Sin pecado

From Zingaro

1. The most important thing is to make sure your horse is healthy. If he has any pain anywhere he can't be happy.
So have a look at him. Is there a sparkle in his eyes? Does he look lively? Is his coat shining? If he looks good, he is most probably healthy. Do check that you deworme and vaccinate regularly to prevent health problems and to maintain good health.

Also have the dentist check his teeth at least once a year. And don't forget to clean his hoofs daily and let them get trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks (barefoot) or 6 - 8 weeks (with shoes) by the farrier.

2. Spend a lot of time on grooming your horse, it's important for his health to groom him regularly. You can check on little wounds, or anything else that needs attention. It’s good for their coat and blood circulation. Plus they like it anyway.
Also part of grooming is cleaning his hoofs, this is done preferably before and after riding.

You could also give him a massage once in a while, but first read some books about it. If you know what you are doing this can be very advantageous for the relation between you and your horse (making a daily habit of it is even better!)

3. Feed him little but often and feed him on time. Feed him lots of fiber. They like to chew for hours on it and it keeps the boredom away. If you feed your horse regularly, the chance of getting colic is remarkably decreasing.

4. Make sure his tack fits well. Tack that doesn't fit well could cause injuries and pain.

5. Give him enough movement, moving around is very important for his mental health but also for his physical health. Try to vary his training-schema, make some jumps, do groundwork, play a game, or take him on a hack.. This way it stays enjoyable for him too. Always making circles in the arena makes him a dull horse.

Do try to train him on a daily basis. Sure don't leave him in the stables for two days.

6. On the other hand : make sure he's got enough relaxation. Give him a day off sometimes.. Leave him a day outside with his friends to play around and to stretch his legs. Allow the horse to be a horse. A horse's natural environment is a herd.. So let him play and discover his place in hierarchy. It's important for him to get enough social contact with other horses.

So again, giving him a day off doesn't have to mean: leave him in the stables. I hope this example makes this clear enough.

7. Give him a nice and comfortable stable with a deep bed. Make sure he's not alone and he can see the other horses.
His stable is like a home to him.. It's a place he can lay down in a an environment he trusts. An excellent treat after his daily training session.

Clean bedding and fresh air are of immense importance for your horse’s health.

8. Show your appreciation to your horse, be proud of him… show you love him. Horses have a very strong sense for this.
Believe in him, and set your- and himself some achievable goals. This means don't push your horse if you're not sure he is ready for it, whatever 'it' is. Give him fysical contact (like with grooming) but also with caressing, rubbing or scratching .. This is how you show him you love him (it's how a horse would show it)

9. Be a good leader to your horse. Don't punish him without a reason. Be consistant not rough.
Being a good leader is not gaining leadership through dominance but through respect.
If your horse behaves, and follows your instructions because he knows he has to listen because otherwhise he gets slapped, he will never trust you. If your horse doesn't trust you he'll never be happy with you as his leader.

10. Do something special for him once in a while or on special occasions.. Give him a big carrot cake on his birthday.
Buy him the sweetest apples available for World Animal Day. Or a warm (horse)meal on Christmas…

Ok, most of things here include food and are categorized under spoiling.. and I am myself not really convinced that this last one is necessary to keep your horse happy. But it is certainly fun for you.. And a horse is much happier with a happy owner! :)

J.