Re: Winter feeding

["Susan Garlinghouse" <suendavid@worldnet.att.net>]

I think what you're doing right now sounds just fine.  When spring rolls
around and you start conditioning again, grass or grain hay instead of a lot
of alfalfa is probably a good idea, and then you might need to feed more.
Free choice hay is good, either to keep them in good body condition, or to
alleviate boredom, but it isn't as necessary when they're already plenty
fat, and have three acres to putter and goof around in.  If you see any
signs of boredom, like chewing on things or whatever, then you can always
put out just something to chew on, like clean straw or some grass hay.  Then
you could probably cut down on the amount of alfalfa or grain a bit.

Susan G
----- Original Message -----
From: robert and carla lawson <robandcarla@hotmail.com>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 7:30 PM
Subject: RC: Winter feeding


> I am starting to get the ever so popular stares from fellow nieghbors that
I
> am abusing my horses. So here is the deal...
> I am feeding my mares 1 flake each of alfalfa in the AM. that is pretty
much
> it.
> I feed 1 1/2 pounds of grain with 1/2 pound of alfalfa pellets with 2
flakes
> of alfalfa Every evening. They do not have free choice hay. They are in 3
> acres of pasture. I do however offer free choice hay when there is an
> abundence of snow on the ground. I also scatter it out in various places
to
> keep them "forageing"
> I have two horses that are still fat and sassy and energetic. They are not
> being ridden but maybe once every two weeks if lucky. They have access to
> shelter but I have to take them to it. I do not like to put them up in the
> barn or even in the small corral  that is adjacent to it. I did last week
> and Ansata stocked up very badly and not only stocked up but she proceeded
> to attempt to go visiting several neighbors to say howdy! Which resulted
in
> two near serious injuries. Haley stayed stocked up. I brought them back to
> pasture and they are doing much better. Also weather was permissable.
> Sooo the question is. I still have good pasture available that I am going
to
> switch them into in two more weeks. They are fat, healthy and energetic.
> Should I be offering free choice hay?
> Haley If I am not careful could possibly founder. And Ansata is fatter
than
> the day I bought her. Given the facts here and the History of them... I
> really would like to quiet the silent wispers that I am abusing my horses
> for not offering free choice hay.  But here in this community if you saw
all
> the foundered feet you would wonder.
> Carla (Going to go feed my "abused" dogs the left over Gravy heated up in
> the microwave.)
> Ansata (ohhh apple treat time!)
> Haley (me first me first)
> Rob (is that a rib? or is that cellulite?)
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