Grain reduction for horses prone to tying up?

Question

My horse is worked every day. He is a 3 day eventer. If he has a day off, how much should I reduce his grain intake? Should I reduce it the day of his day off, or the night before, or both? All help is greatly appreciated! :)

Answer 1

The normal horse can handle grain on off days, but a horse prone to Tying up is something different. Cut the grain on the days off while increasing the hay. Hay is actually far better to feed than grain. Its like eating a candy bar verses steak and potatos. The main course provides the most nutrients and consistant energy, whereas the candy bar provides a quick lump of sugar to the blood stram which wears off quickly and won't keep the horse warm over night like real food.

For your horse's day off, grain needs cut while hay needs increased. It will provide the same amount of calories, but of a much higher value. Would you rather eat a good, big meal or a small one with lots of cake afterwards if you were an extreme athlete? The first choice is better, but continue with the grains the night night before and morning of the events. After the event, treat it like a day off unless he had an event the next day.

Good luck at your events!

Answer 2

I have Horses and helped friends next to me who own a HUGE ranch in Washington.

Your horse needs energy no matter what. If the time off is greater then a 3 days then give him less grain. He needs to be in top shape at all times cause of his work/training. So keep up with the grain even if he has a day off cause the next day he wont be lacking energy to work for you.

Answer 3

Rather than giving him grain on his off days try Equine Senior Diet or lower amounts of Performance Diet.

Answer 4

Usually horses that do this type of work are fed small portions on the morning of their event and a small lunch then before his event you pull his hay and water . They need something to fuel them on the day of the events.

Answer 5

You shouldn't reduce his grain at all. I've managed barns before and we always try to keep things consistent with our horses. One day off isn't going to make him fat, even if you keep his grain the same. But cutting back on it drastically whenever you have some off time could make him susceptible to colic. If you keep things the same, you'll keep his metabolism functioning at the same level.