Some horses are rearing for some work after being stable most of the winter. However, doing too much too soon will hurt your companion.
Learn what your horses need at the start of spring to map out a game plan for activities and treatments.
Updated Vaccinations
The health of your horse should be your prime focus. If you want to compete, keep note of your horse’s vaccinations. Spring is the best opportunity to check your horse’s immunizations. If they aren’t, you’ll need to have your vet give your horse an injection.
Non-updated vaccines will usually exclude you from entering a tournament. This is also an excellent time to worm your horse to prevent intestinal infections that can cause colic. Getting a worm count can tell you if your horse needs further treatment or deworming medication.
Hooves Treatment
It is vital to get your horse’s hooves evaluated before spring hits. All that time in the field may wear out your horse’s feet, leaving them in poor condition because of the lack of winter riding. Calling your farrier in the spring is usually a good idea.
They can assess your horse’s foot health and provide appropriate treatment. After an extended field trip, thrush and abscesses are common, so getting your horse’s feet examined by a farrier is essential.
Dental Care
Getting your horse’s teeth examined by a skilled equine dentist is essential to maintaining its health. If your horse has dental issues, they are likely incredibly uncomfortable when eating and drinking, putting you at risk when riding due to their irritability.
Examining your horse’s teeth twice a year helps circumvent any issues, with most checks coming at the start of spring and fall. Even if their teeth look healthy, it’s better to have a professional guarantee that’s the case.
Nutritional Regime
With a busier schedule upcoming, your horse’s dietary requirement may alter. While working in the field does not demand a lot of energy, returning to work will. You will need to regularly check your horse’s performance versus the feed you provide.
It’s essential to provide high-quality feed to help with physical and emotional recovery; it’s equally as important to give your horse clean drinking water. An equine nutritionist can frequently assist you and create a nutrition schedule for the animal. It’s recommended not to hasten or make abrupt modifications.
Ease Them Back To Work
Retraining a horse takes time and care. This is a slow procedure that requires baby steps. Keep your horse out of heavy labor until they are ready. It will take time for them to regain their fitness. Begin small and frequently. It may take almost two months of walking on the flat and uphill before you can even consider trotting. Short but practical sessions while gradually increasing duration and intensity aid in getting your horse’s power back.
Now that you know what your horses need at the start of spring, prepare them for the fun months ahead. Take it one step at a time, and don’t rush it—their performance depends on it.
