Horse Care FAQ
Expert answers to your most common questions about horse ownership, care, training, and more. Browse by category or search for specific topics.
Browse by Category
Boarding & Care
Find answers about horse boarding costs, choosing stables, and facility management.
Health & Veterinary
Learn about vaccinations, veterinary care, common health issues, and emergency procedures.
Training & Riding
Discover training tips, finding trainers, lesson expectations, and solving behavior problems.
Buying & Selling
Get guidance on purchasing horses, pre-purchase exams, pricing, and evaluating horses.
Breeds & Types
Explore different horse breeds, their characteristics, temperaments, and best uses.
Daily Care & Equipment
Master daily horse care including feeding, grooming, exercise, and first aid.
Most Popular Questions
How much does horse boarding cost?
Horse boarding costs typically range from $300 to $2,000+ per month depending on location, facilities, and level of care.
What vaccinations does my horse need?
Core vaccines include rabies, tetanus, Eastern/Western encephalitis, and West Nile virus. Risk-based vaccines depend on location and use.
How do I choose a horse trainer?
Look for trainers with relevant experience, positive references, a teaching style that matches your goals, and methods aligned with your values.
What is the best horse breed for beginners?
Quarter Horses, Paints, and Morgans are excellent for beginners due to their calm temperaments. Many crossbreeds also make wonderful first horses.
How often should a horse see a farrier?
Most horses need farrier visits every 6-8 weeks. Some may need more frequent care (4-6 weeks) while others can go 8-10 weeks.
What are the signs of colic in horses?
Signs include pawing, rolling, looking at flanks, not eating, lying down excessively, increased heart rate, and sweating.
All Questions
Boarding & Care
View All (13)How much does horse boarding cost?
Horse boarding costs typically range from $300 to $2,000+ per month depending on location, facilities, and level of care.
How much does horse boarding cost in California?
Horse boarding in California ranges from $400-$3,500+ per month, with coastal and urban areas being most expensive.
How much does horse boarding cost in Texas?
Horse boarding in Texas typically costs $250-$1,500 per month, with Dallas/Houston areas being most expensive.
How much does horse boarding cost in Florida?
Horse boarding in Florida ranges from $350-$2,500 per month, with Wellington and Ocala areas being premium destinations.
What to look for in a boarding stable?
Key factors include safety, cleanliness, quality of care, turnout options, facilities, management experience, and compatibility with your goals.
What is the difference between full board and pasture board?
Full board includes stall, feeding, and daily care ($500-$2,000/month), while pasture board provides field living with basic care ($150-$400/month).
Health & Veterinary
View All (10)What vaccinations does my horse need?
Core vaccines include rabies, tetanus, Eastern/Western encephalitis, and West Nile virus. Risk-based vaccines depend on location and use.
How often should a horse see a farrier?
Most horses need farrier visits every 6-8 weeks. Some may need more frequent care (4-6 weeks) while others can go 8-10 weeks.
How often does a horse need teeth floated?
Most adult horses need dental exams and floating annually, while young horses (2-5 years) may need checkups every 6 months.
How often should I deworm my horse?
Modern deworming uses fecal egg counts to determine need, typically treating 2-4 times yearly rather than routine monthly deworming.
What are the signs of colic in horses?
Signs include pawing, rolling, looking at flanks, not eating, lying down excessively, increased heart rate, and sweating.
How much does a veterinary visit cost for a horse?
Routine farm calls typically cost $75-$150 plus services. Emergency calls can be $150-$500+. Annual wellness care totals $500-$1,500.
Training & Riding
View All (7)How do I choose a horse trainer?
Look for trainers with relevant experience, positive references, a teaching style that matches your goals, and methods aligned with your values.
How long does it take to train a horse?
Basic training takes 30-90 days, but a horse is never truly 'finished.' Advanced training for competition can take years of consistent work.
Why won't my horse load in the trailer?
Common causes include fear, previous bad experiences, pain, claustrophobia, or simply lack of training. Patient desensitization usually resolves the issue.
What is the best age to start horse riding lessons?
Most children can start lessons between ages 5-7, with lead-line or pony rides possible younger. Adults can start at any age.
How do I stop my horse from bucking?
First rule out pain, then address training issues. Keep the horse's head up, use forward motion, and seek professional help if needed.
How much does professional horse training cost?
Full training averages $800-$2,500 per month. Individual lessons range from $50-$150. Show training can cost $1,500-$4,000+ monthly.
Buying & Selling
View All (6)What is the best horse breed for beginners?
Quarter Horses, Paints, and Morgans are excellent for beginners due to their calm temperaments. Many crossbreeds also make wonderful first horses.
How much does it cost to buy a horse?
Horses range from $500 for rescue horses to $500,000+ for elite competition horses. Average pleasure horses cost $3,000-$15,000.
What is a pre-purchase exam for a horse?
A pre-purchase exam is a veterinary evaluation before buying a horse, checking soundness, health, and suitability for intended use.
What questions should I ask when buying a horse?
Ask about history, health, training, behavior, vices, and why they're selling. Request vet records and videos of horse being ridden.
How do I buy a horse from out of state?
Use video, get a local vet PPE, hire a trainer to evaluate in person, and arrange professional transport. Extra due diligence is essential.
What age horse should a beginner buy?
Beginners should look for horses aged 10-15 years. These horses have experience, are past youthful exuberance, and have established temperaments.
Breeds & Types
View All (4)What is the difference between a warmblood and a Thoroughbred?
Thoroughbreds are a specific hot-blood breed developed for racing, while warmbloods are sport horses bred from crosses of hot and cold blood breeds for show jumping and dressage.
What horse breeds are best for trail riding?
Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, Arabians, Missouri Fox Trotters, and Mustangs all make excellent trail horses due to their sure-footedness and calm temperaments.
What is a gaited horse and why do people prefer them?
Gaited horses have natural, smooth four-beat gaits that are more comfortable for riders. Common breeds include Tennessee Walkers, Missouri Fox Trotters, and Paso Finos.
What is the difference between draft horses and light horses?
Draft horses are large, powerful breeds developed for heavy work (Clydesdales, Percherons), while light horses are smaller, faster breeds for riding and light work (Quarter Horses, Arabians).
Daily Care & Equipment
View All (5)How much hay does a horse need per day?
Horses need 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage daily, which is typically 15-25 lbs of hay for an average 1,000 lb horse.
How often should I groom my horse?
Ideally groom daily or before each ride. At minimum, groom 3-4 times per week to maintain skin health and check for injuries.
How often should a horse be exercised?
Most horses benefit from exercise 4-6 days per week, with at least one rest day. The type and intensity depend on fitness level, age, and goals.
What should be in a horse first aid kit?
Essential items include wound care supplies, bandaging materials, thermometer, medications (vet-approved), emergency contacts, and basic tools.
How do I know when and how to blanket my horse?
Blanket based on temperature, coat condition, shelter access, and individual needs. Most unclipped horses don't need blankets until below 40F without shelter.
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