What should I feed my horse

chillebrand · 06-21-2007, 09:33 PM

I need to know what to feed my 11 yr old mare. she doesn't get much time to graze in the pasture, mostly in a penned area b/c she is hard to catch. Gets alfalfa hay. was on sweet feed but stopped it due to a crested neck (not sure if this was right). she has lost some weight, and worried about her losing too much with more hot days coming up. Any supplements she should be getting, or feed in addition to the alfalfa? We are really knew to this and didn't realize horses required much more than some hay or grass...yeah I know...boy am I learning a lot.

Xiphias · 06-21-2007, 10:01 PM

Ok I pulled this up it is a good thread, see if it helps you any...Cathy

Ration Balancers: Specific Products

chillebrand · 06-22-2007, 06:34 AM

I am looking at the different ration balancers. Am I correct in understanding that the ration balancers are different from sweet feed? And if I use the ration balancer, does the horse need salt/mineral blocks?

imacowgirl2 · 06-22-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chillebrand

I am looking at the different ration balancers. Am I correct in understanding that the ration balancers are different from sweet feed? And if I use the ration balancer, does the horse need salt/mineral blocks?

Yes, ration balancers are different from sweet feed -- they have forage sources as their base instead of grains, and they have a lot more nutrients in a smaller package, making them more economical to feed. They are especially great for cresty horses who may have an underlying metabolic issue. However, they are like sweet feeds in that they are sold in 50 lb bags by most feed stores and most national brands make one. Also, when you go to buy a RB, don't freak out at the price tag...the price per bag is going to be much higher, but since you feed so little, you end up spending less money feeding your horse.

All horses should have free choice salt and minerals

jiggyboy365 · 06-22-2007, 09:31 AM

try giving her pellets.

chillebrand · 06-22-2007, 12:32 PM

free choice salt and minerals?? as in blocks?

imacowgirl2 · 06-22-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chillebrand

free choice salt and minerals?? as in blocks?

I personally use blocks...some prefer to use free choice loose minerals and salt.

06-21-2007, 09:33 PM	#1
chillebrand Full Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 30 Images: 10	What should I feed my horse I need to know what to feed my 11 yr old mare. she doesn't get much time to graze in the pasture, mostly in a penned area b/c she is hard to catch. Gets alfalfa hay. was on sweet feed but stopped it due to a crested neck (not sure if this was right). she has lost some weight, and worried about her losing too much with more hot days coming up. Any supplements she should be getting, or feed in addition to the alfalfa? We are really knew to this and didn't realize horses required much more than some hay or grass...yeah I know...boy am I learning a lot.

06-21-2007, 10:01 PM	#2
Xiphias Senior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maryland, horse country USA Posts: 16,815 Images: 627 Blog Entries: 29	Ok I pulled this up it is a good thread, see if it helps you any...Cathy Ration Balancers: Specific Products __________________ Member COL Club- hand over the Oil of Olay and nobody gets hurt! I was on HGS the day we made 2 million posts and 3 million posts I've been snowballed so many times I think I have a concussion I have been hugged 6 times! Thanks I needed them

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Stopping sweet feed, how long to transition feed?	hemigirl	Horse Health	9	01-16-2008 07:34 AM
What do you feed your horse?	leaps-n-bounds	Horse Health	24	01-09-2007 06:11 AM
Horse feed	morablogan	Horse Health	7	12-14-2006 06:24 PM
SR feed maybe not best for SR horse?	CJ	Horse Health	8	10-13-2006 10:17 AM
The best feed for my horse?	juliesowner	Horse Health	10	04-06-2005 09:14 PM

06-22-2007, 06:34 AM	#3
chillebrand Full Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 30 Images: 10	I am looking at the different ration balancers. Am I correct in understanding that the ration balancers are different from sweet feed? And if I use the ration balancer, does the horse need salt/mineral blocks?

06-22-2007, 09:31 AM	#5
jiggyboy365 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 14	try giving her pellets.

06-22-2007, 12:32 PM	#6
chillebrand Full Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 30 Images: 10	free choice salt and minerals?? as in blocks?