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Horse Wellness: 5 tips that work !

Taking care of a horse is both an art and a science. Whether your horse is a high-performance sport partner or a leisure companion, ensuring their well-being is the foundation of good horsemanship, and long-term soundness. With years of experience in training, care, and natural management, I’ve developed an approach that blends technical precision with respect for the horse’s nature.

Here are five essential, detailed tips that I apply every day to support my horses’ health, comfort, and performance.

1. Clean, fresh water all day, every day

Horses need an average of 20 to 30 liters of water per day. This amount can double in hot weather or after intense work. Dehydration impacts everything from digestion to joint lubrication and muscle function. A horse that lacks water may develop impaction colic, poor appetite, or even behavior changes.

water for horse

Best practices:

  • Use large, scrubbed and refilled troughs or automatic waterers checked daily.

  • In winter, ensure water doesn’t freeze—use heated buckets or tank heaters.

  • In summer, prevent algae and mosquito larvae by scrubbing weekly.

2. Turnout time: free movement for physical and mental health

Horses are nomadic grazers by nature, designed to walk 10–20 km per day. Movement stimulates the lymphatic system, encourages hoof health, aids digestion, and reduces the risk of colic or stiffness.

At my stable, horses live in open pastures in social groups, which supports emotional balance, hierarchy learning, and natural behaviors. Horses kept in confinement can develop stereotypies (weaving, cribbing, stall walking) and joint issues due to lack of mobility.

What to implement:

  • Minimum 6 hours of turnout daily; ideally 24/7 if environment allows

  • Group turnout to support natural socialization

  • Safe fencing and varied terrain for muscle stimulation

Horses in a pasture in Los Angeles

3. Individualized feeding: forage first, always !

A healthy gut is key to a healthy horse. Horses produce stomach acid continuously, so forage (hay, grass) should never be restricted for long periods. Each horse’s diet should be customized based on:

  • Workload and training intensity

  • Body condition score (BCS)

  • Age, breed, and metabolic needs

hay for horse Los Angeles

Technical recommendations:

  • Feed 1.5–2% of body weight in forage per day

  • Use slow feeders to simulate natural grazing

  • Analyze hay if possible for mineral balancing

  • Avoid unnecessary concentrates, use when there’s a real energy demand

You might also enjoy our blog about equine supplements and nutrition.

4. Hoof care: barefoot with purpose

At my barn, almost all horses are barefoot, and it’s not just a trend, it’s a carefully maintained choice based on:

  • Consistent trimming every 4–6 weeks

  • Regular movement on varied surfaces to stimulate the sole and frog

  • Balanced diet and mineral support to grow strong, healthy horn

  • Living conditions that support natural wear and healthy circulation

Barefoot horses often show better proprioception, joint stability, and shock absorption. However, transitioning to barefoot must be done thoughtfully, with professional guidance.

*While many horses thrive barefoot, some require shoes, which can be highly beneficial depending on the horse’s conformation, workload, and individual needs.

 

When it works best:

  • Horse is not stalled 24/7

  • Hooves are regularly trimmed by a barefoot or progressive farrier

  • Owner is committed to long-term follow-up, not quick fixes

5. Daily observation and early detection

You are your horse’s best vet, if you learn to observe. Daily check-ins can reveal early signs of discomfort, pain, or stress. Learn to spot:

  • Subtle swelling or heat in limbs

  • Changes in posture or weight distribution

  • Behavior shifts (lethargy, tension, grumpiness)

  • Irregular manure, drinking, or appetite patterns

Make it a habit:

  • Observe your horse at rest and in motion daily

  • Run hands over legs and back

  • Use digital logs or an app to note small changes over time

💡 Final thoughts: high standards, natural solutions

You don’t need to overcomplicate your horse’s routine to keep them healthy and performing at their best. Consistency, observation, and natural management go a long way. As a rider, trainer, and saddle fitter, I’ve seen that the most successful partnerships are built on respect for the horse’s needs, starting with how we care for them every single day.

At French Écurie Sport Horses, these principles are part of daily life. Whether I’m training young horses, leasing sport partners, or coaching riders toward competition, it always starts with well-being, soundness, and trust.

 

🔗 Want more detailed guidance?


📩 Contact me directly for private lessons or consultations in Los Angeles County and beyond.