As any pet is cared for within the home, the care for horses is very much the same; ensuring the proper medical, physical, and nutritional care for a horse is part of the accountability of its owners. There are many distinct facets of horse health and all must be attended to in order to ensure the horse's vitality and longevity.
In order to be well-versed on horse health it is foremost to understand the signs of a wholesome horse; conversely when those signs wane, you will immediately be alerted to a potential decline in the health of your horse. One quick indicator of horse health is the uncut appearance of the animal. A wholesome horse has a shiny, slick coat with a hard hoof. Any nutritional issues would immediately show up on the horse's coat - resulting in dullness, slowed shedding, and even bald patches. Additionally, dry and cracked hoofs could be a sign of dehydration or poor circulation.
Of course, not much tells a greater story of horse health than the horse's eating and drinking behaviors. The sudden and ongoing decrease in appetite or refusal to eat and drink altogether can be a base sign of a horse in risky health. Pay attention to the estimate of grazing a horse does during the procedure of the day, its capability to hold food in its mouth and chew (problems with this could indicate teeth/mouth conditions) as well as the frequency with which it urinates and eliminates waste, and any weight fluctuations in the animal.
One of the most foremost indicators of horse health is behavior; like people, horses have their own personalities so what behavior may inspire concern when exhibited by one horse may be well within the boundaries of another horse's personality. But there are a few base behaviors that commonly signal distress over the board including the appearance of anxiety, lethargy or fatigue, decreased socialization, and stall weaving - a behavior signaling heightened anxiety wherein the horse paces colse to its stall. A wholesome horse should also move unreservedly; any limping or bobbing of the head often indicates painful movement and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
As a matter of fact, the most foremost step to preserving horse health is an established connection with a reputable veterinarian. As a horse owner, you are the first line of defense in maintaining the health of your horse; you are in a better position than anyone to recognize signs and symptoms that may indicate trouble for your horse. A veterinarian, however, in expanding to performing frequent check-ups, can help you recognize and address any health concerns you have throughout the lifetime of the horse.
Owning a horse can be a spectacular, experience; but also an tremendous responsibility. Just as children depend on us to care for them in every capacity, a domesticated horse relies on its human companions in much the same way. In this role, it is incumbent upon us to understand the many facets of horse health and do all that we can to do to safe the lives and vitality of our animal friends.
