Horses are wonderful creatures that bring us so much joy. It's no secret that some horse owners go to great lengths in keeping their horses happy and healthy by providing them with the appropriate horse stuff and routines. That is why you as an owner should know some key ways in keeping your horse happy.

female horseman with thoroughbred horse in stable

 

Here are a few essential horse stuff that you must have and some ways you can do to ensure your horse is happy and comfortable.

 

So, how do you keep your horse happy? 

 

1. Feed your horse enough snacks.

Yes, horses love snacks! Just like us, food is commonly linked with positive thoughts in our lives, and get a little grumpy when hungry. Horses' essential need is food, which he acquires in the kind of grass or hay. Though he may want grain, maintaining roughage flowing through his belly is fundamental to his wellbeing.

He processes what he eats in roughly two days, so the grasses he ate yesterday are still with him today. So, make sure you give them enough snacks throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to offer it a small treat after each time you work with them.

 

2. Don’t forget to give your horse fresh water, always.

After devouring all that grass, horses require adequate water to produce soup in that fermentation vat we term the hindgut. Water is essential for many of the horse's body functions, including digestion, transportation of nutrients, and temperature regulation.

Without sufficient water, the hay or grass squeezes which may lead to such problems. Make sure that your horse always has access to clean, fresh water. If you're not able to provide this, then you should consider other options such as hay nets or slow feeders.

 

3. Your horse needs a routine.

All animals, including humans, feel more comfortable when they have a routine. It gives them a sense of security and helps to minimize stress.

For horses, a daily routine might involve turning out to pasture in the morning, being brought in at night, being fed twice a day, and getting ridden or worked with once a day. Of course, this will vary depending on your horse's individual needs and the time of year. The happy the horses are, the greater you can maintain a routine.

 

4. Horses love their friends! 

portrait of two brown horses

Horses are social animals and need the company of other horses. They enjoy and prefer in groups, and if you meet a horse who is lonely, he most certainly has a concern. Either he is ill or injured, or he has been forced out of the group. You'll notice immediately that he's not having a good time.

It's not necessary for the friend to be another horse, though it's preferable. If you're unable to provide another horse for your horse to be friends with, then consider investing in a goat, donkey, or even a dog. These animals can provide companionship and help to minimize boredom and stress.

 

5. Don’t keep your horse isolated, and provide enough airflow! 

Horses are meant to be outdoors, and they enjoy the fresh air and open spaces. If you're keeping your horse in a stall, make sure that it is large enough for him to move around comfortably and that there is adequate ventilation flowing through the barn so he may inhale freely and appreciate all of the fresh scents of the weather.

Stalls and boxes that are too small or poorly ventilated can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Find also a means for him to see other horses, such as installing a stable guard rather than a closed door when possible.

 

6. Give your horse LOTS of exercises.

Horses, like all animals, require exercise to stay fit and healthy. Depending on your horse's age, breed, and level of fitness, he will need different amounts of exercise. However, all horses should be given the opportunity to move around freely and stretch their legs on a regular basis. This can be done by the turnout in a paddock or pasture, riding, or lunging.

Exercise not only maintains their bodies in proportion but also ensures that their feet receive adequate blood flow. Moving around also aids digestion. If you must confine your horse indoors due to inclement weather or another reason, examine if you can allow him to roam. It's important to find a balance that works for your horse. If you're unsure how much exercise your horse needs, consult with your veterinarian or equine professional.

 

7. Your horse needs to get enough rest.

Horses are athletes and, like all athletes, necessitate a significant amount of rest to recover from a tough period, such as the show or competition season. If your horse is not getting enough rest, he will be tired and may become sick more easily. It's important to provide your horse with a quiet place to sleep where he will not be disturbed by noise or other animals.

 

8. Does your horse have a personal vet and farrier? 

It's important to have a relationship with a horse professional who can help you to keep your horse healthy and happy. Your horse should have a regular veterinarian who he sees at least once a year for a wellness exam and more often if he is ill or injured. You should also have a farrier, or horseshoer, who trims and shoes your horse's hooves.

