Horses - Large selection of products for your horse

According to an estimate by the Swiss Equestrian Sports Federation (SVPS), there are around 110,000 horses living in Switzerland, including sport horses, leisure horses and working horses. Horse keeping is widespread in Switzerland and plays an important role in the country's cultural, sporting and economic life and is supported by a dedicated community of horse lovers. Horses are used in Switzerland for sporting activities such as riding, jumping and dressage as well as for leisure activities and agricultural work. Switzerland also has a vibrant variety of horse breeds, including the famous Swiss Warmblood as well as other regional breeds such as the Freiberger horse. These breeds are used for both sporting activities and agricultural work.

The keeping of horses in Switzerland is subject to strict animal welfare regulations. The animals must be kept in a species-appropriate manner, which means that they must be given sufficient exercise, regular access to pasture and appropriate accommodation. There are also regulations on feeding, health care and the general handling of the animals.

Horses need a variety of things to stay healthy and happy:

• Appropriate housing: Horses need a clean and dry stable or shelter where they can protect themselves from the weather. They should also have enough space to move freely and lie down.
  
  
• Feed and water: Horses need a balanced diet consisting of hay, grass, grain and, if necessary, special horse feed and, if necessary and appropriate, food supplements. They must also have constant access to sufficient fresh water. On average, a horse drinks around 25 to 45 liters of water per day. However, a horse's actual water requirement can vary depending on its size, activity level, type of feed and environment.
  
  
• Care and hygiene: Regular care such as brushing, hoof care and regular worming are important for the horse's health. Hoof care in particular (e.g. by a professional hoof trimmer or farrier) is essential, as the hooves are otherwise susceptible to disease and incorrect loading or misalignment can also affect the entire musculoskeletal system and cause subsequent problems. The stable should also be cleaned regularly to ensure a hygienic environment and prevent disease.
  
  
• Social interaction: Horses are very social animals and need contact with other horses. Horses are herd animals by nature, which means that they live in groups in the wild and develop strong social bonds with other horses. In a herd, horses take on specific roles and communicate with each other through body language, sounds and other behaviors. As herd animals, horses benefit from interacting with conspecifics. They seek protection, safety and comfort in the group. The presence of other horses can also help to reduce stress and promote well-being.
  
  
• Veterinary care: Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations and treatments are important to maintain the horse's health. You should be aware before purchasing a horse that these costs can be extremely high, especially if the horse has to be hospitalized for several days or needs an operation, which is unfortunately not uncommon.
  
  
• Sufficient exercise: Horses need daily exercise and grazing to stay fit and avoid behavioral problems.

These are just some of the basic needs of a horse. It is important to ensure that all aspects of horse keeping are carefully considered to ensure the welfare of the animals.

Horse keeping is a very expensive hobby, but it is also very enjoyable and most horse owners care for their horses with great passion. For many, a life without a horse is no longer conceivable. If you don't (yet) have the financial means to own your own horse, so-called riding or care shares are also a great way to spend time with a horse on a regular basis for relatively little money and/or help in the stable. As a horse is also very time-consuming, many horse owners are happy to have one or two additional people who can take over the care on certain days. So it's a win-win situation!