Especially as the colder months approach, ensuring your horse has warm and dry living conditions is paramount. Whether you are a first time horse owner who is looking to setup a suitable stable before your new addition arrives or are looking to make some changes to your existing setup to overcome any issues you may be facing, we’ve pulled together some simple tips that will make staying on top of stable care easier than ever before.
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Table of Contents
Provide them with warmth
As your horse is stood stationary in their stable, their body may struggle to regulate its temperature. To provide an extra layer of protection from the cold weather and any winter breeze, get your hands on quality stable rugs which are perfect for the winter nights. By providing an added layer of protection against the elements, especially in stables which are in locations with high wind chill, you can rest assured that your horse is comfortable. Once your horse is ready to head outdoors for the day, switch for a turnout rug for wicking properties, preparing them for any rain showers and helping to maintain a clean coat.
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Maintain a clean stable
Stay on top of ongoing maintenance to keep your horse’s living conditions sanitary and comfortable. Get into the habit of mucking out daily, removing any wet or soiled sections and replacing with clean straw or shavings as a base. This will make your weekly clean much easier, tackling small jobs so you don’t have to worry about the big task at hand when it comes to replacing the bedding completely. Be sure to also stay on top of cleaning the equipment you have around the stable. Their food and water buckets will accumulate dirt which can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so keep these nice and clean with some regular scrubbing, ensuring your horse is only consuming quality food and fresh water. Tack is another area which is easy to overlook; wipe down the surfaces when they look like they need a refresh, keeping them looking newer for longer and saving you from having to buy new equipment as often.
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Constant access to food and water
Although this may seem like an obvious one, your horse’s diet can have a huge impact on their health and performance. Ensure they are getting all of the nutrients needed to fuel their lifestyle and have access to pasture at all times, making up around 80% of their diet with grazing. As well as food, continue refreshing their water supply so they have constant access to clean, fresh water, taking extra precautions in winter to prevent freezing.
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Keep their coat in a clean and tidy condition
Especially for horses who spend their day out in the field, their coat will be filled with dust and mud. Before bringing them into their tidy stable, use a body brush to gentle remove any dried up dirt and keep their coat in great condition. Pay attention to their feet and legs too, checking the condition of their shoes and looking out for any wounds which may need veterinary attention.