Feeding Challenges
by Jessie Hanson, Equine Wellness Consultant
While most horse owners would probably argue that they hardly consider the act of feeding their horse akin to ‘rocket science’, they may agree that it can represent a posing challenge from time-to-time. Recognizably, there has been a vast amount of equine nutrition research developed over the past few years which has significantly altered the way we think about feeding our horses. Long gone are the days of hay and oats being the sole option for a horse’s daily menu. Today, the horse owner can select from an overwhelming, and oftentimes confusing, choice of products. Fortunately, information is readily available from a variety of resources that include academia and commercial feed manufacturers, as well as your veterinarian, an equine nutrition consultant, and your local feed dealer. It might take a little effort to determine the correct ration for your horse’s lifestyle, but the benefit is your horse’s good health and performance.
The task of developing a good feeding program becomes even more challenging for the horse with a special medical condition, horses kept on pasture, and those in a boarding facility, in training or in competition. Each of these scenarios requires special attention on the part of the owner to assure that their horse is receiving proper nutrition.
Although little compares with the satisfying enjoyment of keeping your horse at home, many factors can affect their safety and wellness. Horses that are stabled with a small area for daily turnout require a different feeding program than those with access to grazing. Horses which are kept on pasture full time represent the greatest concern as they find themselves in a dynamic, ever-changing environment. From lush spring and fall grasses to the barren land of summer and winter, their daily feed ration must be adjusted according to current conditions.
Utilizing pasture grass can, indeed, contribute significantly towards the bottom-line of the monthly feed bill. It is, however, a resource that requires maintenance and proper care, and its contribution must be carefully considered as an important part of the horse’s daily ration. During the growing season, grasses are rich in carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Horses which over-consume, or are sensitive to higher levels of carbohydrates, can easily ‘founder’; a painful condition that affects the hoof and requires veterinary attention, specialized farrier care, and often renders the horse unusable. Monitoring the length of daily grazing time and pasture condition offers a safe way of utilizing this beneficial and available feedstuff, while protecting the horse from a potentially hazardous result. Proper pasture care, being watchful for noxious weeds and other dangers, maintaining safe fencing, and providing a constant source of fresh, clean water and salt, are all essential requirements for the pastured horse. (Consult your local county conservation district for information and assistance on pasture care.)
During those seasons when pasture grass is not growing, hay and grain will need to be provided as a supplement to assure adequate nourishment. As is true whenever changes in the horse’s feeding program are required, a gradual adjustment period of seven to ten days minimizes the potential for colic. Whether adding pasture to your horse’s diet or needing to supplement with hay during times of inadequate pasture, a gradual transition gives the horse’s digestive tract time to adjust to the new feed. In fact, research shows that even a change in hay, from one crop or field to another, increases the risk of colic by 12 percent!
A common but oftentimes overlooked event is when the physical location of the horse’s care changes, such as when the horse is sold or enters training. In these situations they most likely will experience an elevated stress level simply due to the change. Maintaining their same diet for a week or two after the move, and then gradually introducing any new feed over another seven- to 10-day period, is a good preventative measure to help guard against a medical emergency.
While the owner cannot, of course, control the horse’s feeding program after it is sold, the situation of feeding their horse while in a boarding or training facility is quite the opposite. Prior to entering into such a situation, a close inspection of the facility and meeting with the management will help to determine if your horse will be assured of receiving the level of care you pay for and expect.
One of the best things to do is to see the actual hay and grain being fed. A quick look helps to determine if it is of good quality and mold-free. Notice if there is sufficient quantity to feed the number of horses housed for the next few months at least. Both alfalfa and grass hay should be made available. The horse owner should also be offered a choice of a higher carbohydrate grain (such as oats), or a low carbohydrate/ high fat commercial feed product. Are these products kept in a secure, rodent-free area? Are they fresh and from a reliable source? Will the proper amount be fed as required by your horse? Inquire how salt is provided, and determine that water buckets are cleaned and filled with fresh, clean water at least once daily and being refilled as needed. Horses should be fed no less than twice per day, in the early morning and late afternoon. Discuss any additional concerns you might have including, how supplements are provided, turnout, blanketing, etc.
Finally, take a walk through the barn and inspect the condition of the stalls and the horses. If the horses don’t appear well cared for, discontent, or if you simply don’t like what you see, find another facility that meets your expectations and requirements. After all, it’s your horse’s health that is at stake, along with your peace-of-mind, and your pocketbook!
One feeding challenge that many owners feel they have little, if any, control over is when their horse enters training. This should never be the case. Typically, either the trainer owns their own facility and is ultimately responsible for the care of their clients’ horses, or they lease stalls from the owner of the facility who provides the feed. In either event, the horse owner can easily discuss their horse’s feeding program with the trainer or barn manager. If the trainer suggests changes to your horse’s current ration, ask them to explain the reasoning behind their recommendation. Make certain the trainer knows if your horse has any feed sensitivities or allergies and the need for any supplements. Again, if you are uncomfortable with the situation, find another alternative.
Studies continue to show that when a healthy horse receives a properly balanced ration there is no need for additional supplementation. In the case of geriatric horses or individuals with specific medical conditions, it is always advised to discuss the horse’s feeding program with your veterinarian before making any changes.
Due to the fact that conducting a research project is a very expensive endeavor, it is not uncommon to find studies conducted by commercial feed manufacturers. It would be erroneous to discount this information simply because they footed the bill, but keep in mind that, as is always the case with consumer products, a corporation only publishes the information which is beneficial to their product or position. Studies are also available from select universities that offer equine nutrition programs.
Although horse owners now have more choices than ever before, your feeding program does not need to become mind-boggling confusion. With a little research and thought your horse will reap immediate and long-term benefits of a good feeding program.
