A sick or injured horse will need a light, nourishing and attractive diet, with no concentrates until he has recovered. Good, fresh grass is the ideal tonic, but avoid lawn mowings as they overheat and are indigestible. Prepare small, tasty feeds at about four-hour intervals.
A mash, based on bran, is useful, being mildly laxative. Linseed jelly helps to make it more appetising and nutritious, as do succulents, molasses, or sugar beet. Chaff will ensure that he chews properly.
If the horse is coughing, or has respiratory problems, damp or soak his hay and dampen his feed slightly. Never leave un eaten food in the manger, and always supply clean, fresh water and mineral salt.
A sick or injured horse who has no exercise should be fed 'soft' food: hay or haylage, fresh cut grass, and bran mashes made as palatable as possible.
