Feeding Basics for Horses, Miniature Horses and Ponies
For horses, miniature horses and ponies to perform their best, they need the correct nutritional building blocks. Credit to: Purina Animal Nutrition Just like people, all equines need protein, vitamins and minerals, as well as energy (calories) to support maintenance, growth, reproduction and work. Forage In nature, horses spend most of their time eating – […]
Spring Checklist: Pasture Management for Horses
Credit to: Purina Green grass can be a great addition to a horse’s health, both mentally and physically. Horses love the taste of green grass and it can be very nutritious during the right stages of maturity, not to mention the joys of being out in a pasture relaxing and being a horse. However, spring […]
Keeping Water Troughs Thawed With or Without a Heater
One equine nutritionist offers tips and asks for your input on dealing with ice in horse watering tanks. Credit to: The Horse Q. Winter has barely started, and I’m already tired of breaking ice in my horses’ water trough. Is there anything I can do to help stop the water from freezing other than some […]
Getting the Best Horse Feed Nutrition & Value for Your Money
It seems as though diesel, groceries, fertilizer, grain and hay are all on the price escalator going up, up, up. Credit to: Purina Animal Nutrition There are many reasons for soaring prices, including pressure on crops from ethanol production, higher fuel prices, poor climate conditions in some areas and the declining value of the […]
Challenges in Caring for Therapy Horses
Ask any rider and they’ll likely tell you the first place they go after a tough day is to the barn. The healing power of horses is no secret to those who spend time around horses regularly. Equine Assisted Services (EAS) brings together horses and humans to work as one towards a common goal — […]
Feeding the Growing Foal to Meet Nutrient Needs
Proper nutrition is vital for your foal’s health and can ensure he reaches his genetic potential. Credit to: The Horse Posted by Karen Davison, PhD Q: When should I start introducing my foal to hay and grain to make the transition easier after weaning? A: This is an important topic to understand, because the goal for developing youngsters […]
Winter Drinking Water Temperature
Horses’ overall water consumption decreases as its temperature drops. Credit to: The Horse Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD Q: Should I give my horses warm drinking water in the cold weather? What are the pros and cons of warm drinking water versus cold during the winter? A: Drinking water is one of the most important aspects of horse […]
Maintaining Your Horse’s Weight During the Winter
The best winter weight management practice could be consistent monitoring of your horse’s body condition. Credit to: The Horse Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD Q: I have the easiest keeper in the barn. He lives out 24/7 on grass with free-choice hay as needed and is fed only a ration balancer. Now that winter is officially here […]
Feeding the Senior Horse With Dental Problems
As your horse ages, dental problems might develop that require changes to his diet. Credit to: The Horse Posted by Clair Thunes, PhD | Q:My senior horse is missing most of his teeth and cannot eat hay like he used to. How can I make sure he has enough fiber in his diet now that he eats […]
How to Choose the Right Calories for Your Horse
Credit to: The Horse Feeding your horse good-quality feed and forage can help him gain weight in a safe way. Posted by Kelly Vineyard, MS, PhD Q: I’ve got a recently retired Thoroughbred racehorse. He’s rangy and could use some more weight and bloom on his coat, but it’s winter. How can I get him going […]
