We take a look at a horse’s diet <\/p>
Obviously the first thought, when asked ‘what do horses eat’, is grass and for most horses and ponies this will be a key diet staple. <\/p>
Although the rich lush grass of today’s pastures are not as good as they look, particularly for our native ponies<\/a>. Our mountain and moorland breed are designed to survive on poorer grasses and rich green grass can not only lead them to getting fat but also can cause lameness and a condition called laminitis – which can be fatal. <\/p> Grass is part of a group of foods known as forage and other types of forage are hay<\/a> and haylage (similar to silage<\/a> but made specifically for horses). Hay and haylage are usually fed to stabled horses and sometimes to supplement grazing in winter when grass is in short supply.<\/p> Horses also often need additional feed that includes grains<\/a> like oats and barley, particularly if they are in a lot of work, or have age-related needs. <\/p> This is known as hard feed and today usually comes ready mixed as part of a commercial horse feed mix. <\/p> There are mixes for every type of horse from veterans to racehorses – each designed to cater for the type’s particular needs.<\/p> Horses also like treats! From carrots to polos, apples to molasses…<\/p> And just like humans there is a whole array of vitamin and mineral supplements available for horses but it’s best to consult a veterinary surgeon for advice first. <\/p> Ever wondered if\u00a0horse riding is a sport?<\/a>\u00a0Or are you curious about the ins and outs of equine ownership? If so, check out our feature about\u00a0how much it costs to own a horse<\/a>.<\/p>What do horses like to eat?<\/h2>
Saddle up for a journey into the equestrian world<\/h4>