Equestrian resources and checklists
This page collects the practical tools we reference across the Omquervia guides: printable-style checklists for daily care and pre-ride routines, plus quick-reference facts on feeding, hoof care, and equine health. Use them alongside the full guides to build dependable habits and catch problems before they become emergencies.
Daily Horse Care Checklist
- Provide clean, fresh water and check that automatic waterers or buckets are working and unfrozen
- Feed forage first, then measured hard feed according to the horse's workload and body condition
- Do a quick head-to-tail visual check for cuts, swelling, heat, or lameness before turnout
- Pick out all four feet and look for stones, thrush odour, or a loose shoe
- Muck out the stable and remove wet bedding to keep ammonia levels down
- Check rugs fit correctly and are dry, adjusting layers to the weather
- Observe droppings, appetite, and general demeanour, and note anything unusual
- Refill hay nets or piles so the horse has near-constant access to forage
Pre-Ride Safety Checklist
- Groom the saddle and girth area so no mud or debris sits under tack
- Check the saddle sits level and clear of the withers, with clean, undamaged saddle pads
- Inspect girth, stirrup leathers, and reins for cracked leather or worn stitching
- Fit the bridle so the bit sits with one to two wrinkles at the corners of the mouth
- Tighten the girth in stages and re-check after a few minutes of walking
- Put on an approved, correctly fastened riding helmet and suitable footwear with a heel
- Confirm the schooling or hacking route is safe and let someone know your plan
- Warm the horse up in walk before asking for trot or canter
Quick Reference: Key Equine Facts
- A resting adult horse's normal temperature is around 37.5–38.5°C (99.5–101.3°F)
- Normal resting heart rate is roughly 28–44 beats per minute; respiration is about 8–16 breaths per minute
- Horses should eat forage at roughly 1.5–2% of their body weight per day
- Hooves grow on average about 6–10 mm per month, so trimming or shoeing is typically needed every 6–8 weeks
- Digital pulse should be faint; a strong, bounding digital pulse can signal foot pain such as laminitis
- Introduce any feed changes gradually over 7–14 days to protect the sensitive gut
How often should I feed my horse each day?
Because horses are trickle feeders, aim to keep forage available for most of the day rather than in one large meal. Hard feed, if needed, is best split into two or more smaller portions so the digestive system is never overloaded. Our feeding and nutrition guide covers portion sizing by workload and body condition in more detail.
What are the earliest signs that a horse is unwell?
Watch for reduced appetite, changes in droppings, lethargy, sweating without work, pawing, or rolling more than usual. Any lameness, heat in a limb or hoof, or a strong digital pulse also warrants attention. Knowing your horse's normal baseline vital signs makes it far easier to spot when something is off.
How do I know if my saddle fits correctly?
A well-fitting saddle sits level, clears the withers and spine, and spreads pressure evenly without pinching. Signs of poor fit include dry patches under a sweaty back, rubbed hair, or behavioural changes when tacking up. Have fit checked by a qualified saddle fitter as your horse's shape changes with age, work, and season.
How often does a horse need its feet trimmed or shod?
Most horses need farrier attention every six to eight weeks, whether shod or barefoot, though this varies with growth rate and workload. Regular daily hoof picking helps you spot problems like thrush, cracks, or a loose shoe between visits. See our grooming and hoof care guide for a full routine.
What basic first aid supplies should every stable keep?
A core kit includes clean wound dressings, self-adhesive bandages, sterile saline, blunt-ended scissors, a thermometer, a clean bucket, and antiseptic. Keep your vet's number and your horse's normal vital signs written somewhere accessible. Our equine health and first aid guide explains how to use each item and when to call a professional.
Guides
Horse care basics for beginners
Learn the essentials of daily horse care, from feeding and watering to shelter and routine, in a clear beginner-friendly guide from Omquervia.
Riding basics for beginners
Understand the fundamentals of horseback riding, including posture, control, and safety, in Omquervia's clear beginner guide.
Horse feeding and nutrition
A clear guide to horse feeding and nutrition covering forage, grains, water, and feeding schedules to keep horses healthy.
Grooming and hoof care
Learn essential grooming and hoof care routines that keep horses clean, comfortable, and sound, explained clearly by Omquervia.
Stable management essentials
Understand the essentials of stable management, from bedding and ventilation to daily routines and safety, in this clear Omquervia guide.
Choosing riding equipment
A practical guide to choosing riding equipment, including saddles, bridles, and safety gear, for comfortable and safe riding.
Equine health and first aid basics
Learn to recognise common equine health issues and basic first aid steps in this clear, reliable guide from Omquervia.