Nutrition

There are six main sources of nutrition for the horse. These are rather simple in that they include: water, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids/lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Water is obviously most important, since horses drink up to 12 gallons of water a day. You want to be sure that you keep fresh, and clean water available at ALL TIMES. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in a horse’s diet. They obtain these from hay, grains, and grasses. These are made up of plant starches in which carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are main elements. As a horse digests carbohydrates he breaks them up into starches and sugars which are used for energy, and cellulose which is the main source of fiber.

Side Fact: When a horse is fed normal amounts of grain, but contained in a stall for several days, then sporadically worked really hard, Azoturia is a serious resulting problem. Azoturia is more commonly known as “tying up”. This is when the horse Begins to show signs of distress, such as stiffness and a short stride in the hind legs. They will immediately begin to have hard, tense, quivering muscles of the hind leg. Other symptoms include dark urine, high temperature, sweating, restlessness and anxious attitude. He will resist movement. This is very serious, and you want to call your vet ASAP!