January 2023 Equine Times

January 2023

Serving the Michigan, Indiana and Ohio tri-state horse community

Modern pentathlon votes to swap horse riding with obstacles PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE HAY INVE$TMENT!

For the Finest STALLS Money Can Buy From One Piece To An Entire Stall Or An Exhibition Stall.

Dimensions: 72” x 78” x 76” Weight: 230 lbs.

OH-0001245590

“Hay Huts save and preserve the hay. They keep the hay weather protected and are horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX

Page 2

Design Stalls that work for you and your Horses.... With Component Pieces or the Entire Stall!

• Removable Grills

E N T E R P R I S E S

• Panels • Lazy Susan Feeders • Water Bucket Doors • Multiple Door Options

Weldy Enterprises • 911 E. Waterford St. Wakarusa, IN 46573 574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 • FAX 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com Equine Times

January 2023

0000501405

SLIDING OR SWINGING DOORS

AP The federations for modern pentathlon approved a decision to replace horse riding with “American Ninja Warrior”-style obstacle courses as a fifth discipline in order to save the sport from Olympic elimination.

There were 83 members who submitted a valid vote during the organization's congress session, with 69 casting a ballot in favor, 11 against and three abstaining.

The next step: approval from the International Olympic Committee for the change.

As it currently stands, modern pentathlon in its current form of fencing, swimming, laser shooting, running and show jumping would be off the program after the 2024 Paris Games.

Modern pentathlon faced a major crossroads with the show-jumping component of the five-event competition coming under scrutiny after a German coach was filmed hitting an uncooperative horse during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

In an effort to get back on the Olympic program, modern pentathlon’s governing body, known by its French acronym UIPM, tested out obstacle-course racing to replace horse riding. Ring swings and rope mazes could take center stage for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

There’s still time to get back on the program for LA ’28, too, should the IOC approve of a change.

“We are not forgetting our

past, our heritage, but our goal is the future,” UIPM President Dr. Klaus Schormann said in a release. “It’s very important that our voting members today provided a strong mandate for obstacle discipline to be integrated into our Olympic multi-sport."

To some in the modern-pentathlon community, this sort of change tears at the very essence of a sport that’s intricately tied to horses. This is a sport that’s

January 2023

been part of the Olympics for more than 100 years. Invented

by IOC founder Baron Pierre de Coubertin, it has gone through several transformations, like pistol shooting replaced by laser guns before the 2012 London Games.

This change also has been viewed as a way to modernize the sport in a time when the Olympics seek a younger audience.

Equine Times

Page 3

What You Need To Know About A Hair Mineral Analysis Hannah Lochner Mane hair analysis is gaining interest for determining mineral intake of horses.

Researchers at Leipzig University compared hair mineral test results between commercial laboratories and evaluated the relationship between mineral intake and hair mineral content.

The study was conducted using four gelding warmbloods (14 ± three years) that were kept under the same management conditions for two months. The horses received free access to meadow grass hay and water. The researchers provided a commercial mineral supplement to meet the horses' energy and nutrient requirements. After two months, mane samples were taken within two centimeters to three centimeters of the hairline. Hair samples were sent to three commercial laboratories for mineral analysis. The hay and mineral supplement were analyzed for nutrient content.

During the study, the horse’s diet exceeded Page 4

Equine Times

January 2023

their mineral requirements except for zinc.

Results of the hair mineral analysis varied between the commercial laboratories.

Differences between laboratories was greatest for iron content (58%) and least for selenium content (10%). Only two of the three laboratories used the same reference ranges for each mineral. For example, two laboratories found insufficient selenium in all horses while one laboratory found adequate selenium in all horses.

Misleading reference ranges can lead to inappropriate feeding recommendations.

Additionally, mineral intake of the horses did not align with hair mineral analysis results.

Differences in results between laboratories and actual mineral intake suggest hair mineral analysis is not reliable for assessing mineral intake of horses.

