Untitled Document

Water is important to monitor. Automatic drinking bowls are convenient but block up & freeze. Strong buckets are a practical alternative and enable you to judge how much water is being consumed.

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 skillful feeder will give each horse exactly what he needs to keep him in prime condition - no more no less.

Feeds should be carefully measured..
to ensure a balanced diet of the correct concentrates. A good eater takes about 20 minutes to consume its feed then One and a half hours to digest it. Allow for this if he is to be ridden after a feed or adjust the amount of feed. Never give a large feed to a hungry horse. More frequent, regular, well spaced feeds also help to prevent boredom.

Feeds should be dry and crumbly. Avoid using any feed that is musty or damp.

Always mix some roughage with cereals: chaff, sugar beet pulp or low energy nuts make the food easier to digest. Always remove uneaten feeds from the manger.

In the field (right). If there is a stream, make sure that there is good access (a), a stagnant pond should be fenced off to avoid illness (b), a self filling trough is ideal (c), but an old bath that you have to fill by hand is not ideal (d)

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

Hay racks should be easy to reach, while haynets are convenient and adjustable.

Feed buckets or bowls are easily knocked over unless fixed. A strong, non chewable manger fitted into a metal frame is ideal, with corner bars for easy removal.