At Capalaba Produce, there are so many beautiful animals that we meet, interact with, and get to know, it’s one of the favourite parts of our job.
We just adore chickens, dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, and of course horses. If you are a horse owner, you know what beautiful and majestic animals they are and the incredible bond you can create with them. Of course, we want them to live the best and healthiest lives they can, so join the team at Capalaba Produce as we share our essential care tips to help keep your horse healthy.
Nutrition
You are what you eat and it’s the same for your horse. Having a balanced diet is so important for the overall health of your horse. For a horse to have a balanced diet, they need a mixture of two main food groups, a mix of forage like hay and grass, and concentrates like grains.
At Capalaba Produce we have one of the largest ranges of grains, hays, and grasses in Brisbane, come down and our team can help you find the right mixture of food for your horses’ specific needs.
Dental Care
We all love a beautiful smile. Your horses’ teeth will continue to grow throughout their lives, sharp edges which can lead to difficulty eating and discomfort. We recommend scheduling a dental appointment for your horse at least once a year to file down any sharp points on their teeth and make sure your horses’ teeth are nice and healthy.
Hoof care and Grooming
One of the most unique physical features of your horses is their hooves. It’s important to take care of their hooves to prevent any foot related issues. We recommend cleaning and inspecting your horses’ hooves every 6 – 8 weeks (about 2 months) is a great way to make sure they’re nice and healthy.
Following on from your horses’ hooves, regular grooming is so important for your horses’ coat health, it also helps build that bond between you and your horse. Brushing removes any dirt, sweat, and loose hair that can build up in the coat. It’s also a great opportunity for you to check for any injuries or skin conditions that may have popped up.
Regular Exercise
Like us, it’s important for your horse to get out and exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Whether going for a ride or lunging, ensuring your horse gets enough movement to keep their muscles strong and their minds engaged. We suggest tailoring your horse exercise routine to their age, fitness, and workload.
A visit from the Vet
For our final and most important tip. Just like us, going to the doctor regularly for checkups is the best way to monitor your health and pick up on any potential problems. It’s the exact same with your horses. We strongly recommend having regular vet check-ups for your horse to live a long and healthy life.
During a regular check-up your vet will perform routine examinations and check for any parasites and health concerns. Your vet will also give your horse vaccinations for common diseases such as tetanus, influenza, and the West Nile Virus. Every horse is unique and the vaccines they need changes depending on your horses age, where they live and how active they are. Your vet will be able to tailor vaccination schedule that is designed specifically for your horse.
Caring for your horse takes commitment and attention to detail but as you would be aware as a horse owner, the commitment is well worth it. By following our tips, you are giving your horse the chance for a long, healthy, and happy life. Regular checkups, a good diet, grooming, and exercise are the keys to a healthy horse. As always if you have any questions feel free to ask the team at Capalaba Produce, or chat to your local vet.
