Are you in the market for a horse? Perhaps you would like to raise horses on a farm as a learning experience for yourself or your children. Raising horses is a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but fun. That is if you listen to the advice of other horse owners!
There are a number of horse raising myths and mistakes that new horse owners make.
Should you continue to listen to horse owners who provide these tips? What should a first-time horse owner know when he or she is learning to raise horses on a farm?
Check out this article to find out more.
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Horses Can Survive Solely on Grazing
Caring for horses on a farm can be a challenging endeavor, but one myth that many horse owners believe is that horses can survive solely on grazing, which has been debunked. While grazing can provide horses with a healthy and balanced diet, the variety of necessary elements for optimal health cannot be found in grazing alone. Horses need access to hay, grain, minerals, vitamins, and water in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Horses Require Special Equipment for Proper Care
Contrary to what many people may think, you don’t need to purchase specialized tools and accessories to adequately care for a horse. Things like complex saddles, bridles, blankets, and many other essentials can be substituted with items you probably already have around the farm – such as halters, leads, or towels.
Horse care is not a one-size-fits-all model, so don’t be afraid to get creative and find solutions that work for the animals and their environment. However, there’s also nothing wrong with investing in special horse supplies for your protection such as wearing muck boots around the farm. That way, you won’t have trouble handling them around.
Horses Can Be Left to Roam Freely Without Any Shelter
While horses are naturally nomadic, the truth is that horses require shelter to remain comfortable and protect them from the elements. Farms should have weather-proof, well-ventilated, and spacious barns and stables that offer proper protection no matter the season. It’s important to note that horses also need feeding areas, access to fresh water, and access to safe pastures with plenty of space to roam.
Horses Can Be Kept Alone Without Any Companionship
Horses are incredibly independent animals and can lead a perfectly healthy and happy life without the company of other horses. In fact, some horses prefer to be kept alone.
When horses are kept together, they are naturally prone to certain horse behaviors, such as competition and dominance. This of which if not properly managed can lead to injury or illness. Keeping horses alone can lead to a healthier, calmer equine who is much less likely to display aggressive behavior.
Understand Myths About Raising Horses on a Farm
Raising horses on a farm is an endeavor that should not be taken lightly, but it is also not as daunting as the myths may lead you to believe. With proper education, understanding, and dedication, a successful horse farm can be established. If this sounds like something you’re interested in doing, look into the resources available to you to help make your horse farm a reality!
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