Horse Health and Happiness: Tips from Equestrian Experts

Owning a horse is undoubtedly incredibly fun and rewarding, but it’s also a big challenge and a long-term commitment. After all, the average horse lives for as long as 30 years, with the oldest ever horse living to the ripe old age of 52! That means you can expect to be caring for your horse for decades to come. If you want your horse to live a long and enriching life and meet its full potential, horse health and happiness should be your number one priority. Horses aren’t low maintenance animals; whether you just like riding your horse around or you’re into equestrian competitions like dressage, your trusty companion is going to require a lot of care. This includes everything from regular veterinary checkups to the right type of feed (including supplements where necessary) and making sure your horse is getting plenty of exercise and turnout. Plus, you’ll need to pay attention to their grooming needs and keep their coat, skin, hoof and mane in optimal condition. And that’s before we even get started on their living quarters – it’s essential that you keep stables clean and hygienic, and make sure any equestrian arenas you’re using are well-constructed and well-maintained to avoid injury or lameness. All these complex needs can make maintaining equine health a bit overwhelming for first-time horse owners. That’s why we’ve got in touch with horse and equestrian bloggers and experts to find out their best nugget of horse care advice. We asked our contributors the following question: What’s your top tip for horse health and happiness?