Horse ownership is a lot of work. Just like us, horses have good days and bad days. Changes in moods, behavior, training, schedules, and feeding should be documented. You don’t have to ride every single day to have something to write down. Earlier in the year I did an article for Horse Illustrated on the benefits of keeping an equestrian journal. I also wrote this blog post, 30 Horse Themed Journals to Help You Crush Your Goals. If you are considering starting an equestrian journal, but don’t know what to write – I’ll give you a list of 20 things to consider writing down.
Write It Down
- Putting your horse on a new supplement (along with taking them off of a supplement). Just note the date.
- Changing your horse’s hay or grain
- Vaccinations
- Lameness or tenderness in any legs or hooves
- Coughing, nasal discharge, or signs of seasonal allergies
- Changes in equipment – buy a new pad, saddle, girth, or bit? Make a note
- Training progress for better or worse, important milestones
- Placings and/or scores at a horse show
- Teeth being floated
- Unexpected vet visits
- Colic or signs of colic. If your horse seems under the weather, write it down
- Injuries
- Chiropractor or bodywork visits
- New habits (for better or worse)
- Write down ride lengths or duration for conditioning purposes
- Unusual swellings or stocking up after long rides
- Signs of soreness from the saddle
- Changes in coat condition – dullness, rashes, bug bites
- Farrier visits and progress
- Moves to a new barn or environment
Find the Perfect Journal
30 Horse Themed Journals to Help You Crush Your Goals
You never know when small changes might become useful clues to a bigger picture. Keeping a journal for your horse is the perfect way to stay informed as a horse owner. Being proactive can help prevent future problems.
The post 20 Reasons to Keep a Journal for Your Horse appeared first on Horses & Heels.
