A Nutrition Plan For Your Senior Horse

to increase physical activity andor prevent boredom between feedings. Here are some ways to accomplish that
Hay nets and slow feeders can increase the time the horse spends foraging
Provide frequent small meals
Separate forage in different piles to encourage movement
Provide a play ball or toy with a small handful of highfibre pellets between feedings. This feed should be included as part of the horses calculated feed allowance according to the weight loss plan.
The Senior Thats Losing Condition 
This horse is difficult to keep weight on with a normal diet but is otherwise healthy. First schedule a veterinary visit for nutritional advice and to rule out underlying issues such as parasite or dental problems.
Observe the herd hierarchy. Your senior may have lost dominance in the herd and may have less access to feed. In this case provide alternative feeding arrangements. 
Gradually increase the calories and nutrients in the horses diet. He should receive good quality forage at around 2 5 percent of body weight on a dry matter basis. A hay analysis is recommended. Highly palatable hay may increase the horses appetite. Using hay cubespellets or beet pulp could also be beneficial. 
If a concentrate feed is necessary it should include good quality protein e g. 10 to 14 percent preferably from soybean meal or legumes and added vegetable oilfat 7 to 10 percent. Your veterinarian or equine nutritionist will be able to recommend the best options for your particular senior.
Provide free access to water salt and a forage balancer. The typeamount of balancer required depends on the vitamin and mineral content of the concentrate feed. 
The Senior With Health Problems 
Different conditions will require different nutritional management strategies and this is further complicated by the current health status of the horse i e. whether he is obese or has dental problems. A