Feeding Young Horses: A Comprehensive Guide for Horse Owners

Are you considering getting a horse or already have one and wonder about the nutrition needs of young horses? Feeding a young horse correctly is crucial for their growth and overall health. In this article, we will delve into the dietary needs of young horses, including what they should eat, how much to feed them, and the importance of proper nutrition in the early years.

Understanding the Needs of a Young Horse

When it comes to feeding young horses, it is important to recognize that different breeds have different needs. Additionally, the term "young" can be ambiguous. We can define "young" as foals from birth until they are about two years old. Understanding this can significantly impact the feeding plan.

A Balanced Diet for Young Horses

The primary component of a young horse's diet should be roughage, such as grass hay or a combination of hay types. Horses are designed to eat almost continuously, which means they need access to hay or grass at all times (24/7). This continuous feeding helps prevent issues like ulcers, a common gastrointestinal problem in horses that can be expensive to treat. Ulcers in horses are not only painful but also detrimental to overall health and performance.

Introducing Supplemental Feeds

While a balanced diet of hay is essential, young horses may need additional supplements, especially if they are not achieving proper weight or if the available forage is of poor quality. This is where a hard feed, also known as grain, comes into play. However, it is crucial to avoid feeding "sweet feed" as it is essentially like giving a kid a candy bar for a meal. Sweet feed can cause various issues, including hoof abscesses. Instead, opt for a hard feed with lower Non-structural Carbohydrates (NSC) content, ideally 20% or less. Many hard feeds are labeled with age ranges (e.g., foals, growing horses, adult maintenance) and activity levels (e.g., low, medium, high), along with recommended feeding weights.

Proper Feeding Techniques

When introducing grain to a young horse, it is important to use proper feeding techniques. Feed the young horse from a feed tub on the ground, rather than from an elevated source. This allows the horse to eat calmly and prevents other horses from intimidating or stealing their food. It is also a good time to bond with your horse, perhaps by brushing them while they are eating. Additionally, ensure that the horse has easy access to fresh water and continue to monitor their weight and overall health.

Supplements and Maintenance

In addition to a balanced diet, young horses may benefit from vitamin supplementation, especially natural vitamin E. A daily dose of about 2000 to 4000 IU is recommended. Products like SantaCruz are affordable and effective choices. As young horses do not have all the natural immunity of adult horses, they are more prone to parasitic infections, making regular deworming essential. While adult horses may only need two dewormings per year, young horses, due to their developing immune systems, often require deworming every six weeks. A fecal float test is recommended to determine the appropriate type and dosage of dewormer.

Conclusion

Feeding a young horse properly is about more than just ensuring they have enough to eat. It is about providing a balanced diet that supports their growth, health, and overall well-being. By understanding the specific needs of your young horse and implementing a thoughtful feeding plan, you can set them up for a strong and healthy future.