8 Ways to Keep Your Horse Healthy This Year

Do you ever wish you could read your horse’s mind? How awesome would it be if they could just tell us what they’re feeling? 

Well, we’re not quite there yet, but there are some fundamentals you can follow to keep your horse happy and healthy. Things like nutrition and regular farrier visits play a huge role in both your horse's well-being and performance. 

Here are 8 tips to help your horse feel their best this year

1. Create a healthy diet for your horse 

   
   

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to horse nutrition. Simply put, every horse has unique needs, whether dealing with allergies, hoof problems, pre-diabetes, or joint issues. Nutrition can address all these issues.   

But one thing is for sure: balance is at the core of every diet. This includes the perfect ratio of forage, concentrate, vitamins, and minerals. Here are a few additions to consider: 

• Omega-3 fatty acids: essential for managing inflammation and coat and skin health (discover more benefits here) 1 

• Probiotics: support gut health and digestion 2

• Antioxidants: help fight off harmful molecules that cause stress in their bodies 3

The type and amount of forage your horse eats are also crucial. For example, high levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NCS) can increase the risk of laminitis, especially in spring when grass NSC content spikes. 4 If your horse is insulin-resistant, reducing their grass intake during spring may help. But always, always consult with your vet first. 

2. Build a tailored exercise plan 

Horses are built to move! Regular exercise improves their circulation, joint health, digestion, and overall happiness. And it reduces their risk of arthritis. 5

Switching up their exercise routine is scientifically proven to improve their biomechanics, muscle development, and performance. 6 Plus, variety keeps things interesting!  For example, if your horse spends a lot of time in the arena, try adding in a trail ride here and there. It shakes things up and strengthens your bond. 

3. Prioritize veterinary care 

If you haven’t already, find a vet in your area that you trust. Don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns. Schedule annual or bi-annual exam to catch potential issues early!

Make sure your horse is up to date on their vaccines as they can prevent diseases, like influenza and rabies. Deworming is also critical! We recommend getting this done at least twice a year, and studies recommend performing a fecal egg count (FEG) to control parasites effectively and slow the spread of drug resistance. 7

4. Don’t forget about hoof health!

Healthy hooves are the foundation for a healthy horse. Believe it or not, diet plays a huge role in hoof quality and stability. Superpower nutrients like biotin and zinc are key ingredients for strong hooves. 8

Your horse’s environment matters, too. Wet conditions can lead to infections, like thrush, so make sure you keep your stalls clean and dry. Read more about thrush in horses and how to prevent it here. 

5. Consider mental health 

Mental health matters! Pay attention to their behavior at all times of the day.  Are they anxious? Extra spooky? Or maybe they just look glum?

Horses are social animals and thrive with herd interaction. Without it, they can become bored and unhappy. Isolated horses have even been proven to experience higher cortisol levels and stress-related behavior, such as increased movement and neighing. 9

If your horse does live alone, that’s completely okay! There are other ways you can stimulate their brain. Simple things, like puzzle feeders or even variations in training, can improve their well-being and even enhance their performance. 10

6. Take precautions during extreme weather 

Horses maintain their body temperature through a process known as thermoregulation, but extreme weather can throw this off. Hot and humid conditions can disrupt this balance and lead to heat stress and this stress can lead to heat strokes and even brain damage. 11 But you can cool your horse down with water or fans to keep the air moving.

Cold weather brings risks like hypothermia, especially for older horses and those that are clipped as well. Make sure you provide adequate shelter, blanketing if applicable, and access to warm (not freezing water) to keep them comfortable. For more tips, visit our guide on winter horse care here. 

7. Build a support team 

It takes a village to keep your horse happy! Put together a team of trusted vets, farriers, chiropractors, trainers, and even bodyworkers to make sure their needs are met. Professionals like chiropractors are so talented and can really help you understand where and why your horse is feeling pain. You may even see improvements in their performance and mental health.

8. Monitor and adapt 

Never stop observing your horse for changes. If you don’t already, get in the habit of checking their hooves for cracks or running your hands down their legs to check for heat. You can even monitor their weight with tools like the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System to assess your horse’s body condition from a scale of 1 (very thin) to 9 (obese).

And remember, don’t be afraid to ask your vet questions — they’re one of your best resources!

Final Thoughts

For most of us, our horse is our greatest companion. Whether as our jumping steeds, dancing partners, or simply our backyard pets — they’re family. And they deserve to be treated that way. So, make this year all about making them feel their best. They deserve it! 

Sources

1. Hess, T. M., et al. (2008). "Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory markers in horses."

2. Weese, J. S., et al. (2004). "Evaluation of Lactobacillus pentosus WE7 for prevention of diarrhea in neonatal foals." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

3. Garcia E.I.C. et al., Dietary Supplements of Vitamins E, C, and β-Carotene to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Horses: An Overview. J Equine Vet Sci. 2022

4. Longland, A. C., & Byrd, B. M. (2006). "Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis." Journal of Nutrition.

5. Kawcak, C. E., et al. (2007). "The effect of early exercise on joint development and cartilage." Equine Veterinary Journal.

6. Clayton, H. M. (2004). "The dynamic horse: A biomechanical guide to equine movement and performance."

7. Kaplan, R. M., & Nielsen, M. K. (2010). "An evidence-based approach to equine parasite control." Equine Veterinary Education

8. Comben, N. (1987). "Nutritional influences on equine hoof and horn quality." Equine Veterinary Journal.

9. Visser, E. K., et al. (2008). "Associations between behavioural and physiological indicators of stress in horses." The Veterinary Journal.

10. Henderson, A. J. Z. (2007). "Don’t fence me in: Managing psychological well-being for elite performance horses." Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

11. Morgan, K. (1998). "Thermoregulation and heat stress in working horses." Journal of Equine Science.