From The Horses Mouth - July 24, 2008

By: Doug May

It has been a while since we last visited. Perhaps the most noticeable difference since then is that the price of fuel has continued to increase, as has the price of feed. Due to these rising prices, now is an appropriate time to re-evaluate your feeding program. We, at May Performance Horse, have spent a considerable amount of time and money researching feeds, and feeding, to arrive at the best feed for our particular program.

As we set out on this task, our main goal was not to save money but to feed our horses the best feed that would produce the best result. We, like many of you, ask a lot of our stock. However, the best breeding program, and the best stock, in the world cannot be expected to perform without the correct fuel. What we found, at the end of our research, was that the best feed money could buy actually saved us money each month.

I know this is hard to grasp, but it’s true. As you search feeds, make sure to notice the label and the recommended feed rates. What we found was that the cheaper feeds in the selection required a higher feed rate. We also found that, once you’ve actually examined the total feed program, that the more expensive brands required less feed and, in the long run, was less expensive to feed. We were feeding a scoop or 1 ½ scoops of brand X feed. We moved everything over to Nutrena Safe Choice and now feed ¾ to ½ scoop a day and have reduced our feed volume by half. We have found that Nutrena Safe Choice feed, coupled with quality grass hay, is producing the results we desire.

We, at May Performance Horse, are strong advocates of letting a horse be a horse. Our research has shown that horses are grazing animals. Unfortunately, their design does not really fit with our desired use. So, feeding heavy grain and high protein, high starch feed can turn into a disaster. For the past 10-12 years we have taken great pains to turn our show horses out to pasture for several hours each day. Presently, to save hair coats, we turn them out before daylight for about 3 hours and then again in the afternoon for another 3 hours.

While inside we try to keep coastal hay available to complement the feedings at 4:45 am and 4:00 p m. Safe Choice is a feed produced in pellets that is low in starch and medium in protein. Research has shown that low starch feeds are healthier for horses. Considering that feed pellets are easy to digest as well as easy to store with less chance of mold and spoil, Safe Choice has proven to be the best brand for us.

Another tip that costs a little up front, but saves in the long run, is a good wormer program. Wether you worm on a specific routine or use a daily wormer, the cost is worth it. You can end up spending a lot of money merely feeding worms, not to mention the damage they do to the horse’s digestive system. We feed a daily wormer and then every 4-6 months we use a paste wormer to target pests that may not have been eliminated with the daily wormer.

As we enjoy the summer, remember the other pests that also stress our horses: flies, gnats, mosquitoes, etc. Today there is a large spectrum of pest controls available. From daily applications to weekly and monthly application there is something for every program. We use daily application and fly masks, along with a fly spray system in our barn to control the pests. For the broodmares we use a bimonthly application that works pretty well.

While you are reading this article, we are showing at the Palomino World Show in Tulsa, OK. To view this event, go to www.palominohba.com and page down to web cast. This event will be broadcast daily through July 26. Enjoy the summer and, as always, have a nice ride.