You could just use a notebook and write down all the trimming, vaccines and dewormings you give your horse. You could just toss in the Coggins tests, registration certificates and other papers into the covers and keep it all in one place.

But records don't get written down, papers fall out and notebooks get lost. So how can you keep your records organized and easy to use?

You don't need to buy custom-made binders with all the forms you'll never use. Using your home computer and a printer you can create customized records for your horse or more than one horse.

SUPPLIES

The supplies you need can be found in the office section of your favorite store. All you need is a binder (1 inch binding or more), standard printer paper, sheet protectors and index tabs to mark different sections of the record book. You will also need access to a computer and printer.

Buy a binder that will fit all the information you need for one year. You can buy binders for individual horses, or use tabs to separate records for horses and keep it all in one binder. The choice is yours.

WHAT TO KEEP RECORDS OF

To start, determine what you need to keep records of. A basic book should contain worming, hoof care, vaccinations, and medical information. Make an outline of what you need in a record book for your horse.

It might also be helpful to include a copy of travel papers, registration papers and more. You can easily stash the binder in your towing vehicle and take it along with you to a show. All the information is there where you need it in an emergency.

Also include a calendar with a schedule of worming, hoof trimming, vaccinations and events. A page containing phone numbers of your veterinarian, barn manager, trainer, farrier and others you will need is also helpful. If your barn has a posting of phone numbers, take a copy and put it in your binder.

GETTING STARTED

Turn on your computer and use the program you are most comfortable with. If you would like to store your records on the computer as well as in print, use Excel. If not, you can create simple forms using Word.

A sample record entry in Word would look something like this:

Date______ Horse's name________
Wormer used __________________
Next Scheduled Worming_________
Wormer Classification____________

Use the "dash" key while pressing "shift" to make a continuous underscored line.

Fill the page with your forms by selecting the text, copying and pasting it multiple times. You can also make lines between the entries by making several underscore dashes and hitting "enter." Word will automatically create a bold line.

When you have filled the page adjust the margins to make the lines fit evenly. Then, print several copies of the forms on your computer. Using a punch, insert three holes into the stack of papers and insert them into a binder.

To make section pages, take advantage of the clipart on your computer. Find what clipart you like and use it to make a section page. Label it with the subject of the section and other information you may need. Print these pages (with a color printer if you like) and slip them into sheet protectors or place a labeled index tab on the sheet.

For variety and ease of use, strategically place each tab slightly lower than those of previous pages, starting over when you reach the bottom of the page if needed.

FINISHING IT OFF

To finish the record book, insert several sheet protectors to insert certificates, Coggins test results, receipts and loose papers. You can also insert your calendar into a sheet protector and slip it out when you need it.

Lastly, label your binder and keep it in a safe, convenient place where it will always be available when you need it.

Learn more about this author, Mary Knetter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to create your own horse health records?
We want to hear your view. Write now!