How Do I Care for My Horse’s Teeth?
Horses' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Sometimes teeth wear unevenly, which can cause sharp edges that need to be smoothed out with a rasp. This procedure is referred to as “floating” and can be performed by your vet.
Horses should have their teeth checked by a vet at least once a year, and older horses might need more frequent checkups.
Should I Wash or Brush My Horse?
Grooming is important for keeping your horse clean and healthy. Brush your horse daily to remove dirt from its coat, and check for any skin issues. You can bathe your horse with horse shampoo on occasion or when needed, but regular grooming with brushes is more important for skin and coat health.
How Do I Care for My Horse’s Hooves?
Daily hoof care is essential. Pick out dirt from the hooves, and check them for any problems.
For the front feet, stand next to the horse facing its rear, push gently with your body against the horse, slide your hand down the leg toward the foot, and lift the hoof. To clean the foot, hold the pastern with one hand and pick it out with the other. To inspect the foot more thoroughly, hold it between your knees.
For the back feet, proceed in the same way but lift the hoof and place it on your thigh, then step back slightly to extend the horse's leg. This provides stable support for the horse while the leg is held up and is a safer position for you.
Horses need their hooves trimmed about every 6 weeks. Hoof trimming is typically performed by a professional called a farrier.
Should My Horse Wear Shoes?
Horseshoes can protect hooves and provide better grip on certain surfaces. Whether your horse needs shoes depends on its hoof health and the surfaces it walks on. Talk to your vet or farrier about what’s best for your horse.
