Chapter 3: Carry out horse production

Horses have been integral to Kenyan agriculture and transport, especially in rural and arid regions where draught power complements mechanized farming. Successful horse production requires appropriate rearing structures that ensure animal welfare, disease control, and ease of management. This chapter addresses the fundamental aspects of horse rearing structures, providing practical knowledge for animal production professionals to optimize horse health, productivity, and longevity.

3.1 Horse rearing structures

Horse rearing structures are the buildings and fixtures where horses live, feed, rest and are handled. A horse is a large, valuable animal that can injure itself on poor fittings, so the structures have to be strong, safe and easy to keep clean. They protect the horse from sun, rain, wind and ticks, make daily care easier, and allow a veterinarian to examine and treat the horse safely. The design depends on the number of horses, how they are used, the climate and the materials available. A farm with a few work horses needs a simple set of structures, while a breeding or riding stable needs more.

Crushes

A crush is a strong, narrow, fenced passage in which a horse is held still for examination, vaccination, hoof work, dosing, breeding checks and other treatments. It is built of heavy timber poles or steel pipe, sunk deep into the ground and braced so that a frightened horse cannot break it. The sides are smooth, without protruding nails, bolts or wire, and are high enough that a horse cannot jump out. The passage is just wide enough for one horse, so that it cannot turn, and has a gate or bar at each end and a side opening for the handler. The floor is non-slip and well drained, and the crush is placed in a shaded area with a collecting yard leading into it.

Barn

A barn is a large roofed building used to house horses, to store hay and bedding, and to keep tack, tools and equipment dry. In a stable barn, horses live in individual loose boxes, each a compartment in which the horse can move and lie down freely. Loose boxes are preferred for valuable horses because they give protection and security. A box for an adult horse is at least about 3.5 m by 3.5 m, which gives 12.25 square metres of floor, and larger boxes are made for draught horses and mares with foals. The barn needs good cross-ventilation through opposite windows or vents, high ceilings, firm non-slip floors that are easy to drain, and a wide central passage for moving horses and carrying feed.

Feeding facility

Horses are fed from mangers, hay racks and troughs designed so that feed is kept off the floor, clean and dry. A manger is fixed at about chest height of the horse and is smooth and rounded so that it cannot cause injuries. A hay rack is fitted at a height that does not allow hay seeds and dust to fall into the horse's eyes, and a water trough or automatic drinker is provided in every box and paddock. Feeding facilities are made of strong, easily cleaned material such as galvanised steel, hard plastic or concrete, and are cleaned daily. Separate feeding points in group paddocks reduce bullying and let each horse eat in peace.

Horse shed

A horse shed, also called an open shed or run-in shelter, is a roofed structure with open sides that lets horses go in and out freely from a paddock or pasture. It protects against sun, rain and wind, and is a low-cost option for work horses and pastoral systems. The open side faces away from the prevailing wind and heavy rain. The shed needs a firm, well-drained floor, with bedding where necessary, and a roof high enough to prevent horses from injuring their heads. It should be big enough for all the horses it serves to rest at once without crowding.

Horse dips

A dip is a structure for applying acaricide to control ticks, which transmit disease and damage the skin. It may be a plunge dip, in which a horse is led through a tank of diluted acaricide, or a spray race or spray pen, where the solution is sprayed over the animal. A dip includes a draining area where the horse stands while excess fluid runs back into the tank, a non-slip floor and a fence for restraint. Only an acaricide labelled safe for horses is used, since some products meant for cattle are unsuitable for them. Handlers wear gloves, boots and eye protection, the used dip is disposed of as the label directs, and the horse is kept from drinking dip water.

Feed storage facility

Feed is stored in a clean, dry, ventilated room off the ground on pallets, with rodent-proof walls and a lockable door. Hay is stacked so that air circulates and is protected from rain, since mouldy hay causes respiratory disease and colic. Concentrate feed is kept in sealed bins and the oldest stock is used first. The store is kept away from the stable to reduce the risk of fire and is inspected regularly for pests and damp.

Design and materials

Several factors apply to all structures.

• Ventilation and drainage: good air movement reduces ammonia and dust, which prevents breathing problems, and sloping floors carry away urine.
• Flooring: compacted soil, concrete with rubber mats, or packed gravel give firm non-slip surfaces that protect hooves, and are absorbent enough to keep bedding dry.
• Orientation: shelters are placed to avoid prevailing winds and give shade at midday.
• Materials: timber is used for frames and fences, and treated or durable timber resists termites and rot. Corrugated iron roofing is cheap but can make buildings hot unless there is ventilation and insulation. Concrete and bricks are durable and easy to clean. Thatch and mud bricks are cheaper but need frequent repair.
• Safety: no sharp edges, protruding nails or gaps where a hoof or head could be trapped.

Maintenance and hygiene of structures

Manure and wet bedding are removed daily, bedding is replaced to keep floors dry, and structures are inspected regularly for broken boards, loose nails, leaks and rotten posts. Rodents, flies and ticks are controlled by good hygiene and approved products. Drains are kept clear, and dips, troughs and mangers are cleaned on a set schedule.

Chapter Summary

This chapter provided a comprehensive overview of horse production, beginning with the essential structures required for effective horse rearing that ensure shelter, safety, and comfort. It then examined various horse breeds and their distinct characteristics, highlighting the importance of breed selection in meeting production goals. The chapter covered the principles of breeding in horses, emphasizing the critical criteria for selecting suitable stallions and mares to enhance desirable traits. It explained heat detection methods vital for timely breeding and discussed different breeding techniques used in horse reproduction. Pregnancy diagnosis and management were explored to ensure the health and well-being of the mare throughout gestation. The chapter also detailed the processes of foaling and foal management, including the crucial stage of weaning. Routine management practices and bio-security measures were presented as key factors in maintaining horse health and preventing disease. Finally, the importance of meticulous records management was underscored as a tool for tracking breeding, health, and performance data for informed decision-making.