Feeding strategies over summer
From 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth' - February 2009
Article supplied by NRM
February heralds settled summer weather and with long hot days ahead of you, here are a few ideas for keeping your horse healthy and happy.
Fresh water
With the hot days and warm nights ahead, there is an increased risk of dehydration making it important to ensure that your horses have access to fresh clean water in their paddock, yard or stable. Fresh drinking water is especially important if your horse is in hard work during this time.
To ensure your water supply is clean and in good working order, troughs should be emptied, scrubbed and refilled often so algae doesn't accumulate. This will also rid your trough from debris and bird droppings while limiting the chance of mosquitoes and other insects laying eggs. Check that your ballcocks are in good working order so the trough re-fills easily when emptied.
Salt blocks and electrolytes
As well as free access to water, a salt and mineral block should be available for your horse at all times. For horses in work, especially those that sweat considerably during these hot days, oral electrolyte supplementation may also be in order. RD1 has a range of salt and mineral blocks and electrolyte supplements in stock - just ask the team which one is suitable for your horse.
Exercise dependent feed options from NRM
As the grass starts to burn off, you may need to think about additional feed supplements. Horses in light work being exercised three or four times weekly in preparation for pleasure riding, or in light training for low-key show events and lower-level dressage may need something additional to grass. Hay is a good bulk supplement, but consider feeding a grain-based product such as NRM Horse and Pony. This feed is a pellet, specifically designed for horses in light work as a good multi-purpose feed. You may also wish to include a lucerne chaff product.
Horses in moderate to heavy work, participating in a near-daily, structured training program include jumpers, upper-level dressage horses, polo ponies, endurance horses and young racehorses undergoing breaking and training. A good feed for these types of horses is NRM Low GI Sport, scientifically formulated feeds, designed for horses in medium to heavy work. Again don't forget to add bulk options to the feed as well.
Racehorses on an active racing schedule and three-day event horses preparing for competition fit into heavy work and an ideal feed for horses undertaking these heavy workloads is NRM Performa, a balanced high energy complete feed.
Each horse is different and for that reason RD1 stock a wide range of feed brands to meet the diverse needs of the New Zealand horse and the different disciplines throughout the country.
So whether you are pleasure riding or preparing for a big event, visit RD1 for all your equestrian feed supplies - the team at your local store will be happy to assist you to keep your horse in top condition this summer.
Some products may not be available in all stores but can be ordered on request. Disclaimer: Any views and comments expressed in this article are not necessarily the opinions of RD1 Limited nor associated agencies. This content is copyright of RD1 Limited.
