Three Tips for Stabling a Healthy Horse
If you are stabling your horse, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to ensure your horse stays safe and healthy.
Tip #1: Keep the Stable Clean
Keeping the stable clean is one of the top priorities when caring for a stabled horse. Regardless of the type of bedding that you use for your horse, it is essential that you clean the stall on a daily basis. This does not mean removing and replacing the bedding every day. Rather, it involves removing droppings and wet patches while ensuring the bedding is still thick enough for the horse to feel comfortable when standing or laying on it.
Tio #2: Provide Proper Feed and Water
Of course, you also need to make sure your horse gets the proper amount of food and water while in the stable. Horses need to have fresh water available to them at all times. A large flexible plastic or rubber bucket is a good choice. Automatic drinkers can also help to make your job easier.
Tip #3: Offer Opportunity for Exercise and Entertainment
A stabled horse also needs to have ample opportunity for exercise and entertainment. Boredom can become a real issue with horses, so you might want to consider purchasing some stable toys or hanging carrots and other veggies from a rope to help keep your horse entertained. You will also need to find times to allow your horse to get out of the stable to stretch its legs. Some options for making this happen include utilizing horse walkers or doing some hand grazing or lunging with your horse.