To a horse owner, the farrier is their best friend. Keeping a horse properly shod is a specialist job that has a direct impact on the horse’s health.

Maintaining your horse in good health can only be achieved by correct feeding, sufficient exercise and good stable management. You need to develop good powers of observation to spot any signs of ill health.

Check over your horse every day. A good time to do this is when you are grooming him. Run your hands over his body and legs, feeling for any lumps or inflammation. This could indicate that he has been kicked in the field or has pulled a tendon. Pick his feet out twice a day, or as necessary, checking for embedded stones, bruising or puncture wounds. Make sure the hooves are in good condition.

It is important to regularly worm your horse and have him vaccinated against tetanus and equine influenza. Regular shoeing is vital and should be done every 6-8 weeks. Check his teeth as they may need rasping, he needs to be able to chew properly and masticate food.

Make sure you can recognise signs that your horse(http://www.AllHorses.co.uk) is unwell. Once you get to know your horse it will be easier to spot any problems. Look out for excess sweating, rolling of the eyes, heavy breathing, tucking in at the flanks, looking towards or pecking at the stomach, a dejected look, loose faeces, and resting one leg more than another. All these could be indications of colic, asthma or pain resulting from lameness.

Learn to be able to check your horse’s vital signs. Listen to his breathing, it should be about 8-16 breaths per minute. You can check this by looking at or feeling his rib cage. Rapid breathing when your horse is rested, is a sure sign that he is distressed or in pain. Take your horse’s temperature, it should be 37.5-38C. A rise of as little as one degree should be taken seriously. Check the pulse. The easiest place to check the pulse is where the artery crosses the jaw bone. Use only your fingers as your thumb has a strong pulse of its own. The normal pulse rate when your horse is at rest is 36-40 beats per minute. Increased pulse and respiration when at rest may be the cause of excitement, stress, pain or illness.