The 10 Commandments of Horse Management

Bet you didnt know there were so many versions of G-d’s commandments. But your intrepid innkeeper takes creative license with yet another in a sometime series . What better time than New Years to offer yet another set. Might as well start off the New Year right… Taking care of ourselves.. take care of Gd-’s creatures our horses. To keep the horses heathy, thou shalt follow these 10 commandments:

1. Thou shalt follow a regular vaccination schedule. We work with the vet to determine our equine needs for our area (or wherever your travels take you this year)
2. Thou shalt introduce feed changes slowly. Adding supplements or changing fee too quickly can be a path to colic, not to mention a trip to the vet. Do it gradually over a period of two weeks or so.
3. Thou shalt follow a regular feeding routine. Horses thrive on routines, especially when it comes to their precious food… reduce their stress level by doing this.
4. Thou shalt feed frequently (adjunct to above) orses are natural grazers and foragers. But unfortunately, many horses have had to change their fundamental eating habits, either because of human convenience or lack of knowledge. In many areas of the country horses do not have free-choice feeding either because pasture is not available or because it’s easier on the people to keep these horses in confined spaces, feeding them on a one or two times a day schedule. If you cant feed free-choice , divide ration into as many feedings as possible.
5. Thou shalt schedule regular visits with the farrier or trimmer.. Keeping your horse footloose and fancy free means a “pedicure” every 6-8 weeks. Remember “no feet, no horse”. Nuff said
6. Thou shalt provide consistent dental care. Schedule appointments ot have horses teeth checked and floated. You know what happens when you neglect those dental visits.
7. Thou shalt manage pests. Flies and biting inspects not only make them miserable but carry disease. Lots of products out there to have ‘em buzz off
8. Thou shalt set up a regular deworming schedule Work with your vet to determine appropriate deworming schedule for your area of the country
9. Thou shalt provide clean water at all times. Our equine companions need 8-10 glalons of water daily (or more if you’re exercising more)… can you say “endurance training”. Make sure tanks are clean and full and we use a water heater here.. And last but not least
10. Thou shalt provide as much turnout as practical.. Horse love and need to move

Trot on friends, trot on. Shabbat shalom