For more information on this research, view the abstract published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Sciences at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ S0737080622002817?via%3Dihub.

Cold Weather Nutrition American Association of Equine Practitioners

Optimum water temperature for maximum palatability is 45° to 65° Fahrenheit Horses tend to consume less if it falls outside of this range which makes them more prone to poor digestion efficiency, dehydration and intestinal impactions.

January 2023

Equine Times

Page 5

CLUB NEWS

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association Michigan Fox Association Michigan Fox Trotter Trotter Association

to gettinglike this We havedone! resources and of people available for you to learn is nothing the expectation a well-bred foal! from and breeders to refer you to if you to Don't to transfer yourour newly-bought horse's In theforget winter, some of members want take buy a young one to train or if you want to further registrationtheir papershorses into your name with the MFTHBA,too. and Florida the training withgo yoursouth present to horse.

We are growing! New member welcomes gomembers out to The MFTHBA needs registered or to Arizona to escape the Naomi Haas, equinetodentist Kris Modreske and fill their committees for 2021. I justHarry agreed Michigan snow and cold, Struble all of MI. Naomi rides sorrel sabino gelding to help out on athe Trail Committee again. but theySerenity still committees stay in con(Dexter) and a blackSurely mareyou (Hank's Liberty Bell can,too!

Various need members(younger ones too) for their input B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted tact via Zoom for our and advice togoincrease Prior). And congratulations out toaffiliate Harrynumbers,think Struble on monthly meetings. of waysGolden to makeChip, the shows better,to improve and his purchase of Joe's a handsome buckskin okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideasno on Once a member, gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. All these memclinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more vermatter where you bers are riding quality Trotters!!! satility riders interested,give ideas on training and Fox picking judges, plus New members are always wellive, youAlso, can more. Many positions can be supported remotely. thisattend is a great come!

Go to www.michiganfoxway to meet those from other areas similarly of the USA who to raise,train and learn trotters.com print not off have the ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way whotoI would about otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Missouri Breeding membership form.Association We Fox meet via www.mfthba.com to become aTrotters member and for information and that virtually somore allall members on helping out. are able to well meet as without they can do as netAlso, PLEASE send in your MFTA dues and your MFTHBA dues having to drive long diswork with other owners while asap! tances.

Wishing everyone blessed and safe Christmas! thea weather is preventing most of Our Event Committee Respectfully submitted, us from riding. is busy planning next Marilynthe Mannino clinic. It will be a regisGaited included a competition for thequalifies you for disSubmit your 2023 versatility program Plus, your membership Western Dressage Clinic at most ambitious PROTECT LARGEwho BALE HAYand INVE$TMENT! horsemanship chalcounts at YOUR ourmember various clinics with our tration For theforms Finestnow for the Money Can Buy the end of May. More details demonstrates their horsemanship (owner/rider), Fox Trotter sponsors (Levi Beechy reduced clinic fee, Chuck lenge From One PieceMissouri TobeAnavailable Entire Stallunder will skills in a wide variety of categories. and Missouri Fox Trotter notis Fanslow and reduced breeding next month.

The clinician Quarterly year-end awards will befee, Jackson's saddle/in harness Or An Exhibition Stall. top-notch! for adults and youth. given.

Go toStore www.michiganfoxtrotters.com Western discount and others). Your under saddle divisions SLIDING SWINGING DOORS A little history on our breed: to read the rules and print off the forms to join in on our website and seeThe the presdifMFTHBA membership qualifies you for dis- Read the rules onOR ent-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in the friendly competition and fun. count pricing at Stateline Tack as well as ferent ways that you can start learning and More Fox Trotters are slowly becoming available to New England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation withSaddlebreds, your horse.TWHs Yes, you do access tobutthe many programs that Horses,things American and can pacing purchase they are selling fast. There is athey goodhave video to on doing of different the cold horses winoffer.

Meet the gait 2023 officers!

Bob Standardbreds.

