How to Feed Work Horses

Many horses today are considered working or performance animals. They must be in top physical shape to successfully work or compete. To be healthy and perform well, work horses need a good diet that fulfills all their nutritional needs. Horses that experience only light work find most of the nutrition they need in a good quality pasture. However, working horses need additional rations to supply them with enough energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to meet the demands of their physical activities.

Things You'll Need

  • Quality pasture grass and hay
  • Concentrated feed
  • Supplements
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide constant access to quality grass and hay. Horses were designed to graze grass continuously, not to eat large portions of concentrated foods hours apart with no feed in between. They also need a lot of fiber, which grass and hay contain, to maintain their digestive systems. Good-quality pastures are the best sources of nutrition and should be the first choice for work horses. If turnout in a pasture is not available or the horse is stabled, provide the best quality hay available.

    • 2

      Determine what to look for in a concentrated feed. In general, work horses need a mix of carbohydrates for energy, protein for cellular and muscle growth, and fiber for proper digestion. Also important are small amounts of fats for additional energy, salt to replace what is lost through exercise, and vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health. For working horses, the amount of energy required is the most important component of the diet.

    • 3

      Choose a high-quality concentrated feed that is appropriate for the horse, the energy he uses and his size. A mix of different concentrated feeds may provide the best nutrition and energy for an individual horse. Oats provide lots of energy but must be fed with a calcium supplement. Barley provides protein and fat, and is a good addition to some working horses' diets, but it should not make up more than one-third of his rations. Beet pulp (soaked in water for at least six hours before feeding) helps maintain muscles. Pellets are made of several compressed feeds like oats, wheat and alfalfa. There are also several commercially-available feed formulas specifically designed for working horses and horses that perform in certain disciplines.

    • 4

      Add supplements as needed. These include vitamins, minerals and salts. Choose commercially prepared vitamins and minerals, and add them according to the manufacturer's directions. Overfeeding these supplements can cause health problems for the horse. Provide a salt block or lick so the horse may replenish what is lost through sweating during exercise. Other commercial supplements can be fed as well, according to the horse's need. Products are available that help maintain a horse's feet, coat or muscle tone.

    • 5

      Feed the selected rations according to a regular routine. Feed your work horses at the same time every day. Divide the rations into a few small meals, and feed twice or three times a day. Regular meals measured out in small portions help keep the digestive system working properly.