Balanced Stride

• Just Got a Horse?

• Just Bought a Horse?

• Been a Long Time Since Your Last Horse?

• Just Looking for Some Information?

Feed

·      Hay—Needs to be of a good quality free from mold, dust, foxtails and thistles.

·   Salt—Mineralized salt block should be available free choice for year round use.

· Grains—These come whole, rolled or cracked depending upon the needs of your horse.

Feeding Guidelines

·         Feed Smaller Amounts—at least twice a day.

·         Feed at the same times each day.

·         Allow one hour between work and feeding schedule.

Water

·       A horse needs up to 15 gallons of water each and every day, available free choice.

Shelter

·         If living outside—they need at least a 3-sided shelter.

·      In a barn—a good sized box stall with daily turnout.

·         Bedding—straw or shavings necessary.

·        Stall bedding cleaned daily—deep enough for comfort and cleanliness.

Boarding

· It is important to choose a facility with quality care and trained staff members.

Farrier and Veterinarian Care

·  Quality farrier care each 6 to 8 weeks.

·  Deworming, inoculations and other  visits by the veterinarian.

Exercise

·         Self exercise during daily turnout.

·         Exercise under saddle or on lungeline.

·       Make sure your horse is fit before a long or strenuous ride.

Take an Hour Each Day and Give it to Your Horse ……...

•  If your horse has a blanket on, remove it and leave it off as long as possible.

• A good grooming and/or massage will stimulate circulation, allowing for maximum relaxation and revitalize muscle tissues. Start using your hands in a rubbing motion going with the grain of the coat to stimulate the release of natural oils to aid in the creation a healthy and shinny coat.

• Put your horse in a bright and sunny area that will allow them to take a sun and air bath for at least 10 to 15 minutes each day. The sun has natural healing properties.

• When turned out, make sure that the area is large enough for the horse to safely lay down and roll from side to side. This allows for the reconnecting with nature and grounding out of any static electricity that is present on the coat.

• Free lunge your horse each and every day. This is a natural form of exercise that will oxygenate the blood and stimulate the entire cardiovascular system.

• Use only natural shampoos and conditioners, remember to read the labels.

“If you can’t say it ~ don’t use it”