healthy horses

[stressmom]

What are the staples of a horse's diet which are going to be linked with keeping him or her at optimum health?

[claudia]

wow. so many factors to determine what your specific horse needs. what is is activity level, age, stalled or pastured, breeding, etc. generally speaking though, a mix of hay and grain are needed with maybe all oats or mix of barley or corn. check your local feed store, my local one is very helpful and knowledgeable.

[frankie]

I agree with Claudia...what are you doing with your horse?

If you are only doing trail rides your horse would only need forage (grass, hay and other roughage). If you are in competition then you need to look at grains to keep your horses energy levels up. The ratio depending on the work load is usually 70% forage to 30% grains.

Some top riders and stables don't even feed grain. It all depends on your horse, work and living conditions.

I personally work my horse every day and she is not on grain, she is fit, healthy and does fine on grass, hay and alfalfa...she is the picture of health with a great shiny coat and good muscle tone :)