Thinking about getting a horse?Are you think about getting a horse? It is fun , but it is hard work (I know this as I have a horse) But if you are biggrin about getting a horsey friend carry on reading keeping a horse takes a lot of work!!!
Heres a time table what I do on weekend and how I look after one of my best friends ever heart
7:00am
This is magic , one of the fastest ponies you could ever meet! Hes going to help you look after your future horse!If you have a horse or pony you have to wake up early horses only sleep for round two hours a night so dont leave them in there stable for to long , or they will get bored and a little stressed. First of all lead your horse out of your stable with a halter which looks like this
then lead him out into the field and start to muck his stable out.Dont know what a good stable is like? We will show you biggrin here are some good and bad stables
G-O-O-D!!!! 3nodding
As you can see the stable shows in some light for the horse and the horse also gets more fresh air with makes the horse more relaxed if its tensed.
B-A-D!!!! cry
I don't have a photo of a stable yet but a bad one has no windows , brocken door and some where for your horse to escape.
Now Magic is in the field , get his stable mucked out , make sure there is no wet hay and its clean.
When you have done mucking out , you have to get horse grazing in the field if hes exciteable it may take a while. Then lead him somewhere you can tie him up and start grooming him. Remember to feed him give your horse a balanced diet , so he will work better in shows.
7:30
Grooming is an important part of looking after a horse. Not only does it maintain the horse's coat in good condition but it acts as a means of massaging the horse, helping circulation and also gives the opportunity to thoroughly check the horse over for any scratches, wounds and any minor skin conditions.
Grooming Kit is the name given to the collection of brushes and combs that are needed to keep a horse clean, shining and healthy. Each brush or comb serves a different purpose and the most common items which form a grooming kit are listed below.
Dandy Brush
A brush with long stiff bristles used for removing dry surface dirt out of the coat, usually used on the less sensitive parts of the horse's body.
Body Brush
This usually has either a hard or soft, often leather, back and is used to remove the grease and dust from the coat and can be used on sensitive areas such as the head. The Body Brush needs to be rubbed over a curry comb regularly during grooming.
Metal Curry Comb
These should never be used on the horse itself, but are used for removing dust and dirt from the Body Brush while grooming.
Rubber Curry Comb
Rubber curry combs are made specifically for the purpose removing mud and loose hair from the horse.
Water Brush
Used when applying water to the horse's coat, mane or tail when dampening or washing.
Mane Comb
Most often metal, but sometimes plastic, these are used to comb the mane and tail of the horse. Short metal mane combs are also used to pull manes and there are special combs which can be used to cut the mane thinner.
Hoof Pick
Hoof Picks are either metal or plastic and are used for removing dirt and stones packed into the underside the horse's hooves. It is worth tying a piece of baler twine on a hoof pick to prevent losing it in bedding or the bottom of the grooming kit box.
Cotton Wool or Sponge
Used for cleaning eyes, nose and dock area as well as cleaning wounds.
Sweat Scraper
Used to wipe away sweat or excess water from the horse after washing.
Stable Rubber
A stable rubber or good linen drying up cloth can be dampened and gently wiped over the body to give the horse a final polish.
Grooming Kit Box
A plastic container, box or a canvas bag with drawstring top all make excellent storage boxes for grooming kits.
1.Put a halter on the horse and tie it up with a lead rope so that is does'nt wonder off when your trying to groom him/her.
2.Start with a curry comb to loosen up any dried-on dirt. Use mostly firm , circular motions , but you'll need a lighter tough on bony or sensitive areas like the legs or belly. Avoid the horses face.
3.Use a body brush, which has thick, stiff britles, to remove all hair and dirt you've just dislodged. Use long sweeps, starting at the neck and sweeping in the direction the hair grows. Again avoid the face.
4.Gently wipe the horses eye and nose with a wet sponge or soft cloth.
5.Use a mane comb to get tangles out of the mane and tail. Start at the bottom of the strands and comb downwards. When you're combing out the tail, dont stand directly behind the horse. Stary slightly to one side to avoid being kicked.
6.Use a soft-bristled brush in sweeping strokes all over the horse to make his/hers coats really shine.
7.Clean out the horses hooves with a pick to remove any dirt or stones. Start at the heel and work up the toe, avoiding the sensitive V-Shaped area.
Tips & Warnings
smile Talk softly to the horse as you work.
smile Use a currycomb to clean your brush as you groom.
smile Always approach and start from the left side.
smile When touching a horse's rear, talk to the horse first and run your hand along his body from front to back to avoid startling him.
smile Hold the tail when you brush the rear to keep the horse from kicking.
smile Brush the tail standing to the horse's side, not directly in back of him.
stressed Never sit or kneel on the floor to reach the lower parts; squat or bend.
stressed Never approach a horse too quickly.
stressed Don't brush too hard, especially on the delicate legs and face.
stressed Never stand directly behind a horse.
8:00
Now we have groomed Magic he have to tack him up!!!
Saddling Up
Steps
1.Step OneApproach from the left side of the horse.
2.Step TwoPlace the saddle pad on the horse's back.
3.Step ThreeLay the saddle gently over the saddle pad, slightly forward of the correct position.
4.Step FourSlide the saddle and pad back over the horse's back into the correct position.
5.Step FiveCheck the right side of the saddle to make sure it's not rolled up. Lift the front of the saddle and pad slightly to make an air bubble.
6.Step SixNote that the girth should be hanging down on the right side. Reach under the horse's stomach and bring the girth across.
7.Step SevenFasten the girth firmly. Don't jerk.
Putting On the Bridle
Steps
1.Step OneStanding to the horse's left, put the reins over the horse's neck, right behind his ears.
2.Step TwoUnbuckle the halter and re-fasten it around the horse's neck.
3.Step ThreeHold the cheek straps of the bridle in your right hand. Face in the same direction as the horse.
4.Step FourBring your right hand, holding the bridle, under the horse's head and over the nose. Hold your hand over his face (between the nostrils and the eyes) to steady him.
5.Step FiveUse your left hand to guide the bit toward the mouth. Your hand should be facing palm up and out.
6.Step SixSlip your left thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth as you bring the bit against his lips.
7.Step SevenPull with your right hand and guide with your left as you ease the bit into the horse's mouth.
8.Step EightSlip the crown piece over the ears. Adjust the brow band so it isn't crooked.
9.Step NineFasten the throat latch. Make sure there's room for a fist between the strap and the horse.
10.Step TenFasten the cavesson (nose band) under the chin. It should be snug, with only room for a finger or two to slip between.
8:45
Now its time the the most fun part exercise! Exercise daily so he keeps fit and get closer as friends.
Start by walking round the school to wake your horse up. Then go in a steady working trot rising for about 2 minuites then start doing 20 meter circels when you know your horse has really woken up go on a 20 meter once then go out into canter , stay in a nice steady canter. Now you have warmed your horse up and you are busy , dismount and untack your horse and put the halter so its easier o catch your horse when you want to see him again.
More coming soon message me for more x x x
