Despite what people on here have said, a healthy horse is NOT a fat horse! That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard! Does a doctor tell an over-weight person that they are healthy... NO, they tell them they should lose some weight.The same goes for any animal! Having an over-weight horse will damage their joints, and cause them leg problems. Many people think that if they just keep their horse on a good diet that they will be healthy, but what they do not realize is that horses are very complex animals and need a lot more than just a balanced diet to be healthy. Keeping your horse healthy can be really difficult if you are not completely sure what you are doing, but if you follow these steps, it would be not so tough, and you will definitely see a difference in your horse's health and how much happier he will be. Because a healthy horse is a happy one!

1. Make sure that you are feeding your horse the proper ratio. Depending on the activity level of your horse, will directly related to the ratio you should feed your horse. If you ride your horse daily, or if they are pregnant, or lactating. Your horse will need more protein and nutrients in their feed ration.

2. Be sure to have the vet come out and give your horse vaccinations, at least two times a year, such as spring and fall. Those are the most typical times that people vaccinate their horses. In the spring is when your horse will most likely get the most vaccines, and in the fall is when your horse will get his booster. While your vet is out, you should also have them check their teeth, to see if they need to be floated. What happens is that your horse will get what are called hooks, or sharp edges on their molars that need to be filed down. Some signs that your horse's teeth may need to be floated, he may drop a lot of his food, lose weight, or they may get cuts on their cheeks from the sharp edges. Also if you have a stallion or a gelding you should get their sheath cleaned. Because if it is not properly cleaned they could get an infection.

3. Another thing that will help keep your horse healthy, is proper stable management. By keeping your barn keep and free from manure, this will help keep the parasite level down, which will keep your horse parasite free.

4. Having a rotating worming schedule will also help keep your horse more healthy, than not having one. You should be sure and worm your horse every other month.

5. Also proper shoeing will make your horse a happy camper. You should

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