Spending time with your horse not only enables a close bond to develop between you both, but it also enables you to learn how your horse responds to situations and how they are in themselves. Over time you will be able to read their body language. A happy horse will be responsive to you and have a calm and relaxed manner. They will keep their head lowered, and have soft eyes and a relaxed jaw. A happy and contented horse will want your love in return and show respect to you. A horse is not showing he is bored by yawning - rather this is a sign of relaxation and calm. Be aware that if your horse holds his head high with a tense jaw and darting eyes whilst showing a reluctance to stand still, then this is a sign that he is not comfortable and something is troubling him. Allow the horse time to settle himself slowly in order to avoid the onset of "flight" mode and further stress.

Grooming your horse gives you the opportunity to check him over regularly. Pay close attention to your horse's eyes, teeth, shoes and hooves and inspect his droppings regularly. Any change in the normal should be reported to your vet at the earliest opportunity – any delay could cause you extra worry, expense and a potential claim on your horse insurance. Regular worming treatments and routine vaccinations are important and you should make sure that you book appointments for these with your vet. Medications should be rotated so that parasites do not get the chance to become immune - this also gives a wider circle of protection from worms and parasites. Colic, heart and immunity problems can all be caused by lack of suitable medication. Vaccinations for encephalitis, rhinoneumonitis and influenza are essential for a healthy horse. Also advisable while not necessarily essential would be vaccinations against tetanus and rabies. Regular users of trailers at show and equestrian events may need to show a negative Coggins test for presence of the incurable virus EIA or equine infectious anaemia.

An important part of keeping a horse happy and comfortable is making sure you have a good farrier who visits regularly. Long and imbalanced feet will soon cause discomfort to a horse and both mood and performance will be affected. Remember that if your horse's feet are not taken care of properly that this could lead to bigger problems requiring veterinary treatment - if you are negligent whether interntionally or otherwise you will probably find that your horse insurance will not cover the cost of treatment.Your farrier will need to trim your horse's hooves every six weeks or so.

During wet and cold weather you should provide a blanket or coat for your horse, and in the summer he will need a fly-protective sheet. Horses can produce a soapy lather when they sweat, so it can be good to use a horse cooler after exercise. Drinking water directly after exercise could put a horse's body into shock. It is also important to let your horse cool down properly after exercise and before feeding. Do not exercise your horse for at least an hour after he has finished eating.

Horses need to have a purpose, whether it is riding, showing, therapy, carriages or dray. Horses love to be needed. It is important that your horse has a focus, especially when young and not broken in; a simple praise when they stand still or in the correct place makes them feel that everything is ok. Horses are also inquisitive, so by introducing new experiences to them, the more positive, confident and brave they will become.

A horse is a beautiful and magnificent creature that deserves a good home for life with excellent care. Before even purchasing a horse you need to be aware of the responsibility you have as a horse owner to provide the best in health care and welfare. Keeping a horse can be a very expensive business, and without good horse insurance provided by a specialist equine insurer, it is possible to quickly run into financial problems if your horse should become sick or sustain an injury. A horse will show you vast amounts of love in return for the simple effort of attention and care for his well-being.