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What to give her2007-11-24 21:22:01

My horses are pastured down the road in a cousin鈥檚 pasture with her horse. I grain my horses every morning (mainly to put weight on my mare) and would like to give the other mare something so she does not feel left out and to make friends with her. The thing is the mare is fat and does not need the sweet feed that I'm giving my horses. What can I give her (cheap) that would not put more weight on the mare or will the little (less then a 1/4 of a scoop) grain that I'm already giving her be fine?

Answers:

I'd suggest just feeding her carrots. Not feeding her anything at all can cause some behavior problems because your other horse is getting grained. You can feed quite a large amount of carrots without seeing any adverse effects on your mare so just tossing a handful in a bucket and giving it to her at the same time you feed your other horse is a good option.

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I would take her an apple, carrot or something with good fiber. But if you don't want to do that the 1/4 cup or scoop either way of sweet feed will be fine.

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Why make a mare that is already over-weight worse because you want to make friends with her - that makes no sense? She'll cope with her feelings of being left out. Anything that you feed her has calories and so if she's fat, you are just compunding the problem and fueling her risk of laminitis and joint problems.

This is what is meant by My Friend Flicka - your own emotional needs and attachments are coming before the horses's health.

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You should just give her a treat, instead of un needed grain. You dont want the horse to get to fat, and all horses love a treat.

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chopped fruit or veggies are a good choice, especially watermelon, because it's very hydrating. You could also feed her a small amount of vitamin supplements, like Rider brand vitamins. These can get a little expensive if not used sparingly, though. The small amount that you are giving her in sweet feed will most likely not put weight on her, though. If you want to be her friend, spend time grooming and petting her. Good luck! =)

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Instead of sweet feed, I'd go with a forage pellet, like ADM Alliance, Forage First Feeds and just give her enough to keep her occupied while the others eat. If you are not familiar with these products here is this particular manufactures site. http://www.admani.com/allianceequine...

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You can buy huge bags of alfalfa cubes for like $10.