How To Make A Happy Horse

I'm not talking about happy as in - give your horse a treat and he'll be happy.

I'm talking more about what it takes to make a horse thrive. Really, it's all about management, but there's so much that needs to be taken into account when you're thinking about everything that needs to be "just so" in order to create the perfect set-up for the benefit of your equine friend.

We often have our own areas of expertise and comfort, and so we might excel in one aspect while not recognizing another. The more we can incorporate into our normal, everyday routines, the better and easier everything will be for everyone. And it will be the horses that benefit.

Routine

I think the number one thing you can do to help a horse feel comfortable and safe is to provide a steady routine. Feeding, turnout, training, handling... horses love rhythm! If your horse has a chance to become accustomed to a set schedule, he'll thrive. It's as simple as that.

Proper Nutrition

I'm using the word "proper" because really, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to feeding horses. Some need more. Some need a LOT less. The ones who work need different. And there might be the few who have metabolic conditions that require very careful analysis. 

Then there's the need to be consistent. Find what works for your horse, in terms of hay and/or grain, and then feed it at approximately the same time each day. Make sure your horse has regular hay and water all the time. Keep the feed going through the gut in a steady stream, even if you have to regulate the amount with slow feed hay nets or whatever works for your horse.

Proper Turnout

There's that word again! 

Because once again, it all depends. Does the horse like being outside or inside? What's the best combination? What works best for the barn? Can the horse go with friends, or will he get hurt, or hurt others, every time?

However, there's always a good way and I think every horse should get the type of turnout that makes him "happy".

Appropriate Exercise

If your horse is just starting up again after a long winter off, then his exercise should include lots more walking, and focused minutes of conditioning. There is no way he can work the way a horse would in mid-season. But in mid-season, the horse should be working with more intensity, longer, with less walking in between.

The horse that gets to move the way he needs to will feel good in his own skin.

Appropriate Vetting/Farrier Care

Once again, some horses need more attention and others need less. You might be able to get away with just your annual shots, teeth floating and regular trims. Or the horse might need shoes and supplements or medication to keep him at his best. 

You can tell when a horse doesn't feel well. Then, it's all about figuring out what is causing the problem and addressing it will a professional.

Plenty of Attention

Attention could include everything from grooming to taking the horse to a show or far-away trail ride. 

Every time you handle the horse, he's getting attention. And all animals, just like us, thrive on attention, especially when it's positive. Teach your horse a new trick! Take him for a hand walk up the trails. Walk him over a tarp. Go for a ride. It's all good!

Good Riding

Horses appreciate good riders - you'll see it every time! If you can get the horse to move comfortably (= in balance) AND ride in a way that encourages the horse's best movements while also harmonizing yourself to his movements... well, you'll have the horse eating out of your hands (literally?) in no time! 

And the clincher with this one is that even if you start a little rough at the beginning, the better you get, the happier the horse will be. Horses are the best forgivers!

So when you see a horse that looks great, is alert and active, and respectful toward and interested in people, you know that something is going right there. Exercise makes the horse feel good from the inside. Food helps maintain the gut, which is the source of comfort and contentment.

Good riding makes all the difference in the world. Hanging out with friends in the field (or beside them if needed) provides the social interaction that all animals need. And then top it off with health care and you've got a great formula that is likely to make a lot of (positive) difference.

And then, you "make" your horse happy!

I've seen horses thrive when a missing factor has been added into their lives. Each of the issues above play a role in the overall picture. If one or two are missing, the discerning person will be able to notice the difference.

I'm sure there are even more things to consider. Comment below if I've missed something in the above list!

And if you want more details on how you can improve the riding part of the above set-up, check out my Practice Sessions for some great ideas about how you can improve your riding skills and routines from the comfort of your own barn!

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!