There’s a Horse in my Yard, Now What ?!

By: Makayla GetzI

n the state of Wyoming, one of the most common small-acreage large animals purchased is a horse. 

The average lifespan of a horse is 25 to 30 years, so how are these four-legged omnivores living out their days for up to 30 years or every 15 years if they are only moved to a ranchette for half of their lifetime? 

Most likely eating.

The following is some general guidance on how to get started on caring for a four-legged friend. Remember, when in doubt, always call a veterinarian.

Supplements and minerals 

As a horse owner, one may find their horse requires supplements to remain in overall optimal health. Simply turning them out on a pasture of grass or forbes doesn’t cut it. 

Certain vitamins can help horses maintain a balanced diet and fill in where they may be deficient due to the environment.  

The most frequently used vitamins for horses include vitamin E to support a healthy immune system, increase circulation and decreases inflammation; biotin to support hoof, coat and mane health; methylsulfonylmethane to aid with joint health, hoof quality, coat shine and more and omega-three fatty acids to support joint health, help reduce inflammation and support membranes in the hoof wall.

Others include magnesium for vital muscle function and to help prevent muscle cramping; probiotics to improve digestion and gut health; vitamin C to support immunity and to reduce inflammation; electrolytes to aid when sweating profusely and also used if signs of colic are starting to appear and zinc to support immune function, coat health and hoof strength. 

Remember to discuss any supplement use with a veterinarian before creating a treatment plan for a horse and to keep in mind each horse is different and could require different supplements. 

Individuals who are unsure if their horse or pony needs supplements should look for some common signs of deficiency including constant poor coat condition – not just seasonal – poor hoof quality, weight loss, muscle cramps and low energy levels.

Shoeing

Many times, horse owners focus on grooming and mane and tail maintenance when it comes to their horse. However, arguably, a horse’s hooves are one of the most important parts of their body. 

Horses are robust and put a lot of impact on their hooves. Different types of horses with different jobs may put varying amounts of pressure on their hooves than others, which is where shoes come in. 

Farriers typically visit every four to six weeks for horses to be reshod. 

Signs of ill health 

Horses aren’t the same as humans and therefore do not always show the same signs as humans when they are under the weather. 

It is important for horse owners to ensure they are working with or observing their horse regularly to confirm they notice when their horse is sick or if something else is wrong. 

Common signs of sickness in a horse can include a low hanging head and/or unresponsive ears; sunken eyes, discharge from the eyes and/or a third eyelid showing; taut skin; profuse sweating; not eating or drinking; abnormal droppings – extremely loose or hard or none at all; discolored urine; resting a front leg instead of a back leg; slower than normal steps or uneven steps; shallow and/or rapid breathing and a pungent hoof smell. 

Worming, vaccinations and teeth  

While signs of ill health are scary for any horse owner, there are things which can be done to help a horse stay healthy. 

These tasks include worming, vaccinations, floating their teeth and providing them complete nutritional needs on a daily basis. 

Worming is a task which should take place every six to eight weeks and should begin with foals at six weeks of age. There are different types of wormer to target different types of worms. Be sure to consult a veterinarian to begin a worming routine that is safe and effective for a horse.  

Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping horses in good health. Vaccinations should be administered to a horse regularly, as this protects them from unvaccinated horses, diseases and other unknown harmful factors. 

Many times, individuals who plan to travel or compete in different competitions will have to show proof of various types of vaccinations. An example of this is many rodeos require proof of a recent, negative Coggins test, rabies, tetanus and/or West Nile Virus. 

Floating horses’ teeth should take place for a variety of reasons. Medically, the horse’s bottom jaw is narrower than their top jaw. When they chew, it wears down their teeth and can lead to sharp edges which can lead to other issues.

Outside of these medical issues, it can also simply cause them to salivate more and drop grain and/or supplements they are being fed, causing more waste. 

Calling an equine dentist on a regular basis – every six months – will alleviate this problem and provide comfort to a horse. 

Basic first aid 

Horses are large, sometimes clumsy and unaware animals. They will get into things they should not, but does every incident require a vet call? 

While this is ultimately the owner’s call, there are some basics they may be able to do at home instead of asking a vet to make a ranch visit or hauling their horse to the clinic. 

Whether a person feels 100 percent confident in their ability to treat a horse or fellow rider in the case of an incident, they should always keep a first aid kit in their barn, tack room, saddle bag and/or farm truck. 

Things many doctors recommend keeping on hand include veterinary bandages and vet wrap; gamgee; sterile dressing; surgical tape; antibiotic powder, spray and cream; cotton wool; kaolin paste for poulticing; epsom salts; scissors; a thermometer; Vaseline; surgical spirit or witch hazel; Stockholm tar and electrolytes, depending on a horse’s needs. 

Makayla Getz is the University of Wyoming Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources serving Park County. She can be reached at mgetz@uwyo.edu or 307-527-8568.