Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

How much to feed horses on pasture

From: Kathy

Hi Jessica:

We recently purchased two Appaloosa mares (6 yrs & 8 yrs old) and can't seem to agree on how much to feed them. I think we are giving them more than they need, because they are showing it. We have 2 acres. We also give them hay and an occasional scoop of grain. How much is enough? They are ridden approximately once a week, and lunged out 3-4 times per week.

Kathy

Hi Kathy -- it's a good question, but I'm not going to be able to give you a specific answer, because it's a bit like "how long is a piece of string?" The person you need to talk to is your veterinarian! You're probably going to have the mares given their fall shots soon, so while your vet is doing that and checking their teeth, ask for some help designing a good feeding program for them. In the meantime, here are some things to think about -- perhaps these ideas will help you put together a list of questions for your vet. ;-)

When it comes to measuring feed, there are a lot of different factors to consider. Let's start with basic visuals: how do your mares LOOK? Do they have thick, cresty necks and a deep groove down the middle of their backs? When you run your thumb along their ribcage, can you tell that there IS a ribcage under there, or do you have to take it on faith? Or, on the other hand, do they have prominent ribs and bony backs? You don't want them to be thin, certainly -- but letting them become fat can be equally dangerous.

With your mares, for instance, so much depends on how large they are and what type of Appaloosas they are (stock-horse chunky? draught horse large? racing type tall and lanky?). You'd also want to consider how healthy and fit they are at this moment, what shape they are in, how good their teeth are, whether they are self-exercisers or whether they tend to stand around whenever nobody is actually asking them to move. You'd want to take into account their de-worming program -- worms can be expensive guests to harbour! And you'd want to consider the food value of their turnout area -- is it full of good pasture grass, or is it a mudlot with a weed here and there?

While you're thinking about food, consider your own hay -- are you feeding grass, alfalfa, a mixture? What mixture? First cutting, second, or third? Do you know what the percentage of protein is for that type hay and that cutting?

Then, the grain -- do they need any at all? Many people worry that they are somehow neglecting their horses if they don't give them grain along with their hay, but mature adult horses in light work can do very well on good hay, water, salt, and -- if your vet recommends it -- a vitamin-mineral supplement designed for your area of the country.

Many people find that a good pasture can make horses very fat indeed, and that their horses cannot be turned out on rich pasture for 24 hours a day. Some ponies have to be kept in drylots rather than pastures, because the sort of pasture that would make a horse plump would founder a pony. But horses can founder too, from overfeeding and inappropriate feeding -- you want to do what's best for yours, and that means getting good professional advice.

If your mares are fat, and you are graining them, STOP -- and discuss their diet with your vet. If they are thin, they may need to have their teeth floated, and perhaps a more aggressive de-worming program. If they are "just right" -- shiny, bright-eyed, active, cheerful, and carrying just enough weight that you can barely feel their ribs when you run your thumb across their ribcage -- you'll want to know how you can keep them that way through the changing seasons.

Have your veterinarian come out and talk to you about YOUR pasture, YOUR hay, YOUR feed, and how those things need to come together to keep YOUR mares healthy. While he's there, ask about any changes you may need to make for winter! Again, if they are healthy and in good flesh, grain may not be needed, but they'll need extra hay to keep them at the same weight and keep them warm, and they will always need a salt block and clean water, at any time of the year.

One last thing -- if your vet recommends a particular feed to go along with the hay, just use that. Many people add supplement after supplement to their horses' diets, and although they truly mean well and want to make their horses extra- healthy, all they really manage to do is UNbalance their horses' diets (and spend a lot of extra money). Supplements fall into one of three categories: (a) Remedies An Actual Deficiency And Makes The Horse Healthier, (b) The Horse Doesn't Need It But It Doesn't Hurt Anything And Just Wastes Money, (c) The Horse Doesn't Need It, Is Already Getting Plenty, And It Adds Up To An Overdose That Can Make The Horse Sick. Before you add any supplement, talk to your vet!

Jessica

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