What do I need to feed my horse?

[ChickyMama229]

Hi everyone! I am going to get a horse soon, and I am trying to decide what I need to feed it. I would prefer to just keep it on grass, but I'm not sure if the grass is the greatest quality. I really don't want to feed it grain because I think it's unnecessary and not natural, but if I have to, I will. I was wondering if maybe I could keep it on the pasture, have a salt block, and hang a few hay nets up in the pasture and in the stall. The horse would be ridden several times a week but nothing too major. Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine always got pasture or hay depending on the season. They also had a mineral block available. I never fed grains or rations except as treat. Too rich of a diet can cause all kinds of problems like colic. A good mixed grass hay is best, and average pasture, unless there's something wrong with your horse. Those pregnant, nursing, and performance horses are a bit different than just an occasional rider.

 

[junebuggena]

Have the soil tested. That will tell you if there are any essential nutrients missing or at low levels so that you can provide the appropriate supplements.

 

[RacehorsesRock]

It really depends on the horse, my OTTB's need MUCH different feed than my racing TBs, retired, or pregnant. Maybe give us some more info about the horse?

 

[KentuckyRooster]

Breed and age make a difference too. I feed hay and keep my filly on dry lot. She's a 2 year old quarter horse who does great on that set up. My 22 year old mixed gelding has pasture, hay, and senior feed.

All horses need roughage which is your hay. Ideally they should do well on just grass or hay, plus a simple mineral block, but age, infirmity, illness, metabolism, breed, and workload play a part in that.

 

[RacehorsesRock]

Yeah, and as mentioned before, performance matters too.
Example:
My two year old Racer is gonna need a bit more (growth and development + energy for races) than my 7 year old stud (eats mostly grass).

 

[OreoRooster]

Hi everyone! I am going to get a horse soon, and I am trying to decide what I need to feed it. I would prefer to just keep it on grass, but I'm not sure if the grass is the greatest quality. I really don't want to feed it grain because I think it's unnecessary and not natural, but if I have to, I will. I was wondering if maybe I could keep it on the pasture, have a salt block, and hang a few hay nets up in the pasture and in the stall. The horse would be ridden several times a week but nothing too major. Any suggestions are welcome!

I have two horses on my farm and I pretty much do what your doing although they are plodders so they just hang around the paddock, horses will pretty much eat anything that's in front of them, especially if they are like mine. Make sure they have a clean water source and natural shelter (e.g. Trees) horses are great pets and you'll surely love them!

 

[RacehorsesRock]

The only problem I've had with horses is:
*buys one mare. Just one.*
*buys another mare. Just one more. I have plenty of money, right? (does not)*
*buys a stallion*
*breeds mare one*
*continues this way for 5 years*
*has like thirty horses and a decent racing business*

When you buy one, you want to buy more.

 

[ChickyMama229]

Thanks for all the info everyone. We are planning to use the horse as a pleasure riding horse and maybe to round up some of the other animals on the property if they get out. I think I will try to get the soil tested to see if it is pretty good quality.

 

[ChickyMama229]

The only problem I've had with horses is:
*buys one mare. Just one.*
*buys another mare. Just one more. I have plenty of money, right? (does not)*
*buys a stallion*
*breeds mare one*
*continues this way for 5 years*
*has like thirty horses and a decent racing business*

When you buy one, you want to buy more.

Yeah we have had that problem with our chickens and ducks. XD Ya can't just have one.....