5 practical advice to keep your horse healthy and performing all year round

The horse's well-being is the result of careful and conscious daily management. Diet, movement, hygiene and health control are elements that, if cared for correctly, they contribute not only to the animal's quality of life but also to its performance, both in daily work and in competitions.
Below you will find five fundamental tips that every owner or rider should put into practice to guarantee their horse optimal conditions throughout the year.

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1. Daily cleaning and grooming care

Cleaning your horse is not just an aesthetic issue. Daily grooming helps keep your skin healthy, stimulate blood circulation and promptly detect any problems such as wounds, swelling or irritation.

A good routine should include:

• groom to remove dirt and dead hair

• soft abrupt to finish the coat

• thorough cleaning of hooves before and after work

This practice also strengthens the relationship between horse and rider, improving trust and collaboration.

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2. Pay attention to the health of your hooves

Hooves are the foundation of a horse's health and performance. Problems such as cracks, infections or incorrect shoeing can seriously compromise the animal's movement.

It is advisable:

• clean the hooves daily

• check for the presence of foreign bodies

• schedule regular farrier visits (typically every 6–8 weeks)

Proper hoof management reduces the risk of lameness and keeps the horse working efficiently.

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3. Balanced and work-friendly diet

Each horse has different nutritional needs based on age, race, activity level and physical condition. A balanced diet should include:

• quality forage (hay or grass) as the basis of nutrition

• specific feeds to integrate energy and nutrients

• constant access to fresh, clean water

Adequate nutrition supports digestive health, maintaining muscle mass and resistance to effort.

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4. Regular movement and management of physical activity

The horse is an animal born to move. Even when he's not training or working, needs regular physical activity to maintain muscle tone, joint mobility and mental balance.

If possible, it is useful:

• guarantee daily access to the paddock

• alternate mounted work and floor work

• vary the exercises to avoid monotony and overload

A horse that moves regularly is generally calmer, healthier and more collaborative.

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5. Veterinary checks and prevention

Prevention is one of the most important aspects of horse management. Regular veterinary checks allow you to identify any problems early and intervene before they become serious.

The main preventive practices include:

• periodic vaccinations

• deworming programs

• annual dental checks

Constantly monitoring your horse's health is the most effective strategy to ensure a long and healthy life.

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Conclusion

Taking care of a horse means paying attention to many aspects of its daily management. From cleaning to nutrition, from hoof health to veterinary prevention, every detail contributes to its overall well-being.

Adopting these good practices not only improves the horse's quality of life, but it also allows you to build a more solid and harmonious relationship between animal and rider.