One of the most fascinating aspects about horses is that humans were able to domesticate them and develop a relationship with them for us to be able to ride. It is fascinating because we are predators and they are prey, and we can build a relationship with them to feel safe enough for us to climb up and sit on one of their most vulnerable areas; the back. In the wild, the back is one of the areas of the body that would be targeted by a predator to take down a horse. Therefore, any horse owner or someone who interacts with horses needs to keep in mind that the only reason we are able to enjoy them is because they allow it. As we close this series on owning horses, it is important to note that virtually all of the information in this series has focused in some way on animal welfare. The housing we provide, access to clean water, and proper nutrition all play a major role in promoting animal welfare, but how we handle them plays a huge role as well.
If you’re going to own a horse you absolutely need a safe way to provide transport. Whether you are going trail riding, competing or have an emergency it is imperative that you have a way to move your horse that will be safe for your horse and you. You might have picked up on a central theme in each of these parts of the series, owning and caring for horses can be quite expensive, and having a safe trailer can be quite expensive as well, but as a horse owner you are responsible for the welfare of that animal at all times. If you have a trailer or are buying one you need to ensure that the flooring solid, there is adequate airflow, and that you perform routine maintenance on the trailer. Routine maintenance and proper flooring seems obvious, but with the summer heat we have in our area it is imperative that the horses get airflow.
Finally, what will your horse’s job be? Do you want to compete with them, trail ride, occasionally ride them or just have them? No matter what their job is, these animals are athletes who are capable of doing some amazing things. From an animal welfare perspective, it is always best case scenario not to leave them sedentary, but it is a good idea to in the very least exercise your horse some but on the other end of the spectrum not exercising them more than their physical capability to handle. If you have any questions about the welfare, health or nutrition for your horse be sure to reach out to your veterinarian. Contact the Extension office at 478-986-3958 or brennan4@uga. edu for any of your agriculture related questions.
