Before you start taking Beginner Horseback Riding Lessons, it's good know how to take care of the basic health of your horse.
Here you will find some horse care tips that are geared toward the rider taking beginner horseback riding lessons.
There are many different horse breeds with different riding styles, but all horses require the same basic health care to stay in optimum condition.
It does not make a difference if you just ride your horse occasionally or if your horse competes at the national level.
All horses need the proper feeding, grooming, exercise and regular check-ups from your veterinarian in order to stay in top condition.
Feeding - Proper feeding is most important to keep a horse happy & healthy.
Your horse needs good quality hay and/or grain every day.
Your vet can tell you how much and what feed is best for your horse.
It depends on his size, breed, age, and activity level.
Fresh water should be a vital part of your horse's diet.
So, before taking beginner horseback riding lessons, make sure your horse is well fed.
Grooming - Horses need to be groomed regularly, preferably daily.
This will keep his coat & skin healthy.
Part of your daily grooming routine should include cleaning your horse's legs & hooves.
This will insure that your horse's feet stay free of disease and that no foreign objects are stuck in his hooves.
Daily exercise - Horses need to get daily exercise.
This doesn't mean that you have to ride your horse every day.
Playing in a paddock is fine, too.
If your horse does not get the proper amount of exercise, his bone strength can be reduced over time.
So, enjoy horsing around when you're taking beginner horseback riding lessons.
Regular Check-Ups - Develop a client relationship with a qualified veterinarian prior to an emergency situation.
Routine health visits by a vet can accomplish this.
Make sure their teeth are examined at least once a year.
Your vet should also make sure that your horse is current with all vaccinations.
Also make sure your horse is on a de-worming program.
A horse should be de-wormed 4-6 times a year.
Hooves should be trimmed regularly.
Contact a qualified farrier (horseshoer) to do this.
Remember to clean and check the hooves regularly (when you groom the horse).
When taking beginner horseback riding lessons, riding a healthy horse is (of course) far more enjoyable than a frail looking, sick horse.
Knowing and following through these basic horse health tips will ensure that your horse is happy and healthy.
If you're taking beginner horseback riding lessons, riding a healthy, well fed horse will certainly add to your success!