Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Feed
Feeding horses is an art and science unto itself, and entire volumes are devoted to the sub-
ject. Learn how to select feed and balance a ration for horses of all ages and activity levels
(see recommended reading for helpful topics on the topic).
Understanding certain principles ahead of time will help you make appropriate plans for
facilities and management.
• Because horses evolved as grazers, their digestive systems are adapted to many small
meals each day. That is why confined horses should be fed at least two times each
day. Three times a day at 7-hour intervals is ideal.
• Horses have an extremely strong biological clock, especially when it comes to feed-
ing. Feeding late or inconsistently can result in colic and other digestive upsets.
They do best when fed the same amounts at the same time every day.
• The horse's digestive system is adapted to a high amount of bulk and a low amount
of concentrate. High-quality hay should be the mainstay of your horse's diet. Do
not feed too much grain.
Estimating horse weight
The approximate weight of your horse can be determined by using a livestock scale,
weight tape, or a heart girth table, or by calculation.
To calculate an estimate of weight,
measure the heart girth as described at right
and the body length. Body length is measured in a straight line from the point of the
shoulder to the point of buttocks.
To use a heart girth table,
measure heart girth, which is the circumference of the
horse's body just behind the withers and elbows. With the horse standing square, place
a tape measure around the horse's body just behind the withers and about 4 inches be-
hind the front legs. Pull it tight enough to slightly depress the flesh.
