Post by shellyr on Dec 31, 2006 15:52:27 GMT -8
Many times when we get a new horse, they have just went through some traumatic event or change in their life.....just changing homes is a big and stressful event with a lot of horses. If they are a rescue horse, they have probably went through even more trauma and abrupt life changes than normal.
During this time, it is really important to support their system with correct nutrition and avoid overloading with equine "junk food" or overfeeding. When we get a horse that is skinny, the automatic reaction is to throw "everything but the kitchen sink" at them to put the weight back on them as quickly as possible. This is usually not the best thing for the horse though, and some horses can colic at this time.
Especially if a horse is emaciated, or even just on the thin side, it is best to start with several small feedings a day. Good quality grass hay (timothy, bluegrass, orchard) is great for this. Horses are natural grazers, so keeping small amounts in front of them at several times during the day helps to keep the gut moving. An active gut is a colic free gut. ;D
If you are unable to be home to give several smaller feedings a day, then try to give at least 3 feedings spaced out with slightly bigger portions. You can build them up to full portion feedings over a period of a few days.
Do not start with large feedings of grain. Horses are not processed grain eaters by nature. Again, especially in cases of horses that are emaciated, less is better at first. I have literally started some horses out with just a few cups of grain, and then add another cup the next day, until I build up to where they need to be.
Another item that is great for helping horses to make the transition to a new situation or feeding changes successfully is adding a pro-biotic to their feed ration. This supports the whole intestinal system and helps the horse "grow" the beneficial bacteria the gut needs to properly digest the food they are being given.
Chelated minerals and vitamins are also very beneficial, as well as a loose trace mineral salt.
During this time, it is really important to support their system with correct nutrition and avoid overloading with equine "junk food" or overfeeding. When we get a horse that is skinny, the automatic reaction is to throw "everything but the kitchen sink" at them to put the weight back on them as quickly as possible. This is usually not the best thing for the horse though, and some horses can colic at this time.
Especially if a horse is emaciated, or even just on the thin side, it is best to start with several small feedings a day. Good quality grass hay (timothy, bluegrass, orchard) is great for this. Horses are natural grazers, so keeping small amounts in front of them at several times during the day helps to keep the gut moving. An active gut is a colic free gut. ;D
If you are unable to be home to give several smaller feedings a day, then try to give at least 3 feedings spaced out with slightly bigger portions. You can build them up to full portion feedings over a period of a few days.
Do not start with large feedings of grain. Horses are not processed grain eaters by nature. Again, especially in cases of horses that are emaciated, less is better at first. I have literally started some horses out with just a few cups of grain, and then add another cup the next day, until I build up to where they need to be.
Another item that is great for helping horses to make the transition to a new situation or feeding changes successfully is adding a pro-biotic to their feed ration. This supports the whole intestinal system and helps the horse "grow" the beneficial bacteria the gut needs to properly digest the food they are being given.
Chelated minerals and vitamins are also very beneficial, as well as a loose trace mineral salt.
I already have some of the probiotic stuff...I thought it said the prebiotic would really help them handle the stress of moving and new feed...