Frequently Asked Questions about Equine Care

As an equine vet, Redtail Equine Veterinary Service understands how Colorado residents in Parker, Denver, Elizabeth, Kiowa, and Castle Rock need qualified equine internal medicine providers for their beloved horses. However, plenty of horse owners have the same questions when they start. For answers to our most commonly asked questions, read below. 

What are the basics of horse care?

Like most domesticated creatures, horses need food, water, grooming, veterinary care, exercise, socialization, and clean living space. While purchasing a horse might seem relatively inexpensive, providing quality care to your new equine family member will require a regular investment of time, money, and energy.

For your new horse, you will want to use the same kind of food, such as roughage or grain, that they ate before coming into your care. If you change your horses' diet, transition slowly to avoid digestive discomfort or health issues. Also, consistently measure your horse’s food so that you are not overfeeding or underfeeding the horse.

Do horses need to be turned out every day?

Horses should have between eight and ten hours of “turned out” to pasture daily to thrive. Depending on your facility and your horse’s dietary needs this may be in a grassy pasture or a dry lot. Spending all of their time in a stall can predispose horses to boredom and stress which can result in medical or behavioral problems. Any less than that may result in the horse undereating or developing other issues.

How much does horse care cost?

While horse care costs vary based on the animal and other factors, you can expect to pay at least $300 a month in horse care costs. These costs involve feeding, grooming supplies, pasture space and maintenance, hay, bedding, insurance, and utilities. Of course, you should budget more than this to ensure that you can cover emergency veterinary bills or other unexpected costs. In addition, if you intend to ride your horse or board them, the costs will increase.

Schedule an Appointment with Us

Whether you are researching owning a horse or already own one, call our office at Redtail Equine Veterinary Service to see how our veterinary care in Parker, CO, and surrounding areas can help! Call us at (303) 775-4061 to schedule an appointment.