How to take into account the temperament and condition of horses when feeding

The temperament and condition of the horse is very important to consider when making up a diet for it. After all, the reaction to feed is determined by the individual needs of the horse. How to take into account the temperament and condition of horses when feeding?

Photo: nps.gov

For example, if a horse is very excitable, he may not eat well, and you have to go to all sorts of tricks to get him to eat more feed. These horses are often underweight. Conversely, a heavily balanced horse may eat too much and become overweight.

The approximate amount of feed, taking into account the weight of the horse, is presented in the table:

Horse characteristic	Amount of feed (% of body weight)
Pony Overweight horses	1,55 – 1,75
Normal weight horses doing moderate work	2
Horses doing hard work Underweight horses Lactating mares	2,5

To determine the exact amount of feed a horse needs, you need to know its weight. It is also important to accurately dose anthelmintics and medications.

Photo by wikipedia.org

The weight of a horse can be measured in many ways. The easiest is to measure on the scales, but they are not always available. Another way is to use a measuring tape and calculate the approximate weight of the horse, knowing the height at the withers and chest girth.

In the table below you will find the approximate weight of horses of various breeds:

horse breed	Height at withers (cm)	Chest girth (cm)	Horse weight (kg)
Dartmoor pony	113	140	200 – 250
welsh pony	123	145	250 – 350
riding pony	133	155	350 – 450
Newforest	143,5	165	350 – 450
Арабская	143	170	400 – 450
welsh cob	145	175	450 – 500
Gunter	154	180	475 – 520
riding breeds	156	185	500 – 550
Thoroughbred	164	190	500 – 550
Irish riding	166	195	550 – 600
warm-blooded	174	205	580 – 640
Shayr	185	210	700 – 800