When your horse's feet become lengthy or uneven, it's like walking in shoes with worn-out heels. It will quickly have an impact on both his behaviour and motivation. Improper deworming will lead your horse to suffer from parasites, making him uncomfortable. These professionals can help you to identify any health concerns early on and provide you with advice on how to best care for your horse.

 

9. Groom your horse regularly.

Brushing your horse's coat helps to remove dirt, sweat, and other debris. It also helps to stimulate blood flow and can be relaxing for both you and your horse. Grooming also provides an opportunity for you to bond with your horse and check his body for any signs of bug bites, wounds, injury, or illness. When you're finished grooming, give your horse a treat to let him know he did a good job!

 

10. Give your horse a purpose! 

Horses are social animals and, like all social animals, they need a sense of purpose. If your horse is not being used for competition or work, find other ways to keep him engaged and challenged.

This can be done by providing him with toys, such as balls or barrels, or by training him to perform tricks. You can also take him on regular trail rides or allow him to graze in different pastures. Whatever you do, make sure that your horse has a reason to get up each day and that he enjoys his life as horses prefer having a purpose, and having a horse who plays his part is fascinating for an owner.

 

There are many ways to keep your horse happy, but these tips are a great place to start with.

 

Along with the above 10 tips on how to make your horse happy, here are a few more tips for the essential horse stuff and equestrian tips for riders:

girl wearing riding hat while riding a brown horse

Another thing to consider is that some horse stuff, like horse bits, horse bridles, and saddles are all key points in keeping a horse happy. Making sure they have the appropriate horse tack when riding is essential.

 

Horse Bridle

The horse bridle is one of the most important pieces of tack that a rider will use when riding a horse. It is responsible for keeping the horse's head in a certain position and helps to control his movement. A horse bridle also helps to protect the horse's eyes from objects that may fly up and hit him while he is moving.

When choosing a horse bridle, it's important to select one that fits comfortably on the horse's head and that the horse bridle is made from durable materials. If a horse's bridle does not fit properly, it can rub against the horse's head and cause sores.

Horse bridle comes in an array of sizes, shapes, and colours, so it's best to pick one that fits well for both you and the horse. You should also consider the type of horse bits that you will use with the horse bridle, as different horse bits can have different effects on the horse's comfort level.

 

Horse Bits

A Horse bit is another type of horse tack that is arguably the most important part of a horse bridle as it is the only thing that communicates directly with the horse. Horse bits should therefore be comfortable for the horse to wear and should not cause any pain or discomfort if you want your horse to be happy. 

If horse bits do not fit properly, they can rub against the horse's mouth and cause sores. It's also crucial to have your horse's mouth examined by a veterinarian or equine dentist regularly to ensure that his teeth are healthy and horse bits fit properly.

Horse bits also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each horse will require a different type of bit depending on his individual needs. Choosing the right horse bits for horses is essential to their comfort and happiness.

 

Horse Saddle

Lastly, you need to have a comfortable saddle to ensure that your horse is happy at all times. A horse saddle helps to distribute the rider's weight evenly across the horse's back and prevents the horse from becoming sore. It is vital to find a horse saddle that fits both the rider and the horse properly. If a horse saddle is too big or too small, it can cause discomfort for both the rider and the horse.

When choosing a horse saddle, it is vital to consider the type of riding that will be done. Different types of saddles are designed for different types of riding, so it is crucial to select a saddle that is appropriate for the type of riding. Riders must consider the horse's size and build when selecting a saddle. A bigger horse will require a different saddle than a smaller horse.

It is also important to find a horse saddle that is comfortable for the rider. Riders should select a saddle that they can sit in for long periods of time without experiencing discomfort. 

The horse's movement should also be considered when choosing a saddle, as some saddles are designed to provide more stability while others allow the horse to move more freely. No matter what type of horse stuff you use, it is essential to remember that the most important thing is the horse's comfort and happiness.


You can now ensure that your horse can live a long and healthy life by providing him with adequate care, nourishment, exercise, and horse stuff such as horse bits, horse bridle, and horse saddle. Whatever you do, make sure that your horse has a reason to get up each day and that he enjoys his life as much as you enjoy having him in yours!