• 10 Tips to Keep Your Horse Healthy: Expert Horse Care Advice from a Lifelong Owner

    Discover 10 proven tips to keep your horse healthy, from stress reduction to joint care. Expert advice for happier, healthier horses year-round.

Practical Horse Health Insights from a Lifetime with Horses

By Betty Ledyard, Centerline Distribution

As a lifelong horse owner, I know that keeping a horse healthy isn’t about one big effort—it’s about consistent, daily care and paying attention to the little details. A healthy horse is a happy horse, and their well-being affects everything from performance to temperament.

Whether you’re new to horse ownership or a seasoned equestrian, these horse health tips cover the essentials: stress reduction, annual vet exams, vaccinations, quality food, dental and hoof care, deworming, exercise, weight management, and joint supplements. Use this horse care checklist year-round to ensure your equine partner thrives.

Reduce Stress Whenever Possible

Stress can take a bigger toll on equine health than most owners realize. Chronic stress can lead to ulcers, weight loss, poor performance, and even colic. Identify your horse’s triggers—whether it’s trailering, herd changes, or competition environments—and take steps to minimize them. Stress is more than just an inconvenience for horses—it can have real, long-term effects on their health. Chronic stress has been linked to ulcers, colic, weight loss, compromised immunity, and poor performance. Because horses are prey animals, they’re naturally sensitive to changes in their environment, handling, and routine. Learning to recognize your horse’s stress signals—such as pinned ears, tail swishing, teeth grinding, or refusal to eat—allows you to step in before small issues become big problems.

A stress-free horse thrives on consistency. Maintain a steady feeding schedule, provide ample turnout time with compatible pasture mates, and introduce new experiences slowly. Trailering, moving to a new barn, or competing in a busy show environment can all spike stress levels, so plan ahead—use familiar tack, travel with a companion horse, and allow plenty of time to settle in.

Practical ways to keep a stress-free horse:

  • Maintain a consistent feeding schedule
  • Offer turnout with compatible pasture mates
  • Avoid abrupt changes to routine
  • Use natural calming supplements when needed

Natural calming supplements like StressLess® Horse Calming Supplement can also help horses remain relaxed and focused without causing sedation, making them ideal for training, travel, or competition days. Providing enrichment—such as toys, slow feeders, or varied riding activities—keeps your horse mentally engaged and less prone to boredom-related behaviors. Reducing stress isn’t just about comfort; it’s an investment in your horse’s physical health, performance, and long-term happiness.

Calm bay horse grazing in a sunny pasture as part of stress-free horse care in Napa Valley.

Schedule Annual Veterinary Exams

Even if your horse seems perfectly fine, an annual veterinary exam is non-negotiable. A horse health and wellness checkup allows your vet to assess heart, lungs, teeth, joints, and overall body condition. Even the healthiest-looking horse can have underlying issues that only a trained eye can detect. That’s why an annual veterinary exam is a must for every horse, regardless of age, workload, or discipline. These comprehensive checkups allow your veterinarian to evaluate your horse’s heart, lungs, eyes, teeth, joints, skin, and overall body condition, as well as review vaccination and deworming schedules.

A yearly exam is the perfect time to discuss nutrition, training programs, and any subtle changes you’ve noticed in your horse’s behavior, appetite, or performance. Early detection is key—catching problems like mild lameness, metabolic changes, or skin conditions before they escalate can save you time, money, and stress.

For senior horses, performance horses, or those with chronic health conditions, bi-annual or more frequent checkups may be recommended. Think of your vet as a partner in your horse’s long-term health plan—regular exams provide a baseline for what’s normal and make it easier to spot changes early. Preventive care through consistent veterinary oversight is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your horse healthy and performing at their best.

Catching small issues early—such as minor lameness, subtle weight changes, or early dental wear—can save you time, money, and heartache later. Think of it as a yearly tune-up for your horse’s long-term health.

A horse being examined by a veterinarian in a barn.

Stay on Top of Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a critical part of your horse care checklist. Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your horse against serious and potentially fatal diseases. Core vaccines, recommended for all horses regardless of location or lifestyle, typically include tetanus, Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis (EEE/WEE), West Nile virus, and rabies. These protect against illnesses that are either highly fatal, have no cure, or can be transmitted to humans. In addition to core vaccines, many horses benefit from risk-based vaccinations tailored to their environment and activities. For example, horses that travel, compete, or live in boarding facilities are often vaccinated against equine influenza and equine herpesvirus (EHV). In certain regions, your veterinarian may also recommend protection against strangles, Potomac horse fever, or botulism.