The activities genetic mix during of square-trotting the correct Fox Trot posted on our President Face Book site to lots and pacing horses created the comfortable fox trot gait! refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy.

Be sure Howell officiates at our monthly meetings, ter months and get credit for them. You will to bring a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in Vice President Miranda Mannino also provides get a lot done and earn prizes along the way. narrow down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (riv- Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to is motivating and Zoom support, Mannino check program their fencing and work cows, pullfun! buggies, by US erflatranch.com) andSecretary Gale GundersMarilyn (989-534-1207), have This Remember to send in yourpolice MFTHBA records the meeting minutes Treasurer Service workers, by mounted and nowmempeople well-gaited young stock available.

Theyand also have quality Forest across the United States and Europe use them for studs to breed to if you have a mare you want bred.

Chuck of Charleen Ostrom handles the financial transac- bership also. Go to mfthba.com to see allrecreation (showing, trailand riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and has a Buckskin stalliondirectors and a palomino stallion(both sons their programs benefits, then renew or tions.

Our three are Nancy GreenDesign Stalls work for youThey and are yourtruly Team,that Hippotherapy,etc.). of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will Equestrian a member. areinthe Michigan affiliDuffy,color Susan Williams and Fanslow. versatile and also canComponent beWe found allPieces colors and sizes!

Try throw to your foal. Both are Chuck located in Gladwin,MI. become Horses....

With or ate of and thefind Missouri Trotter Horse Our them newly three-year Director x 78” x There 76” one out out why Fox everyone loves them so! Breed Contact if youelected wantDimensions: to have your72” mare bred. the Entire Stall!

Weight: 230has lbs. a Association (mfthba.com) basedGrills in Ava, Nancy Green-Duffy of Paris, Michigan • Removable • Panels registered gelding called Pippin. He is a hand- Missouri.

“Hay Huts save and preserve • Lazy Susan Feeders Fox Our mission is to promote Missouri some black andthe white the hay.

They keep hay four-year-old who origi• Water Bucket Doorsand weather protected and are nally came from Gladwin, Michigan. They Trotters and to encourage the breeding horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX E N T E R P R I S E S Door Options as to help their ownplan to hit the trails this year. Our 501c3 com- training of them, as well• Multiple mittee will be submitting the application this ers learn to enjoy their horses more through Weldy Enterprises • 911 E. Waterford St. Wakarusa, IN 46573 month which will allow us to become a educational clinics, trail rides and discussions.

574-862-4491 • 800-628-4728 • FAX 574-862-2122 • email: info@weldyenterprises.com non-profit association. We are looking forward Mannino Hello December! Marilyn Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino At our November meeting we elected some new officers for 2021. Congratulations go out Hello April!

Spring is Start upon us!

People Happy New Year! your yearare offout Fox to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA PresTrotting and enjoying the weather.

Many are accumulatident, Kathy is now in VP, Marilyn still right

by Kruch sending your isMFHA ing points in the Char Versatility that we are offerSecretary/Treasurer, Ostrom isChallenges the new membership.

Go to the michiing.

2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now ganfoxtrottinghorse.com Registration the 1-year Director. is still open for all three Versatility We are accepting membership Challenges (Under Saddle website and click on Challenge, therenewals Not Under Saddle and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth Challenge). are Challenge and Ultimate Horseman This promembership encouraged to joinapplication too! to www.michiganfoxgram is designed to Go show how versatile the Missouri Fox trotters.com to to print off the your form. You will learn alot button print Trotter is. Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. from our members about the history of Fox Trotters,their form.

Your support will network All through useshandicapped and availability and and regular be able toyouth with those of us who adults are welcome.

Every imaginable provide needed funds camp,train and show them.

Our association is blessed to have skilled activity included trainers,breeders and farrieristo learn from. We love promoting this to helpand us category to apromote from in they hand work Dressage, so versatile and come in breed as have greatto personalities,are the Trotter astoA benefit to joining is that we many Fox sizes and different coat colors. short distance trailbreed riding can offer at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we well asclinics to competitions assist in educatendurance and are meeting remotely each month.

