Feeding a horse can be confusing. There are a large number of different feeds available and no two horses are alike. The amount and type of feed given will depend on the horse’s type, age, weight, health, workload, the climate and what is locally available.
Don't feed a heavy meal before or after work- leave about 1 to 1,1/2 hours either side of work. Hay does not have to be removed.
Mix feeds daily and remove uneaten feed- By mixing feed daily rather than mixing all the feed together when it arrives, allows the feed to be rationed and allows you to see what the horse is eating. If the horse leaves any feed or becomes sick you can remove a feed product.
When you feed your horse after work, give them 1 flake of hay. But depending on what type of horse you have give them a cup of oats or pellets.
Weight bridges are expensive and not everyone has access to one. Ask vets, dealers and studs if they have one and if they are willing to let you use it. However "changes" in weight are more important.
Feed good quality feed and forage- Poor quality feeds that may be mouldy or sour can cause colic. Cheap or bad feeds may end up not being eaten and cost more in the long run.
Weigh feed – Don’t feed by “scoop”. Weigh how much a “scoop” is for each type of feed.
Feed plenty of Forage – Grazing, haylage, hay or oat straw so the horse has something in its stomach all day. This helps keep the peristaltic movement and digestive juices going, and avoid behavioural and health problems.
If you have regular access to a weight bridge, condition score as well. A horse that has gained weight may not have gained fat, but gained muscle.
If a horse doesn’t require a feed other then forage, but other horses kept with him do, give a “dummy feed” of low-energy chaff and balancer. This will mean the horse doesn’t feel left out when the others are fed.
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