How to keep a horse

They are magnificient pets to have, if you can afford the stables and have the patience
HOW_TO_KEEP
HOW_TO_KEEP

CHENNAI: The horse is a temperamental animal, and rearing and training one requires a lot of dedication and patience, according to riders. 


Capt Vaibhav Lakra from the ASC Centre has been into equestrianism for the past four years and says that a strict routine has to be followed every day.  


“Nothing can be done in a hurry. Everything has to be done at the horse’s pace,” he says. Capt Vaibhav took around two years to train his horse, Good Morning, a thoroughbred.  


A horse's day starts early in the morning at around 4.30 to 5 am when he will be taken out of the stable for a walk. The horse is then exercised given a sand bath and then a water bath. Then, it is watered i.e. it will be allowed to drink water. “Normally a horse will drink at least 10 liters of water and depending on the animal’s water intake we give it food,” he says.


In case of other pets such as dogs, there is no such fuss over feeding. But, if a horse is fed before watering there are bound to be some problems. 
Horses have a very weak digestion system and if one reverses the order of things - give food earlier than the watering - they experience a lot of discomfort. “Most of the horses die from problems related to the stomach. A condition that is known as colic is very common among horses,” says Capt Vaibhav.   
A horse is fed in the same manner about three times a day. Its feed comprises of a mixture of barley, gram, salt, hay and a number of vitamins. 


Thereafter, at around 9 am to 11am, the horse is groomed. Their hooves are cleaned, their body massaged and their hair brushed. The vet also takes a look at the horse for any problems.  
The same rules apply for anyone rearing and taking care of a horse anywhere and for any purpose, says Vaibhav. 


Listen to the Horse
Horses have been used in a what is known as Equestrian Assisted Therapy for those who have physical and mental disabilities. “This is very helpful and while it is very popular in Europe and other countries, it is gradually picking up in India,” said Vaibhav.  


A horse is gifted with a keen sixth sense and understands the rider's mood and impulses. During a race for example, a rider needs to perfectly coordinate his or her body weight and the lead to make the horse as comfortable as possible. “If the rider fails to do this and causes discomfort to a horse, he will tolerate if maybe once or even twice but after that he would probably not cooperate with you,” says Vaibhav.

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