Care and Handling
In the United States, most horses are fed some combination of pasture grass, hay (often timothy, alfalfa, or clover hay), and grain (oats, corn, barley, or wheat). The amount and kind of feed a horse needs depend on its age, size, condition, and work. Supplemental protein, vitamins, and minerals are often added to balance the diet.
Foals are often started on grain and hay when several weeks old and are usually fully weaned at about six months of age. An average mature riding horse doing light or medium work needs 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4 kg) of grain and 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg) of hay a day. A horse free to graze daily in a good pasture is fed less hay or none at all. Weanlings (horses just weaned) and horses doing strenuous work (for example, racing) are fed more grain than others. Horses not being worked are not usually fed grain and may just be pastured without hay. Horses need about 3 ounces (85 g) of salt and 12 gallons (45 l) of water a day.
As an owner, you need to make sure that you:
Feed and shelter your horse properly
Keep your horse and its living quarters clean
Exercise your horse regularly
Groom your horse regularly
Have your horse examined by a veterinarian at least once or twice a year
Consult a vet if your horse appears to be ill
Owning a horse is a long-term commitment. Horses can live 25 to 30 years, or even longer. When you buy or adopt a horse, you must be sure that you can take care of it for that long. Otherwise, you must be prepared to find a new owner for the horse if the time comes when you can no longer give the animal the attention it deserves. A horse is a loyal companion and a dependable animal for riding, sport, and work, and it deserves your respect and care.
