Online Equestrian Centre, Tack Shop & Saddlery for Horse, Pony & Rider

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.

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.

Caring for your hourse is more than just simply riding it. Here you will learn the basic feeding needs for horse and pony.
For the same reason as humans, horses need food for general health, growth and energy to work. A young, growing horse, or one that is active and worked hard, requires greater energy and nutrients than one that is turned out to graze most of the time.
A horse, or pony, that does little work can be turned out and left to feed on good grass in the summer and be given hay and high-protein feed supplements in the winter. A pony or small horse will need at least half a hectare (approximately 1 acre or 5,000 square meters) of good grass, preferably more, to have enough natural food without the need for food supplements. If the pasture is poor, or the area is smaller, it is essential to have a simple feeding strategy to ensure that your horse or pony receives all the nutrients. To keep the pasture lush it may be necessary to regular condition it with lime and fertilisers, this depending on the kind of soil. The pasture should be kept clear of invasive and poisonous weeds that reduce the horses grazing area. In winter, a horse or pony’s diet will need to be supplemented with hay and other food.