Basic Survival Needs for Horses

Water

• Hydration is essential to your horse’s overall health and wellbeing. On average, horses drink 5-15 gallons of water per day, so every horse should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Your horse’s water source should be checked several times daily all year round – in the warmer months, your horse may drink more due to the heat; while in the coldest months, your horse’s water source may freeze over.

Food

• Horses have evolved over millions of years, and their bodies are adapted to a particular way of eating. Horses are known as “trickle feeders,” meaning they’re designed to constantly take in food throughout the day.
• The foundation of his diet must be forage. Your horse should be eating 1-2% of his body weight in forage every day. If your horse doesn’t have adequate access to fresh pasture, or has dietary restrictions that require you to limit his pasture intake, providing high quality hay is a great way to make sure he is meeting his forage requirements.

Companionship

• Horses are herd animals, and they find great comfort being a part of a group. Balancing personality types in turnout can sometimes be a challenge, but your horse will be happier overall if he’s able to socialize with other horses and live as part of a herd.

Shelter

• Horses are a hardy species. They cope well with both heat and cold by regulating their own body temperature. However, every horse needs a place where they can get away from the elements. Providing your horse with a safe and sturdy shelter will allow him to find shade and escape the heat of the summer sun, and find protection from harsh winter winds, snow or freezing rain.

Professional Care & Training

• Maintaining a regular maintenance and wellness schedule with your horse’s veterinarian and farrier is essential. Your horse should have at least one wellness exam with your vet every year. For optimal hoof health, you should work with your farrier to set up a consistent maintenance schedule – and then stick to it! By having a good working relationship with these two professionals, you’ll be able to better support your horse and help avoid future problems.

Supplements

• Supplements can provide support in a variety of areas, from healthy hooves to resilient joints, and proper digestion to a shiny coat.  But not every horse needs every supplement – horses are individuals and between nature and nurture, one horse may benefit from added support in key areas.