What Do Horses Need To Live?

All horses need to be loved, but the amount of food, grain, and supplements mainly depend on the type of horse and the type of exercises the horse will be performing. Some horses are easier to take care of but gain weight with too much food and some need the extras to keep weight on.

All horses need a fresh supply of water at all times. This should be cleaned once a day and the water supply should never run out. When the cold winter months come around, as they are almost here, a water heater needs yo be added to the water to prevent the water from freezing. Many people think that horses can eat snow. This does not count a sufficient water source.

Horses also need hay. The hay that you provide them should be a nice grass mix. Some of my favorite hay mix is grass, brome, orchard grass, and a tiny bot of timothy. This should be fed to the horse at least two times a day and possibly three if there is not a source of fresh grass for the horse. It is good to spread out their feeding. An average horse needs between 15 to 20 pounds of hay a day. A draft horse is going to require more and a miniature or pony is gong to require less.

Grain is a type of supplement that can be fed to horses. Grains can consist of anything between sweet feed, oats, corn, or just straight pellets. You need to make sure that you do not overdo the grain because too much grain can cause a horse to founder. The package will tell you just amount the horse should receive.

Another form of food that horses can receive is pasture. I typically allow my horses on pasture between two to three hours. This can not be overdone too because horses can founder as well. The amount of sugar in the grass is higher at night, so horses should be fed in the morning with grass. Sugar is what contributes to the founder.

A horse should also be provided a salt block with selenium. This should always be available for the horse at free will. There are many other supplements that you can provide for your horse. Again this just depends on the needs of the individual horse.