Rules to Feed a Horse

horses body weight.
Most feed and tack stores have weight tapes. If you board your horse chances are there is one hiding somewhere in the feed or tack room.
Use a weight tape monthly to keep track of changes to your horses body condition. If it goes up or down significantly talk to your vet about a change to his feeding program. Photo by Chelle129Shutterstock
Once you weigh your horse be sure to write down both his weight and the date. This helps you monitor your horses weight over time. Try weighttaping your horse monthly. If you find his weight going up into an unhealthy range consider reducing his feed intake. If his weight goes down until he is a bit skinny then ask your vet for ways to bring his weight back up.
Good Grains
Feeds called concentrates contain grains which are full of calories. These are great if your horse is in heavy exercise like threeday eventing or lots and lots of long trail rides. Feeding your horse highenergy grains is similar to you fueling up on a huge breakfast before a big test at school or a long day of exercisethis food gives you the energy you need to complete the task right? Same for your horse.
However your horse may not need the same amount of grain all the time. If there are months when you are riding less often or if you notice your horse acting hot meaning he has too much energy and is hard to handle you may want to cut back on the grain for a while. Talk to your veterinarian if you think you might need to change your horses diet in this way.
Highcalorie grains will give your horse a boost of energy. Horses that do a lot of exercise may need grain while other horses may not. Photo by Miriam Doerr Martin FrommherzShutterstock
Special Seniors
Senior horses sometimes have a harder time maintaining their weight. This can be due to various reasons including dental problems and metabolic issues. Older horses bodies work harder to stay warm and maintain muscle and their digestion and absorption of food isnt as