Principles of proper feeding of the horse

Owners, especially inexperienced ones, are often at a loss when deciding how to properly feed a horse. They hear around a lot of advice – the most controversial. What are the principles of proper horse feeding?

Ruth Bishop offers 10 rules for proper feeding of horses. They have been formed over a long period of time, have stood the test of time and are of great importance for the health and well-being of the horse. So what are these principles?

1. The horse must have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
2. Before setting feeding rates, assess the horse’s condition and temperament.
3. Focus on the weight of the horse.
4. It is better to feed the horse with grain not before work, but after it. Grain can be given 2 to 3 hours (at the latest) before work and 1 hour (at the earliest) after exercise. 
5. The diet should contain a large amount of fiber, which ensures the proper functioning of the intestines. Roughage should make up at least half of the diet (better, of course, more).
6. When distributing food to horses, be guided by the weight of the serving, not by the volume. Weigh both hay and oats.
7. Set a specific time to feed the horses. Horses are slaves of habit, the daily routine is extremely important to them.
8. Feed is given frequently, but in small portions. Do not give more than 2 kg of grain per feeding.
9. The food must be of good quality. Moldy or dusty food should not be given.
10. Changes in the horse’s diet should be gradual. A sudden change in diet can cause a horse’s digestive system to malfunction and have dire consequences.

In the photo: the horse is grazing. Photo: ecoequine.wordpress.com