This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Horse Care » Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding » Grains and Concentrates for Horses, an Overview »
  Discussion on Feeding frustration
Author Message
Member:
Maggienm

Posted on Friday, Feb 25, 2005 - 6:43 pm:

OK, I have read all the feeding/nutrition discussions and am more confused than ever.
So I thought I'd just ask and see what comes up.

My mare is a perch arab cross, a shade under 15 hands of medium build,
I was feeding 2lbs alfalfa pellets to stretch the hay supply with 3/4 lb oats. Using the 2-3 % rule the mare should get 20-30lbs of hay/day. The afalfa has more protein than the grass hay(no I haven't had it analyzed for content)
I used a 3-1 ratio, this meant reduceing the hay by 6-9lbs. Since she is an easy keeper on fairly light work I went with the 9lbs. If 20lbs of hay still seems like a lot bear in mind we have had sustained -20 -30 for three weeks. When the temp comes up to -15 I reduce the hay to 15lbs. The horses get two feedings a day.
She has free access to a salt block but I measure her mineral into her pellets.
To help with weight maintenance but primarily to help reduce colic, also to bind the mineral to the feed I add 1/2 cup oil. Even with a water heater in the trough the horses don't drink much. Eating increased roughage -seems to me- increases their need for fluid, I have noticed when I was able to use a heater that actually brought the water temp up to about 5degrees they drank more. Finally to correct the calcium/phosphorus ratio I add the whole oats.

I have added water to the mix in varying degrees, still doesn't like it. Last year I used cubes which I always soaked, they could be quite sloppy wet and she still ate them.

I am more aware of her eating habits now because I have taken her to a boarding facility so I can ride during these long winter months.
Since she eats by herself now I will be able to adjust her diet more to her needs.
My question; she is being ridden more and I would like to give her a bit more feed to keep her condition, what would be better an across the board increase or add some concentrates?
Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2005 - 8:08 am:

Wow Lori, I think you have consumed too many details and not enough understanding. I want you to go to the Overview article and read the first paragraph of the body of the article (the one in bold italics) following the introduction: not only does it answer your question in a straight forward manner but should correct some misconceptions in your program as you outline above.
DrO
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC