Establishing A Quality Horse Feeding Program

Setting up a good feeding program for your horse can become overwhelming. There are so many choices when it comes to deciding what type of feed is best. Choosing high quality hay is a good place to start. The way a horse's digestive system works the high fiber and roughage found in quality forage is good for them.

Alfalfa hay has been a staple of horse diets since time out of mind. While it has many benefits, it also has many drawbacks as well. It is so rich and full of nutrients that it can actually overwhelm the horse's digestive system and potentially cause health and even behavioral problems. Using a little bit is better than using a lot. It goes a long way.

Grass based hays such as Timothy, Alicia, Russell or Orchard grass are good choices in quality forage. The Timothy hay seems to be somewhat heavy in stalk especially if it is baled late in the season. By contrast Orchard grass hay is a softer hay with wider blades and horses seem to prefer this type over the Timothy.

Alicia hay is a finer grass while Russell hay is thicker. Also, Coastal Bermuda hay is a great alternative for a fine grass base to your feed program. They all make good forage choices.

When looking for a quality hay make sure to inspect the hay you are considering for purchase. Good quality hay should have a nice green color and a fresh smell. The hay should be free from dust and mold. It's worth the extra expense to make sure you are buying high quality forage to insure the health and well being of your horse.

Having the hay tested by your local agency for agriculture can also help you in setting up the best feeding program for your horse.

When setting up this program, take into account your horse's age, his activity level, and often times his breeding. Some breeds are harder keepers- meaning they require more supplementation in their diet to maintain proper weight- than others. You'll need to be aware of this, so that you can plan accordingly for their dietary needs.

Feeding a horse for optimum health is not really rocket science. Find good quality hay, and let your horse eat as much as they choose. Supplement as needed, and balance the nutrients to the hay. Provide a mineral block, fresh clean water at all times, and exercise, and the chances are you'll have a very healthy horse for a long time!

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