1. Base Your Horse’s Diet on Grass and Hay.
A horse’s digestive system is made to
process large quantities of grass, which is high in fiber and water. The basic
diet for most horses should consist of grass and good-quality hay that’s free
of dust and mold. As a general rule, companion horses should be able to graze
or eat hay whenever they want to.
2. Feed Several Small Meals a Day
Because horses’ stomachs were developed for
grazing, horses function better with a feeding plan based on “little and
often.” Experts recommend that horses should eat several small meals at least
two, preferably three or more, in the course of a day. When feeding hay, give
half the hay allowance at night, when horses have more time to eat and digest.
3. No Grain, No Gain
Most horses, even fairly active ones, don’t
need the extra calories found in grains. Excess grains can lead to muscle, bone
and joint problems in young and adult horses. Unless directed otherwise by your
veterinarian or other equine professional, it’s best to feed low-energy diets
high in grass and hay.
4. Be Aware of Individual Needs
Feed according to the individuality of the
horse, including condition and activity level. Some horses have difficulty
keeping on weight, and need more feed per unit of body weight. However, most
horses should eat between 2 percent to 4 percent of their body weight daily in
pounds of hay or other feeds. Your veterinarian can help you decide how and
what to feed your horse.
5. Water Works
Plenty of fresh, clean, unfrozen water
should be available most times, even if the horse only drinks once or twice a
day. Contrary to instinct, horses that are hot from strenuous exercise should
not have free access to water. Rather, they should be allowed only a few sips
every three to five minutes until they have adequately cooled down.
6. Provide a
Supplementary Salt Block
Because most diets do not contain mineral
levels high enough for optimal health and performance, horses should have free
access to a trace mineral and salt block. This will provide your horse with adequate
levels of salt to stabilize pH and electrolyte levels, as well as adequate
levels of trace minerals. As long as plenty of fresh water is available, you
needn’t be concerned about over consumption of salt.
7. Take it Slow
Any changes in the diet
should be made gradually to avoid colic (abdominal pain usually associated with
intestinal disease) and laminitis (painful inflammation in the hoof associated
with separation of the hoof bone from the hoof wall), either of which can be
catastrophic. Horses are physically unable to vomit or belch. Overfeeding and
rapid rates of intake are potential problems. Consequently, a horse or pony that
breaks into the grain bin, or is allowed to gorge on green pasture for the
first time since autumn, can be headed for a health disaster.
8. Dental Care & Your Horse’s Diet
Horses need their teeth to grind grass and
hay, so it is important to keep teeth in good condition. At the age of five
years, horses should begin annual dental checkups by a veterinarian to see if
their teeth need floating (filing). Tooth quality has to be considered when
deciding whether or not to feed processed grains (grains that are no longer
whole, such as cracked corn and rolled oats). Horses with poor dental
soundness, a particular problem in older horses tend to benefit more from
processed feed than do younger horses, which have sounder mouths and teeth.
9. Exercise Caution
Stabled horses need exercise. Horses will
eat better, digest food better and be less likely to colic if they get proper
exercise. Horses should finish eating at least an hour before hard work. Do not
feed grain to tired or hot horses until they are cooled and rested, preferably
one or two hours after activity. You can feed them hay instead. To prevent hot
horses from cooling down too quickly, keep them out of drafts or warm in
blankets.
10. Don’t Leave Home without It
Because abrupt dietary change can have
devastating results on a horse’s sensitive system, you should always bring your
horse’s food with you when you travel. Additionally, some horses will refuse to
drink unfamiliar water, so you may also want to bring along a supply of the
water your horse regularly drinks.
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