This article has appeared previously with Equestrian Life. To see what’s in our latest issue, click here.
Team Joyce’s feeding plan is very simple and you rarely need to add extras. If you can say that with your feeding regimen, then well done! If you can’t, then there is a wealth of free information readily available from the experts.
BY TRISH JOYCE
WE THOUGHT IT would be of interest to share some of our feeding techniques. We use Barastoc as they offer free support and advice for you and your horse. All you have to do is gather basic visual information, so grab your pen, paper and scales and let’s go!
Step 1– Body score/condition
A body score/condition is a very simple visual process you do by looking at some specific areas of your horse/pony to determine what range they fit into: Fat, Good, Poor or Skinny.
Some of the areas to look at are:
1) Thickening of the neck;
2) Fat covering the withers;
3) Fat deposits along backbone.
For a few more listed areas, Barastoc have an excellent well-diagrammed Body Condition sheet online at barastochorse.com.au – Nutrition tab. Send it through to Barastoc and they can help customise a diet.
Wes and Oaks Volta of Team Joyce.
© Trish Joyce
Step 2 – Weight tape
Barastoc are famous for their digital horse weighing scales. These are taken to many events for riders to use for free! If you know they are at your event, take the time to get the precise weight for your horse because it is all valuable information. Second-best option is to use a weight tape. They are a great guide to obtaining an approximate number. This number helps with the quantities of feed a horse/pony should receive on a daily basis. We mean not just the grain or pellets but the forage as well.
Step 3 – Real weight in kilograms
Weigh your feed scoop! Even if it is an ice-cream container full of pellets or grain to work out exactly how much you are giving them each feed. If you are feeding morning and night, make sure you double the total. For example, 2kg in the morning, feeding twice a day, therefore 4kg. Each square bale of grass hay weighs approximately 15kg, therefore just divide each tablet into 15 to obtain a rough estimate of how many kilograms of forage he or she gets. Again, if doing this twice a day, double it to obtain the correct value.
Step 4 – MicroSteed
Log on onto barastochorse.com.au’s nutrition tab and there is MicroSteed. This program will help you with issues such as switching feeds, what feed is appropriate or how much you should feed. It is an online program from Kentucky Equine Research and Barastoc that can help you answer these questions. So simple and free.
Step 5 – Diet analysis form
This form is available on the same page. So simple and easy to fill out, email once completed. If you have any questions just call Barastoc Ridley Sales and Support on 1300 666 657.
Choose a feed company that is committed to producing balanced, quality products and one that can provide you with a tailored personal service. Utilise the free services available to you.
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