Feeding and Watering Your Horse

Feeding your horse should be done at minimum twice a day - more frequent is better, but not always practical. It is best to feed little and often since a horse's stomach is small and is made primarily for grazing (small amounts of food constantly entering and leaving the stomach). You should feed your horse at the same times each day. Once the horse adapts to his feeding times don't change them. If you are required to change the times, do it gradually. Be consistent with what you feed your horse everyday. Don't arbitrarily change the type or brand of food or amount you give to your horse. If you must make a change, do it gradually. Continue giving your horse the old and gradually mix the new everyday, or gradually add or decrease the amount of food everyday until you have completely converted.

Feed your horse in a place that is quiet and calm. Always ensure the horse has returned to normal body temperature and breathing after a workout before feeding. Do not exercise your horse for at least an hour after he has finished eating.

Normally, horses will eat the equivalent of about 2.0 percent of their body weight as dry matter per day (this includes forage and grain). A horse is considered in good body condition when its ribs cannot be seen but can be felt by applying slight pressure over the ribs. If you are unsure about your horse's diet, contact an independent equine nutrition expert. Though food manufacturers provide helplines, they may be a bit biased, so use your judgment. Contacting an equine college or veterinary school is a good source to help you evaluate the nutrition you are providing your horse.

Providing your horse with some succulent food each day, for example apples, carrots, parsnips, is not only a treat for your horse, but also provides some additional nutrients. You could also feed a small amount of handpicked grass if done immediately after picking. Grass will ferment quickly after being cut. For this reason, do not feed lawn mowings or allow your horse to graze on freshly cut grass.

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