Feeding the horse in front of you

Merck Veterinary Manual describes equine nutritional requirements as varying with body size, physiological state and activity. Water, forage and the balance of energy and nutrients must be considered together. A growing horse, a lactating mare and an adult at maintenance are not interchangeable feeding situations. These are general equine principles, not a special diet demonstrated for every Puerto Rican Paso Fino.

The first useful question is what the horse is actually consuming. Feed offered is not always feed eaten, particularly in a group. Forage quality also changes what a ration supplies. A familiar scoop or a habitual schedule describes a feeding practice, but it does not by itself establish the amount of energy, protein or minerals obtained.

Body condition gives a second kind of information. It helps distinguish an animal's nutritional state from its height or breed description. Looking at a horse regularly allows changes to be noticed earlier than an occasional photograph. Weight and condition should be interpreted with age, work and health rather than treated as a competition for the largest or fullest-looking animal.

A practical feeding history can record the forage, other feeds, access to water and any recent change. It can also identify who is feeding the horse and whether different caretakers are working from the same information. Such a history gives a veterinarian or equine nutrition professional a more useful starting point than a description such as eating well.

For the learner, the central lesson is individual assessment. Knowing the breed introduces the horse's heritage, but an appropriate ration depends on the living animal and its circumstances. Changes should be discussed with a qualified professional who can assess the horse, available forage and the complete diet.