Get your Horse Ready for Spring

With spring comes warmer longer days and as a result horse care usually a lot easier, not to mention the sheer joy of being out and about in the sun after a long cold wet winter.  Although things get easier, there are a lot of tasks that will need to be done to ensure your horse is healthy and happy and you are able to enjoy your time with them.

Horse Health

This s something that is paramount at any time of year, but the sring is a good time to make sure all of those important tasks are done and up to date.

• Vaccinations:  Always keep a record of when your horse has and is due their next round of vaccines and wormers.  Make sure you plan in advance to ensure you can get the Vet out to administer any vaccine boosters.  This is especially important to ensure everything is up to date now as many competitions will not let you enter without up to date vaccines.
• Worming:  worms can lead to other health complications, especially those based around the gut and digestive system.  Get a worm count done to check if you horse needs a worming treatment.  If at all unsure, seek advice from your vet.
• Dentist: Especially for those being brought back into work after a winter off it is important to have their teeth checked by a qualified equine dentist.  If you try to fit and use a bit and dental problems exist the horse will more than likely be in pain, which is obviously not what you want for your horse and if gone unnoticed at first may cause them to become unrideable and dangerous once working.  Twice yearly dental checks, most get them checked in the spring before coming back into work and again in the autumn.
• Hooves: Again for those being brought back into work this is especially important after a winters turnout.  The time in the field can have an affect on your horses feet and there is a good chance that they are not in top condition.  Laminitis and abscesses are particularly prevalent at this time of year.  If shoes have been removed for the winter they will also need to be put back again.  Again plan early so you can rely on getting the farrier to you as lots of other horse owners will be doing the same.  The farrier will be able to report to you on the condition of the feet, rectify any issues and re-fit shoes.

Stabling

Lots of people will have different views on amount of time in stables.  However for any horse that is now going to be ridden more and possibly taken to competition it is very likely that they will be spending more time in their stable.  This can cause some behavioural issues such weaving and crib biting.  These are often because horses can get bored easily when stuck in their stable.  Before bringing them back in, ensure you have prepared them in advance after a deep clean using appropriate cleaning products. Make sure your horse has plenty of hay to keep them occupied and make them as inviting as possible with good bedding.  It is also a great idea to add some boredom busters to keep the horse interested and prevent any issues caused by boredom.  Our range of Boredom breakers should help with this

Make sure you prepare your horse’s stable in advance and make it as inviting as possible. Clean stables out twice daily  There are also some great boredom busters that can be a great addition to your horse’s stable either homemade or bought items. Despite this, the best idea is to provide them with as much turnout as possible in-between exercise.

Nutrition

If they have not been worked during the winter, their energy and nutritional requirements will have been very different to that which they need now.  The specific changes and additions that are needed will vary greatly from horse to horse.  Make a note of their condition and body score before re-starting work as this will help to give you and idea of what they need, some will need extra energy, some won't.  The best thing to do is to get advice from a qualified equine nutritionist.  Most major feed manufactures will offer these services for free.

What ever changes you are going to make, big major sudden changes to their feed introduce slowly and ensure you provide a good quality feed.

Rug Storage

Now the cold weather is mostly behind us, the horses needs change too.  The big heavy warm turnout rugs are off and replaced by lighter options.  They will often be muddy and dirty so will need a good clean either by yourself or by using one of the many professional rug cleaners.  They may also need re-waterproofing as this can reduce over time and any damage addressing.  Once cleaned, re-proofed, and repaired they will need storing somewhere suitable as they will be away for several months.  They should keep them dry and mould free.  Large closed containers are perfect.  We have a range of tack and rug storage available

Sort your Grooming Box

Now is the perfect time to clear out and sort your grooming box.  Get rid of any old or empty bottles and products such as hoof treatments and shampoo, replace any worn tools and brushes, and stock up on your favourite items.  This makes it all a lot easier and more stress free when trying to get your horse looking perfect for that big competition.

Field Maintenance

During the colder winter months it is likely that your fields and fencing will have endured some wear and tear to say the least.  With the weather improving it is time to get out there and ensure all maintenance jobs are completed.  If you are using electric fencing check that the battery is still working and replace any damaged or broken parts form your system.  Take a look at our range here

If you are responsible for the condition of the fields, consider harrowing to remove any dead vegetation and grass and the application of an appropriate fertiliser.  

If possible also consider now to be a good time to do some cross grazing as this can help to reduce the parasite load within the field.

Bringing your horse back into work

This needs time and patience. Do not rush it.  If you have got everything else already mentioned sorted it will go a long way to making this process easier and more effective.  They will need some time to re-build their fitness to be able to carry out the required exercise levels.

Start with little and often and slowly build it up over around 6 weeks with just walking before you start to consider trotting.  Keep session short and sharp, slowly increasing the length and work load

Tack Cleaning

Just as you clean the rugs before putting them away, check and clean your tack before using it.  Making sure there is no damage and treat the leather to ensure it is soft and supple and will last throughout the year.

Replace broken yard equipment

Stable Forks, Wheelbarrows and other yard equipment will occasionally break and become damaged.  Yard tasks are always much easier and quicker if you don't have to do it with broken equipment.