As we go about our daily horse care and feeding routines, we want to be sure we are doing our best to feed our horses safely. As we know, horses will usually eat whatever they can reach, and often react badly to certain amounts or kinds of feeds. So, what things can we do to minimize feeding-related problems?

Storage of feeds
From the time we pick them up (or they are delivered to the farm) until the horses eat them, feeds must be stored to keep them clean, dry and out of reach of rodents and other pests, horses, pets and livestock. Feed bags can be stored inside large water-proof and pest-proof containers on larger horse operations. For smaller stables, plastic trash containers work very well. Bags of feed can be emptied into the containers or stored inside them. But, always use the last of the older batch before adding new feed to the container. If you don’t, the older feed will spoil and contaminate the newer feed. Be sure to use containers with lids that attach securely, so that a loose horse cannot open them.

I recommend people make sure there are at least two barriers between their horse and the feed at all times. Think about the way your barn, stalls and paddocks are arranged. How many barriers would each horse need to ‘overcome’ in order to have free access to the feed bins? In most cases, there is a feed-room door. Then, there should be a stall door, barn door or paddock gate. It is even better when all three are in place. You can use door-guards at the end of barn hallways in the summer, when you need to leave the doors open for ventilation.

Choice of feeds
In most situations, horses are less likely to suffer from digestive disorders if fed low-starch rations. And, if horses accidentally over-eat low-starch concentrates, your risk of colic is much lower. Low-starch feeds are available in all energy levels and are very effective for all horses from easy keepers to extreme athletes. Traditionally, racehorses have been fed very-high-starch rations and have had the highest rates of digestive disorders such as ulcers, colic, tying-up, etc. Now, even racehorses can be fed added fat, lower (not low) starch feeds, which result in fewer problems. They burn a tremendous amount of calories every day. But, they are fed individually and are not likely to have access to more feed than we give them.

The average horse doesn’t need that much energy and will be calmer and easier to work with when fed less starch and sugar. MOORGLO^®, NATURAL GLO^®, GROSTRONG Ultra-Fiber™ and the Patriot^® Performance Horse Feeds (pelleted) are low in starch and sugar. I have personally heard reports of horses accidentally overeating on each of them with no adverse effects.

Feeding in Groups
Although feeding horses individually is ideal, group feeding is used successfully in many situations. When feeding in groups, you must assume that some individuals will eat more than the preferred amount while others will get less. This is because horses live within a ‘pecking order’ where the dominant horses have first access to feed offered to the group. Groups should be as small as possible, and there should be enough room for all horses in the group to be able to move freely around the feed. Horses in the group should have feed requirements that are as similar as possible. If feeding from containers, one or two extra containers should be filled, so that the lowest horse in the pecking order still has several choices to eat from. Most people line the containers up or place them in a large circle. In one study they found the best pattern to use is a triangle.

When feeding in groups, always use a feed formula that is safe when overeaten. Feeds high in digestible fiber and low in starch are ideal. Also, the mineral fortification of the feed should be moderate, again so that overeating of the feed does not result in mineral toxicities. Then, in order to make sure the lower horses in the pecking order get enough minerals, use the best, multi-purpose free-choice product, GROSTRONG^® Minerals!

Conclusion
By carefully storing your feeds, planning to have two or more barriers between horses and stored feeds, selecting higher-digestible-fiber and lower-starch feeds and feeding individually or in small, spacious groups, we can feed our horses safely and have fewer emergencies and veterinary expenses. FORAGE FIRST^® Feeding Programs from ADM Alliance Nutrition are based on lots of good-quality forage making them the safe choice for your horses.

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