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=Basic Horse Care & Safety =

Horse Care
Horses are very large animals and there is a lot involved in caring for them properly. The following outlines a few key areas that are involved with proper horse care.

Living Environment

 * Horses need enough room to run and exercise
 * They need shelter from harsh climates
 * The stall must be large enough that they have room to turn around, lie down, and be comfortable
 * The barn must be well maintained and well ventilated
 * Pastures should have grass or hay available at all times
 * Fencing should be well maintained, safe, and sturdy

Feeding

 * Horses require approximately 1.5%-2.5% of its weight in food per day
 * Horses are foragers and should therefore have plenty of access to grass and hay every day
 * Along with constant roughage, some horses may require grain to help them maintain a healthy weight
 * Horses should //**always**// have access to clean water

Grooming

 * Horses need to be brushed regularily to keep them free of debris which could cause sores
 * Grooming your horse also gives you the opportunity to bond with them and check their body for wounds and abnormalities

Horse Safety

 * === DO === || === DON'T === ||
 * - Use a lead rope when walking your horse. If your horse bolts while you having your hand on its halter, your hand may get stuck and you could be dragged. || - Wear open-toed footware around horses. They are big animals and can easily step on your feet. ||
 * - Wear a helmet ** __whenever__ ** you are mounted. Your brain is worth protecting! || - Wear shorts when riding. This can cause chaffing. ||
 * - Always ask for help if you are unsure about something. || - Run or yell when you are around horses. They are very easily startled and a scared horse can be dangerous. ||