If you have a horse, you would probably do anything for him. But sometimes, even the best intentioned horse owner can make mistakes that lead to their horse’s discomfort. Let’s explore three common ways you might accidentally be making your horse miserable, and learn how to avoid these pitfalls.

Avoid Inadequate Feeding or Nutrition Practices

Your horse has specific dietary needs that are crucial for maintaining his health and energy levels. Providing inadequate nutrition or following poor feeding practices can lead to a range of health issues, from digestive problems to weight loss or gain.

Why It Affects Your Horse: Whether you’re not feeding enough, feeding too much, or not meeting your horse’s nutrition requirements, feeding is a delicate balance. An underweight or overweight horse can’t perform to the best of his abilities. You can face problems that include everything from joint issues to laminitis.

How to Avoid It: Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to develop a feeding plan tailored to your horse’s age, weight, and activity level. Ensure constant access to fresh water and adjust feed according to seasonal changes or increased activity. For example; when it’s colder you might need to throw more hay to help your horse regulate his body temperature. Or when he’s in hard training during the summer, he might need electrolytes or higher protein feed to maintain body weight.

Don’t Neglect Mental Stimulation and the Importance of Exercise

Your horse thrives on movement and mental engagement. Confining your horse to a stall for prolonged periods without adequate exercise can lead to boredom, stress, and physical deterioration. Although he might need to be on stall rest for a variety of reasons, or just to keep him clean before a show, turnout time is important. Not only does it give your horse time to be a horse, but it keeps his joints and muscles limbered up, and prevents stiffness from setting in.

Why It Affects Your Horse: Insufficient exercise can cause muscle atrophy, obesity, and behavioral issues. Your horse needs regular physical activity to maintain muscle tone, joint health, and mental well-being. He also needs time with a herd or other horses to socialize, play, and have mental stimulation. Horses are also herd animals, and do best when they have access to a pasture-mate, or can see other horses.

How to Avoid It: Establish a routine that includes daily turnout in an area where your horse can roam, graze, and socialize with other horses. Even if your horse isn’t currently rideable, incorporate groundwork, longeing, or hand grazing to get him out and moving, and away from his stall.

Pay Attention to Signs of Discomfort

Your horse, like any animal, can experience discomfort or illness, which he often communicates through subtle behavioral changes. Ignoring these signs can exacerbate problems, leading to more severe health issues. Your horse might also be pretty stoic and might not show signs of pain even if he’s uncomfortable. Keep a close eye on his baseline vital signs, and his behavior, to notice any subtle or sudden changes.

Why It Affects Your Horse: Horses rely on their owners to notice changes in behavior, appetite, or demeanor. Untreated health issues can worsen quickly, leading to chronic pain or serious medical conditions. We ask our equine athletes to do many difficult things, whether they’re performance horses, trail horses, or ranch horses. Your horse will get sore and uncomfortable just like you do. The difference is that he relies on you to notice and tend to his needs.

How to Avoid It: Regularly monitor your horse for signs of discomfort, such as changes in eating habits, limping, or unusual behavior. Schedule routine veterinary check-ups and promptly address any concerns with professional advice. Sudden behavioral changes can indicate pain. If your good ol’ boy is always a steady Eddie, and then is suddenly crow-hopping or cold-backed, this is a red flag for pain.

By understanding these common mistakes and taking proactive steps to correct them, you can ensure a happier, healthier life for your horse. Remember, responsible horse care not only improves your horse’s well-being, but is an indicator of your respect for these amazing creatures. And taking care of his needs will only deepen your bonds, improve your training, and make your riding more fulfilling.

[READ: Lessons From the Show Pen]