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Needs of the Acreage Horse:

Last Modified: June 1, 1996

Warmer weather is finally here and many parents are having to contend with the clamour, "Can we get a horse this year pleeease?!' To this some parents respond with the well-loved sidestep, "Ask your Mother/Father!" Believe me, as a mother of four, I can tell you this won't work forever! So what is a parent to do?

Why not take the time to look at it from a cost and time perspective with your child. See whether you can afford it or if you even want to have the major commitment that horseownership involves! (Hey, if you point out the time involved, ......oh, nevermind. Children blithely nod their heads up and down, in eager anticipation of that friendly whinny over the fence and then stick you with the time commitment!)

If the family comes to the conclusion they really can't afford it for one reason or another, at least that decision has been made as a family. Now other possibilities can be explored.

The following is a nice introductory article on the topic of what exactly is involved in owning a horse on your acreage. It brushes (speaking of grooming...) on the areas of feed, water, shelter, basic healthcare (no healthcare plans cover it...you wish!), and exercise. It should stimulate a few thoughts....

HORSES KEPT ON SMALL holdings (acreages) must rely on their owner to supply the elements necessary for their well-being. Of particular importance are feed, water, shelter, health care and exercise.

Let's start with feed. In most acreage situations the land base is small; therefore, grazing the available forage grass provides minimal feed for the horse. The majority of horses kept on acreages must be fed all year round. Certainly during the summer months there will be some grass, but not enough to meet the horse's requirements. By the time fall and winter roll around, the pastures have been grazed to such an extent that there is no feed available. Mature horses will require 20 lbs of good quality feed to meet their requirements. Changes in weather and increases in activity will change the requirements and subsequently the feeding program will also have to be changed. Young horses (weanlings and yearlings) require extra attention if they are to grow correctly. Weanlings require a ration made up of good quality hay free choice and 6 lbs of a foal ration. An owner has to remember that the young growing horse must be fed for both maintenance and growth. Alberta winters cause an increase in maintenance requirements -- and maintenance requirements must be met first before any growth takes place. When it comes to feeding, you cannot rely on 'that's how I did it last year' because too many variables can change. Careful observation is required to determine if your horses are maintaining their weight. This does not mean looking out the window but instead getting your hands on the horses -- feeling for ribs and amount of fat cover.

Once you have the feed taken care of, make sure there is an adequate supply of water. Horses should have access to fresh clean water on a free choice basis year round. This does not mean letting them eat snow in winter, as snow is not an adequate water source.

What shelter is available for your horses? While the shelter does not have to be elaborate, some form of shelter must be provided. In most situations, all that is required is an area which provides relief from the sun in summer and the cold and wet in the winter. If your acreage has some trees on it, they can provide some shelter. One lonely tree in the middle of 3 acres will not do. Acreage horse owners should consider constructing a three sided shed or a wind fence if there is limited natural shelter available. The activities you participate in with your horses will determine in part what kind of shelter will be required. More intense activities such as horse shows may require a barn be built. This is not a necessity for horses being used for occasional riding.

Health care is another item of concern for the horse owner. Of major concern is parasite control. Horses which are kept in close confinement are far more susceptible to problems with worm infestations. Keeping the manure cleaned up, not feeding on the ground, and setting up a worming program are all important parts of control. A proper worming program should be set up with your veterinarian who will know your situation and be able to advise you on frequency of worming and products to use. In addition to a worm control program, the acreage horse owner should also discuss with his/her veterinarian what vaccinations the horses require.

The last concern of the acreage horse owner is exercise. The major reason for having a horse is for recreational riding. In the wild, horses obtained their exercise by looking for food and general play. When kept in confined areas, the horse relies on its owner for the majority of its exercise which can be sporadic at best. When you are starting out on a ride -- remember when you rode last, and whether your horse is ready for a whole Sunday of galloping across the fields or just an easy ride down the trails. Have your horse fit for the activities you wish to participate in.

For those keeping horses on small acreages, remember that you are supplying the majority of the horses' needs. It takes time and money to provide what your horse requires. Make sure you are ready to make the necessary commitment before you buy your first horse.

For further information you can contact the Horse Industry Branch at (403) 427-5096.

The above article was written by Bob Coleman of
the Alberta Agriculture Horse Industry Branch.
It first appeared in AnimalKind,Vol. 6, #3.
It is reprinted here by kind permission of the author and
the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).