Basic Paso Fino Horse Care Essentials

Becoming a first-time horse owner is one of the most significant milestones in any equine enthusiast’s life. Purchasing a horse provides the opportunity to build a rewarding, lasting bond with these loyal companion animals while improving horse riding skills and potentially entering competitions.

To ensure this exciting process goes smoothly, consider beginning your horse ownership journey with a horse breed known for being hardy, sociable, and an “easy keeper,” like Paso Finos. (Easy keepers can maintain excellent body condition on simple feed, resulting in easier, more affordable care.) You will also need to familiarize yourself with the basics of horse care, such as nutrition, grooming, and shelter requirements. Being prepared will allow you to focus on enjoying your new horse while keeping them healthy and happy.

All horses require a balanced diet that includes forage, grains, and supplements; however, the exact combination and ratio of these elements will differ based on the breed of horse you have and their average energy expenditure. Easy keepers like the Paso Fino breed, for example, typically thrive on a diet of mature, low-starch, low-sugar hay and minimal feed (to prevent weight gain); high-energy breeds like the Thoroughbred, on the other hand, will require higher-calorie hay (such as alfalfa) and additional protein from horse feed. To ensure your horse receives proper nutrition, ask your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist for individualized recommendations. 

Regardless of breed, horses are grazing animals, and their digestive system has adapted to process large quantities of roughage eaten gradually throughout the day. For this reason, a consistent supply of high-quality forage (hay and pasture) should be the foundation of any equine diet. If your horse does not have 24-hour access to pasture, allow it to feed freely on hay unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian (some horses may need a slow feeder system or other modifications to prevent overeating).

In addition to forage, horses also require a carefully calculated amount of supplements and concentrates to meet their energy and nutrient needs to maintain a healthy weight. Concentrates, such as grains and pelleted feeds, provide additional energy, protein, and other nutrients not found in hay. Most horses need between one to two scoops of feed daily unless they are highly active. They should also receive a small amount of salt and omega-3 fatty acids. For horses who are not highly active, a typical diet will consist of free-choice hay, 1.5 scoops of feed, 30 grams of salt, and 120 ML of omega 3s daily.

Horses require constant access to clean, fresh water to maintain proper hydration and support their overall health. Water should be changed and replenished regularly to ensure it remains clean and free of debris or contaminants.

Provide large, sturdy water buckets or automatic waterers in your horse’s stall and outdoor water troughs. Water troughs and other outdoor water sources (such as streams and ponds) should be large enough to allow your horse to drink comfortably and be located at different points throughout their pasture area to encourage proper hydration.

Troughs, buckets, streams, and ponds should also be monitored regularly for signs of algae buildup. Some types of algae can be toxic to horses, so most experts recommend treating equine water sources to prevent it from growing. To maintain clean ponds, try reducing sun exposure with sun shades or surface-floating netting or use livestock-safe pond treatments. For water troughs and buckets, use bleach during routine cleaning (rinse thoroughly to prevent ingestion). 

To ensure your horse is drinking enough water, use visual inspections or a water meter to measure your horse’s water intake and remain vigilant for signs of dehydration, especially during the hot summer months. Symptoms such as decreased skin elasticity, dry mucus membranes, sunken eyes, lethargy, and reduced appetite may indicate that your horse is dehydrated.

In addition to requiring pasture for grazing and exercise, horses need access to safe, secure shelter. In Canada, barn stalls are the most common type of horse shelter because barns provide excellent protection from the cold and predators. However, when using stalls for shelter, it is crucial to remember that horses are free-range grazers that should never be confined for extended periods. Allow your horse to engage in natural behaviours like foraging by providing ready access to food and water and ample pasture turnout time. (If you live in an area with cold winters, use an indoor arena to exercise your horse during inclement weather.) You should also ensure that the stall is at least 1.5 times the length of your horse to permit comfortable movement.

Other options for horse shelters include:

– Run-in Shed: Run-in sheds are simple yet durable three-sided structures that allow horses to enter and exit freely while protecting them from wind, rain, and sun. They are inexpensive and easy to construct and let your horse choose when it wants to be indoors or outdoors, which is beneficial to equine well-being.

– Loafing Shed: Loafing sheds are similar to a run-in shed but larger and more open. These shelters are ideal for horses who prefer more space to move around, and for use when accommodating multiple horses at once. Like run-in sheds, they provide shade and protection from the sun and rain but have an open side that permits horses to come and go freely.

– Portable Shelter: Portable shelters are lightweight, movable structures that can be placed in different locations. While they offer only basic protection from the elements, they are a good option if you need a temporary shelter for your horse to provide shade during the summer or when they must be relocated. 

To keep your horse’s hooves in good health, clean their stall or shelter daily and use appropriate bedding in stalls. Horse bedding should be absorbent and provide insulation while also producing minimal dust. Some common bedding materials include straw, wood pellets or shavings, shredded paper, and peat moss. Expect to provide your horse with 8 – 15 pounds of fresh bedding daily. 

Grooming your horse regularly is one of the best things you can do to protect their health. Not only does grooming remove dirt, insects, and excess hair, but it also provides an important opportunity to check for signs of illness and bond with your horse. Likewise, regular hoof picking is crucial to prevent discomfort and injury. 

Active horses should be groomed daily before and after exercise, whereas less active horses who spend more time indoors may only need grooming a few times a week. Grooming before exercise will help your horse regulate its body temperature, reduce chafing under tack, and stimulate blood flow to the muscles, all of which can improve performance and reduce strain.

To keep your horse’s skin and hooves in good condition, follow the steps below:

– Start by using a rubber curry comb in a circular motion to loosen dirt, hair, and debris on your horse’s coat. Focus on areas that tend to accumulate more dirt, such as the shoulders, hindquarters, and legs, but avoid currying directly over the leg bones, spine, lower stomach, or around the horse’s face. Curry combs can irritate these sensitive areas, causing the horse discomfort. Use a grooming mitt or cloth to clean them instead.

– Next, use a stiff bristle brush to remove the loosened dirt and hair from your horse’s coat. Work in the same direction as the hair growth for best results. Follow up with a soft-bristle brush to smooth and polish the coat. For extra shine, consider also buffing the coat with a clean cloth.

– Apply a detangler spray to your horse’s mane and tail, then comb them gently. Optionally, you can braid your horse’s mane and tail to prevent breakage. 

– Use a hoof pick to remove any debris, stones, or mud from your horse’s hooves. Carefully inspect the hooves and soles for any signs of cracks, discolouration, or other issues while you work. If your horse wears shoes, make sure they are not loose. 

– During grooming, visually inspect your horse for any signs of injury or illness, such as lacerations, lameness, swelling, and eye or ear discharge. Suddenly flinching or moving away during grooming may also indicate that your horse is experiencing pain in a specific area. If you notice any health concerns, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Having a lot of questions and concerns is normal when preparing to purchase your first horse. In addition to horse trainers and riding instructors, horse communities can be an excellent resource for learning about horse care essentials. Equine societies and associations can help you learn more about your horse’s breed-specific needs and connect you with professional horse trainers, lesson providers, and other horse enthusiasts in your area. By building a sense of camaraderie, these communities make first-time ownership less overwhelming – ensuring a more fulfilling, enjoyable experience.

If you are interested in owning a Paso Fino, the Canadian Paso Fino Horse Society is a great place to learn more about this horse breed, connect with other riders, and find lessons, trails, and events in your area. Members also receive discounts on purebred Paso Fino horses and riding lessons at Hacienda Santa Maria farm. Join the CPFHS today and get to know the “smoothest riding horse in the world.”