how much grain...
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how much grain...
Probably an old beaten up question but I'd still like some advice / input. We have 3 pleasure horses all in the 900-1000 lb. category and range in age from 7 - 9 yrs. They all are ridden twice a week for about 2 hrs. each time which is mostly at a canter although I like to give my QH a bit more of a workout. They are all on orchard grass hay with excellent forage and we give them strategy which is I believe 10% protein. Here's the deal ; If I give them more than maybe 5 oz. ( basically a big handful ) of grain twice a day they turn into crackheads to the point where I can't even cross tie them so forget about grooming / riding. Just seems like it's not enough grain, especially during the winter, but don't much care for the alternative. Any thoughts ?
Bring 'em back tired ; but bring 'em back sound !
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Skipitgirl
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MikeC,
Based on the amount you feed (a big handful) your horses aren't getting that many calories from their grain portions anyway. I have a relative that doesnt feed grain at all, only alfalfa to all his horses (quality stock). I have a tape of a clinician who only feeds grain on days horses will be worked. The point is not all horses require grain. You could easily replace the calories by adding more hay or other food stuff that you want. Oats was a good suggestion or Alfalfa cubes is a good choice. Your horses' conditions, rib factor will tell you if they are being underfed.
If you want to feed grain I would feed them grain in pounds the day after you rode them and skip the rest of the days of the week.
JonR
Based on the amount you feed (a big handful) your horses aren't getting that many calories from their grain portions anyway. I have a relative that doesnt feed grain at all, only alfalfa to all his horses (quality stock). I have a tape of a clinician who only feeds grain on days horses will be worked. The point is not all horses require grain. You could easily replace the calories by adding more hay or other food stuff that you want. Oats was a good suggestion or Alfalfa cubes is a good choice. Your horses' conditions, rib factor will tell you if they are being underfed.
If you want to feed grain I would feed them grain in pounds the day after you rode them and skip the rest of the days of the week.
JonR
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KamiBrooks
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I know a local QH guy that grows his own hay (a high quality timothy) and doesn't ever feed grain (even to his broodmares). All are fat and healthy.
The things that you get from gain are supplements and additional calories. It doesn't sound like you need the calories at all. So all you need to do is look at the vitamines and minerals that your horses might need. Minerals like selenium will be specific to your area (or the area where your hay is from). Vitamines A and E will be affected by the age of your hay. The guy with the QH's puts a mineral lick tub (not a mineral block) in their shelter and they use it as needed. Other people put out free choice loose minerals that are designed to compliment specific forages (usually alfalfa, grass, or mixed alfalfa/grass). Most people say to avoid flavored minerals for fear the horse will eat too much because they like the taste.
Your grain guy should be able to tell you what is generally needed for your area and probably will carry the free-choice minerals. The QH guy gets his mineral tubs at Tractor Supply (the one designed for horses).
Kami
The things that you get from gain are supplements and additional calories. It doesn't sound like you need the calories at all. So all you need to do is look at the vitamines and minerals that your horses might need. Minerals like selenium will be specific to your area (or the area where your hay is from). Vitamines A and E will be affected by the age of your hay. The guy with the QH's puts a mineral lick tub (not a mineral block) in their shelter and they use it as needed. Other people put out free choice loose minerals that are designed to compliment specific forages (usually alfalfa, grass, or mixed alfalfa/grass). Most people say to avoid flavored minerals for fear the horse will eat too much because they like the taste.
Your grain guy should be able to tell you what is generally needed for your area and probably will carry the free-choice minerals. The QH guy gets his mineral tubs at Tractor Supply (the one designed for horses).
Kami
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KamiBrooks
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I know a local QH guy that grows his own hay (a high quality timothy) and doesn't ever feed grain (even to his broodmares). All are fat and healthy.
The things that you get from gain are supplements and additional calories. It doesn't sound like you need the calories at all. So all you need to do is look at the vitamines and minerals that your horses might need. Minerals like selenium will be specific to your area (or the area where your hay is from). Vitamines A and E will be affected by the age of your hay. The guy with the QH's puts a mineral lick tub (not a mineral block) in their shelter and they use it as needed. Other people put out free choice loose minerals that are designed to compliment specific forages (usually alfalfa, grass, or mixed alfalfa/grass). Most people say to avoid flavored minerals for fear the horse will eat too much because they like the taste.
Your grain guy should be able to tell you what is generally needed for your area and probably will carry the free-choice minerals. The QH guy gets his mineral tubs at Tractor Supply (the one designed for horses).
Kami
The things that you get from gain are supplements and additional calories. It doesn't sound like you need the calories at all. So all you need to do is look at the vitamines and minerals that your horses might need. Minerals like selenium will be specific to your area (or the area where your hay is from). Vitamines A and E will be affected by the age of your hay. The guy with the QH's puts a mineral lick tub (not a mineral block) in their shelter and they use it as needed. Other people put out free choice loose minerals that are designed to compliment specific forages (usually alfalfa, grass, or mixed alfalfa/grass). Most people say to avoid flavored minerals for fear the horse will eat too much because they like the taste.
Your grain guy should be able to tell you what is generally needed for your area and probably will carry the free-choice minerals. The QH guy gets his mineral tubs at Tractor Supply (the one designed for horses).
Kami
No more than yours are rode, I wouldn't think they'd need anything more than good pasture.
As long as we have good pasture, we don't grain. Just put a mineral tub out. Even our broodmares. Now, the barrelhorses get grain along with pasture. ADM Patriot. They are rode about 3-5 times a week, 3 to 5 miles, to keep them in condition. And we feed by weight, not can or scoop.
As long as we have good pasture, we don't grain. Just put a mineral tub out. Even our broodmares. Now, the barrelhorses get grain along with pasture. ADM Patriot. They are rode about 3-5 times a week, 3 to 5 miles, to keep them in condition. And we feed by weight, not can or scoop.
Laissez les bon temps rouller!