How Much Do You Know About Owning a Horse?

Fields are a great environment for horses, as there is plenty of grass to eat and it is easy on their feet. Horses also need a lot of exercise, and fields are the perfect place for them to get what they need.

Boarding a horse is a great option for those who want to own a horse but don't have the means to keep it where they live. The horse will be able to get all that it needs, while the owner can visit it as often as they like.

When owning a horse, you need to make sure to find yourself a good vet. They'll be able to help you in times of an emergency, but also for minor things such as check-ups or regular care.

This is true. There are plenty of things to think about when buying a horse, and the cost of everything is one of them. You have to consider food, health care, and supplies, just to name a few expenses.

Horses typically live in herds, but this doesn't necessarily mean that you need another horse. Another animal such as a donkey can be a good enough companion as well.

Bots are flies that attach eggs to a horse that can irritate them. If you notice a bot on your horse, it's important to remove them so that your horse is not uncomfortable.

English riding differs a lot from Western riding, another riding style. For example, in English riding, there is no saddle horn like there is when riding Western.

A horse is measured in hands, which is about 4 inches per hand. Did you know that the average height of a horse is 15.2 hands? That's about 60 inches!

The gait of a horse is a name for its speed. Each level has a name, with the natural gaits starting with a walk, then trot, canter, and gallop. This can also refer to how the horse conducts the command with their feet.

If you're ever planning to transport your horse to shows or even the vet, then you'll need a trailer specifically for horses. They come in all different sizes allowing you to fit a few horses into only one trailer.

Horses love to lick salt blocks like many other animals similar to them! It's a good way for them to get the salt levels they need to be healthy and happy.

Checking the pasture on a regular basis is a good idea to make sure that nothing can danger the horse. Things like holes, wires, or broken fences can be easy for a horse to hurt themselves on.

One sign of colic in a horse is when they don't have an appetite. Horses love their hay, so if you notice your steed not eating, then it could definitely be a sign of something going on.

Fly spray protects your horse from bugs and insects that bite. Any animal out in the pasture is sure to attract insects like deer flies, black flies or horse flies.

A curry comb is usually a circle or oval shaped comb with blunt tips. It's often made of rubber and used for getting all the dirt out onto the surface of the fur so that it can be brushed off.

This is true. Neck reining is something that you can teach your horse to do no matter what style you ride. It involves touching your horses neck with the reins to elicit the response of it turning in the other direction.

A broodmare is a mare that is used for breeding. Often, but not always, these horses are decorated in a specific skill or activity that can be passed down to a foal.

Spending time with your horse is good for both of you. It gives you a chance to build trust and understanding as well as show how much that you care for it. Always try to make time to see your horse for a little bit every day!

A "foal" is the correct term for a baby horse. The parents are known as the sire, which is the father, and the dam, which is the mother. It's always a good idea to check into who the dam and the sire of your horse is.

Horses have a bit in their mouth while you ride them so that you can direct them on where to go. The reins are connected to the bit, and when you move them, the horse can feel it.

You should always have food and water at hand for your horse. They love to spend their days grazing in the grass or chomping on some hay. If it gets cold where you are, then don't forget to make sure that the water is heated!

Shelter is very important to have for horses in case they need it. It can be helpful in extreme heat or cold, as well as in certain conditions like hail or a thunderstorm.

The saddle pad comes first when saddling up your horse. But don't forget one important step – always brush your horse to make sure it is clean underneath the saddle first! Your horse will thank you.

American Quarter Horses have a reputation for being all around good horses for the complete beginner. This is due to things such as their temperament and size. Of course, all horses can be great beginner horses if you find the right fit!

Horseshoes are a great way to keep your horse's feet healthy. Shoes can be a little easier on their feet, although going without them for a little while is okay too. Don't forget to clean your horse's feet regularly as well!

The bridle is placed on the head of the horse so that you are able to guide it. It's comprised of three parts, a headstall, a bit and reins that are placed on the whole of the horse's head.

A minimally trained horse that is still in the process of learning is called a green horse. Green horses have usually gotten as far as allowing someone to sit on their back in their training.

Horse supplies are called "tack" and appropriately are kept in the "tack room." Make sure you've got the space to keep all of your tack when you buy a horse!

A lean-to is a structure that is built for horses to stand under when the weather conditions are bad. If it's snowing, they can take shelter in there or if the sun is too hot, they can get some relief from the sun under it.

This is false. Walking is the slowest gait that a horse can have. The other gaits are a trot, canter, and gallop, which all have different patterns and speeds.

This is false. Horses are not required to be trained to pull a carriage. This is something you can do if you feel like it or want to teach your horse to. Don't feel obligated to, though!

There are more than 300 breeds of horses in the world. A few breeds you might have heard of are the Arabian, the Appaloosa or the Paint horse.

Rain rot is a condition that affects the skin of a horse, but it is not anything to be overly concerned about. While it may be painful and irritating to your horse, there is no danger of it dying as it is somewhat similar to a rash.

When a horse starts to grow thicker fur, it is getting ready for the winter season. This means that as an owner, you may want to brush them, but this becomes more important in the spring as they prepare for summer.

Horses relieve themselves quite a bit, so be prepared to clean up some stool. You can do it with a wheelbarrow and a pitchfork, or even a tractor if you have access to one.