Owning a horse is both an enormous pleasure and a big responsibility. Caring for a horse is a much bigger responsibility than caring for any other pet. They are majestic, beautiful, and demanding creatures. Below, This general guide will help you meet their needs, but remember all horses are unique and have special requirements.

Nutritional Needs

The first horse care aspect we’ll cover is providing adequate food and water for your horse. Inadequate food and water supply can lead to a number of negative health conditions, like malnutrition and dehydration. The basic diet for most horses should be grass and good-quality hay, free of dust and mold. Ideally, a horse will have constant access to high-quality forage in the form of fresh grass or hay. An empty stomach lends itself to a higher risk of ulcers and other digestive issues. How much to feed depends on various factors such as condition and activity level, but most horses should eat 1 – 2% of their body weight per day. This means that a horse that weighs 1,000 lbs (454 kg) will need around 10 – 20 lbs (4.5 – 9 kg). Most of this should come from forage, like grass and hay. It is important to watch your horse and make sure he is maintaining an appropriate weight. Your veterinarian can help you decide how to feed to keep your horse fit and healthy.
Another important aspect of your horse’s diet is water intake. Water is essential for your horse’s circulation, digestion, body temperature regulation, and energy production.  A horse needs anywhere from 5 – 10 gallons (19 – 38 L) of water a day.

Vaccinations and Deworming

All horses need vaccinations and regular deworming. Vaccination recommendations vary based on age, the amount the horse travels and location, so it is best to consult with your veterinarian. To get a general idea of what vaccines you should expect to give your horse, visit the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s vaccination guidelines.
Worms can cause weight loss, poor coat and colic. It is best to have your veterinarian perform a fecal egg count test and advise you on which dewormers to use throughout the year. It is equally important to minimize your horse’s exposure to parasites. Proper management entails not putting too many horses on too little land, rotating pastures if possible, and removing manure regularly.

Housing, Rest and Exercise

Horses are social animals who are physiologically most sound when they have the ability to roam and interact with other horses. Of course, not all horses thrive in 24/7 turnout and not all horse owners have access to large areas of land. If your horse is stalled, be mindful of providing him socialization and enrichment opportunities, and provide daily turnout if possible. If your horse does live outside, make sure he has access to a safe shelter at all times. 
Since horses are built to be constantly moving, exercise is an important part of their health, especially if they are being kept in a stall for half the day. When you think about exercising your horse, you probably think of riding. However, you won’t always be able to ride your horse, whether the weather is bad or your horse or yourself has been injured. Exercise can benefit your horse in numerous ways. It can help your horse stay a healthy weight, maintain and build muscle, and improve circulation throughout the body. Even just a 20-minute workout twice a week can help your horse hold its muscle tone and increase stamina.

Extreme Weather Precautions

Unless it is very wet and windy, horses tolerate cold much better than heat and humidity. On hot and humid days, it is important to provide your horse with plenty of fresh water, minerals and access to adequate shade. In extreme heat, use caution and limit forced exercise. Likewise, during extreme cold weather, make sure your horse has access to shelter and the ability to protect himself from moisture and wind. Some horses may require a waterproof blanket for additional warmth. 

Hoof Care

When a horse’s hooves get too long, it affects the horse’s balance and weight distribution, which can cause serious health problems. A farrier, a professional who trims horses’ feet, will need to tend to your horse every 4 – 8 weeks. Depending on your horse’s activity level, the environment and his body type, your horse may need shoes. Your farrier will be able to recommend the best course of action to keep your horse’s hooves strong and well-balanced.

Teeth

Did you know that horses’ teeth are constantly growing and changing? As a horse chews its food, it rotates its jaw from side to side. Uneven wear can lead to sharp points and edges that cause pain and difficulty chewing. A horse’s teeth should be checked once or twice a year and “floated” (filed to make them smoother) by a veterinarian. Dental problems, from painful points to rotting teeth, may cause difficulty chewing or “quidding,” which occurs when food falls out of the mouth. Other signs of dental disease may include foul breath, undigested hay in the stools or discomfort from the bit or noseband. Dental disease can lead to choke (esophageal blockage), colic and weight loss.