(954) 434–0008Southwest Ranches’ equestrian community is undoubtedly a pillar of our Town. We hope these resources help current and prospective equine owners find helpful information, connect with local services, and provide the best possible care for their animals.
Animal Care Disclaimer: Content on this website is for general, educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any animal’s health or well‑being.
Horse Resources
There’s a lot to know about caring for a horse! Below, you will find a selection of articles and resources to help you learn how to provide the best care for your horse.
Getting Started
Is horse ownership right for you? Caring for a horse can be a rewarding experience, but before committing, consider the following:
The New Horse Owner’s Equine Budgeting Handbook
How Much Does a Horse Cost per Month
Important Things to Know Before Buying a Horse
Horse Time Commitments: Balancing Life with Ownership
Priorities for Horse Care
Finding a Dedicated Equine Vet
As horse owners, we know that our horses aren’t just animals—they are our partners, athletes, and family members. We rely on their size and strength, but horses are sensitive animals whose health can be very delicate. Waiting for an emergency to happen is the worst time to start searching for a doctor.
Seconds count in an emergency. Conditions like colic (severe stomach pain) or sudden injuries require instant care from a vet who knows your horse. Prevention is key. Your horse should have regular checkups, routine vaccines, dental care, and parasite control to keep minor issues from becoming costly tragedies.
Don’t wait for a crisis to strike. Connect with a licensed equine veterinarian to care for your horse.
Equine Best Practices
Below are some resources for best practices tailored to the conditions of Southwest Ranches and the broader South Florida region:
In South Florida, equine care requires special consideration due to our subtropical climate and sandy soils. Key priorities include finding a good veterinarian, preventing sand ingestion, managing heat and humidity, controlling biting insects, and proper manure management.
Sand Colic Prevention
Because South Florida soils are predominantly sand, horses are at a constant risk of sand impaction. Review the following articles to learn more about sand colic prevention:
Sand Colic & Impaction in Horses: Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Managing Sand Ingestion in Florida Horses: Complications and Solutions
Feeding: Never feed hay or grain directly on the sandy ground. Use heavy-duty rubber mats or elevated feeders.
Supplements: Consult your veterinarian about incorporating psyllium-based supplements into their diet for a week each month to help clear sand from the gut.
Water: Ensure access to unlimited fresh water and free-choice loose salt to keep the digestive tract hydrated and moving.
Manure Management & Water Protection
Because the local water table is high and run-off can easily carry nutrients into the Everglades, strict municipal regulations apply. Review the following articles to learn more about manure and water management:
Equine Best Management Practices for Southeast Florida
A Guide For Navigating South Florida’s Drainage Challenges
Setbacks: Locate manure storage, wash racks, and grazing areas at least 100 feet from canals, wells, and other water bodies.
Rotational Grazing: Prevent overgrazing, which leaves bare sand exposed. Rest pastures until the grass reaches 6 to 8 inches in height before allowing horse grazing to resume.
Heat & Humidity Management
South Florida’s hot, humid climate increases the risk of heat stress and dehydration. Ensure horses always have access to fresh water, shade, and adequate ventilation, and adjust exercise schedules during periods of extreme heat. Review the following resources to learn more about heat and humidity management:
Forum Heat Management for Horses in Florida
Guide to Turnout for Horses: Benefits, Safety & Schedules
When Summer Turns Dangerous: Protect Your Horse From Intense Heat and Fight Flies
Essential Summer Care Tips for Your Horse
Electrolytes: Check with your veterinarian about whether you should provide daily electrolytes, especially during the peak summer months.
Turnout Schedules: Consider switching to night turnout, keeping horses in stalls during the day to protect them from UV rays, heat, and biting insects.
Shade: Provide run-in sheds or access to sufficient shade in every pasture.