Michigan everything (cow ing peoplein-between about this breed is a big state and this is a good way to easily see and talk with each other within and outside of work, driving, extreme trail, and support MI. Come join the fun!the variety of 4H Sign and open showing, up now for thecan popular activities that beVersatility doneChallenge with for 2021. Print parades, reining, form trailfrom mainteoff the enrollment our website. There are may areas in them.

Fox Trotters are rockinstars in versatility! nance and We also which you can more!). accumulate points-even the non-rideable months.

OH-0001245596

0000501405

STALLS

Page 62

Equine Times

April 2023 2021 January

December 2020

Equine Times

Page 11

Ask the Expert: Taking a Hay Sample for Analysis Krishona Martinson

I am interested in having a hay analysis done, but I am not sure how to go about it.

I do not have a hay probe. Can I rent or borrow one?

Numerous companies offer hay analysis services. A quick internet search will highlight many. If there are none in your local area, you can easily mail dry hay samples throughout the U.S. When selecting a company, make sure they offer a nonstructural carbohydrate package and equine digestible energy.

While a hay probe is best for collecting a sample, you can also take grab samples.

January 2023

Equine Times

Page 7

Coping With the Loss of a Horse you are stumbling through the loss of a beloved horse.

Jeannine Moga

The bond between humans and horses has inspired myth, philosophy and magic across cultures for centuries. Surprisingly, little attention has been paid to the human experience of losing a horse. Losing a horse is a distinctly different experience than losing any other relationship, human or otherwise.

Many months spent caring for an ailing horse can be both labor and cash intensive, and it can be a struggle to meet the horse's every need. It can be exhausting and heart wrenching to watch a beloved companion become ill and die. The death of a horse may leave you feeling empty, rudderless and drifting without the routine and commitment of a usually long-term relationship.

A better understanding of grief can help if Page 8

Equine Times

January 2023

Grief is highly individual Professional counselors use many models to make sense of the grieving process which can be helpful. Know that grief is highly individual, variable and illogical. No two people will grieve a loss exactly alike and often grief defies explanation and expectation. Knowing this can be oddly comforting.

You are grieving as you need to and somehow, someway you will find a way through to the other side.

Grief is a whole-body experience Grief affects our whole body and often shows itself on physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual lev-els. People who are grieving often have tired, uncooperative bodies, broken hearts and brains that change

between numbness, confusion and too much time spent on “what ifs.” Learning to sit with the many faces of grief is key to working through a loss.

enough to enjoy the trust of a horse have invested a lot of time and ener-gy into building that relationship. As such, they must also spend time and energy adjusting after the loss of a horse. Do not expect yourself Grief is misunderstood to get over the loss. Loss is not something We fear and avoid death because it is sim- you get over, but something you must adapt ply too big to wrap our brains around. Many to. people may of-fer well meaning, but illtimed or off-putting advice to those who Grief feels rotten have lost a horse. If this happens to you, Grief often hits us surprisingly hard. thank them kindly for their thoughts. Then Even people who have survived many expefind support from others who resist the urge riences with death describe the loss of a certo offer a quick fix. Horses are not applianc- tain animal as more distressing. You may es that we replace. They are loved ones that find that you have lost the capacity for findwe should mourn and honor. ing comfort. Your usual calming, self-soothing activities may not work. When all else Grief can be isolating fails, go back to the basics. Stay hydrated Many bereaved people feel alone in their and nourished, rest as needed and exercise. grief. It is common to feel isolated by the Support your body so your body can supindifference of people who may not under- port your grief. stand. Connect with people who will listen to you without judgment. You may find Grief is transformative them within the horse community, your Sometimes one of the most healing things family or a more formal route such as a grief we can do is to honor grief as the teacher it counselor. You will find power in sharing is. By entering into relationships with horsyour story with others who can understand es, we open ourselves up to partnership, your experience. challenge and transformation. When we lose our horses, reflecting on their gifts can Grief does not have a timetable enable us to live their legacies. It is not just People may expect you to finish grieving in loving them, but in losing them that we in a matter of weeks or months but there is receive the opportunity to become better no timetable for grief. People who are lucky people.

