Food and exercise must balance, but at least 250/o of any horse's diet must be roughage. A horse or pony's food ration depends on his 'lifestyle', which can be roughly categorised as shown opposite.
FACTORS AFFECTING RATIONS The type and size of horse or pony is a major factor when feeding him. Hardy ponies, for instance, need less than nonnative types of the same size, especially when there is abundant grazing. Also a finely bred horse which grows very little winter coat, needs much more sustenance than a Welsh Cob cross of equal size. Age is a factor. Old horses and very young ones need more energy-giving food than a mature animal in good condition. Different types mature at different rates, but the first year of growth and development is by far the most important for all horses. The horse's condition will vary, ranging from debilitated to very overweight, and his rations need adjustment accordingly. If his appetite is poor, find out what he likes. Blood testing is advisable for a horse that does not thrive. A horse with a highly strung temperament tends to lose weight, and needs high-protein bulk foods (not oats), while a lazy, greedy horse should have more concentrates but less bulk. Also consider the season and the weather, and other sources of warmth: is he rugged and clipped, for instance, and has he access to shelter from wind and rain?
Practicality must also be a factor when calculating rations: the number and times of feeds, how and where to store it, and how much the various foodstuffs cost, need consideration.
EASTER
Mature horse (7-14 years)
Weight: llOOlbs (500kg)
Height: 15.2 hh
Good condition, wormed, teeth checked, exercised daily, not yet tully fit.
Total feed requirement: approx. 3Olbs (13.6kg)
NB: Turned out for 2 hours most days, hay reduced in spring/summer.
100 70% roughage
0-30% concentrates
Rations must be sufficient to keep a horse that is not working or breeding or growing, in good condition, and to maintain his weight, temperature, and healthy body Systems. Good grass is usually enough in spring and summer, but hay must be fed in winter, with extra food if the horse is not thriving, or it is very wet or cold.
LIGHT WORK
70-60% roughage
30-40% concentrates
A horse doing light hacking daily or
occasional exercise, walking and trotting
without exertion.
MEDIUM WORK
60-50% roughage
40-50% concentrates
A horse ridden regularly, hacking up to
2 hours, or 1 hour of cantering, dressage, or
some jumping.
HEAVY WORK
50-40% roughage
50-60% concentrates
A horse in arduous schcoling or competitive
work, induding cross-country or hunting.
STRENUOUS WORK
40 - 30% roughage
60 - 70% concentrates
An extremely fit horse competing in marathor long distance compefitive rides, three-day events and racing.
BREEDING STOCK
Percentage of roughage to concentrate deoends on age, condihon, and avai~ab~e grass.
In-foal mares, stallions, and youngstock are sufficiently maintained by grass in spring anc early summer, but need extra rations throug~ the winter, whether kept stabled or in fields. Hay, sugar beet, nuts and supplements are recommended.
DINKY
Mature horse (7-14 years)
Weight: 7OOlbs (317kg)
Height: 13 hh
Type: Moorland pony. Ridden school holidays and weekends (light work). In by day in surnmer, to restrict grazing and avoid flies; in at night in winter when ridden.
Total feed requirement: l5lbs (6.8kg)
Spring and summer: up to l3lbs (5.9kg) grass per day (may be rafioned) with an occasional feed after work, containing up to 2lbs (0.9kg) concentrates.
Winter: good quality hay is enough, but one feed when working, e.g. compound mix of micronised cereals and grass fibre (no oats!), or low protein nuts.
EASTER
Now fit, stabled, not turned out. Working hard, competing etc.
Total feed requirement: 3OIbs (13.6kg)