I'm paranoid about my horse!?!?

Question

He's my first horse, and I've just never had such responsibility of a huge, living, breathing animal. I keep thinking that I'm a terrible owner because I don't wash his mane and tail a lot, or I didn't wrap his legs after jumping, or I think that I've worked him to hard and he'll be unbearably sore. I can't even enjoy my vacation because I'm worried that he'll die of colic or he'll get hurt or something horrible :( Is there anything I can do to just chill out, pretty much any reassurance that I'm not a the worst owner ever would help!!!!!

Answer 1

Because he's your first horse its normal to be a little paranoid. your doing everything right. I wouldnt be worried. He should be taken care of. :)

Answer 2

If you're a first timer at this I think what you're experiencing is quite natural, your just worried if you're doing the right thing. It sounds to me that you're giveing your horse all the love and care it needs plus more. If you're worried about working him too hard then start with stretching exercises and then work him but not to the full extent. You are NOT the worst owner ever, so I think you can stop stressing but enjoy your new pet!

Answer 3

Coming from a family who have had horses all our lives i've learned that you have to do something pretty daft to really hurt them They are big strong tough herd animals who have been around for thousand of years without us interferring. So - they are hard to break!!!!!

You can get some great books on basic principles of horse care. You can even get a qualification around stable management if you think that would give you more confidence. The thing about the horse world is that most people involved with them are really passionate and only too keen to help other horse owners. Dont be afraid to ask - whats worse... asking a simple question and getting an answer or doing nothing and worrying!

The fact that you have even asked this question shows you are a caring person and clearly not the worst horse owner ever.

Also - your horse will pick up that you are nervous about things and he'll be jumpier - so chill out and enjoy.

Good luck

Answer 4

You are not alone - i think everyone does that to some extent. I used to drive out in the middle of the night to watch my perfectly happy horse eat grass.

You will settle down after a while, I promise, but there will still be things you obsess over - I think it is just part of being a good horse owner.

Answer 5

Horses are made for hard labor and as long as you care for them after working out he/she should do just fine. So stop worrying and enjoy your vacation!!

Answer 6

hello there,

well think aboutthis, there is heaps of bad things happening to animals everyday all over, like crulety and that, u dont have to wash them like everyday, u can get away without washing them sometimes, it wont kill them lol.

and we can like walk near the road and get killed any second, i doubt ure horse will get colic and die if u go on vaccation, as long as the foods not on dirt or sand sould be ok,

hope i helped

Answer 7

aw omy gosh!! i KNOW how you FEEL!

i have my first horse too!

and I'm worried sick every day about him

I'm constantly calling my vet

and oh my gosh ah! my neighbor is a horse owner of 10 years now and when she first got her horses she said she was the same way lol

every night before i go to sleep i run out to the pasture with a HUGE flashlight and check to make sure they are OK

i don't think i can go on vacation now I'm worried sick about them all the time and I'm living only 5 acres away hahah

imagine how worried if i go out of town! yikes!

well i think we will grow out of it.. and my horses are malnourished because of the previous owners.. bad bad so I'm always extra worried about them

and since everything is SO new we just want to make sure we're doing things right!

well you are blessed to be a horse owner and is this horse on your land? or being boarded somewhere else?

it's a lot nicer to have them on your place but when you board the owners take care of them SO well

I'm not really sure if i can tell you anything that will calm your nerves..ha ha i can't even calm mine! i guess we'll be stuck like this for a while he he but just know your not the only one out there girl!

Answer 8

welcome to horse ownership.....i'm constantly looking out my window to check that the horses haven't dropped dead, and i've owned them all my life

Answer 9

WOW.  You are sure a good mom!

Answer 10

u r just under pressure give it a little while and everything will b fine u just want the best for the horse b cause u love him u treat him like a newborn child and by tha sounds u r doing very good ive had horses evr sence i waz born and we dont evn groom ours everyday...seriosly not evn every other day

Answer 11

Galloppal beat me to it!!!! You're a MOMMY now with MOMMY SYNDROME. lol

Answer 12

It is a serious mental illness called maternal instinct.....there is no cure.  No matter how much you do to keep him safe and comfortable, and to tend to his psychological and physical well being it will never seem like you've done anything right.

Welcome to "mommydome".