Hi Martha,
I have a question about feeding my barrel horse. He is 7 yrs old and in good physical condition. He is a bit of a hard keeper though. I feed him a coffee can each of rice bran, beet pulp, and stradgy. Strongid C, a probiotic and a vitamin called Stamina Plus once a day, plus all the Timothy grass hay he can eat. He seems to have plenty of energy and stamina but he remains thin. I give him all the hay he will eat but that is usually only about a small flake am/pm. I had his teeth floated a couple of months ago and he still hasnt gained weight. His hair coat looks good he is just thin. Do you think it is ok if I increase his rice bran and beet pulp? How much is to much? I thought about switching his stradgy with rolled oats. What do you think? Thanks.
Kristy
Crescent City CA
From what you’re telling me, it sounds like your horse is not getting enough to eat to maintain a heavier body weight. I am not a fan of Strategy and most of what you’re feeding him is roughage only – i.e. you are just filling his belly. Instead of the Strategy, you might try Purina’s Ultium in the amount suggested for a performance horse. Also, one flake of hay morning and evening is not adequate. You should be feeding at least three flakes per feeding. Be sure that you have had a fecal done to determine if he needs worming.
Martha Wright
Is giving rice bran a way of putting weight on a horse?Carol
Rice bran is a high fat product so depending on your horse’s metabolism and the amount of exercise it is getting, yes, it could put weight on.
Martha Wright