Work with your vet to develop a vaccination schedule that keeps immunity strong year-round. Most vaccines require annual boosters, though some may need to be given every 6 months for high-exposure horses. Maintaining an accurate vaccination record not only safeguards your horse’s health but is often required for boarding, competition, or travel. Timely, targeted vaccinations are a cornerstone of any horse care checklist and an essential part of preventive health care.

Core vaccines usually include:

  • Tetanus
  • Eastern & Western Equine Encephalomyelitis
  • West Nile Virus
  • Rabies

Risk-based vaccines (such as influenza, strangles, or Potomac horse fever) may be necessary depending on your location and your horse’s lifestyle.

A horse behind a fence getting ready to receive a vaccination.

Feed Quality Forage and Balanced Nutrition

A healthy horse starts with a healthy diet. Quality hay or pasture should be the foundation, and poor-quality forage can cause digestive issues, nutritional gaps, and weight problems. Nutrition is the cornerstone of equine health and wellness. Horses are natural grazers, designed to eat small amounts of forage throughout the day, so their diet should always begin with high-quality hay or pasture. Poor-quality forage can lead to weight loss, poor coat condition, digestive upset, and nutrient deficiencies. Ideally, have your hay tested for protein, fiber, and mineral content so you can tailor your horse’s diet more precisely.

A balanced diet doesn’t mean feeding large amounts of grain—too much starch or sugar can increase the risk of colic, laminitis, and behavioral issues. Instead, supplement with concentrates only when needed to support your horse’s workload, age, or metabolic needs.

Many horses also benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements, salt blocks, or electrolyte support, especially during hot weather or periods of heavy work.

Horse nutrition tips:

  • Test hay for nutritional value
  • Work with your vet or an equine nutritionist to balance vitamins and minerals
  • Supplement grain only as needed
  • Avoid overloading on starchy feeds

Pay attention to body condition, energy levels, and coat health—they’re some of the best indicators of whether your horse’s nutrition is on track. Work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to fine-tune feeding plans, particularly for seniors, young horses, or those with special health concerns. Quality forage, balanced nutrients, and consistent feeding routines will keep your horse healthy from the inside out.

White horse in a barn eating hay.

Keep Up with Dental Care

Dental issues can affect everything from weight to performance. Schedule a dental exam at least once a year to have your horse’s teeth floated as needed. A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy horse. Over time, a horse’s teeth naturally develop sharp edges, hooks, or uneven wear from the constant side-to-side chewing motion. These issues can make chewing painful, cause them to drop feed (“quidding”), lead to weight loss, or even result in digestive problems like choke or colic.

“Floating teeth only addresses about 20% of equine dental problems. True full-mouth reconstructive dentistry can transform a horse’s attitude and performance overnight. Dental issues cause pain, and floating alone is not the complete solution—the entire mouth must be properly balanced. Always seek out a qualified equine dentist.” — Ken Davis, retired veterinarian and equine dentist.

Performance horses, seniors, or those with previous dental issues may need more frequent checks. Watching for early signs of dental discomfort—such as head tossing, bit resistance, or changes in eating habits—can help you address problems before they affect your horse’s health and training. Good dental care supports proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall comfort, ensuring your horse stays happy, healthy, and willing to work. Learn more about Equine Dental Care for more horse health tips.

A horse is funny, showing his teeth and smiling.

Maintain Regular Hoof Care

The saying “No hoof, no horse” is absolutely true. Keep your horse on a regular trimming or shoeing schedule every 4–8 weeks. Daily hoof picking helps prevent debris buildup, thrush, and lameness. Strong, healthy hooves are the foundation of every sound horse—literally. A neglected hoof can quickly lead to cracks, thrush, abscesses, and lameness, all of which can sideline your horse and take months to correct. Most horses need trimming or shoeing every 4–8 weeks, depending on hoof growth, workload, and environmental conditions.

A good farrier will balance the hoof, maintain proper angles, and address any specific conformation needs your horse may have.

Daily hoof picking is equally important, removing dirt, manure, and stones while allowing you to check for heat, swelling, or signs of infection. Horses in wet or muddy environments may need additional attention to prevent thrush, while those in dry climates may benefit from hoof conditioners to combat brittleness.

Remember, “No hoof, no horse” isn’t just an old saying—it’s a truth every horse owner should live by. Proper hoof care is one of the most important investments you can make in your horse’s long-term health and performance.

A horse hoof is being cleaned and washed.

Follow a Deworming Program

Modern horse deworming schedules use fecal egg counts to prevent parasite resistance. Work with your vet to tailor a plan for your horse’s age, environment, and exposure risk. Internal parasites can silently damage your horse’s digestive tract, steal nutrients, and weaken their immune system. Years ago, the standard practice was to give dewormer every 6–8 weeks on a rotating schedule—but over time, parasites have developed resistance to many common deworming products.

