Instructions
Consider several factors when feeding a foal or weanling (young horse no longer on mother̵7;s milk). Weanlings have very specific nutritional needs that must be met to manage optimal growth. Six dietary components that play a critical role in foal development are protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc. Foals can consume only a limited amount of feed. Therefore, their diet needs to be concentrated to supply the maximum amount of nutrients within a smaller portion of feed.
Feed high quality hay that was harvested early for optimal nutritional value. This hay is soft, tender and palatable while hay harvested late is courser with thicker stems and less nutritional value. Provide a minimum of one pound of quality hay per 100 pounds of body weight. The rest of the nutrients will be delivered through grain consumption. Grain should have a crude protein value of 14 percent. If lower-quality hay is being fed, the protein level needs to be 16 to 18 percent. Small overages in protein levels will not cause bone growth abnormalities. However, special care must be given to balancing minerals. Grain should be fed at a rate of one pound per month of age of horse. The mineral ratio should include 450 mg zinc and 150 mg copper. All feed rations need to include a calcium phosphorus ratio of at least 1 to 1. Preferably provide more calcium than phosphorus for healthy bone growth and maintenance.
Provide high-quality hay to mature horses as well. Feed an adult halter horse about 1 to 2 percent of its weight in hay. A 1,000-pound animal should eat no less than 10 pounds of hay per day. Adult horses are done growing and therefore growth problems are not an issue in creating a diet. Feeding a halter horse the amount of calories needed to build muscle and reach the desired body condition becomes the focus. Most commercial feeds provide a vitamin and mineral fortified product and imbalances are unlikely as well as less crucial for a mature horse. Each horse has a different metabolic rate. Therefore, feed rations can be tailored to fit each horse. Some horses may require up to 12 pounds of grain per day while others may become obese or hyper with that amount. Protein requirements average around 12 to 14 percent. Required calories for a halter horse can be met by supplementing the diet through fat sources like rice bran and vegetable oil. On average, feed a pound of oil per day.
How to Feed a Halter Horse
Horse shows include a variety of classes or events to compete in. Most events display the horse under saddle (riding). However, halter classes showcase the horse in hand (leading) and are judged on their conformation. Bone structure, musculature and body proportions in relation to each other are all a part of conformation. Genetics play a key factor when looking at conformation. However, proper feed and nutrition starting at a young age can greatly enhance a halter horse̵7;s appearance and performance.