Spring is the season many riders resume riding!
It is a time to polish your boots, oil your saddle and get ready to enjoy the warmer weather!
Before taking your horse outside for a nice workout session, ask yourself the following question: Did I modify my horse’s feed or exercise regime during winter? If you answered yes, then keep these spring horse care tips in mind. If you answered no, the following tips will be a bit of a refresher:
The 8 Horse Care Tips for Spring
1. Check For Blanket Rubs
If your horse was constantly bundled during winter, he might have a few new blanket rubs. Before riding, make sure any new rubs aren’t near the saddle. Proper blanket fit is the primary preventative measure for rubs. Soothing products made for this purpose can help your horse’s skin heal. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the temperatures during spring. The temperatures often fluctuate between night and day, so make sure your horse isn’t too cold or hot underneath his spring blankets.
2. Check Hooves
Whether your horse was active all winter or went for a barefoot vacation in the paddock, it is a good idea to have your farrier check his feet extra carefully in the wet spring weather. Make sure his hooves are trimmed and/or shod correctly, before starting any spring training.
3. Call the Dentist, It’s Time to Check Those Chompers
Generally speaking, your horse should have his teeth checked by an equine dentist once or twice a year. Did you know that dental checkups can also help prevent some training problems? When you are ready to begin riding, arrange for a dentist to visit to make sure your horse’s teeth are ready to have a bit in his mouth.
4. It’s Time for Spring Vaccinations
As soon as the warmer weather arrives, check your immunization records or ask your veterinarian what spring shots your horse will need. Also, if your horse is moving to a new area, they might need a different vaccination protocol.
Your vet will recommend shots that are based on a variety of equine factors, including: age, location, recent or future travel and any special conditions that might exist in your area. Staying up to date on your horse’s vaccines can help him stay healthy throughout the year.
5. Check Tack and Equipment
Nothing is worse than getting ready to ride, only to discover your tack is missing, broken or damaged. When you are inspecting your tack be sure to look for the following issues:
- Worn or cracked leather
- Broken pieces
- Weak buckles
- Rusted metal parts (especially on bits or buckles)
- Worn Velcro (especially on turnout boots)
- Any issues with functionality
6. Watch for Over Grazing
Spring is the time of year when the pastures tend to be filled with lush grass. Spring grass is rich in sugars and low in fiber, which can pose health risks if horses aren’t slowly acclimated to it. Gradually increase turnout time to help prevent digestive upset and reduce the risk of laminitis, especially in metabolically sensitive horses.
7. Check Body Condition
This tip goes hand-in-hand with tip six; before you begin a new, rigorous spring riding schedule, check your horse’s body condition. Is he in the correct weight category? Does he have a good muscle base? Has he experienced significant weight gain or loss during winter? Understanding and keeping track of your horse’s body condition can help you to keep him in good health. It can also help you devise an appropriate spring training schedule.
8. Look at Your Feeding Schedule
In spring, many riders get excited by the warmer weather and begin riding their horses regularly. While it is fun to ride almost every day, it is also important that equestrians keep track of their horse’s feeding schedule. Depending on your horse’s workload and current condition, you may need to adjust his feed. Some horses may require additional calories from concentrates or fat, while others thrive on forage alone. Consult your vet or equine nutritionist for tailored advice.
If you discover you need to make any modifications to your horse’s feed, be sure to make the changes slowly. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to ask your vet for his opinion on your horse’s weight, body condition and feeding schedule.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a season of renewal, not just for nature, but for you and your horse, too. With a little extra attention, thoughtful planning, and plenty of patience, you can help your equine partner transition smoothly into the warmer months. From fresh pastures to longer trail rides, there’s so much to look forward to. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and joy-filled season for both of you!
Featured Image Credit: wavebreakmedia, Shutterstock
Contents
- Spring is the season many riders resume riding!
- The 8 Horse Care Tips for Spring
- 1. Check For Blanket Rubs
- 2. Check Hooves
- 3. Call the Dentist, It’s Time to Check Those Chompers
- 4. It’s Time for Spring Vaccinations
- 5. Check Tack and Equipment
- 6. Watch for Over Grazing
- 7. Check Body Condition
- 8. Look at Your Feeding Schedule
- Final Thoughts
