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1. Routine horse care is a significant and ongoing expense. A horse’s purchase price is often much less than the cost of maintaining a horse for a year. Buyers must be realistic about their ability to afford quality care before acquiring a horse. 2. Horses need a regular supply of food and water. In most cases, equines need to have hay or pasture throughout the day, with additional grain feedings twice a day. An average size horse will eat about 20 lbs. of food a day and drink at least eight gallons of water. Their stomachs are relatively small and their digestive systems are surprisingly delicate, so horses need to nibble or graze throughout the day, rather than have one or two meals a day. 3. Horses need regular hoof maintenance. The services of a farrier (blacksmith) are needed every six to eight weeks for routine hoof trimming or shoeing. 4. Horses need regular veterinary and dental care. Horses must be vaccinated against tetanus and other diseases at least once a year. A veterinarian should also perform routine dental care. Medical emergencies, which are always an unfortunate possibility, can cost thousands of dollars to treat. 5. Parasites are common. Since horses are constantly exposed to intestinal worms from the ground they graze on, they must be on an anti-parasite regimen as prescribed by an equine practitioner. Carrying a heavy burden of worms can cause serious illness or death in horses, so regular and timely treatment is crucial to a horse’s health. 6. Horses need shelter and a clean environment. Horses need constant access to a dry, safe, comfortable shelter to protect them from inclement weather. During 22 The Humane Society of the United States warm and sunny weather, a properly designed and constructed shelter will provide much-needed shade and relief from biting insects. Proper drainage is a necessity, and manure must be removed from the stall or shelter every day. 7. Horses need exercise. No horse should spend all day confined in a stall, except on a veterinarian’s recommendation. For horses that are confined to a stall, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of free time (turnout) or 15 minutes of controlled exercise (e.g., riding, hand-walking, hot walker, etc.) per day. If turned out, the pasture should be bordered by sturdy fencing that will keep the horse safe and secure. 8. Horses need to be groomed. Horses should be groomed at least two times a week to loosen dirt and mud. A build-up of dirt can result in skin and fungal infections or contribute to matting of the coat, which can be painful. NOTE: Required standards of care vary throughout the U.S. based on municipal, county, and state requirements. Officers should check all applicable ordinances and use the law that provides the best protection for the animal. General horse care considerations: Common complaints


20028HS
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