Few questions about feed/deworming for self care... first time!!!

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Posted : 8/12/2009 9:06:43 PM

Ok, first off thanks for all the help

I'm moving my mare tomorrow and need to know a few things about self-care (First time!!! She's been at schooling barns for 2 years now, and im SICK of the drama and the crap they do to horses!! I know not all are bad, but plus im saving up for school too...), what are some things that im not thinking of that a barn would normally take care of? (Turnout is getting taken care of, deworming programs, type of feed/supplements etc)

My main concern is the type of feed... this barn is feeding a really crappy feed, and I just want her on something healthy. She's 8 years old, TB Mare who weighs about 1200 give or take. She was on a sweet feed at another barn and did well on it... but with so many brands how do I know what I'm looking for?! And, is sweet feed really the best thing??? She DID do much better on sweet feed vs pellet. Also- some feeds say you don't have to supplement a hoof supplement (I used to use Farriers Formula on her) and I also supplement calm and cool for a few months. What's best for them?

Also- I know there is tons of controversy over daily wormers in feed and a monthly wormer. What's best for them and/or brands you recommend?! Since I'm just moving her, when is the best time to start the deworming program?

If anyone else thinks of anything im forgetting, please let me know!!!

Please and thank you

2manyhorses

Posted : 8/13/2009 12:17:54 AM

Since forage makes up the bulk of her diet, that's the place to start. What type of hay, how much, pasture? Ideally, get the hay analyzed ($30) so you know what she starting with and what she's lacking. What changes if any do you need to make to her current diet? Alot of people bash sweet feed and believe they're more qualified to formulate a quality feed than someone with the science behind the product. If it works for your mare and it's filling the holes in the forage, why change it? A TB with good weight is a constant challenge. But, if you're set on changing it, what's milled in your area and what brands are sold within a resonable distance from your barn. High fat feeds (7-10%) are good for adding extra calories without risking digestive upset. I love Triple Crown feeds but I can't afford to feed it to 20 horses.

What in her care makes you think she should be on a daily dewormer? Is her turnout all drylot that is overstocked? Pasturemates not regularly dewormed? Is she insured? Is that how she's been able to keep her weight up? Daily dewormers are expensive. 3-10X more than the comperable cost of paste plus you will still need to address tapes and bots with 2 paste dewormers annually.

Give her 2 weeks to settle in before you start changing anything. Buy a bag of the "crappy" feed to keep things the same and start switching her over once you determine where you want to go. Deworm her once she seems like herself. It's good to do it sooner than later.