Horse care: the daily routine that prevents problems

Most behavior and trainability problems begin in the stable or the pasture, not in the arena. A horse that sleeps badly, moves too little or has sore hooves cannot be a relaxed student.

Morning check

Look at the eyes, nostrils and appetite. Run your hands down the legs — heat and swelling always mean a pause and a call to the vet. Check the hooves before going out, not after coming back.

Movement and company

A horse is built to walk 15 kilometres a day in a herd. Whenever possible: pasture, company, free movement. The box is a place to rest, not a place to live.

Grooming as communication

Daily grooming is not only hygiene — it is a check of skin, muscles and mood, and the simplest way for the horse to experience your hand as something pleasant every single day.

Routine is boring only to humans. To a horse, routine is safety.