RULES OF FEEDING
Feeding your horse is very easy. Work through each bit and don’t forget to use your common sense. Everyone has different ideas, and many will force these on you. You must gather the facts, then make your own choice for your horse.
WHAT?
Feed according to size, age, temperament, work, ability of rider, circumstance of horse (for example stabled, grass kept, ill etc).
Feed plenty of bulk (grass, hay, haylage).
The horse has a massive intestine, if left empty in excess of 4 hours the acids from the stomach and bile, which is constantly secreted as the horse has no gallbladder, will harm the intestine and could result in ulcers (so common now, often as a result of lack of knowledge or care), and many other issues. The intestine is also the horse’s central heating system, this is how he keeps warm, so without his intestine being full no amount of hard feed, fed morning and evening, will keep him warm all day. As a result any goodness from the feed will be taken up by replacing what he has lost through trying to keep himself warm.
Feed something succulent every day.
This could be grass, carrots, apples (not to excess, as they are quite acidic) etc. These foods contain vitamins and nutrients for your horse, they really enjoy them, and if mixed with hard feed, they can aid mastication (chewing and production of saliva) and therefore digestion.
Feed only good quality feed, free from dust and any mould.
Do not make sudden changes to their feed. This is because a horse has good bacteria in its intestine that break down the food so the horse can absorb it. If you suddenly change the feed, the bacteria will not have time to adjust, and will therefore be unable to sufficiently break down the feed.
WHEN?
Feed little and often to imitate how the horse would naturally eat. A 16h hunter horse’s stomach is approximately the size of a rugby ball, which is relatively small in comparison with its total body size. Because of this, a horse cannot digest large feeds properly, and once more than half full, the feed will go over the top of the stomach. As a result, the essential breakdown of the feed can not take place.
Feed at the same time every day. This is because horses are creatures of habit, and if feed is delayed or unexpected, this could lead to stressful behaviour. In the wild, they will adopt a routine that they follow as much as possible, and it is good practice to follow how they would naturally live.
Leave at least an hour after feeding before exercise as any less could cause colic. Also, it takes energy to digest feed which he will probably be using while he is exercising, so therefore proper digestion cannot take place.
Water before feeding. The horse should have a constant supply of clean fresh water, but if he has gone for a period without food or water, for example whilst exercising or travelling, offer water before feeding. If they eat first they may take a huge drink straight after, causing the feed to swell or get washed through the digestive tract too quickly, resulting in colic, choke or poor digestion.
HOW?
Feed in clean, horse proof buckets.
I like the ones that go on the floor with the widest opening, as this imitates a horse’s natural feeding position.
I dislike the buckets that go on the door as:
A- they put the horse’s head in a very unnatural position.
B- they generally have metal hooks so can become an issue if pulled off the door.
C- generally the horse will not like other horses or people near their feed, and could protect their bowl over the door causing issues with those passing.
I would like to feed hay from the floor as this is the most natural position, but understand this is not great in the stable. This is because it will get mixed in the bedding and get manure and urine in it (not ideal!). I do not like the haybars and containers, as the horse has to put their nose in and, even the best quality hay or haylage can contain dust particles that can be breathed in. These containers can also be hazardous. My favourite, but again with its issues, is haynets. These should be high enough so the horse does not get his leg stuck, but low enough that the horse is not at an awkward angle when eating, and also they do not have to pull down getting dust in their eyes. The hay net should not be placed by a window, as again, any dust will be blown towards the horse, causing them to continually breathe it in or get in their eyes.
Final Thoughts
It is very important that you follow a set of rules when feeding your horse. This is because your horse is completely reliant on you to keep them safe, well and in the best mental state possible.
I am a strong believer that you should try to follow how your horse would have lived in the wild. Consider the facts of their breeding, Mountain and moorland types would not have had lush green grass available, thoroughbreds would not have naturally lived in cold climates.
Consider all these facts and make the best decisions for you and your horse that you can.