Jump Into Spring with These 20 Horse Care Tips

April is upon us! The weather is warm and the days are longer. With the harsh winter
behind us, it’s time to dust off your saddle and get busy. Spring does present some
unique challenges though. The grass is abundant, flies and ticks are appearing, and
your horse is shedding like crazy. These 20 tips and tricks will get you set up for
success, so you can focus on the good parts like riding!

 

Spring Tips

1. Acclimate your horse to spring grass gradually. You can ease them onto pasture
   by starting with 15 minutes and increasing the time each day. By day 21, they
   should be fully adjusted. This will help prevent laminitis and digestive upset.
2. Get out your fly and tick repellents. These can include sprays, masks, sheets,
   and various traps.
3. Wash and put away your horse’s winter blankets. You’ll have so much more
   space in your barn when you bag up those bulky blankets.
4. Schedule a spring checkup! It’s a great idea to have your vet out for annual
   vaccines, a Coggins test, and basic exam.
5. Have the dentist out too! Before you get too busy riding, make sure your horse’s
   mouth is comfortable and they don’t have any sharp points. Your dentist or vet
   can file the edges down.
6. Some riders pulled their horse’s shoes in the winter. It’s time to get them back
   on, especially if you’ll be riding on hard surfaces or rocky trails. Alternatively,
   barefoot horses can wear boots to protect their feet this spring.
7. Consider your horse’s body condition score. Their nutritional needs may change
   once you start riding more or they go out to pasture. A qualified nutritionist can
   offer guidance in making any necessary changes.
8. Bring your horse back to work slowly. Develop a plan that consists of walking and
   light trotting in the beginning. Stick to flat work and small hills until they’ve
   increased their stamina and strength.
9. You may want to increase your own fitness level with a gym membership or jogs
   around the farm.
10. Purchase your warm-weather necessities like shampoo, stain remover, and first-
    aid kit items.
11.  A fecal egg count test should be performed before you deworm your horse.
12. It’s makeover time! Trim up your horse’s bridle path, fetlocks, ears, and anything
    else that’s fuzzy and unkempt.
13. A little spring cleaning is in order. Organize your tack room and sell/donate any
    items that you no longer use.
14. Get a de-shedding tool! A rubber curry or SleekEZ grooming tool will get the job
    done.
15. Walk your pastures and look for toxic plants and trees.
16. Check your fences and make any necessary repairs.
17. Get your truck and trailer ready to go.
18. Talk with your barn buddies and organize some trail rides.
19. Pull out your show clothes and check the fit of everything.
20.  Schedule a lesson with your riding instructor. That’ll get you back in the groove of
    things!

Now, who’s ready to get out there and ride!