Complete Guide to Daily Horse Care

Updated: June 2026. Guidance only; does not replace the judgment of an equine veterinarian.

Maintaining a horse in healthy condition involves a routine that combines daily care, periodic check-ups, and veterinary attention. This guide structures typical care by frequency, following the logic of what should be done each day, each week, each month, and each year.

Before going into detail, a premise: the specific care for each horse varies according to breed, age, workload, and individual health conditions. What follows is a general guideline applicable to most healthy horses kept in stalls or semi-liberty.

Daily care

Stall cleaning

Every day, manure is removed and the bedding is refreshed if damp. Dirty straw, shavings, or pellets are replaced as needed. A well-maintained stall drastically reduces the risk of respiratory and dermatological problems. The ammonia from concentrated urine irritates a horse's airways: daily cleaning is non-negotiable.

Water and food

Clean water must be available at all times. An adult horse consumes between 25 and 60 liters of water per day, depending on temperature, exercise, and diet. Automatic waterers make this easier, but it is advisable to check daily that they are working properly and not accumulating dirt. Forage (quality hay or silage) should be distributed in 2-3 daily portions to mimic the horse's natural continuous feeding habit. Concentrates, if fed, should be given in 1-2 daily meals.

Grooming

If the horse is to be ridden, pre-ride grooming is essential: it removes dust, mud, and loose hair, stimulates circulation, and allows you to detect wounds, swelling, or any abnormalities. A complete routine includes a curry comb (to remove dried mud), a dandy brush (to remove heavy dirt), a soft brush (for finishing), and a mane and tail comb.

Hoof cleaning

Every day before and after riding, all four hooves should be picked and cleaned with a hoof pick. This removes stones, mud, and organic matter that can cause problems like thrush or infection. It is also the time to check the condition of the shoes (if worn) or the hoof wall and sole.

Weekly care

Deep stall cleaning

Once a week, a more thorough stall cleaning is performed: remove all bedding, clean the floor, disinfect if necessary, and rebuild the bed from scratch. This prevents the accumulation of urine under the bedding and associated problems.

Equipment cleaning

Saddle pads, wraps, or boots used heavily should be washed at least once a week. The buildup of sweat on these items causes chafing and skin problems. Machine washing with neutral detergent and air drying is the safest standard practice.

Full visual inspection

Once a week, spend 10-15 minutes checking the horse from head to tail: eyes clear, nostrils free of discharge, coat in good condition, no wounds, hooves without cracks, symmetrical posture. Detecting changes early makes it easier to treat problems in their initial stage.

Monthly care

Internal deworming

The deworming program should be guided by a veterinarian. The most widespread practice combines periodic fecal exams and deworming based on results, rather than a blind calendar. Rotating active ingredients (ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole, praziquantel) is important to prevent resistance.

Full bath (when conditions allow)

In climates and seasons that permit it, a full bath with a specific horse shampoo should be done monthly. In winter or cold climates, space this out more or substitute with a partial wash. Washing removes the accumulation of dust, sweat, and bacteria from the skin.

Equipment inspection

Once a month, conduct a more thorough check of your equipment: leather on saddles and bridles, stitching, buckles, condition of saddle pads and blankets, and velcro on boots. Worn or defective equipment is a frequent cause of issues often mistaken for horse problems.

Care every 6-8 weeks

Farrier

A professional farrier checks, trims, and shoes (if applicable) every 6-8 weeks. Barefoot horses require similar checks and trimming. An appointment with the farrier is the moment to check for balance and any hoof-related issues. The professional farrier is one of the most important investments in horse care.

Care every 3-6 months

Dental check-up

A horse's teeth grow continuously and wear down through chewing. When wear is uneven, sharp points and edges appear that cause wounds on the tongue and cheeks. A dental check by an equine veterinarian or specialized equine dentist should be done every 6-12 months depending on the case, with corrective floating performed as necessary. Horses with problems accepting the bit or changes in chewing patterns should be checked sooner.

Annual care

Vaccination

The vaccination program should be guided by a veterinarian. In Spain, the most common vaccines are:

Tetanus. Essential. Annual booster or every 2 years according to the protocol.
Equine Influenza. Mandatory for participation in RFHE events.
Rhinopneumonitis. Especially important for pregnant mares and horses in high-density populations.
Encephalitis. In at-risk areas.
Rabies. In at-risk areas or if traveling outside the EU.

Baseline blood work

An annual blood test (complete blood count, basic chemistry) is good preventative practice, especially in middle-aged or senior horses. It detects metabolic, liver, or kidney problems in the early stages.

Full dental examination

Even if partially checked every 6 months, a complete annual exam is the most conservative standard.

Feeding: basic principles

A horse's diet is built on three pillars: forage, concentrates (if applicable), and water.

Forage

The foundation of a horse's diet is forage (hay, fresh grass, silage). As a general reference, an adult horse consumes between 1.5 and 2.5 kg of forage per 100 kg of body weight daily. In other words, a 500 kg horse consumes between 7.5 and 12.5 kg of forage daily.

Concentrates

Concentrated feed compensates for what forage does not provide, especially energy and protein for horses in work, gestation, or growth. The choice and amount depend on the type of work and the condition of the horse. High-energy feed for intensive sports, maintenance feed for leisure horses, specific feed for broodmares, etc.

Supplements

Only when there is an identified deficiency or a specific need. Joint supplements for horses in intensive work or advanced age, electrolytes for endurance or extreme heat, biotin for hoof problems, vitamins for confirmed deficiencies. Do not supplement blindly: more is not better.

Dietary changes

Changes in a horse's diet should be made gradually, over 7-10 days, by mixing the new food with the old in increasing proportions. Sudden changes are a frequent cause of colic.

Hygiene and additional well-being

Regular exercise

Even if there is no daily riding, the horse needs movement. Ideally, time in a paddock or lunging on days they are not ridden. The horse is not an animal designed to spend 23 hours a day in a stall.

Socialization

The horse is a social animal. They need visual company and, if possible, physical contact with other horses. Completely isolated horses develop behavioral problems (stereotypies, anxiety, aggression).

Behavioral attention

Behavioral changes (sudden apathy, loss of appetite, refusal to work, new aggression) are often the first symptom of a physical problem. It is advisable to take them seriously and consult a veterinarian if they persist.

Quick horse care calendar

Frequency	Care
Daily	Stall cleaning, water, food, pre-ride grooming, hoof cleaning
Weekly	Deep stall cleaning, washing equipment, visual inspection
Monthly	Deworming as scheduled, full bath, equipment inspection
6-8 weeks	Farrier / hoof trimming
3-6 months	Dental check-up
Annual	Vaccinations, baseline blood work, full dental exam