Another Feeding Question from the Newbie..=-)

Okay...so here's the situation. I've read a lot of posts, information, etc, etc on how to feed horses. I am getting ready to lease a horse that I will be training with in reining and showmanship. I love the stable I am at but I will be looking to supplement his feed. I understand the concept of some that if a horse is getting good quality hay and such that he is getting everything he needs but I've seen enough information regarding supplements and grain to know that there are two different camps on the subject.

Now, add into the mix that here in Oregon, the pastures are icky muddy and swampy this time of year...(especially this year!)...and as such, he won't get much turn out time in those...although I will let him out into the indoor arena as much as I can. I won't say that he will be worked extremely hard as I'm just beginning my show training but moderate activity is definitely in the cards.

He is a 9 years old gelding...no past health issues other then a quarter crack that has healed completely and no longer present. He has shown before but has been a pasture horse for at least a year now. He is not underweight or overweight.

My questions are: Without knowing what he is going to be fed at the new stable, what would you recommend knowing the information I've given you? I'm looking for feeding recommendations that include supplements and frequency. I know that horses have smaller stomachs and prefer smaller meals spaced out over the day. Is there any way to provide that for him without having to go out to the stable several times a day? There are a few days a week that I am there for several hours so on those days, it would be possible to feed him like that but on other days, I can't do that.

Thank you in advance for your advice! =-)

-CA

I am going to ASSuME alittle bit here since there is alot of information lacking

I am going to assume that free choice hay is NOT an option ... aim for at least 1.5% of his ideal body weight inhay so roughly 15 to 20 lbs of hay a day... when I can't do free choice I like to throw hay at least three times a day ... so 5lbs in morning, 5lbs for lunch then another 5 to 10 lbs for evening feed... I leave thebiggest feeding for nighttime since they go longer between the evening and morning feed

I don't like to feed any grains... so no oats, corn or barley allowed with my horses. I use a Ration Balancer, in OR that would be Purina's Enrich 32 and MAYBE Triple Crown's 30% Supplement.

If the horse can't maintain his weight on this I would add in some rice bran and maybe some hay pellets depending on the horse

You are correct...free choice is not an option...at least during the winter months when the horses are more or less confined to the indoor arena and stable.

Thanks for your thoughts!