If you own a horse, you are probably aware of the time and money needed to properly care for this amazing creature. Since horses have a longer life than do most animals, keeping them healthy can be somewhat of a challenge. Still, there are several things you can do to help ensure your horse stays healthy. Below are five tips that will help you get started down the right path.



Feeding your horse a well-balanced diet is one of the most important aspects of good equine health. If you are unsure of what this actually entails, consult with your veterinarian to find out what types of grains and other feeds may be appropriate for the type of horse you own. Age may also make a difference, so it is also important to keep this in mind when choosing the proper diet.

Keep your horse's digestive tract healthy by de-worming on a regular basis. Failure to do this can result in your horse having worms that can result in significant harm, or even sometimes in death. This is important with many animals, and should be tended to regularly.

Make sure your horse receives vaccinations on a regular schedule so as to ward off critical diseases and conditions that can prove fatal. This is just as important for animals as it is for people, so be sure to treat this with great care. Keep a log of such vaccinations so that you will know when the various vaccinations are due. This can also help if there is ever a situation where the vet needs to know of previous vaccinations. While your vet will probably keep records of this, it is a good idea for you to have them as well.

It is very important that you keep a close eye on your horse's feet. Poorly kept feet can lead to a variety of lameness problems, and can be very painful for your horse. You should also make sure your horse is shoed properly, and whenever necessary, as this will help as well.

Finally, make sure your veterinarian gives your horse a check up once a year. This is just as important for animals as it is for humans, and will alert you to any health problems so that they may be treated early on. It will also insure that your horse receives any necessary procedures and vaccinations on a regular basis, and will lead to overall good equine health.