[SkyeTiger]

My gelding is an extremely extremely easy keeper. He gets roughly half a scoop per DAY and he is FAT. lol He could stand to lose some belly. haha

He also eats about 4 flakes of hay a day plus he is out on pasture about 10 hours a day.

I am moving him over to my uncle's in the spring/summer and keeping him out on pasture with a nice run-in (with stalls if I need them) but I was wondering......should I feed him grain? Or since he's such an easy keeper just hay and grass all day?

I need some input on this. Also, what should I do for my two (possibly 3) youngsters? Where they are at now they are lucky if they get grained once a day and they are out on pasture 24/7. They get hay all day too. They are all easy keepers and a nice weight.

What should I do? I will feed them grain......so don't think I won't. I'm just seeing if I HAVE too.

[Blistering Winds]

If you say he is "fat" and could use a few lost pounds.....then I would with-hold grain until he reaches the desired BCS/weight that he should be at....

[Dawn]

Even if you do not feed grain, you need to supplement his vit/min and perhaps protein needs. Even with the 'half scoop' that he is currently getting, unless it's a feed designed to be fed at low levels, his needs are probably not getting met. There's more to it than just the calories!

There are many alternate sources of nutrition other than grains. Beet pulp can be used to deliver a vit/min supplement in. Alfalfa cubes/pellets can be used to support higher protein.

A forage balancer (though comprised of grains) is designed to deliver vitamins, minerals, and protein while being fed at only 1 lb/day. So is an excellent choice for easier keepers as minimal calories are there.

So while many horses can survive just fine calorie wise on a grass/hay diet, they're usually lacking in other areas due to the overuse of the land.

[luvs2ride79]

I would sax nix the grain. Just keep out a mineral salt block and get him some of the new treats that come with vitamin supplements in them.

~Barbara

[SkyeTiger]

Thanks guys.

[SkyeTiger]

Originally Posted by Dawn

Even if you do not feed grain, you need to supplement his vit/min and perhaps protein needs. Even with the 'half scoop' that he is currently getting, unless it's a feed designed to be fed at low levels, his needs are probably not getting met. There's more to it than just the calories!

There are many alternate sources of nutrition other than grains. Beet pulp can be used to deliver a vit/min supplement in. Alfalfa cubes/pellets can be used to support higher protein.

A forage balancer (though comprised of grains) is designed to deliver vitamins, minerals, and protein while being fed at only 1 lb/day. So is an excellent choice for easier keepers as minimal calories are there.

So while many horses can survive just fine calorie wise on a grass/hay diet, they're usually lacking in other areas due to the overuse of the land.

Where do I find everything that you listed above?

[Dawn]

Both beet pulp and alfalfa pellets/cubes can be found at most feed stores. Tractor Supply Company carries all three. (Well some do not carry all three, but if you want to buy it, they will start carrying it for you.)

Forage balancers are made by a few different major feed companies, you just have to look. You'll usually recognize them (even if they do not say 'forage balancer' on the label) by the fact that they're fed at 1-2 lbs/day and have a high protein percentage (usually in the 30% range). I, personally, use Purina's. But there are some other good brands out there as well.

And there are several vit/min supplements. Just depends on availability and your personal price range what you decide to go with.

[SkyeTiger]

Thanks Dawn, I appreciate it.

[Cowgirly]

I agree- keep him off the grain. I think that richer grass and such will help him lean up (without grain).

Originally Posted by Blistering Winds

If you say he is "fat" and could use a few lost pounds.....then I would with-hold grain until he reaches the desired BCS/weight that he should be at....

[JBandRio]

Overweight/easy keeper horses do not need grain, period.

If he's maintaining the weight you way on what you say he's eating, then he also needs a muzzle.

You may be looking at something more than just being an "easy keeper". Search here for Insulin Resistance.