What to Feed a Draft Horse

Draft horses have long been used by farmers to work the fields and do other duties in rural areas. Even today, draft horses are used in farming, but they are also used for a wide variety of other purposes. From pulling wagons to participating in events like jumping and dressage, draft horses are versatile. But no matter what they do for a living, draft horses need to have the right food to perform their best.

  1. Quality Hay

    • Forage should be a major part of any horse's diet, and draft horses are no exception. Quality forage, such as hay and grass, should make up the majority of the draft horse's diet. In the summer, provide fresh grass to the draft horse; if there is no pasture available, provide enough hay to make up for that lack of grass. In the winter when fresh grass is not available, it is important to provide plenty of hay.

      Good hay should have a fresh, aromatic smell. Be sure to check the hay for signs of mold on a regular basis. Moldy hay can cause your draft horse to develop colic, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

    Feed for Performance

    • When it comes to feeding your draft horse, the most important consideration is what your horse does for a living. If he is out in the fields pulling a plow all day, he will need a feed that is high in protein and calories. But if your draft horse's main occupation is carting the grandkids around the corral at a walk, he will not need such a high-calorie diet. Oat-based grain works well for draft horses, and there are a number of excellent commercial blends available at feed stores around the country. Adding corn to the feed in the winter will help the horse retain heat, so plan to do so if you live in a particularly cold climate.

      Obesity can be a problem for draft horses, so keep an eye on his body condition, and adjust the amount of grain you feed as needed. When deciding how much grain to feed, keep in mind that hay and grass should make up the largest part of his diet.

    Supplements

    • Many draft horse owners find that their animals can benefit from a number of supplements, including joint supplements such as glucosamine and supplements to make their coats soft and shiny. One of the best ways to get that shiny coat is by adding one or two capfuls of corn oil or soybean oil to the horse's daily ration of grain. Feeding grain two or three times a day, and mixing the oil in with the grain, is one of the easiest--and cheapest--ways to keep your horse's coat in top shape. A shiny coat is always a benefit if you plan to show, but it is important to keep your horse's coat in good shape even if all you do is cruise around the pasture.