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Feeding Your New Horse
After paying stabling fees
for your horse, feeding him is probably your next greatest
cost. It is important to feed a balanced ration to keep
your horse healthy and happy. Many companies try to
sell fancy supplements, but it all comes down to the
basics.
Horses are hind gut fermenters, meaning
their basic need is for forages. Forages are provided
to horses in the form of hay. As a general guideline
horses should be fed one to two pounds of hay for every
100 pounds of bodyweight. This amount can vary greatly
depending on the activity level of your horse. The hay
should be of high quality, free of mold, and other debris.
Pastures can be another source of forage
for your horse. A high quality pasture could provide
for almost all your horse's nutritional needs. About
one to two acres of pasture is required for each horse.
Additional grain is necessary for growing
horses and horses who exercise or perform. Grain is
usually provided in the form of crushed oats or corn
with molasses. Grain is usually fed twice daily. The
amount of grain should be carefully regulated so you
don't upset their digestive tract.
Nutritional supplements should be offered
in the form of free choice mineral blocks and salt blocks
placed in the stall or pasture. Many companies try to
sell fancy supplements for horses. The majority of these
are not necessary and are a waste of money. Most horses
can receive all the nutrition they need through a high
quality forage diet.
As with all animals, horses require
access to fresh clean water at all times. The source
of water should not be next to the hay feeder or it
could become full of hay, thereby preventing them from
drinking.
Some horses can have certain medical
problems and need to be fed in a certain way. Some horses
have allergies, similar to people, to hay or dust. These
horses cannot have hay or be exposed to dust. So to
provide forage to these horses, they need to eat fresh
grass. Other horses may colic easily when given grain
or other treats. These horses should just be kept on
a strict diet of forages.
By taking the time to provide your horse
with a nutritious diet you are ensuring them a healthy
life. Also, by providing a complete diet, you will save
money by having fewer medical and veterinary bills.
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