Proper nutrition is the foundation of equine health, but feeding requirements can vary dramatically depending on your horse’s life stage, activity level and purpose. Whether you’re caring for a lactating mare, conditioning an endurance competitor or maintaining recreational horses, getting their nutritional balance right is crucial for optimal health and performance. In this Q&A, our veterinary expert addresses common feeding questions from horse owners across different disciplines and circumstances.
Question:
We have a mare who has just foaled. What extra nutrition should she be given?
Answer:
Apart from good hay, it is also necessary to ensure that the mare gets good roughage. Supplement this with a “Stud Feed” concentrate, about 4-5 kg per day, preferably in three feedings. The Equi-Feeds 14% Stud Feed (V17032) will be suitable.
Question:
I have an endurance horse, but he doesn’t train very hard yet. Can I give him Equifeed Enduro every day according to the correct prescription or should I only give it to him at a certain time before an endurance ride? He is just out of “novice” and participates in two to three endurance rides per year.
Answer:
The Enduro (V19151) can be fed continuously. During “off times” when the intensity of training is low, 1-2 kg per day can be fed. The amount can then be gradually increased as training increases and during the competitive period. However, it is important to reduce the amounts as training decreases to prevent “tying up”.
Question:
The rest of our horses are only ridden for pleasure – is there a specific diet for them to maintain condition? We live in the Highveld so the veld is still sparse at the moment. We do give them extra roughage and they get about 500 g of Alzupille (12%) extra in the afternoon. Is that sufficient? They are field horses.
Answer:
Yes, this should be sufficient. It may be necessary to feed slightly more during the winter to maintain condition.
Written by Diederick Labuschagne, Nutritionist, Equi-Feeds. Email: diederickl@afreshbrands.co.za
Also read:
Animal nutrition: Supplementary feeding principles
Animal nutrition is always important
