Winter can be tough, especially for horses who endure the cold conditions. With spring just around the corner, now is the time to prepare your horse for the change in weather and get them ready for the warmer days ahead. There’s nothing better than that fresh spring climate to lift their spirits, and it provides beautiful conditions for your horse to enjoy. From simple dietary checks to making sure they’re vaccinated; we’ve gathered our top tips to help you prepare your horse for spring.
Check Their Records
First things first, you need to check your horse’s health records to see when they last had their annual vaccines. Spring brings lots of disease-spreading pests, such as fleas and ticks, so it’s crucial that you get your horse’s booster shots when necessary to keep them protected from unwanted visitors. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is to check with your vet and find out exactly what your horse has had and what they need, as ensuring everything is up to date will give you peace of mind.
Freshen Them Up
During the winter months, your horse is likely to have had a thick coat to keep them protected from the miserable weather, so now is the perfect time to give them some TLC and freshen them up properly. After months of mud, rain and wind, it’s finally time to give your horse a thorough clean and check them over for any potential irritations or sores that may have developed. Having a fresh coat, mane and tail will really help to boost your horse’s mood and make them feel good. With a wide range of products available online, you can find the perfect items to make your horse look and feel good.
Hoof Care
Some people like to let their horses go without their shoes during the winter months, whereas others keep them on for added protection. Either way, after months of muddy conditions and wet fields, it’s time to give their hooves some attention. Spring is the perfect time to properly examine your horse’s feet and ensure they’re in the best condition, as this will help them to move around comfortably and happily when the warmer weather arrives. If you’re concerned about your horse’s hooves, get in touch with your local farrier for expert advice, just to be on the safe side.
Spring Clean
No matter how hard you try to keep your horse’s stall clean and tidy, the winter weather always makes it hard to maintain. With the wind and mud, you can find yourself cleaning constantly and still leaving a mess at the end of the day. With spring on its way, now is the perfect opportunity to give everything a good clean, freshening up your equipment and getting everything ready for the fresh season ahead. You may find it’s time to invest in some new products too, which is always a nice treat for you and the horse!
Image Credits: Oksana Kurochkina
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