Feeding horses and feeding rules
Horses are grazing animals and their natural food is grass.
They will graze constantly for around 20hrs out of 24hrs,taking a mouthful of grass then moving forward a few steps before taking another mouthful.
So they are eating and moving forward looking for the best pickings.
When we stable a horse the grass is replaced with hay and concentrates (hard food) if required.
Horses have small stomachs, so they require small amounts of food little and often.
Feeding horse rules
Horses thrive on routine, so stick to the same feeding times every day.
Some horses get stressed when feed is due and there is know one there to see to them.
Behaviour such as
weaving can develop if a horse is stressed.
If for any reason you are unable to visit your horse at the usual time you should ask someone to give the horse a hay net until you arrive.
It’s just as important to stick to a routine when feeding the grass kept horse as they too enjoy routine and will be waiting for you.
If you don’t stick to a routine especially during the winter months the horse will hang around the gate for hours waiting for you while he could be grazing.
Horse watering
A horse needs a constant supply of fresh water.
Horses will drink more water on hot sunny days.
When a horse has been working hard water should be restricted until he has cooled off.
How to feed a horse - Feed little and often
As we know horses are trickle feeders,that feed little and often.
When stabled we need to mimic this natural behaviour by feeding small amounts of food several times a day, providing a constant supply of food through the digestive system.
Feed plenty of roughage
Roughage or fibre is grass, hay, haylage, chaff etc.
All horses need roughage in order to digest food.
Never feed a horse mouldy hay or haylage as it may cause colic or other internal problems.
Dusty hay is also a no no as this could lead to respiratory problems.
Dusty hay should be soaked well before feeding.
During the soaking process vital nutrients will be lost.
Feed the correct amount
The harder a horse works the more food is required.
When working out the amount of feed a horse requires you need to take into account the size, age, condition, workload and temperament of the animal.
Succulent food
Ideally the stabled horse should be able to graze for a few hours each day.
Most horses enjoy carrots and apples and these foods provide an ideal source of vitamins and minerals for the stabled horse.
How to feed a horse – changing feed
Any change in a horse’s diet should be gradually introduced; this also applies to fibre, which should be mixed with the usual fibre, so allowing the horse’s gut time to adapt to changes in his diet.
Feeding and working
Do not exercise a horse immediately after feeding.
A horse needs to properly digest his food before being ridden.
Feeding horse and utensils
As part of good hygiene all feed buckets and water buckets should remain clean.
Horses have a very good sense of smell and many are fussy and will refuse to eat despite the food being fresh.
Feeding horses > > Home
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Horse feeding guide
Horse feeding Q&A
Horse bedding
Greenhorn Horse Facts
We are a website dedicated to horses and horse lovers of all ages. We provide horse facts and information on taking care of your horse properly.
Geared toward first time horse owners and anyone else who wants to learn more about horses.
