A balanced diet not only helps keep your horse or pony fit and energetic, but also prevents common health problems such as colic, laminitis and obesity. But what exactly is the right diet for a horse or pony? In this blog we share everything about nutrition and give tips and advice on choosing the right roughage and supplementing it with concentrates and supplements!
The basics of a horse's nutrition
The natural basic diet of a horse or pony consists mainly of roughage; grass and hay. On average, a horse should eat 1.5 to 2% of its body weight in hay or grass per day. Make sure that there is always fresh hay that your horse or pony can get.
It is important to keep the roughage of good quality. Fresh hay is rich in fibre and supports good intestinal function, which is important for general health. It also helps with the wear of the teeth and prevents stomach problems. Horses and ponies have a sensitive stomach, and a lack of roughage can quickly lead to colic or stomach ulcers.
Complementary feed for horses
In addition to roughage, concentrated feed can be an important supplement, especially when a horse needs extra energy, such as with sports horses or pregnant mares. Concentrated feed can consist of grains, such as oats or barley, or of a complete horse feed that is rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins.
It is important to adjust concentrates to the specific energy needs of your horse or pony. A horse that is less active needs considerably less concentrates than a horse that does intensive work. Too much concentrates can lead to obesity and health problems such as laminitis.
In addition, it is important that your horse always has access to clean and fresh water. Depending on the temperature and activity level, a horse can drink up to 30 liters of water per day.
During winter it may be necessary to add additional vitamins or supplements to a horse's diet as limited exposure to sunlight can affect vitamin D production.
Salt also plays an important role in a horse's diet. A salt block in the stable or pasture gives your horse the opportunity to replenish itself when necessary. This helps regulate the body's moisture content and prevents dehydration.
Horse Feed: What Are the Options?
There are several types of feed available, each with their own benefits. The type you choose will depend on the needs of your horse or pony. Some popular options include:
- Concentrated feed : Rich in energy and suitable for horses with a higher energy requirement.
- Supplements : Additions such as mineral blocks or supplements for joint or skin health.
- Muesli : A mix of grains and other nutritious ingredients, often used in sport horses.
Make sure you choose the right feed that suits your horse or pony's activity and health. If in doubt, consult a nutritionist or vet to find the right balance.
Digestion and nutrition of a horse
Horses have a unique digestive system that is designed to take in food regularly and in small amounts. It is therefore wise to give several small meals a day instead of one or two large portions. A useful guideline is to give at least three meals a day: morning, noon and evening.
Also pay attention to the times of day you feed. Always allow a period of rest after feeding before putting your horse back to work, especially after feeding concentrated feed. This prevents digestive problems and ensures that there is enough energy to perform well.
Every horse is different and has specific needs based on age, breed, activity and health condition:
- Foals : These young horses and ponies need extra protein for their growth. Concentrates with a higher protein content can help with this, in addition to unlimited roughage.
- Sport horses : Horses that train intensively, such as in show jumping or dressage, need more energy. Make sure that they get enough concentrates in addition to roughage to meet their energy needs.
- Senior Horses : Senior horses often have difficulty digesting certain nutrients. Senior feed with extra fiber and easily digestible ingredients can help them stay healthy.
Do you have more questions about horse nutrition? Or do you have other questions? Please feel free to contact us!
