Owning a horse is a unique experience. You are searching for a companion that can be wonderfully sweet. Before you start looking for one, you should have some basic information about horses (in general). Starting with the very basics will help you make the best decision for yourself and you will not be overlooking important aspects of horse ownership.
Many people who are purchasing a horse for the first time make the mistake of selecting one that is not suited to their needs. All of this eventually leads to frustration and overwhelm. Also, some owners end up giving up on their pursuit because they have not spent enough time carefully weighing up the decision.
So, we have put together a guide to help you get acquainted with their basic needs. Each horse may have slightly different needs depending on their breed, however, most of the needs remain quite general.
Everything You Need To Know About Owning A Horse
Routine Is Important
Your horse feels most comfortable with a routine instead of an uncertain day ahead. This is because they are creatures of habit and they love slipping into a routine. If you give your new companion a predictable and consistent routine, they are most likely going to thrive at it.
Also, in their routine, all the aspects of their grooming, everyday cleaning, and other daily tasks and requirements will be included. So ensure that you have a plan in place for your horse’s daily routine and that you stick to that routine or schedule on a fairly consistent basis.
The Need for Safety
Isn’t safety and certainty something that we all require? As a living being, your horse is no different and would need assurance of safety from you (as the owner). Horses, by nature, are quite hesitant animals and are very shy in building relationships. This means that your horse will most likely have a very strong flight instinct and this is primarily because they are a prey animal.
However, what you can do is to actively provide them with the reassurance of security and safety. Don’t forget to maintain the trust between the two of you because it goes a long way in strengthening the relationship.
Roughage and Grass are Needed Most
This is quite an obvious need because horses are herbivorous animals. If you are considering purchasing a horse, providing this to them is going to be your top priority because they will require food given on a daily basis, obviously. You have to make sure that you can provide them with sufficient roughage and grass.
Eating Throughout the Day
Your horse is going to be eating small meals throughout the day and it may seem quite an odd routine. This weird habit of your horse has a very useful purpose of enabling them to function throughout the day quite easily, they are equine animals and it gets difficult for them to move around and to follow especially their flight instinct with full bellies.
So, your horse will tend to keep the belly half full and eat small meals in a day. Your responsibility as an owner will be to make sure that you keep a supply of food available for your new companion throughout the day.
Need for Variety In What they Do
Although horses appreciate a routine, they also do not approve of monotony. You should keep the routine interesting for them so they do not feel bored or frustrated. You will not like having a frustrated animal as a companion because they are definitely not going to be much fun.
They Love Moving Around
Horses are fond of movement and to not provide them with an opportunity to do so will be cruel to their well-being. As an owner, you should have some options to let them/him move around the fields and fulfill this need for staying active.
They Want to Connect
Connection is a universal language that every living being understands and your horse requires hearing it too. They are social animals and prefer staying in groups so it will be conducive to have a couple of horses instead of owning a single one because it may get lonely soon.
Leadership is All They Need
In addition to other needs, horses also have a very strong need for sound leadership and without this, they cannot thrive. This is because horses are herd animals and they love following a leader that shows confidence.
With all the needs satisfied, your horse will be happy and thriving in your care. So before you do anything else, make sure that you can fulfill their needs, since being able to satisfy the needs of your new companion should take precedence over anything else.
