Spring into summer with our horse care checklist

An A to Z of welfare tips for horse owners.

A  is for ask. If you don’t know the answer to a problem – ask someone who does or check this site.

B  is for  behaviour – monitor any changes when you alter your horse’s routine.

C  is for company – does your horse have friends of his own kind in the field?

D  is for droppings, a good indicator of your horse’s well being.

E  is for exercise – is your horse getting enough?

F is for fostering. Check out our fostering scheme if you have room for an extra one this summer.

G  is for grass – too much of a good thing? Does your horse need lots of the green stuff or a strict diet?

H  is for health and hoofcare. Make sure you’re up to date with worming and farriery.

I  is for information on horse care – take a look at our guidelines.

J is for jobs to do in the paddock. Check your fencing for winter damage.

K is for kiss. Go on – right on that velvet nose!

L  is for laminitis, lethargy and listlessness. If you detect it, call your vet at once.

M is for mutual grooming. Just watch them when the rugs come off for the summer.

N is for no time off – if you own a horse.

O is for old age. If you love horses, take stock. Should your horse be taking it easy in hot weather?

P is for poo picking – you know it makes sense.

Q’s are for questions. Check with your vet if you have any questions about your horse’s health.

R is for rehoming. Are you looking for a horse? Check out horse search - we may be looking for you!

S is for shelter. Your horse may need to get out of the sunshine and the flies.

T is for time. Once the clocks go back, there’s plenty of it to spend with your horse.

U is for the unexpected. Make sure your horse is insured or save up for that surprise vet bill.

V is for vaccinations. Make sure they are up-to-date.

W is for walking the last mile home, so you don’t sweat him up before turnout in the evening.

X  is for cross breeds. We have some wonderful horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes.

Y is for youngster. Check out horse search for a really promising one!

Z is for zzzzzzzzzzzzz, the sleep of the just for you and your horse after a long day.