Today, veterinarians recommend a more targeted, science-based approach using fecal egg counts (FEC) to determine which horses need treatment and when. This prevents overuse of dewormers, preserves their effectiveness, and ensures each horse gets the care they truly need.

Your vet will test a manure sample to measure the parasite egg load and recommend the right dewormer and dosage based on the results. Factors like age, herd size, pasture management, and climate also influence your horse deworming schedule. In addition to strategic deworming, good pasture hygiene—such as regular manure removal, rotating grazing areas, and avoiding overstocking—helps break the parasite lifecycle. By combining veterinary guidance with smart management practices, you can keep parasites under control and your horse’s gut health in peak condition.

A calming photo of a brown horse drinking water on a far,.

Provide Consistent Exercise

Regular exercise benefits muscle tone, joint health, and mental well-being. Even light work—like hand-walking or trail riding—helps maintain a healthy, happy horse. Just like people, horses benefit greatly from regular, balanced exercise to maintain physical fitness, joint flexibility, and mental well-being. A consistent exercise program improves muscle tone, cardiovascular health, and circulation, while also reducing the risk of stiffness, weight gain, and behavior problems that can arise from excess energy or boredom.

The type and intensity of exercise should match your horse’s age, fitness level, and workload. Performance horses may require structured training sessions several times a week, while pleasure horses still need steady activity through trail riding, groundwork, or turnout in a space large enough for movement. Variety is key—mixing flatwork, hill work, pole exercises, and trail rides keeps muscles engaged and minds stimulated.

If your horse has had time off due to weather, injury, or rest, always reintroduce exercise gradually to avoid strains or overexertion. Incorporating stretching, warm-ups, and cool-downs helps prevent injury and supports long-term soundness. Remember, consistent exercise isn’t just about conditioning for competition—it’s about keeping your horse’s body and mind in harmony for a healthier, happier life.

Female horse instructor in barn with a brown horse.

Monitor Weight and Body Condition

Use a weight tape or body condition scoring system to track changes. Adjust feed and exercise as needed to maintain optimal body condition. Maintaining your horse’s ideal weight is about more than just appearance—it’s critical for overall health, soundness, and performance. A horse that’s underweight may be struggling with dental problems, parasites, chronic illness, or inadequate nutrition, while an overweight horse is at higher risk for laminitis, metabolic disorders, and joint strain.

Use a weight tape or a body condition scoring (BCS) system regularly to track changes over time. The Henneke Body Condition Scoring system, for example, rates fat coverage from 1 (poor) to 9 (extremely fat), with most healthy horses falling between 4 and 6. Seasonal changes, workload, and pasture quality can all impact body condition, so adjust feed and exercise accordingly.

For overweight horses, consider reducing calorie intake by feeding lower-sugar hay, soaking hay to remove excess sugars, and increasing low-impact exercise like walking or light turnout. For underweight horses, address any underlying health issues first, then gradually increase high-quality forage, add fat sources like rice bran or flaxseed, and ensure they have access to balanced vitamins and minerals.

Regular monitoring allows you to make small adjustments before weight fluctuations turn into bigger health challenges, keeping your horse in optimal condition year-round.

Support Joint Health Early

Joint supplements—especially those with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, or hyaluronic acid—can support cartilage health and mobility in both young and senior horses. Healthy joints are essential for comfort, mobility, and long-term performance—whether your horse is a weekend trail companion or a high-level competitor. Joint issues often develop gradually, starting with subtle stiffness or reduced range of motion that can progress to arthritis or lameness if left unchecked. The best approach is prevention. Supporting joint health early helps preserve cartilage, maintain fluid lubrication, and reduce inflammation before it becomes a problem.

Joint supplements for horses containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids are widely used to promote cartilage repair and reduce wear and tear. For horses in heavy training, jumping, or working on hard ground, these supplements can be especially valuable. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend injectable joint therapies for added support.

In addition to supplements, consistent exercise, proper conditioning, and footing management all play important roles in joint longevity. Avoid overworking young horses whose joints are still developing, and be mindful of repetitive stress in older horses. By making joint care part of your horse’s wellness plan from the start, you’re investing in their comfort, performance, and quality of life for years to come.

Final Thoughts from Centerline Distribution

Keeping a horse healthy is a blend of science, consistency, and care. By following these 10 horse health tips, you’re giving your equine partner the foundation for a long, comfortable, and happy life. At Centerline Distribution, we believe your success as a horse owner starts with the right tools, knowledge, and products. We’re your Inside Line to Everything Equine—from supplements to equipment to trusted advice.

📩 Have questions about your horse’s health or the products we carry? Contact us today and let’s keep your horse performing, feeling, and looking their best.

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