Feed Question

[Lkat]

I am in the process of purchasing a 2y/o (3 in March) appendix QH gelding, big guy 15.1 and growing, parents were both 16.2. My question is what should I feed? I've only had horses 8+y/o, this is my first youngin- and I'm getting conflicting reports on what to feed him!

I've always fed: Timothy grass hay, Corn-Oat-Barley mix grain

Previous owner is feeding: Alfalfa hay, Barley grain

My barn Manager feeds: Grass Hay, Alfalfa pellets, Barley

I'm not a big fan of Alfalfa in any form, but I'm getting conflicting opinions from people. Any advice/experience would be great! THANKS!!

[Bebe]

I think the diet that your new barn owner will feed is the best of those listed, though I'm not a huge fan of Barley or any straights if they're not being fed as part of a balanced ration.

IMO the most important thing to do for your youngster is to not overfeed. Plenty of grass hay will make an excellent base, alfalfa pellets for slow release energy and extra protein is good - if your horse needs it. What I would look into is providing a ration balancer (Triple Crown do a few I believe) as it's doubtful your horse will get all the minerals & vitamins he needs from grass hay alone.

As an example, my mare is half QH, in light work (usually works 6 days per week, 4 1-2 hours hacks & 2 30-45 minute lessons), lives out 24/7 on meadow grazing. Her feed at the moment consists of grass, a handful of chaff, a mug of alfalfa pellets and 1.5 mugs of a low calorie ration balancer. She is a very good doer though. In winte the only thing that will change is that she'll also have as much meadow hay as she can eat and possibly sugarbeet added.