There are so many feeding variables to consider with equines: body condition, level of activity, age of horse, whether or not a mare is pregnant or lactating. Or, a horse's tendency to gain weight too easily or founder. We breed and raise registered Peruvian Paso and Tennessee Walking Horses. They graze on native bermuda and are turned out of their paddock (if grass is short or minimal in their paddock) to graze in our alleyways for only a few hours if that particular horse tends to eat too much (and to avoid risking colic from too much young, fresh grass). All of our horses are supplemented with alfalfa 2X a day (ranging from about 2" thick to 5" flakes) and bermuda hay; also, given 2X day 12% Moorman's "Growstrong PowerGlo" and/or Purina "Strategy" 14% feed one to two times a day, depending on the horse. With pasture and supplemental specialty feed, we never feed the "recommended" 1 to 1-1/2% of body weight in feed. The feed may range between 1/2 of a pork & bean can to 4 cans twice a day, depending on the horse and other factors. Our horses are considered to be in "light activity" ranging in age from new foals to about 9 years old.
