Use horse sense when considering nutrition
One of the big topics among horse folk is comparing their horse’s weight or seeing a horse in the field and deciding if the horse is being appropriately cared for. The words “too heavy”;” too thin”;” hay belly”; “lack of topline”; or, “not conditioned”, are batted around. Owners double and triple think their choice of feed continually.
What we tend to forget is to keep it simple, and to weigh our horses regularly so as to have a baseline comparison that we can check against whenever we begin to worry. Our horse’s weight and appropriate nourishment shouldn’t be so stressful! Knowing your horse’s weight is important when determining medication amounts, feed amounts, and general health.
The most accurate way is to walk your horse onto a scale, but this is seldom a method most owners have regular access to. The second method involves using a height and weight tape and the third involves using a seamstress tape and an algebraic formula. (You see, there IS a use for algebra outside of the classroom!)
Additionally, there is a system called, Body Condition Scoring (BCS). It’s a universal chart developed in 1983 by Henneke et al. This system assists in scoring a horse’s weight from 1 (very poor) to 9 (very obese) depending on where fat is or is not located.
Other factors to take into consideration are breed, age and use of your horse. Some breeds are heavier like work horses (drafts) and ponies while some are sleek and angular. Older horses, lactating mares and youngsters, often need nutritional assistance. Is your horse high, moderate or low use? A common misconception is that riding 4-5 times per week for an hour each time constitutes high use. Nope. High use are racers, eventers – moderate is high level show horses in training or extensive trail horses – low use are most of our horses… pleasure riding, pasture pets, lesson horses.
So what do we feed? Historically, horses foraged, meaning they ate grass, weeds, various plants, leaves, and bark through all seasons. They licked rocks for salt and drank water from various clean sources. We need to mirror that and provide salt, clean water, pasture to graze, and hay to supplement pasture as needed through dry spells and during winter months.
Many times people ask about grains/oats and I always diplomatically ask,” why are you feeding your horse grain/oats?” Often the answer is one of 3 options: 1) horse’s need grains/oats; 2) to mix medication or supplements in, or 3) because they like it so it’s a treat. Horses can eat grains, but low and some moderate use horses do not need grains at all to maintain a perfectly healthy body weight with good nutrition.
Want to mix in meds? Soak beet pulp or hay cubes to use as a mix – both are good sources of fiber that mirror the value of hay and pasture. Treats? Consider hay cubes, or hay pellets, carrots or apples.
High fat and high fiber is the mainstay of good horse nutrition that is found in quality pasture and hay. Not sure about your sources? Take samples to your local co-op and have it analyzed. Not sure if your horse is getting all it needs? Have some blood work done to check levels before supplementing.
Keep it simple and watch your horse’s weight (taking comparison photos will help to take the guesswork out of what you think you remember!). Their body will tell you if it needs help and having simple tests done will make certain that you are helping only where needed. It’s healthy practice for the horse and much easier on the wallet!
