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Discussion on Horses size vs food intake
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 22, 2000 - 10:00 pm:
Hi, I've recently acquired my first horse. I've heard varying suggestions as to how much hay I should feed her. She's only used for pleasure, no real high energy output and is 5yrs. She's a large horse, 15.2 and 1350 - not fat, just big and sturdy paint. I've heard 2-2.5% feed to body weight. I am only feeding her alfalfa grass now. Can someone please clarify this for me? I haven't found the information anywhere under the general care or nutrition sections here.
Thanks.
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Posted on Saturday, Jun 24, 2000 - 8:07 am:
Hello Laura,
I am not sure of what your question is and what needs clarification. This issue is dealt with quite specifically in Feeding the Mature Horse, and then expounded on in the article on Forages.
Hmmm 15.2 and 1350 sounds fat to me, also study the article on estimating condition on the Nutrition Menu and see if you can come up with a grade. The optimum grade will depend on use and list of standardly accepted conditions is given, personally I think there is no justification keeping a horse an "8" and don't even like "7"s. If your horse is grazing alfalfa pasture (alfalfa is not a grass, but a legume), this may be the reason.
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 25, 2000 - 2:23 am:
Hi Laura...my gelding is 15.3hh and weighs between 1,000# and 1,050#, but he's a little fat at the upper limit. I find it very useful to check him with a weight tape, which can be purchased inexpensively at most feed/tack stores. The tape is a good way of monitoring your horse's weight and is quite accurate. I check him once a week or so, and can adjust his feed accordingly. Congratulations on your new horse. Good luck with figuring all this out...we all had to start sometime. Kay in AK
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