~*~Feed~*~

Through out millions of years the horse has adapted to eating many different food sources due to their surroundings and habitats around them. The horse is a herbivore, meaning they eat grass, some planets, hay, grain etc… Horses eating a “bulk” diet should not have many problems. However, horses at work will require concentrate feed (also referred to as “shorts” or “hard” feed) as well as bulk feeds such as grass and hay to provide the amount of energy your horse needs. It is these feeds that must be given little and often none to avoid digestive problems. The more food a horse requires, the more feed per day he/she will need. Hard feed such as cereals should not exceed 4Ib (1.8kg) but those made of pellets may be 6Ib (2.7kg) because the greater fibers require more chewing and slows down the eating process.

DO NOTS:


  • 1) Never feed a horse less than an hour before he/she is worked!
    • Reasons: The stomach lies very close to the diaphragm on the other side are the lungs. If a horse is asked to work after feeding, the food/content in the stomach may/will cause pressure on the diaphragm and restrict the lungs.
    Secondary: Blood is needed during the process of digestion but also essential for muscle activity. Therefore, if a horse is worked the blood moves to the muscles and the digestion is abandoned. Therefore ALLOW your horse to eat for 20 min then an hour to a half an hour to digest.


    ~*~A Balanced Diet~*~


    To have a healthy horse you should have a good balanced diet. Here are some important contents in which should be included within your horses diet.



    ~*~Essential For your Horses Diet~*~

    Protein: Essential for growth and tissue repair
    Carbohydrates & Fats: Needed to supply energy and heat.
    Vitamins & Minerals: Necessary for different parts of the body.
    Fiber/Bulk: Vital to ensure health of digestive tract and it also provides energy.
    WATER: ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE!!! (can’t you tell..this is VERY important!!)







    ~*~Definitions For Feed~*~
    Great Informationl

    Barley Barley is referred to as a fattening feed, the grain is heavier and contains more energy than oats and therefore is a “Richer” feed than Oats
    Bran The fiber it contains is not easily digested and a further complication lies in the fact that it is low in calcium. This can cause problems for the young and growing horses, so you should add a calcium like substance while feeding bran to your horse
    Chaff: Chopped chaff or chop is basically chopped hay or/and straw oats. The main purpose is to encourage the horse to chew it food
    Corn: Another high energy feed. These are normally used to temp the horse into eating. Corn must NEVER be the main ration of feed/food because it is low in quality protein and fibers, and can cause over heating
    Hay Hay is the main diet of a stabled horse. There are many different kinds of hay. Seed hay is made from grasses that have been specially selected or grown. Meadow Hay is taken from permanent pastures and contain a much wider variety of grasses as well as some planets and herbs
    Linseed Although high in protein this feed is normally not overwhelming the whole/main portion of the diet. This is normally added t make the coat bloom through the oil in the horses skin
    Oats The most common cereal feed. Oats can safely make up the full concentrate rations for working horses. They contain a high fiber content. Oats give your horse energy and spunk! So be wise on how much you give them before riding or working
    Peas and Beans: These are often used little of due to the fact they cause over heating but are substantial for your horse during winter

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