Do You Have a Standard of Care?

I truly believe every horse owner should have a personal standard of care and hold themselves accountable for meeting it, whether their horse lives at a boarding facility or at home.

Over the years, I've experienced nearly every type of horse ownership—from keeping my childhood pony at home to managing boarding and lesson barns. No matter the setting, I've always maintained a clear standard of care that I expected for every horse. While I personally strive to exceed that standard whenever possible, the following represents the minimum level of care I believe every horse deserves.

My horse, Bean, is currently on full board at a barn about 25 minutes from my home. Although I expect the barn staff to notify me immediately of any emergencies or significant injuries, I also believe it is my responsibility as Bean's owner to visit several times each week to groom him, perform thorough body checks, and simply spend time with him.

Those quiet moments tell you so much. Your horse can't use words, but they communicate through their behavior, expression, and willingness to interact. A horse that suddenly seems sore, withdrawn, sensitive during grooming, or different from their usual self is often trying to tell you something. Learning to recognize those subtle changes is one of the most important responsibilities of horse ownership.

At the end of the day, our horses did not choose domestication or the environments in which we keep them. They depend entirely on us to provide proper nutrition, clean water, safe shelter, veterinary and farrier care, exercise, companionship, and compassionate daily management. They trust us to advocate for their health and well-being every single day.

If you're new to horses—or returning after time away—don't be afraid to ask questions. The equestrian community is full of knowledgeable people who are happy to help someone who genuinely wants to learn. We all started somewhere, and improving horse welfare begins with sharing knowledge and continually raising the standard of care we provide.

My Minimum Standard of Care

• Fresh, clean water available at all times.

• A balanced feeding program appropriate for the horse's age, workload, and condition.

• Daily health observations and routine body checks.

• Clean, safe turnout and living conditions.

• Regular grooming to monitor skin, legs, hooves, and overall health.

• Routine farrier care every 6–8 weeks, or as recommended.

• Preventative veterinary care, including vaccinations, dental care, and parasite management.

• Prompt veterinary attention when illness or injury occurs.

• Properly fitted tack and equipment.

• Training methods that prioritize the horse's physical and mental well-being.

• Time spent simply observing and listening to your horse—because often, the smallest changes are the first signs that something isn't right.

Our horses give us their trust every day. The least we can do is honor that trust by providing them with the thoughtful, consistent care they deserve.