HORSE CARE

Their needs are simple, but essential.

Hooves on the Ground can assist with providing basic care for the horses of Vieques, which includes:

Water

• They need fresh water every day. 

Feeding

• Important to feed A LOT of roughage - this is hay/grass

• Horse bodies are meant to be eating 14 hours a day

• They cannot absorb grain properly withot roughage added. Add alfalfa to every meal. 50% alfalfa/50% grain and add water

• This helps absorb more for less risk of colic

• Feed at least 2-3 times a day

Hooves

• Make sure they are not standing in water or mud

• Trim and clean hooves every 8 weeks

• Do not ride if any lameness is detected

Parasite Control

• SPRING - Ivermectin

• SUMMER - Pyrantel

• FALL - Fenbendazole

• WINTER - Ivermectin with Praziquantel 

• Frontline spray for ticks. Do not spray in face or ears. Use cotton ball to apply small amount in these sensitive areas.

Housing

• Horse bodies are made to be walking, slowly continually moving

• Keeping them tied up or in a stall is not healthy for their ligaments and joints or their minds. Moving makes them happy.

• Provide the horse space to move around freely with access to shade and shelter from rain. 

• Keep them away from sharp metal to prevent risk of tetanus

Annual Vaccine

• 1X a year tetanus vaccine