NUTRITION

Proper nutrition is an everyday consideration of horse management and is essential to every horse engaged in any activity. The proper feeding of horses involves knowing the nutritional needs of the horse and providing for this need through the provision of suitable feedstuff. It is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist if you have questions regarding the nutritional needs of your horse. Proper feeding of horses means attention to detail. The horse’s nutritional requirements are influenced by the following factors: the size of the animal, the environment in which the horse is kept, the age of the horse, the type of use or activity, and individual metabolic needs and characteristics. It is important that horses be provided with feed regularly and that they have adequate access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Water is an essential nutrient that is necessary for horses to maintain normal bodily function. Horses are best given water free-choice or they should be able to drink their fill at least twice a day. Most horses will drink 5 to 10 gallons of water per day with factors such as hot weather, exercise, and lactation causing a significant increase in water consumption. When horses are given inadequate access to water, they become dehydrated and become more susceptible to a variety of health problems, such as weight loss, colic, and kidney disease.

Since the horse is a grazing animal, the basis for all horse diets should be hay or pasture. Good-quality forage alone can meet the maintenance requirements for most horses. In many cases, horses will not only maintain weight but can make slow body weight gains when fed an all-forage diet. Horses should be fed free-choice hay or pasture; if this is not possible they should receive at least 1 to 1.5 percent of their body weight in forage per day, which is 10 to 15 pounds of hay or pasture grass per day for a 1,000-pound horse.

Physical activity will increase the nutrient requirements of the horse and may necessitate the addition of concentrate to a basic forage/roughage feeding program. A variety of grains are utilized for the concentrated portion of the diet. The most common grains are oats, corn, and barley. Mixed grain diets are readily available from feed and farm supply stores and should be fed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

As a general rule, the amount of concentrate should not exceed 30 percent of the total amount of feed being fed and it should be divided into at least two feedings per day. The grain is used to supplement forage to provide the energy and other nutrients needed for faster weight gains, growth, increased milk production, and high levels of athletic activity.

If your horse is not on grain, or if the grain you feed does not include trace minerals, you may want to provide your horse with a trace mineral block or salt lick.

It is interesting to note that horses cannot vomit or regurgitate food, so if they overeat or eat something poisonous, vomiting is not an option. They also do not have a gall bladder which makes high-fat diets hard to digest or utilize. If possible, horses should be allowed to graze ideally up to 16 hours a day.

SHELTER

Horses can adapt to a wide variety of environmental extremes if they are acclimated and have adequate feed and water. Horses with free access to shelter will often choose not to use it when it seems logical they would do so. Acceptable shelter may be natural, such as trees or rock formations, or constructed, such as sheds or barns. Horses do benefit from shelter, especially if it serves as a sunshade and windbreak.

The shelter should be of adequate size for the number of horses using it to avoid fighting and injury among the animals. Individual stalls in a barn should be large enough for the horse to turn around in and lay down in. A 12-foot by 12-foot stall is large enough for all but the largest horse. The shelter should be tall enough for the horse to be able to stand with its head held in a normal position without its ears touching the ceiling. The shelter should be adequately ventilated to help prevent respiratory tract irritation and should be free of hazards that might cause injury. Finally, it should have good footing and be well-drained.

Horses should be given the opportunity for daily exercise. If the horse is kept in a stall or small paddock, it should be exercised daily, weather permitting, either by being ridden or by being turned out in a large paddock, arena, or pasture. If horses normally live in large paddocks or pasture, they will generally receive adequate exercise on their own.

Horse owners should use whatever fencing is adequate and safe to secure the type of horse they own. This can vary in types from wood to electric. Wire fencing is a poor choice unless specifically designed for horses to prevent entanglement or injury.

COLD WEATHER TIPS:

First and foremost, it is important to increase the amount of hay in a horse’s diet. Hay allows for increased hindgut fermentation, thereby increasing body temperature through energy production. It is the single most important way to keep your horse warm when temperatures drop.

Secondly, horses must have access to water at all times. This is most easily accomplished through the use of a water heater. If this is not feasible, water must be offered multiple times per day. Do not assume a horse knows how to break through ice.

Should you blanket your horse? This should be treated on an individual basis.

• Your horse is visibly uncomfortable or shivering
• Your horse is older, weak, ill, or recovering
• Your horse is very young
• Your horse is clipped
• Your horse is being shown or ridden consistently
• Your horse does not have a sufficient winter coat
• Your horse was moved from a warmer climate

Blanketing requires consistency and close monitoring. Improper blanketing can cause overheating or chilling and may hide weight loss. When managed properly, a blanket can be an appropriate alternative.

For horses with good weight and winter coats, not blanketing may be healthiest. Regardless, access to shelter is essential.

HEALTHCARE

Horse owners should engage both a licensed veterinarian and a farrier. Horses require preventive care as well as treatment for illness and injury. Horses should be observed daily, especially during high-risk periods.

Vaccinations, deworming, and dental care should be determined by the veterinarian. Dental exams should be conducted at least annually, as dental issues directly affect health and nutrition.

All horses require routine hoof care at least every two to three months. A farrier should determine trimming or corrective shoeing needs.

LIFESPAN

It is not uncommon to see horses live into their 30s or even 40s. Lifespan depends on genetics, care, nutrition, and veterinary attention. Most horses show signs of aging in their mid-teens.

With proper care, many horses will live well into their 20s and beyond. Good nutrition, dental care, and exercise contribute to longevity.