5 Feeding Tips: How to feed your horse like a top athlete
1. Feed any GI medications BEFORE grain and hay. Do you use Gastrogard or Ulcergard on your horse? If so, for best results, research shows that when you administer these
The Body Score system takes into account the amount of fat compared to muscle in each of the 6 regions from Step 1. This system ranges from 1 (poor) – 9 (extremely fat).
No fatty tissue can be felt, and bony structures such as the ribs, spine, withers, shoulder, and neck are easily seen.
Slight amount of fat covers the base of the spine (between areas 2 and 5). Areas 4-6 are prominent, while areas 1-3 are less concerning.
Tail head (area 6) is prominent, while rump and rib covering appears rounder. There is a slight fat cover over ribs, however they are still apparent.
Base of spine appears to have a negative crease (between areas 2 and 5), and a faint outline of ribs is apparent. However the neck, withers, and shoulders are no longer obviously thin (areas 1-3).
Tailhead has a layer of fat that feels spongy. Ribs are not visible but can be felt through a thin layer of fat. Withers appear to be rounded, and neck/shoulders blend smoothly into the horse’s body.
Fat around tailhead is soft, and fat over ribs feels spongy. Fat is beginning to form behind shoulders, sides of neck and withers.
Ribs can be felt, however there is noticeable fat between ribs. Fat around tailhead, neck, withers and behind shoulder are more apparent and soft.
Tailhead far is very soft and a positive crease is formed down the spine. Ribs are difficult to feel and the shoulder crease is now flush with the body. There is a noticeable thickening of the next, and fat deposits along the rump area.
Bulging fat around tailhead, ribs, neck, withers and shoulder. There is an obvious positive crease down the back, and fat along the inner buttocks may rub together.
While the ideal body score for a horse is 5, most horse owners find that their horses’ can range anywhere from 3-7. According to a recent study from the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 40% of horses and ponies are considered overweight. And with equine obesity on the rise, it is important to understand where your horse falls on the BCS scale.
Adjusting dietary balance is commonly the first step in adjusting BCS in your horse. Depending on where your horse falls on the 1-9 scale, they may need to shed some pounds, or gain weight.
Adding balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Excel ProElite) to a fiber-rich diet helps your horse begin to build healthy fat components.
Adjusting your horse’s caloric intake and increasing exercise is key to weight loss. First, overweight horses should NOT be fed large amounts of grains or concentrated feeds in one serving. It is suggested, instead, that horse owners should feed a ration balancer or low-calorie, low-fat, low-sugar/starch feed in small amounts.
Above all, exercise is the most important factor for horses’ who have a body score of 6 and higher. First, build a strength-focused work-out routine that is appropriate to your horse’s current body condition. These strength-building exercises should consist of gradual work that increases in both difficulty and stamina during each training session.
With that being said, also remember to build in “recovery” days to allow your horse’s body to rest.
1. Feed any GI medications BEFORE grain and hay. Do you use Gastrogard or Ulcergard on your horse? If so, for best results, research shows that when you administer these
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, horse owners should be taking extra steps to decrease the likelihood of impaction colic in the colder months. Here are 3 tips
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