3 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Most of us have heard of "baby proofing" our house after the baby comes home to avoid any accidents. I believe just as important as baby proofing your home is to "horse proof" your stable and a paddock or any area in your horse's living quarters!

Horses can get spooked quite easily and when spooked they can hurt themselves quickly and badly as seen many times.

So what should you do? First start with your horses stall. The floor. If you have a dirt floor try to keep it as even as possible. Some horses dig holes in their stalls and just one bad step into that whole can cause a sprained ankle or even worst! Consider putting rubber mats in your horse's stall if he is a constant digger! Look at the walls. Make sure there is no nails or screws sticking out. Wholes between the boards can cause horses shoe getting stuck while rolling resulting another possible injury.

Periodically clean and sanitize your horses stall, including his feed tubs and water buckets. That is the best way to avoid some health concerns and bacteria and fungi which thrives in damp and dirty climate!

Don't stop there, look around in your barn, when was the last time the bath stall got sanitized? How bumpy is the road to the pastern? Is there some rotten old boards that just need to be replaced?

When is the last time the field was turned over or cleaned? Parasites thrive on horses and no matter how well you worm your horse if you do not clean the surroundings they will be jumping right back on board!

Another important place to check periodically is your trailer if you travel with your horse a lot! Make a habit of going through it monthly for anything that could or should be replaced!

Don't forget your tack. Brittle leather in your line or stirrup cannot only cause a huge heartache for your horse but it can be downright deadly for you too!

Happy Trails!

Learn more about this author, K Bert.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Preventing health hazards for horses?
We want to hear your view. Write now!