Читать книгу Caring for Your Horse - Lesley Ward - Страница 6

Introduction

You’ve finally found the horse of your dreams. He’s passed the vet exam, you’ve paid for him, and you’ve taken him home. Now the fun truly begins. Your new horse is going to need a lot of your time, and it is up to you to keep him healthy and happy. The way he looks and feels largely depends on the way you care for him, so you should do it right.

This book describes the basics of horse care and management: important information that every horse owner needs to know. You’ll learn how to handle your horse and make his new home a comfortable and safe place. You’ll also learn about grooming, feeding, and tacking up. This book is full of tips to keep your horse healthy and in tip-top shape. You’ll know if your horse isn’t feeling 100 percent and what to do if he gets injured.

Owning a horse is a major responsibility. Even if your horse is kept at a boarding facility and others do most of the work for you, it is in your best interest to know as much as you can about horse health and stable management.

Nobody truly cares about your horse or has your investment in his well-being as much as you do. Even at the best barns, illnesses are missed and injuries are overlooked. You need to be familiar with your horse from head to hoof.

Taking care of a horse can be a lot of work, but the rewards are great. A horse who is properly cared for has a lot of energy and is fun to ride. If he eats the right diet and is groomed on a regular basis, he’ll look great and you’ll be proud of him—whether competing at a show or simply walking him around the barn. Looking after a living, breathing, occasionally unpredictable 1,000-pound-plus animal can be a challenge at times, but this book will prepare you for the task.