Disease Prevention & Vector Control
Warm, wet climates breed mosquitoes and flies, which are primary vectors for disease. Learn more about disease prevention and vector control:
Florida Reports First 2026 Equine Infectious Anemia Case
Protecting Florida Horses through Vaccination
Florida Equine Travel Requirements: Coggins Tests and Health Certificates
Vaccinations: Follow America Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines, consulting a local veterinarian about immunizations for West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), Rabies, and other pathogens.
Coggins Test: Proof of a negative Coggins test (Equine Infectious Anemia) is required for almost all boarding facilities, shows, and trail rides in Florida. Keep these records updated annually.
Biting Insect Management: Eliminate standing water and utilize automatic fly-spray systems or topical barriers to protect against biting insects.
Handling Manure
Always follow best management practices for manure management. Stop by Town Hall to receive your free copy of Small Scale Horse Operations: Best Management Practices for Water Resource Protection in Flo
Tow-behind manure spreaders are available from agricultural equipment manufacturers and retailers. Key considerations when determining if a manure spreader may help to handle manure on your property include the property size, available tow vehicle and space to store this equipment under cover/inside of a building when not in use.
Connect with other Horse Owners
It can be beneficial to align yourself with local horse owners who can guide you while you find your way. Connecting with groups like the South Florida Trail Riders of Broward can be an excellent way to engage with local horse owners, participate in themed trail rides, and learn about the area.
Additional Horse Resources
State of Florida Horse Information
University of Florida Resources
Donkey Resources
Many of the care considerations discussed above apply to donkeys as well. However, while horses and donkeys share many of the same basic needs, there are important differences to keep in mind, particularly when it comes to nutrition, pasture management, and recognizing signs of illness.
The resources below provide donkey-specific guidance to help you understand these differences and provide appropriate care.
Getting Started
Before Getting Horses or Donkeys
Donkey Nutrition
Donkeys are adapted to survive on sparse, low-quality forage, so they can be prone to weight gain and obesity when given abundant or rich forage. Careful diet and pasture management are important to help prevent obesity and related conditions such as laminitis and arthritis.
An ideal donkey diet prioritizes high fiber intake, low energy density, and limited sugar and starch exposure. Learn more about donkey nutrition:
Donkey Breed Guide: Characteristics, Health & Nutrition
Daily Diet, Treats, & Supplements for Donkeys
Donkey Illness
Unlike horses, who are more reactive and prone to flight, donkeys tend to have a more stoic temperament and may suppress outward signs of discomfort. This is why it’s important to get to know the donkeys in your care, so slight changes and symptoms are more apparent to you. Learn more about health challenges for donkeys:
Potential Donkey Health Challenges
Misc. Equine Contacts
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Associations
Phone: (352) 629-2160
Email: info@ftboa.com
Florida Quarter Horse Association
Phone: (941) 321-3247
Email: fqhasecretary@gmail.com
The Florida Cracker Horse Association
Phone: (352) 213-3400
Email: floridacrackerhorse@gmail.com
Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc.
Phone: (305) 619-4987
Email: info@floridapfha.org
Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association
Phone: (954) 972-5400
Email: info@floridaharnessracing.com
Email: MarketingFPHC@gmail.com
Florida Morgan Horse Association
Florida Palomino Exhibitors Association
Florida Reining Horse Association
South Florida Trail Riders of Broward County, Inc.
Southwest Ranches is proud of its strong equestrian and agricultural heritage. Whether you are caring for horses or donkeys, we hope these resources help you make informed decisions, connect with local services and fellow animal owners, and provide the best possible care for your animals.
Please reach out to Isabel McNulty at 954-358-2550 or imcnulty@southwestranches.org if you have questions or need assistance about agriculture in Southwest Ranches.
All animal‑care information presented on this website is offered for general, educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Content may include suggestions or guidance, but decisions regarding any animal’s health, behavior, or well‑being should always be made in consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Visitors are strongly encouraged to seek veterinary care whenever an animal shows signs of illness, injury, distress, or abnormal behavior.