, regular parasite control, use of shampoos and lotions suitable for horses, and avoiding contact with substances or plants that we know cause a reaction.
When an injury is already present, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian to identify the specific cause and assess whether treatment is needed. topical treatment, systemic antiparasitic, or specific medicationEarly diagnosis prevents the problem from spreading or becoming chronic.
Aspects of responsible management and overall well-being
Beyond specific diseases, equine welfare depends on the overall picture. daily driving decisions: how the horse is handled, how it is trained, how its rest periods are organized, and what social environment is offered to it.
Responsible handling involves treating the horse with respect, patience and consistencyAvoiding excessive punishment or training based solely on pressure. A horse with fear or chronic stress is more prone to illness and developing dangerous behaviors.
It's also important that, when the rider can't ride, there's an alternative form of exercise such as lunging or using a horse walker. The goal is for the horse to... Do not spend consecutive days completely inactive in a small box.
The facilities must allow the horse to see and, if possible, have physical contact with other compatible equinesShared paddocks or meadows, always well planned, are an excellent tool for the horse to move freely, graze, play and socialize.
Ultimately, caring for a horse is an ongoing task that combines hygiene, good nutrition, exercise, veterinary care, and respectful handling. When all these factors are balanced, the result is usually a a healthy animal, with good performance and a very special relationship with its caretakerswhich more than compensates for the effort and dedication it requires.
