Feed costs can be minimized by keeping the horse healthy and by feeding a balanced ration that meets the horses nutritional needs. More myths are associated with feeding horses than with feeding most other animals. This is in part due to the lack of current nutritional research information as well as an increasing number of horse owners who are unfamiliar with the basics of horse nutrition. Nutritional needs will vary considerably among horses depending on individual age, weight, and level of activity. Horses naturally use forages as a primary component of their diets.
Adequate forages are a basic necessity for normal functioning of the horses digestive system.
This requirement for forages is most easily supplied by pasture and hay. Mature horses will generally consume 2 to 2.5 percent of their body weight in feed each day. The anatomy of the horse's digestive tract restricts effective digestion and utilization of low quality forages that are high in fiber. The poor digestion of low-quality forages can restrict the amount of dry matter that a horse can eat to a level below what is necessary to meet the horses nutrient needs. Therefore a premium should be placed on using high-quality forages in the horse's diet.