Owning a horse is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their health and happiness. At Lava Bluffs Equestrian Center, we’re passionate about helping horse owners provide the best care possible. Here are seven essential tips to keep your horse healthy, happy, and thriving.

1. Provide Proper Nutrition

A horse’s diet should consist of:

• High-Quality Hay: Make sure the hay is clean and free from mold or dust.

• Fresh Water: Horses need constant access to clean water to stay hydrated.

• Supplements: Add vitamins or minerals if recommended by your vet, especially for older or active horses.

At Lava Bluffs, we ensure all our horses are fed on a consistent schedule with high-quality feed.

2. Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine

Exercise is essential for your horse’s physical and mental health.

• Provide daily turnout time in a spacious pasture.

• Incorporate a mix of groundwork, trail rides, and arena training.

• Adjust the intensity of exercise based on your horse’s age and fitness level.

Our scenic trails and state-of-the-art arena offer the perfect setting for keeping your horse active.

3. Schedule Regular Vet Checkups

Preventative care is key to avoiding serious health issues.

• Schedule at least one annual checkup with an equine vet.

• Ensure your horse receives vaccinations and deworming on schedule.

• Watch for early signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior.

4. Prioritize Hoof Care

Healthy hooves are the foundation of a healthy horse.

• Pick out your horse’s hooves daily to remove debris and prevent infections like thrush.

• Trim hooves every 6-8 weeks with a farrier.

• Monitor for cracks, bruises, or excessive wear.

5. Keep Their Coat and Skin Healthy

Grooming is more than just keeping your horse clean—it promotes bonding and helps detect early signs of issues.

• Brush your horse daily to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair.

• Bathe them occasionally using horse-friendly shampoo.

• Check for signs of skin conditions like rain rot or dermatitis.

6. Provide a Safe Living Environment

Your horse’s living space should be clean, secure, and comfortable.

• Clean stalls and pastures regularly to minimize odors and bacteria.

• Provide proper ventilation in stables to avoid respiratory issues.

• Offer shade and shelter in outdoor areas to protect them from extreme weather.

7. Build a Strong Bond with Your Horse

Your horse relies on you for companionship and trust.

• Spend time with your horse outside of riding sessions, such as grooming or hand walking.

• Use positive reinforcement during training to build mutual respect.

• Always approach and handle your horse calmly to make them feel secure.