Owning a horse is a big responsibility. You must provide these animals with shelter and a place to roam, but you also have to make sure they’re well-fed. Proper nutrition is essential for horses of all ages, sizes, and breeds.
Understanding the best rules to follow for feeding your horses will help ensure they stay healthy and happy. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re at the stable.
Clean Water
Horses need a lot of water to stay hydrated and healthy. They should have access to a fresh, clean water source. If you’re not able to provide them with a constant supply of fresh water, you should at least give them a few buckets per day.
Horses typically drink between 10 and 12 gallons of water per day, but this can vary depending on the temperature, activity level, and other factors.
Forage First
Horses are grazing animals, and their stomachs digest small amounts of food throughout the day. You should provide them with a steady supply of hay or other forage.
The type of forage you give your horse will depend on their specific needs. For example, pregnant mares and young horses require a higher-quality diet than adult horses that are not actively growing.
Grains and Concentrates
In addition to forage, horses also need a source of carbohydrates and other nutrients. This nutrition is typically in the form of grains and concentrates. These usually come in animal feed bags mixed with water or molasses to make a mash.
The amount of grain and concentrate you give your horse will depend on their age, activity level, and other factors. It’s important not to overfeed them, as this can lead to health problems.
Vitamins and Minerals
Horses also need a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. These vitamins can come from a balanced diet or supplements.
The essential vitamins and minerals for horses include:
- Vitamin A: helps with growth and reproduction
- Vitamin D: helps with calcium absorption
- Vitamin E: antioxidant that helps protect against disease
- B vitamins: essential for metabolism
- Calcium: necessary for strong bones and teeth
- Phosphorus: supports bone and muscle development
- Potassium: helps regulate fluid balance
Feeding Schedule
The best way to ensure your horse gets the nutrition they need is to develop a feeding schedule. This schedule should be based on their age, activity level, and other factors. For example, adult horses that are not working or competing can typically get by on two meals per day. However, young horses or those actively competing may need up to four meals per day.
You should also take into account the type of food you’re feeding them. Forage should be available at all times, but you should only feed them grains and concentrates at specific times.
By following these tips, you can ensure your horse gets the nutrition they need. A healthy diet is essential for keeping your horse happy and healthy. Lots of water and a healthy balance of forage, grains, and concentrates are vital to keeping your horse well-fed. Have fun and enjoy your time at the stable!
