Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am feeding my horse too much or not enough?

Monitoring the change in body condition or body weight on a regular basis is the primary method of determining an accurate feeding program, with health and performance being another consideration.

Obviously, a horse that is losing weight will lack energy and not perform to its fullest potential. Body condition scoring, which is done on a scale from 1 (very thin) to 9 (very fat), tends to be a more subjective and less repeatable method unless one is well trained. Estimating body weight with a livestock scale or weight tape is more objective and consistent.

I recommend estimating body weight on a monthly basis and recording that weight and the daily amount of complete feed, hay and any supplements fed. Then compare the previous month's weight with the current weight, increase or decrease the feeding rate and maintain that amount until the next weigh date to determine the effect.