Here are 10 essential rules for feeding horses to ensure
their health and well-being:
1. Provide Plenty of Forage:
Horses should have access to good quality hay or pasture, as their digestive
system is designed for continuous grazing.
2. Feed Little and Often:
Small, frequent meals are better than large, infrequent ones to mimic natural
grazing and prevent digestive issues like colic.
3. Make Changes Gradually:
Introduce any changes in diet—new feed, hay, or pasture—slowly over 7–10 days
to allow the gut to adjust.
4. Feed According to Workload, Age, and Condition: Tailor the diet to the horse’s energy needs, health status,
and life stage.
5. Provide Clean, Fresh Water at All Times: Horses require a constant supply of clean water for digestion
and overall health.
6. Maintain a Routine: Feed at the same times
every day to support digestive stability and reduce stress.
7. Measure Feed Accurately:
Use weight (not volume) to measure feed to avoid over- or underfeeding.
8. Check Feed Quality: Avoid dusty, moldy, or
spoiled feed as it can cause respiratory or digestive issues.
9. Use Supplements Only When Needed: Don't over-supplement; ensure that any added vitamins or
minerals match the horse’s actual dietary needs.
10.
Provide Salt or a Mineral
Block: Horses need access to salt or a mineral block to meet
essential nutrient requirements.
The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care: The Novice
Owner's Guide to Horsekeeping
The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care: The Novice
Owner's Guide to Horsekeeping
Find solutions to the most common problems faced by novice horse owners.
Keeping your horse at home can be as wonderful and idyllic as it sounds, but there are also a lot of things which need to be taken into consideration to make sure you and your horse’s new home are ready. This book will guide you through some of the potential pitfalls, providing a simple and easily digestible overview of basic at-home horse health and care.
With more than thirty years of experience, horse owner, trainer, and caretaker Lainey Cullen-McConkey offers expert insight on topics such as creating and maintaining a safe living environment for your horse, the basic rules of feeding and care, and invaluable advice on what to do if something goes wrong. Other helpful topics include:
What to know before you bring home your horse
Basic anatomy and systems of the horse
Healthcare and monitoring
Maintenance of property and pastures
Suggestions on what to do if your horse is injured or ill
And so much more!
The Ultimate Guide to Horse Health & Care covers everything you need to know and do both before and after bringing your horse home.
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