General Nursing Care for Your Horses

Should your horse become lame, sick or injured try and make them as comfortable as possible, if there is a risk of infection and need to be isolated, perhaps this can be done without them being out of sight of their stable mates.

They like to have a routine so if possible leave them in their own stable, a good idea would be to ask if another horse can be kept in to keep them company if box rest is needed. Maybe your yard will rotate which horse is left in. They will be feeling a bit down so try not to leave them for too long without a visit from you.

You don't need to fuss them too much or you will end up with a needy horse.

Just show them that you are there and even hearing your voice is a sign you are about and will keep them buoyant. If they are allowed to walk in hand let them graze on some grass at least once a day, twice if your schedule allows it.

You must keep them nice and warm, apply Gamgee and a stable bandage to the opposite leg that isn't injured, this will stop any swelling that might appear because your horse will be resting his bad leg and putting more of a strain on his good leg.

Perhaps they are feverish, you will need an anti-sweat rug. Place this under his lightweight summer stable rug, it will help air circulate whilst keeping them warm. If your horse will allow it gently place your hand around their ears at the poll and pull gently, this will soothe them and will help warm your horse as well. On the other hand if your horse doesn't like his ears being touched then don't, it will only make them grumpy. My mare loved it and used to nod off whilst I was doing it.

Should they be kept in due to a wound, see my page on 'When to call the Vet' follow your Vets advice. If you haven't called the vet as it is quite a minor wound, then just make sure you follow the basics in healthcare. Cleanliness being the most important, but do not mess about once the wound is dressed. Only check once a day to make sure the dressing has not become soiled. Always make sure the dressing is sterile if possible, this is hard in a horse environment but in the long run it will lesson the chance of an infection and a longer period off work. Always burn any soiled dressings and most important never re-use them.

It is paramount that their water is checked at least twice a day, if you are not able to do this make sure someone will check for you, and a good net of hay, you don't want to over fed them so try putting 2 hay nets together this will make it harder for them to pull the hay out. They may become bored so to try and get a stable mineral licking block put up in their stable, peppermint is a good one. Leave a radio on if there is going to be no one about. It all helps to lesson their boredom threshold and not become a grumpy frustrated horse.