Horse Drought Tips

If the grass in your horse´s paddock is all but gone, look around your area for ungrazed pasture, eg, along quiet roads, some rarely used parkland or quiet reserves etc. Bulk food is important for a horse´s digestion and well-being and if this isn´t being provided from grazing in his paddock, or in the form of hay, then consider holding him while he grazes for a couple of hours a day. You could spilt this into morning and afternoon grazing sessions, or get your friends and parents to help with "grazing shifts". You might need to seek council approval to graze some areas and also check these haven´t been sprayed for weeds.

Don´t sit and day dream while your horse grazes, if he gets a fright he could hurt you and even break free. A lunge rein attached to his headstall will give him wider access but don´t let it get wrapped around your hand or tangled in your legs!

Be alert for snakes in long grass, especially near creeks or rivers. Try to have a bucket of water handy in case your horse needs a drink. If letting your horse graze in a backyard, make sure there´s no dog bones or your horse could be exposed to botulism. Also learn which garden shrubs are poisonous to horses, eg, oleander and castor oil plants.

Samantha writes articles on several subjects including horse health issues, horse riding tips and horse rescue stories. To read more articles please visit our Horse Riding website