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As your friend, companion, partner or investment it is in your best interest to provide good preventative health care in an effort to keep your horse healthy and sound. The individual needs of your horse will vary depending on his physical condition and the type of work he does. However, there are several basic care requirements that need to be met for most (if not all) horses.
Your horse needs to be fed a well balanced diet. Ideally, horses should be allowed to graze in a pasture 24-7. However, that's not a realistic option for many horse owners. The next best option is to offer your horse a high quality diet in as many small meals a day as possible. Horses are better able to digest their food when they eat several small meals, as opposed to one big meal a day. Horses should be fed a minimum of 2 times a day. Feeding at regular intervals (every four, six, or twelve hours for example) will also help maintain a healthy digestive tract and ensure that your horse is getting the most out of what you are feeding him.
Your horse will also need to be wormed on a regular basis. There are daily wormers that can be mixed in with your horse's feed. There are also paste wormers that must be given on a 6-12 week to 6-month schedule. Regular worming is very important to your horse's overall health. Keeping your horse's living conditions clean and free of manure will help cut down on worm re-infestation. It's also a good idea to take a stool sample into your vet for analysis on a regular basis to see just what type of worms your horse is infested with. There are many different de-worming products on the market and they are all formulated to kill off a certain type of worm or combination of worms. It's also a good idea to rotate the types of wormers you use to help reduce the risk of worms building up a resistance to the ingredients in one particular brand of wormer.
Vaccinations must also be given on a regular schedule. A current rabies vaccine is required in most areas and is given annually. Other vaccines to consider are distemper, and any vaccines against diseases prevalent in your area. Some vaccines like "flu" shots can be given every six months. Consult with your veterinarian to determine a vaccination program that will best protect your horse.
If you plan on showing, boarding, transporting, or even trail riding around other horses you will need to have a Coggins test performed on your horse. Coggins Disease is a highly contagious, degenerative, and eventually fatal equine disease. Your vet will be able to perform the test for you, and issue you a certificate that states your horse's Coggins status. A positive horse should be quarantined and kept away from other horses.
You will also need to keep a close eye on your horse's feet. Ideally you should have a farrier come out and trim your horse's feet every 6-8 weeks. It is vital that your horse's feet are kept in good condition. Poorly kept feet can lead to many different lameness problems, some of which are permanent. If your horse is shod, check his shoes on a regular basis (before every ride is reasonable) to make sure they are not loose and that they still fit well.
It is also a good idea to have a veterinarian give your horse a thorough check up at least once a year.
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