ABSTRACT
Horse feeders with animals of mixed ages and stages of work and production should use two or three different grain rations and both legume and non-legume hay in their feeding programs. Although the science of ration balancing and chemical checking for accuracy cannot be overemphasized, the scientifically fed horse herd is in trouble without good judgment on the part of an experienced feeder. Grass is nature's way of feeding horses. When not dormant, most grasses supply an abundance of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals for all but very young growing horses and those at hard work. It has been established that horses have different nutrient requirements at different ages and stages of reproduction, growth, and work. Fat, adult horses—like fat humans—are not very athletic. It is easier and less traumatic to condition a thin horse than reduce weight on a fat one. Racehorses, distance horses, and young dressage horses are in a class by themselves in energy requirements.
