Keeping Horse Records

Just like you should keep track of the important dates and events of your life, you should keep records for your horse.  Here are the things you should keep track of:

Phone Numbers

The most basic list should include owner, stable owner, stable address, veterinarian, farrier and emergency numbers. Even though many of us will have these numbers on our cell phone, it’s useful to have a hard copy posted in an easy to see location.

Veterinary

Each time the veterinarian visits, write a few notes about any diagnoses or treatments that you discuss, what medications were given and record follow up appointments.

Farrier

Record when your horse was trimmed or shod, and record if your farrier corrected any problems or suggested any care. Write down an approximate date of when you should make the next appointment, especially if the farrier doesn’t make regular pre-scheduled visits.

Vaccinations

Record the dates vaccinations were given, the types of vaccines, and any follow up information.

Parasite Control

Equine parasite control is most effective when done on a regular schedule. Record when you administered the de-worming medication, the amount given, what type and brand you used, and when you should next administer it.

Feed and Supplements

If your horse just gets  hay or grass, you probably don’t need to record this. But if you are feeding supplements or concentrates, it’s wise to record how much and when this is being fed. It’s helpful to have a list of feeds and supplements you are using, the amounts fed, and where you bought the items.

Turn Out

In a busy barn, record when your horse should be turned out, or post a note in an obvious place if your horse needs to stay in it’s stall. This is often the responsibility of the barn manager, but it’s a good idea to keep track yourself.

Work

If you’re preparing for an event, or have a specific goal in mind, it’s helpful to keep a training or riding log. Note any goals, difficulties or triumphs. Some horse associations reward you for riding hours or miles, so be sure to jot down that information.

TPRs

Record your horse’s average TPRs, and its approximate weight and height. This is handy when you’re not sure if your horse is well, and when medications or de-wormers are being calculated.

Breeding and Heat Cycles

If you are breeding your mare it’s important to record the heat cycles of a mare, when and how often it’s been bred, along with any veterinary work, drugs used or other information. Stallion owners record when their stallion was used, what mare and information to help them organize and plan.

Identification

All horse owners should have a detailed record of their horse's markings and characteristics, along with clear photographs from all angles. It also helps to record date of birth, breed, registration number, passport information, insurance details and anything else that will help identify a horse should it go missing.

Methods

Your method of record keeping can be as simple or complicated as you like. If note taking is too complicated though, you might be tempted to put it off--and then it will not get done at all. KISS is always a good guideline.

Calendar

Many notes can be written on a calendar hanging in the barn. Any regularly scheduled appointments can be recorded easily, along with breeding records.

Notebook

A notebook is a good way to record details. This is where you might write instructions from the vet or farrier, keep your training log, record feed or turnout instructions. Keeping a pencil (it won’t freeze) and notebook in your tack box is a good idea, even if you re-record the information elsewhere later.

Smart Phone

Use apps designed for equestrian use, or use an app like Evernote to keep track of things. Spreadsheet apps are helpful, especially when calculating grain weight or costs.

Computer

There are a number of online horse care services like Rendaivu Horse Management which also offers an phone app. Most require an internet connection, which is not handy if you don’t have a data plan to use with your cellphone or tablet. Software programs are also available, but for one horse, these may be costly. A simple spreadsheet, some of which are free, may be the easiest option.

Photos

As long as you have a cell phone, you probably have a camera with you most of the time. Use it to not only take pictures for identification, but to compare the progress of healing wounds, weight loss or gain, or to record a photo of the stallion you’d like to take your mare to. The downside of photos is that they require a lot of organizing to make them truly useful. Take out your digital camera if you don’t have a smart phone.