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A horse’s nutritional needs change throughout its lifetime, from a rapidly growing foal to a mature adult. Proper nutrition is essential at every stage to ensure optimal health and performance.

The basics of good nutrition for horses are similar to those for other animals: a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. However, horses have some unique characteristics that require special consideration when it comes to their diet. For example, their digestive system is designed to extract nutrients from plants – specifically, grasses and other forage. This means that they are less efficient at digesting grain than other animals, and too much grain can actually be harmful. In addition, horses are very sensitive to changes in their diet and can easily become ill if their food is not consistent.

It is important to work with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to develop a custom diet plan for your horse, based on its age, activity level, and any health concerns. Here are some general guidelines for feeding horses:

Forage should make up the majority of a horse’s diet – at least 60% by weight. Good quality hay or pasture is the best source of nutrition for horses. It is important to choose a hay that is appropriate for your horse’s age and activity level – for example, a growing foal or an active racehorse will need a higher-protein hay than a sedentary adult.

Grain should only be fed in small amounts – no more than 10% of the total diet by weight. Grain should be introduced gradually into a horse’s diet to avoid digestive problems. Only feed high-quality grain products that are specifically designed for horses; do not give them table scraps or other human food.

Fats can be a useful source of energy for horses, but should only make up 2-5% of the total diet. Fat supplements such as vegetable oil can be added to the diet if needed.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper growth and development, and many are needed in very specific amounts. A good quality commercial feed will provide most of the vitamins and minerals your horse needs, but your veterinarian may recommend additional supplements if necessary. Horses also need access to fresh water at all times; they should drink about 10-12 gallons per day on average.

Feeding schedules will vary depending on the type of horse and its individual needs. For example, growing foals may need to be fed several times per day, while adult horses can usually get by with just one or two meals. It is important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule so that your horse’s digestive system can adjust accordingly.

Horses are unique creatures that require special consideration when it comes to their diet. By working with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist, you can develop a custom feeding plan that meets all of your horse’s nutritional needs throughout its lifetime.

Exercise is important for keeping horses healthy both mentally and physically. A lack of exercise can lead to boredom which can cause mischievous or even dangerous behaviours such as kicking at stall walls or biting other horses nearby; while too much exercise without proper warm up can lead to injuries such as strains or pulled muscles.

Horses should be exercised gradually at first until they build up stamina and muscle tone; then they can be worked harder during future sessions. Common exercises used with horses include lunging (leading them around in circles while they walk/trot/canter), trail riding (riding along paths through forests or fields), arena work (riding around an enclosed area performing various manoeuvres) and jumping (riding over obstacles).

One of the most important things to remember when training a horse to be rideable is to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of the training sessions. If a horse is asked to do too much too soon, they may become overwhelmed and discouraged, which will make it harder to train them in the future. It is also important to be patient with the horse and not get frustrated if they don’t seem to be progressing as quickly as you would like. Every horse learns at their own pace, so it is important to go at the horse’s speed rather than your own.

When first starting out, it is often helpful to lunge the horse before trying to ride them. This gives the horse a chance to get used to having someone on their back and helps them learn how to respond to basic commands such as “walk,” “trot” and “stop.” Once the horse is comfortable being lunged, you can begin working on mounting and riding them. Start by having someone hold the horse while you mount, and then slowly release the horse’s head once you are settled in the saddle. It is important to make sure that the horse feels comfortable and safe at all times during the training process, as this will help them trust you and make it more likely that they will want to cooperate during future sessions.