Excerpt from my Feeding assignment from Equine Nutrition through University of Guelph
I chose to use a Ration Balancer with the hay so that the horse would be eating as much hay as possible. He is in a stressful situation when competing and travelling therefore, at great risk to develop gastric ulcers, tying up or colic. Ideally, he would be on free choice hay at all times. Being able to eat hay constantly will ensure his well being. If necessary hay can be increased to 3% of his body weight or so. It is currently calculated at 2% of his bodyweight.
The ration balancer is being fed to offer vitamins and minerals he will not be getting in his hay. It is a concentrated feed and to be fed in small amounts, according to the bag’s instructions. The bags instructions for feeding must be followed so daily requirements for food, vitamins, and minerals are met. As completion season progresses the horse’s feed will be reevaluated to ensure all nutrients needs are met. The ration balancer can be increased another .5 kg.
Ration balancer required for the time away will be easy to transport. The hay will not be. Additional hay should be available for sale at the competition and can be blended in with the hay from home.
He is living outside without shelter in a field so hopefully he is getting a rainsheet or flysheet put on to protect him from the elements or the field is large enough that natural elements will provide some protection from wind and sun. It is spring and the temperatures are reaching 15o during the day so care must be taken as there is no shelter/building while he is at pasture. Monitoring his water and weight should be done regularly so that changes can be dealt with before problems develop.
Simplicity in feeding will ensure the staff follow feed instructions as the horse is boarded. The ration balancer can be fed either by the owner after the horse has worked or the staff can give it to the horse an hour after he is brought in.
I did not use the other options as the more complicated the less likely it will be done. Keep it simple and the horse will get what he needs. Purchasing, storing, and travelling with the feed will be easy as it is one bag. The hay provides most of the daily nutrients in excess of minimum daily amounts while the ration balancer provides the lacking
I chose to use a Ration Balancer with the hay so that the horse would be eating as much hay as possible. He is in a stressful situation when competing and travelling therefore, at great risk to develop gastric ulcers, tying up or colic. Ideally, he would be on free choice hay at all times. Being able to eat hay constantly will ensure his well being. If necessary hay can be increased to 3% of his body weight or so. It is currently calculated at 2% of his bodyweight.
The ration balancer is being fed to offer vitamins and minerals he will not be getting in his hay. It is a concentrated feed and to be fed in small amounts, according to the bag’s instructions. The bags instructions for feeding must be followed so daily requirements for food, vitamins, and minerals are met. As completion season progresses the horse’s feed will be reevaluated to ensure all nutrients needs are met. The ration balancer can be increased another .5 kg.
Ration balancer required for the time away will be easy to transport. The hay will not be. Additional hay should be available for sale at the competition and can be blended in with the hay from home.
He is living outside without shelter in a field so hopefully he is getting a rainsheet or flysheet put on to protect him from the elements or the field is large enough that natural elements will provide some protection from wind and sun. It is spring and the temperatures are reaching 15o during the day so care must be taken as there is no shelter/building while he is at pasture. Monitoring his water and weight should be done regularly so that changes can be dealt with before problems develop.
Simplicity in feeding will ensure the staff follow feed instructions as the horse is boarded. The ration balancer can be fed either by the owner after the horse has worked or the staff can give it to the horse an hour after he is brought in.
I did not use the other options as the more complicated the less likely it will be done. Keep it simple and the horse will get what he needs. Purchasing, storing, and travelling with the feed will be easy as it is one bag. The hay provides most of the daily nutrients in excess of minimum daily amounts while the ration balancer provides the lacking
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