Feeding Tips for Horses

Keeping your horse in top condition is not always easy (especially at this time of year).  Hopefully you will find the below feeding tips helpful, especially for those horses/ponies who are a little more fussy about their food.

Do keep an eye out for next week's blog which will explain how to monitor your horse's weight and body condition.

• Always ensure ad lib access to good quality forage to maintain a healthy digestive digestive system.

• Provide easy access to clean, fresh water at all times.

• Always feed according to bodyweight, condition, workload and temperament – every horse is different!

• Consider whether ‘hard bucket’ feeds are really required.

• If using hard feeds, give little and often rather than one large feed a day.

• If you need to make changes to your horse’s diet, do this gradually over at least 7-10 days.

• Feed by weight and not volume.

• Monitor your horse’s condition and adjust feed accordingly.

• Try to maintain a feeding routine as much as possible.

• Do not work your horse hard immediately after feeding.

• Clean feeding equipment regularly.

• Add water to feeds to reduce the risk of choke and colic.

• Keep feed fresh in closed bins and use the oldest first eg never pour new food on top of old.

• Ensure your horse has their teeth checked regularly by a vet or equine dentist.

• If your horse requires medication, ideally give it separately so as not to put them off their usual feed.

• Try to provide forage in a variety of locations to encourage a horse’s natural behaviour. If they are fussy you can try different types of forage too.

• If in any doubt, consult your vet or feed/nutrition specialist.