January 2023

Equine Times

Page 9

Pamela Allen, left, watches as her horse Miko eats grass at Marek Saddle Up Stables in St. Johns.

Allen runs an equine assisted wellness business providing her clients therapy using her horses.

Nick King

St. Johns woman offers horse assisted therapy to heal trauma

Pamela Allen pets her horse Miko at Marek Saddle Up Stables. Nick King Page 10

Equine Times

January 2023

Pamela Allen walks her horse Miko in the horse arena at Marek Saddle Up Stables. Nick King

Pamela Allen hugs her horse Miko in the horse arena at Marek Saddle Up Stables. Nick King

Pamela Allen leads her horse Miko out of a gate as her other horse Ase, left, looks on at Marek Saddle Up Stables. Nick King January 2023

Equine Times

Page 11

One of Pamela Allen's horses, Ase, stands in a pin at Marek Saddle Up Stables in St. Johns. Nick King

Pamela Allen opens a barn door before visiting with her horses at Marek Saddle Up Stables. Nick King Page 12

Equine Times

January 2023

Pamela Allen familiarizes her horse Miko with cones in the horse arena at Marek Saddle Up Stables. Nick King

Creating the Right Mix: Understanding Nutrients in a Horse's Diet Laura Kenny and Danielle Smarsh

Danielle Smarsh One of the most important aspects of keeping your horse healthy is feeding a balanced, appropriate diet. But similar to the options you might find a grocery store for your family, the options of what to feed your horse can seem overwhelming.

Understanding what nutrients are found in specific types of forages and grains can help you decide the best diet for your horse.

The six nutrient classes A nutrient is something that is consumed in the diet and is essential to the animal's body. You will find a variety of nutrients in every feed and forage given to a horse, but the specific amount and types of nutrients will vary. There are six key classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Let's review each class of nutrients and explain why they are important for the healthy horse, and where in the diet you will find them.

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are one of the two main sources of energy for the body. Carbohydrates also provide fiber to the diet. There are many different carbohydrates and they can be categorized in several ways. One way is to consider their chemical structure and whether they are used to create structure for a plant or not. For example, hemicellulose and cellulose are complex, large carbohydrates used to maintain the structure of a plant. These carbohydrates are known as structural carbohydrates and give plant stems their rigidity. When we think about fiber in the horse's diet, hemicellulouse and cellulose are a big part of that fiber component. Structural carbohydrates are digested by microbes

in the horse's hindgut. When we analyze feed for carbohydrates, cellulose and hemicellulose are measured in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF).

On the other hand, glucose and fructose are very small carbohydrates and are examples of simple sugars. This molecule is not used for plant structure but as an energy source (both for the plant and the horse that eats it). There are also more complex sugars, such as disaccharides (two simple sugars bonded together), oligosaccharides (three to ten simple sugars), fructans (a long chain of fructose sugars) and starch (a long chain of glucose sugars). All of these molecules provide energy and are considered nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC). These carbohydrates are found in all plants but are particularly high in grains such as corn, oats, barley, etc. They are digested in the horse's foregut (the small intestine, specifically). When analyzing feed, these nonstructural carbohydrates can be measured as part of several different fractions, including ethanol soluble carbohydrates (ESC), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) or simply as NSC. Carbohydrates are key components of plants and so, it is really impossible for a horse to have a “low-carb" diet since their whole diet is made of plants. From pasture grass to hay, to oats and pelleted feed, carbohydrates are everywhere in a horse's diet.

It is possible to create a diet for a horse that is low in NSC. This is needed for horses that have metabolic issues, such as chronic laminitis or metabolic syndrome. But for a healthy horse with no diagnosed metabolic issues, NSC is an important source of energy in the diet.

