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The horse’s feet should be checked at least every six weeks, and preferably every four. The horn of horse’s hoof is continually growing from the top of the hoof, producing about 2.5cm (1 inch) each month. A horse out at grass my be able to manage without shoes as the horn is worn down at the same rate it grows, but any horse worked on hard surfaces will need to be shod, otherwise the horn will be worn away, leading to lameness.

There are several advantages and disadvantages to owning your own horse or pony – you should weigh these up carefully before making your decision. The purchase of a horse or pony is a serious commitment that can give years of pleasure or could be a very disappointing experience.

Eventing is the combination of the three main competitive disciplines: dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

The Most vulnerable part of a horse are its legs and feet. Legs have to take knocks without a protective fleshy covering, carry the entire weight of the horse and can twist on rough ground if the horse stumbles. The legs take a continual pounding, particularly on hard ground. The feet can be damaged by poor shoeing, stray stones, sharp objects, and are highly susceptible to wet conditions, fever and inflammation. Any damage to the horse’s limbs must be taken seriously and any sign of lameness must be examined by a veterinarian and diagnosed. Some problems are progressive and incurable if left too long.

There are a number of bad habits that horses and ponies can acquire that cannot be rectified in the course of simple regular training. These demand specific measures to deal with them, which any rider or owner should know and should implement with or without experienced help.

Plaiting the mane, tail and forelock gives the horse or pony a neat appearance. It is a requirement in most showing and jumping classes. It is best to prepare the horse on the day of the show, done at the show ground, rather than the night before. Skills in plaiting increase with practice, but you only really need the correct equipment, practice and an eye for detail. In showing classes of native breeds, the mare should not be plaited, and it jumping later the pony will need to be plaited at the show.

Grooming is more than a way of making a horse look attractive. It also helps to keep the horse healthy, tones up muscle, and improves circulation and the condition of its coat. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to thoroughly check the horse over for any scratches, wounds and any minor skin conditions.

All horses have four basic gaits – Walk, trot, canter and gallop. However, some breeds have a fifth, sixth or seventh gait which is either natural or trained. For each of these the rider needs to adopt a slightly different position on the horse in terms of weight distribution, legs, seat and hands. The rider must correctly signal to the horse in order to move between these gaits.

The cost of a horse has many components beyond the initial purchase price. Some can be planned for and so not, and there are many hidden extras. The following is a general guide to the range of costs you might want to consider

It is a good idea to know the normal pulse, breathing rate and temperature of your horse so that you can tell if it is feeling unwell or in pain. Remember, individual horses vary within limits and weather they are at rest or just after heavy exercise.