Establishing A Quality Horse Feeding Program
Setting up a good feeding program for your horse can become overwhelming. There are so many choices when it comes to deciding what type of feed is best. Choosing high quality hay is a good place to start. The way a horse's digestive system works the high fiber and roughage found in quality forage is good for them.
For years horsemen have used alfalfa hay which has its pros and cons. Aside from the expense and its limited availability, the hay itself is so rich in nutrients and so fine, it can actually cause health and even behavior problems for a horse. However using alfalfa hay in small amounts can be beneficial.
Grass based hays such as Timothy, Alicia, Russell or Orchard grass are good choices in quality forage. The Timothy hay seems to be somewhat heavy in stalk especially if it is baled late in the season. By contrast Orchard grass hay is a softer hay with wider blades and horses seem to prefer this type over the Timothy.
Alicia and Russell hay, grown primarily in the south east, are good forage choices as well. Alicia hay is a finer grass, that tolerates heat and drought quite well. Russell hay is a bit thicker, with an overall higher protein content. Coastal Bermuda hay is also an excellent choice for a nice grass type base to your feeding program.
Finding a quality hay producer can be tough. Talk with the farmer some, and inspect the hay first. No matter what type of hay you are buying, it needs to have good green color, a fresh smell, no dust, and absolutely no mold. Buying sub-quality forage will only mean you spend more in the long run- either on additional feed supplements or on vet bills.
Having the hay tested by your local agriculture extension agency is also a good idea. With this information, you will be able to examine your feed options, and set up the most balanced, comprehensive feeding program for your horse.
When setting up this program, take into account your horse's age, his activity level, and often times his breeding. Some breeds are harder keepers- meaning they require more supplementation in their diet to maintain proper weight- than others. You'll need to be aware of this, so that you can plan accordingly for their dietary needs.
Feeding a horse for optimum health is not really rocket science. Find good quality hay, and let your horse eat as much as they choose. Supplement as needed, and balance the nutrients to the hay. Provide a mineral block, fresh clean water at all times, and exercise, and the chances are you'll have a very healthy horse for a long time! - 17273
For years horsemen have used alfalfa hay which has its pros and cons. Aside from the expense and its limited availability, the hay itself is so rich in nutrients and so fine, it can actually cause health and even behavior problems for a horse. However using alfalfa hay in small amounts can be beneficial.
Grass based hays such as Timothy, Alicia, Russell or Orchard grass are good choices in quality forage. The Timothy hay seems to be somewhat heavy in stalk especially if it is baled late in the season. By contrast Orchard grass hay is a softer hay with wider blades and horses seem to prefer this type over the Timothy.
Alicia and Russell hay, grown primarily in the south east, are good forage choices as well. Alicia hay is a finer grass, that tolerates heat and drought quite well. Russell hay is a bit thicker, with an overall higher protein content. Coastal Bermuda hay is also an excellent choice for a nice grass type base to your feeding program.
Finding a quality hay producer can be tough. Talk with the farmer some, and inspect the hay first. No matter what type of hay you are buying, it needs to have good green color, a fresh smell, no dust, and absolutely no mold. Buying sub-quality forage will only mean you spend more in the long run- either on additional feed supplements or on vet bills.
Having the hay tested by your local agriculture extension agency is also a good idea. With this information, you will be able to examine your feed options, and set up the most balanced, comprehensive feeding program for your horse.
When setting up this program, take into account your horse's age, his activity level, and often times his breeding. Some breeds are harder keepers- meaning they require more supplementation in their diet to maintain proper weight- than others. You'll need to be aware of this, so that you can plan accordingly for their dietary needs.
Feeding a horse for optimum health is not really rocket science. Find good quality hay, and let your horse eat as much as they choose. Supplement as needed, and balance the nutrients to the hay. Provide a mineral block, fresh clean water at all times, and exercise, and the chances are you'll have a very healthy horse for a long time! - 17273
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