Owning a horse can be a great responsibility. Horses are, by nature, extremely social animals that need to roam in open land with their herd. Once your horse learns to adapt to stable life, it is critical to exercise your horse to meet its physical needs.
SHELTER
Providing your horse with an adequate shelter is a must. Your horse will need shelter to protect it from wind, rain, and the sun – plus any other natural elements. A natural patch of trees provides great shade, but for shelter from the elements, a three-sided enclosure functions the best. Be sure your shelter is big enough to allow all your horses to fit inside together, and shape it so the back wall faces the prevailing wind. Horses need a continuous supply of fresh, clean water. If you want to use a watering bucket, you must refill it at least twice daily and whenever it is empty. Setting the bucket inside a tire will hold it from being easily tipped over. A watering trough, supplied by a pipe, is better, but must be checked during winter weather to ensure the pipe and water surface have not frozen. Proper bedding is critical for horses kept in a barn or stable. Horses should not stand all day on a hard floor, and they will lie down to nap or rest.
PINE SHAVINGS
Pine Shavings are a popular bedding choice for horses because they are affordable, warm, and comfortable. Dust-free pine shavings are clean and hygienic. You can also lay down rubber matting for a comfortable resting and standing surface, but it is recommended that you put pine shavings on top of it to allow heat for warmth. The stable should be cleaned (‘mucked out’) daily. If your horse is stabled all day, it should be cleaned at least three times daily. To muck out the stable, you will take out any droppings with a shovel and wheelbarrow, and even the horse’s bedding. After you have cleaned the droppings, part the foul bedding from the still-clean bedding material. Sweep, and then clean the floor with a stable disinfectant. Once the floor is dry, place the fresh bedding to its place, then add more fresh bedding material to make up for the soiled amount.
Pine Shavings in West Palm Beach