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Weight
Remember horses
should be fed according to weight not height. Country Mix Feeds recommend feeding between 2 - 2.5% of your horse's body weight
as feed per day divided between concentrates and forage (hay, grass, haylage).
It is important
to have an accurate record of your horse's weight. The easiest way to do this is by using a 'weight tape'. To obtain the body
weight using a weight tape, measure the girth around the horse's barrel (just behind the withers and in the girth groove).
Once you have your horse's weight a formula can be used to calculate the amount of feed needed.
weight (kg) x 2.0/2.5
100
This
calculates the total daily requirements which should be divided between concentrates and forage depending on your horses workload.
Choosing your Feed
When
choosing your feed, first consider your horse's workload. A horse with a light workload will not require the same diet as
a hard working horse. Then consider your horse's temperament, choose the correct energy source to minimise changes in temperament.
Workload
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Hacking, Novice Competitions, Showing, Pony Club,
Riding Club |
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Show Jumping, Dressage, One Day Events, Hunter Trials |
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Flat Racing, Point-to-Point, Endurance, Harness
Racing, Polo |
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Light Exercise |
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Medium Exercise |
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Hard Exercise |
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Girth
(cm) |
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Approx Bodyweight (kg) |
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Daily Concentrate (kg) |
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Daily Forage (kg) |
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Daily Concentrate (kg) |
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Daily Forage (kg) |
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Daily Concentrate (kg) |
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Daily Forage (kg) |
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128 |
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182 |
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0.9 |
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2.7 |
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1.9 |
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1.9 |
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2.2 |
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1.4 |
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140 |
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227 |
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1.1 |
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3.4 |
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2.3 |
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2.3 |
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2.7 |
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1.8 |
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148 |
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273 |
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1.4 |
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4.1 |
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2.8 |
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2.8 |
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3.3 |
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2.2 |
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156 |
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318 |
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1.6 |
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4.8 |
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3.2 |
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3.2 |
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3.8 |
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2.6 |
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164 |
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364 |
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1.8 |
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5.5 |
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3.7 |
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3.7 |
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4.4 |
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2.9 |
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171 |
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409 |
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2.0 |
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6.2 |
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4.1 |
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4.1 |
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4.9 |
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3.3 |
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178 |
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455 |
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2.2 |
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6.8 |
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4.5 |
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4.5 |
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5.4 |
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3.6 |
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185 |
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500 |
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2.5 |
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7.5 |
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5.0 |
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5.0 |
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6.0 |
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4.0 |
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192 |
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545 |
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2.8 |
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8.2 |
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5.5 |
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5.5 |
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6.6 |
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4.4 |
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197 |
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591 |
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3.0 |
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8.8 |
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5.9 |
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5.9 |
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7.1 |
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4.7 |
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Remember the horse has a relatively small stomach. Too much concentrate in one meal can overload
the stomach and cause digestive upsets. The digestive system functions more effectively when supplied with a fairly
constant supply of food. Divide the daily concentrate into as many feeds as possible (3-4). Never make sudden
changes to your horses diet, introduce rations over a period of time.
Environment
Ensure your horse has access to clean, fresh water. Keep your horse manager and buckets clean as
a dirty environment will discourage your horse from eating. Have your horses teeth checked regularly. Make sure
your horse is wormed regularly.
Forage
Forage contains fibre which is vital for the healthy gut function. Always compliment your concentrates
with good quality forage.
Other
Considerations
Length of time stabled, quality of grazing, time grazing, rug management.
Storage
Ensure your feed is kept in a dry area, free from pests.
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