Equine Working Notebooks

for The Pony Club tests and NVQ Horsecare Mandatory Units

Examples Taken From each of the NVQ notebooks:

Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3

Examples Taken From each of the NVQ Lesson Plan Books

Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3

Chapter 16

ELEMENT 205.3

CARE AFTER EXERCISE

FEEDING AND WATERING AFTER WORK

Food and water should not be offered to a hot, blowing horse as the muscles in the body still require the blood which is used for digestion to take away the toxins in the muscles. If he is allowed to eat or drink too soon after exercise he may get colic.

Allow the horse to drink small quantities once he has started to recover and stopped blowing. Five or six swallows at a time will be sufficient initially.

Allowing the horse to drink cold water too soon slows down the cooling process and may give the horse colic.

Keep offering water, one third to half of a bucket at a time, at regular, 15 minute intervals until the horse's thirst is quenched.

The harder the exercise and the warmer the weather the more the horse will drink.

Once the breathing and pluse rates are back to normal and the horse is cool and has stopped blowing he may be given hay or a feed, provided he has had sufficient to drink.

Only feed according to your supervisor's instructions.

SAFETY

Always wear the correct footwear.
A hat with the chin strap secured may be required if the horse is boisterous or difficult to handle.

The area for washing down should be clear of obstructions and anything that the horse could get caught up on as some horses fidget and kick out particularly if they are ticklish. These horses may be better controlled if they are still wearing their bridles.

Always be aware of your position and that of others in relation to the horse to avoid injury.