Posts Tagged ‘horse pellets’

THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF FEEDING

Food is one of the simplest and greatest pleasures of our horses, so make sure that your horse always has all the food requirements that he/she needs.

There are three types of food that your horse may eat. Pasture is the favorite meal of all horses, supplying needed nutrients, roughage and protein. Pastures and forage crops provide a major part of the nutritional needs of horses almost year-round. Horses are constant grazers, I mean 24/7. There are many types of pasture grass so do your homework, different parts of the country have different types of grasses that grow better in different areas and will provide the proper nutrients for your horse.

Hay is another type of food for horses, when fresh pasture is not available, hay is the best choice. There are many types of hay, such as alfalfa, coastal, T&A, Tifton, and the list goes on. Make sure you provide the best hay for your horses needs. Some hay such as alfalfa has tons of protein and for some horses you will want to give this type of hay sparingly as too much protein is not good for your horse, so do your research.

Secondly, always store hay in a dry but well-ventilated area. Feeding your horse with moldy hay can lead to various medical complications. Feeding your horse with hay alone will never make a sufficient diet so consider including another component in your horse’s diet such as horse pellets or sweet feet to ensure that all your horses nutritional needs are met. Do not forget to consider what your horse does, for example: racing, pleasure, show, competitive, jumper, etc. Horses that expend allot of energy need higher percentage of protein feed and a higher quality hay. Ask you vet for help in determining your horses diet needs.

WATER AS THE SOURCE OF LIFE

Horses are always thirsty, and can consume up to 10- 15 gallons of water daily. As such, it is extremely important that you have a ready supply of fresh water for your horse. During the winter months make sure that you place the water in heated buckets to prevent it from freezing.

SALT, MINERALS, AND HORSE TREATS

Salt and minerals are also important factors in your horse’s diet. Consult your veterinarian as to what your horse should take to consume the necessary vitamins and minerals. Salt blocks and horse treats can be purchased from your local feed store.

EXERCISING YOUR HORSE

The amount of exercise your horse needs depends primarily on its role in life. If you are using it for competitive riding, team penning or pleasure, whatever you choose will determine what type of exercise it needs and how many times it should exercise each and every week. As for all other types of horses, daily exercise is encouraged to allow horses’ muscles and bones to strengthen and not become affected by arthritis, etc. when they become older.

CARING FOR YOUR HORSES’ HOOVES

Horses need their hooves trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks. Pick your horses feet every day, and after each ride or workout. Depending on the work (pleasure, barrels etc.) you choose for your horse, will determine whether on not you need to have your horse shoed. Talk to some of your friends or your Vet, someone who can recommend a good farrier. Remember that just as it is with our feet, the hooves of horses are also the most abused and neglected part of their body so it’s important for us to give them the best care we can afford. The old saying “No hoof, No horse really does apply!

CARING FOR YOUR HORSES’ TEETH

Unlike human teeth, there is no end to periodontal growth for horses. As such, uneven usage of their teeth can lead to the development of sharply pointed teeth and which may cause chewing problems. Your Vet may have to (float) the teeth which means that he will have to file them down a little to help your horse’s eating enjoyment. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you have your veterinarian check your horses’ teeth annually.

GROOMING FOR YOUR HORSE

Allow your horses to enjoy baths regularly. Most horse enjoy their baths immensely but others need a little more coaxing in that area. Afterwards, use a sweat scoop to take off excess water and remember to brush their coat slowly, carefully, and thoroughly. Make sure that you use grooming products that are specifically designed for horses, they are reasonably priced and loads to choose from.

Above all, the best way to make your horse’s life absolutely wonderful is by showering them with your love and affection!

Author: Michele Anderson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Whether you horse is a show horse, racing, competitive or jumper you need to take care of it accordingly. This means spending time each day to ensure he/she is comfortable, well fed and exercised and, in this weather, warm. Food is as important for the horse as it is for you so ensure that the horse has all the nutrition it needs. Pasture is the horses’ favourite and it gives the horse the nutrients and protein he/she requires, as horses are constantly grazing you need to ensure you have the right type of pasture for them

As well as pasture, Hay forms an important part of the diet of a horse and is a good replacement is fresh pasture is not available. There are many different types of hay such as Tifton and Alfalfa so make sure you pick the best type of hay for your horse to ensure it is fit and healthy. Alfalfa in particular contains a considerable amount of protein.

Once you have brought the correct type of hay it is important that you store it in a well ventilated area but it must be dry. If the hay is wet and mouldy then the horse can become very sick so check the hay before you feed it to the horse. One thing in your diet is not good for you and it is the same for horses so consider adding things to it such as horse pellets to ensure it is getting all the nutrients it needs.

Your horse needs a lot of water each day with many horses drinking up to 12 gallons a day. This is a massive amount of water and if the weather gets colder then it is a good idea to purchase heated buckets so that the water does not freeze. Salts, Minerals and even treats are important for the horse as well but each horse is different so consult your local vet for the best advice on what measures you should be giving to them.

As with humans, horses need the exercise to keep healthy. The intensity of the exercise will depend on what the horse does (race, jump, show etc) but even if you just have one to ride on occasions they still need regular exercise maybe 3 days a week to keep its fitness levels high and stop it from getting arthritis when its older.

Bob Brightside is an experienced author in the equestrian field. Horse riding boots are an essential product to buy when horse riding. If you are looking for horse riding equipment then search online where there are some great deals available.