Horse Feeding and Nutrition: A Down-to-Earth Guide

Let's talk about something that's at the heart of every horse owner's daily routine – feeding. It's not just about tossing some hay and calling it a day. Proper nutrition is like the foundation of a house; get it right, and your horse will thrive. Get it wrong, and well... let's just say you might be seeing your vet more often than you'd like.

The Basics: What Your Horse Needs

Think of your horse's diet like a puzzle. There are six main pieces you need to fit together:

1. Water: This is the big one. Your horse needs clean water, and plenty of it – we're talking 5 to 15 gallons a day. It's like us needing our morning coffee, but way more critical.

2. Carbs: These are your horse's main fuel. They get it from grass, hay, and grains. Think of it as your horse's version of a power bar.

3. Protein: This is the building block for muscles. It's especially crucial for growing horses – they're like teenagers going through a growth spurt.

4. Fats: While horses don't need a lot of fat, it's a great energy booster. It's like adding a turbo to your horse's engine.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: These are the behind-the-scenes workers. They keep everything running smoothly, from bones to blood.

Feeding 101: The Golden Rules

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of feeding:

• Forage is King: At least half of your horse's diet should be forage. It's like the base of the food pyramid for horses.

• Measure, Don't Guess: Use weight, not volume, when measuring feed. Different feeds can weigh differently, so eyeballing it just won't cut it.

• Slow and Steady: Any changes to your horse's diet should be gradual. Their stomachs are sensitive – kind of like that friend who can't handle spicy food.

• Routine is Everything: Horses love consistency. Try to feed at the same times each day. It's like setting a dinner schedule for your family.

Choosing the Right Feed

Picking the right feed can feel like navigating a maze. Here's a quick rundown:

• Hay: This is your go-to. Grass hay for most horses, alfalfa for the high-performance crowd.

• Concentrates: These are your heavy hitters for energy. Use them wisely – too much can be like giving a kid too much candy.

• Special Feeds: For the seniors, the easy keepers, or the hard workers, there are feeds tailored just for them. It's like choosing between regular, diet, and energy drinks.

Feeding Through the Seasons

Just like we change our wardrobe with the seasons, your horse's nutritional needs can change too:

• Summer: Think hydration and electrolytes. It's like making sure you have a water bottle during a heatwave.

• Winter: More calories to keep warm. Think of it as putting an extra blanket on your horse, but from the inside.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't go as planned:

Overweight Horses

For the easy keepers, it's all about portion control and low-cal options. Think of it as putting them on a diet, but don't tell them that!

Underweight Horses

For horses that need to gain weight, think quality over quantity. It's like choosing nutrient-dense foods when you're trying to bulk up.

Senior Horses

Older horses might need special feeds that are easier to chew and digest. It's like switching from steak to soup as we get older.

Real-World Feeding Scenarios: What Would You Do?

Let's dive into some situations you might encounter and how to handle them:

Scenario 1: The New Horse

You've just brought home a new horse. Exciting times! But wait, what exactly should you feed it?

• Tip: Start by finding out what the horse was eating before. Then, gradually transition to your feeding program over 7-10 days. It's like introducing a new cuisine to your diet – you wouldn't jump from burgers to sushi overnight, would you?

• Action Plan:

  1. Mix 75% old feed with 25% new feed for the first 3 days

  2. Go 50-50 for the next 3 days

  3. Then 25% old, 75% new for 3 days

  4. Finally, make the full switch

Scenario 2: The Picky Eater

Your horse suddenly turns its nose up at dinner. What's a worried horse parent to do?

• Tip: First, rule out any health issues. If your horse gets the all-clear from the vet, it might just be going through a finicky phase.

• Action Plan:

  1. Try adding a splash of apple juice to the feed – it's like adding ketchup to a kid's vegetables

  2. Experiment with different textures – some horses prefer wet feed, others like it dry

  3. Check your feed's freshness – would you eat stale chips?

Scenario 3: The Grass-Obsessed Grazer

Your horse is putting on weight faster than you can say "diet time!" How do you manage pasture access?

• Tip: Think of pasture like an all-you-can-eat buffet. Sometimes, you need to set some limits.

• Action Plan:

  1. Use a grazing muzzle during part of the day – it's like giving your horse a smaller plate at the buffet

  2. Implement strip grazing – think of it as portioning out the buffet over time

  3. Alternate pasture time with dry lot time – it's like scheduling snack times

DIY Feed Assessment: Be Your Own Horse Nutritionist

You don't need a lab coat to do some basic feed quality checks. Here's your home testing kit:

1. The Smell Test: Good feed should smell fresh and slightly sweet. If it smells musty or off, trust your nose!

2. The Touch Test: Hay should feel cool to the touch. Warm hay could mean fermentation and mold growth – big no-nos.

3. The Visual Inspection: Look for dust, mold, or foreign objects. It's like checking your own salad for unwanted extras.

4. The Flotation Test (for grains): Drop a handful in water. Good grains sink, bad ones float. It's like a little science experiment!

Feeding on a Budget: More Bang for Your Buck

Feeding horses can be expensive, but there are ways to economize without compromising nutrition:

1. Buy in Bulk: If you have proper storage, buying larger quantities can save money. It's like shopping at Costco, but for horse feed.

2. Maximize Pasture Use: Good pasture management can reduce your hay and feed bills. It's nature's buffet, after all!

3. DIY Ration Balancing: Learn to balance your own rations using basic feeds and supplements. It's like becoming the chef instead of always eating out.

4. Reduce Waste: Use slow feeders or hay nets to make hay last longer. Think of it as rationing out the popcorn during a long movie.

The Golden Rules of Feeding: A Cheat Sheet

Let's wrap this up with a handy list you can stick on your barn wall:

1. Consistency is key – stick to a routine

2. Make changes gradually – Rome wasn't built in a day

3. Fresh, clean water always available – no exceptions!

4. Forage first – it's the foundation of equine nutrition

5. Feed according to work level – match the fuel to the engine

6. Monitor body condition – be your horse's personal trainer

7. When in doubt, ask a pro – vets and nutritionists are your friends

Remember, feeding your horse right is part science, part art, and a whole lot of common sense. Keep learning, stay observant, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of caring for your equine friend. After all, meal times are great bonding times – for horses and humans alike!

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.