For most horses proper nutrition* is pretty basic, consisting of 3 elements (forage, minerals and vitamins, and water). For more information on Equine Nutrition & Care

Forage

Most horses do great on timothy, grass hay, or a mixture.  A mixture of timothy and grass hay is ideal because it provides horses with a more well balanced diet. Alfalfa can be fed but in SMALL quantities, too much alfalfa is very taxing on a horses liver.  To find out more about the different types of grasses and the nutritional content visit Safer Grass.

Minerals and Vitamins

Mineral and vitamins are important for proper body function. A horse’s mineral requirements will vary based on its age, weight, physiological condition, and activity level. A good mineral and vitamin supplement combined with grass pellets (not cubes) is usually sufficient enough for most horses.

Your horse should always have access to a salt block.  It is recommended that you use a plain salt block NOT one that is a salt/mineral combination because it is possible for your horse to overdose on trace minerals when trying to take in the required amount of salt.

Water

Clean water is extremely important for your horse.  Water helps with pretty much every function of the horses body from removing toxin to keeping the joints free flowing.

*Every horse may have a unique feeding program that will be based on many factors, you should consult your veterinarian for an optimal feeding program for you horse.

Rehabilitating Neglected Horses

This was one of 4 horses taken in by RCER. All of them were in this condition. After 3 months all 4 horses put weight on and were ready for adoption.

Caring for horses that have been neglected/starved is a little bit more work, but well worth the efforts.  These horses need a special feeding program to bring their weight back up at a slow but steady pace. Information on caring for neglected horses.

Sleep

For info on sleep patterns of horses, please visit this web site. TUCK  https://www.tuck.com/how-horses-sleep/