Oats vs. Grain

[~alison~*]

My Thoroughbred gelding gets 3/4 scoop of oats, and a quarter scoop of 12% pelleted feed. I am thinking of moving to a different barn, and they just feed 12% grain. I was wondering if this would make him hotter, or if he would maybe like it better. He normally eats all of his food, but over a large expanse of time. Your suggestions and input are greatly appreciated thanks!



alison

[Outrider]

I have an Appendix, and my experience has been that only feeding 12% grain can make them hotter. It did to my gelding. I went back to straight oats and it calmed him right down. He's just a trail horse and not shown or jumped so he doesn't need the extra energy. I saw a couple of TBs at my stables that were pretty hot with just the grain, and when they switched to oats or an oat/grain combo, they settled down.

[horselover]

If you feel that your horse's feed is fine for him the way it is, you should probably leave it that way. I would ask the barn to feed my horse the way i wanted since it is your horse and you are the one paying for it.

If you do change feed, remember that any feed change should be introduced very gradually or else it can cause colic. Especially going from no grain to completely grain.

[~alison~*]

Thanks for your replies...I decided to go ahead and move Romand to the barn, and they are deducting the feed part of my board and letting me supply my own. I think that it will work out fine...