Horse Nutrition: Which One Describes Your Horse

There are many articles discussing the wide range of fundamentals on horse nutrition. It almost becomes a scientific process when trying to decide on what feed type to go with for your horse. Before going through a trial and error process you may want to consult a veterinarian first. The good intentions you have to help your horse may not be enough, I know my intentions haven't solved the problems that I have experienced with my own horse, and you end up investing more money than you originally intended to.

There are about five categories that your horse may be described:

1. Maintenance or Easy Keeper - Those are the ones that primarily graze out in a pasture and maintain a healthy weight if you don't allow them to overeat, which they will do if left to eat all they want. They require the type of diet that is complete control rather than calorie intake. Supplying good nutrition combined with hay should satisfy their hunger

2. Hard Keeper - Unlike the Easy Keeper this horse can eat and eat but not gain the needed weight. Sometimes age and problems with their teeth are the issues, whichever the case may be have a veterinarian check the horse. A high fat and protein feed is recommended along with hay and a grazing pasture. There are a number of quality feeds to choose from be sure to ask and read the labels for protein, vitamins and fat content.

3. Light Performance - A horse that is ridden 3 or 4 times a week, for one to two hours a day. Their workout may consist of light trotting, cantering or some jumping while on the trails. Some trails may be used to condition them for showing or just keeping them in good physical and mental condition.

4. Medium Performance - A horse that is ridden 4 to 5 times a week, and last at least two hours a day. They are being used for distance riding, light jumping, barrel racing, or lessons in a ring. Whichever the event you want the best sources of protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins to aid in their support.

5. Heavy Performance - A horse that is ridden 6 to 7 times a week for two hours or more. They are usually used for endurance, 3-day eventing, show jumping, or racing, and require highly concentrated feeds when performing at this level.

Last but not least of all keep clean fresh water on hand for your horse and feed at regular times twice a day. Store the feed in a dry well ventilated area away from insects or rodents, some people use the large plastic containers with lids to store and protect the feed. Research and find the best nutritional products for your horses needs and maintain a well balanced healthy, happy horse.