Fats Fats are the other key source of energy for the horse. In fact, fats provide approximately three times as much energy as carbo-

January 2023

Equine Times

Page 13

hydrates do which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the horse. For a horse that is working hard or needs to gain a little weight, fat in the diet can be very helpful. For a horse that is overweight, fat might not be needed.

Beyond providing energy to the horse, fat can provide a number of other benefits to your horse. A higher fat diet can give your horse a nice shiny coat. Adding liquid fats, like oils, to concentrates can help reduce dust, thus lowering irritation for horses sensitive to dust in their environment. Fat can also be used to replace calories for horses that must be on a low NSC diet.

Horses on a forage only diet will consume very little fat.

Grass and hay simply do not contain a lot of fat. Similarly, grains also do not contain a lot of fat. So where do we find fat in the horse's diet? Pelleted feed is one source, and the amount of fat will vary depending on the product (typical range is 5% to 15% fat). There are certain products that are designed to add a lot of energy to the diet, which are typically sold as high-fat products and can contain up to 30% fat. The fat found in pelleted feed can come from sources such as flaxseed or rice bran.

Oil is another excellent way to add fat to a horse's diet; while there are many types of oil you could use, most commonly vegetable, corn, or canola oil is used. This oil can be used to topdress grain or pellets.

There has been recent interest in specific fats called omegas.

Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) are essential fatty acids, which means they are required by the horse and must be supplied by the diet. As long as your horse is receiving a balanced diet, they should be receiving enough omegas in their diets. But omega-3 and omega-6 are of special interest due to their roles in the inflammatory pathway in the body. Omega-3 is considered anti-inflammatory, while omega-6 is considered pro-inflammatory. Both are necessary in the body for normal physiological processes, but current research is ongoing to see if there are health benefits to adding additional omega-3 fats in the diet of horses.

If adding extra fat to your horse's diet, it is important to do

Soybeans, when made into soybean meal, are one of the most common sources of protein in concentrates. Andrea Kocher Page 14

Equine Times

January 2023

so slowly. It should take up to two to three weeks for you to add fat to the diet. When adding oil, start with ¼ cup total each day, and gradually add an additional ¼ cup every few days until the desired amount is reached. Divide the total fat evenly between meals. No more than one to two cups of oil or 20% of the dietary energy needs of the horse should be added. If using rice bran, make sure to select stabilized rice bran, as unstabilized rice bran can go bad quickly. Follow the same protocol to add it to the diet gradually.

Proteins Proteins play a variety of important roles in the body. While many people associate proteins with their part in building muscle, proteins in the body are also important for communication (as hormones and enzymes), structure (as muscle and collagen), transport of nutrients in the blood, and buffering the pH (acidity) of the body. Proteins are composed of chains of amino acids; while some amino acids are made by the horse, other amino acids must be provided in the horse’s diet and these are known as essential amino acids. Essential amino acids include histidine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine and valine. On many feed tags for commercial horse feeds, you will find some of these essential amino acids listed, in particular lysine.

Protein can be found in many different places in the horse's diet. While forage will contain protein, the amount can vary based on the species and maturity of the forage. In general, legumes (such as alfalfa or clover) will contain more protein than cool season grasses (such as orchardgrass or timothy) and warm season grasses (such as Bermuda grass). In terms of maturity, protein amounts are usually highest when the plant is more immature and in a leafy, vegetative state (compared to mature, stemmy plants with seed heads).

Protein can also be found in grain and concentrates. The amount of protein found in each grain will vary, but generally, grains have less protein on a dry matter basis as compared to forages. However, the largest amount of protein will be found in seed meals, which are the by-product created when oil is extracted from oil seeds (such as canola, soybean and sunflower). The most common one used in equine diets is soybean meal; it is also a legume and legumes in general also have higher levels of protein. Concentrates (such as sweet feed or pelleted feed) that are high in protein often contain some soybean meal.

