Feeding Methods

Horse owners must decide not only what to feed, but how and when. The horse's diet must include enough bulk - if not grass, then hay. A skilful feeder wifl give each horse exactly what he needs to keep him in prime condifion - no more and no less.

Until you can judge quantities accurately, weigh each ingredient.

An unbalanced diet or an over4arge feed of concentrates could prove disastrous. If a scoop or bowl holds 2lbs (900g) of oats, the same scoop holds around 2lbs (900g) coarse mix (according to the brand), 2.751bs (1.2kg) cubes, llb (450g) bran, 3lbs (1.3kg) uncooked whole grain barley.

A good eater takes about 20 minutes to consume an average feed, then one and a half hours to digest it. Allow for this if he is to be ridden after a feed, or make it smaller. Never give a large feed to a hungry horse. More frequent, regular, well spaced feeds also help to prevent boredom, which can lead to bad habits.

Feeds should have a crumbly texture, not dusty, and not a wet paste. Always mix some roughage with cereals: chaff, sugar beet pulp or low energy nuts make the feed easier to digest and more beneficial.

If any part is musty or stale, a horse may reject the whole feed. Always remove uneaten feeds from the manger.

Hay is bulky, so feed it after work and at night. If it is fed loose on the ground, choose a dry, clean place, but haynets are best for controlling amounts.

If dust makes your horse cough or thick-winded, soak or damp his hay The enfire net of hay can be immersed in a water container for two hours, then drained.

Automatic drinking bowls save labour but may block up or freeze. Also, how much is being drunk? Strong buckets are a practical alternative.

Access
(a) Stream with sound access; (b) stagnant pond, which should be fenced off; (c) self-filling trough; (d) sharp-edged, dirty, hand-filled bath.

Racks
Hay racks should be easy to reach. Falling seeds irritate eyes and nostrils.
Haynets are convenient and adjustable: tie at eye level using a quick-release knot. Buckets
Feed buckets, or bowls, knock over easily unless fixed. A strong, non-chewable manger fitted into a metal frame is ideal, with corner bars for easy removal.

Assorted feeding equipment. To feed a horse with accurate quantities, all horse foods should be weighed and measured out carefully, then well mixed. Scales
Scales must be large enough to hold the contents of a scoop. The type of scales is unimportant if they are accurate, but hay needs a spring-loaded balance.

Contents

Hay racks should be easy to reach. Falling seeds irritate eyes and nostrils. Haynets are convenient and adjustable: tie at eye level using a quick-release knot.	Feed buckets, or bowls, knock over easily unless fixed. A strong, non-chewable manger fitted into a metal frame is ideal, with corner bars for easy removal.
Assorted feeding equipment. To feed a horse with accurate quantities, all horse foods should be weighed and measured out carefully, then well mixed.	Scales must be large enough to hold the contents of a scoop. The type of scales is unimportant if they are accurate, but hay needs a spring-loaded balance.