This is intended as a rough guide as daily routine will
depend on many factors including where the pony is kept, how much time
you have and how fit the pony is.
Morning feed - the horse may need to be brought in
if it has been in the field overnight.
(More about feed and water
guidelines)
Muck out stable - if possible, the horse should be
tied up outside to decrease the risk of airway disease caused by dust
and spores in the bedding. It is polite and often a necessity to keep
the area around your stable neat and tidy so sweep up here too. (See
essential equipment section for mucking out equipment).
Ensure that water buckets are cleaned and refilled.
Put up a hay-net if the pony is to be kept stabled
during the day.
Pick out feet and groom thoroughly before tacking up
the horse for exercise.
Exercise the horse - daily exercise at least once a
day is essential for most horses.
If the horse is sweaty following exercise, ensure
that the horse is rubbed down and dried thoroughly before putting back
in the stable or turning out - a sweat rug can be useful in this
situation.
When you return in the evening, feed the horse, skip
out the stable (brief mucking out to remove droppings and wet areas of
bedding) and ensure there is plenty of water and hay available if the
horse is to stay in overnight.
Repeat exercise if possible - alternatively, the
main exercise of the day can be performed in the evening if that fits in
with your schedule better.