Vitamins A vitamin is defined as a compound that is required in small amounts in the diet for essential body functions. Vitamins are typically grouped by their solubility, in other words, how well a substance dissolves in water or fat. Vitamins A, D, E and K are considered fat-soluble, while vitamin C and the many B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, biotin, etc.) are considered water-soluble.

Each vitamin plays an important role in the body. For example, vitamin A is vital to healthy vision, while vitamin D is important for healthy bones. Deficiencies in many of these vitamins cause disease and less commonly, excess amounts can also cause disease.

Because vitamins are found in such small amounts in the body, they can be hard to accurately measure. Generally, if you are feeding your horse enough moderate to good quality forage and a commercial feed, and the horse is healthy, they are proba-

bly receiving sufficient levels of vitamins. If your horse has poor quality forage (for example, if the hay is sun bleached, then it will have lower amounts of vitamins), then consider adding a ration balancer to your horse's diet. If your horse is not healthy and a veterinarian thinks the issue is a vitamin imbalance, then you should work with a nutritionist to balance the diet.

Minerals Minerals are essential elements needed by the body for essential life functions. Similar to vitamins, minerals are needed in very small quantities in the diet and each mineral plays a specific role. For example, calcium is an important component of bone.

The list of minerals found in the horse's diet is lengthy and includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, sulfur, copper, iron, manganese, iodine, cobalt and zinc. Three minerals (sodium, potassium and chloride) are collectively known as electrolytes and play an important role in helping maintain the correct balance of water in the body. Electrolytes are lost from the body when the animal sweats, which is why after strenuous exercise (particularly in hot, humid climates) it is necessary to give a horse not just water but water with electrolytes so that they can recover more quickly.

Similar to vitamins, deficiencies and excesses in minerals can cause various diseases in the horse. If your horse is healthy and receiving good quality forage with a commercial feed, its diet is most likely balanced for minerals. If your horse is doing poorly and you are unsure that the diet is balanced for nutrients, work with a veterinarian and nutritionist to determine which mineral might be the issue and how to adjust the diet to resolve the problem.

Water Water is often overlooked as a nutrient, but it is the most important nutrient for an animal. About 60% to 70% of the adult horse's body weight is composed of water; this water is found both within cells and outside of the cells, in what is called the extracellular fluid. Many animals, if needed, could survive weeks with poor/minimal amounts of food, but no animal will survive longer than a few days without water. The average adult horse needs about six to ten gallons of water a day and that amount can increase based on the environmental conditions and exercise level of the horse. Mares that are nursing foals will have a higher water intake requirement. Horses fed a high hay diet tend to drink more water than those with a concentrate/forage diet or those consuming lots of fresh pasture.

Conclusions When you take a closer look at the forage and grain that a horse eats over the course of a day, it is amazing to realize how many different nutrients they are consuming. By ensuring that your horse is getting enough feed each day (the feed should equal about 2% to 3% of your horse’s body weight) and that the quality of the feed is good, you can be confident that your horse is likely to be consuming a balanced diet. Remember to consider the activity level and physiological status of the horse when analyzing the diet; for example, if the horse is being exercised four to five times a week, it will have a higher demand for most nutrients than the horse exercised just once a week. If your horse is having health issues, it is always important to assess the diet with a trained nutritionist to ensure that it is providing the nutrients your horse needs.

Horse drinking water from automatic waterer. Danielle Smarsh January 2023

Equine Times

Page 15

COUPON This Coupon is good for $100.00 OFF a camper Session | Use Code: ETIMES when registering online This code can only be used for first-time families. One discount per camper.

Croswell, MI

Summer Horse Camp for Girls Ages 6-16 Riding • Vaulting • Trail Rides • Swimming • Boating • Archery • and more! One Week and Two Week Sessions • Starter Camp • Mother Daughter Retreats

OH-0001255168

Page 16

www.blackriverfarmandranch.com Equine Times

January 2023