Feeding Naturally, part 2. By Lisa Ross-Williams.

In this section...
A Natural Way of Living, part 1
A Natural Way of Living, part 2
Feeding Naturally, part 1
Feeding Naturally, part 2
Natural Horsemanship Revealed
Healthy Hooves, the Natural Way
Lisa presents an interview with Linda Parelli
Lisa presents an interview with Buck Brannaman
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In addition to over-feeding of alfalfa, over-use of grain is another common, although detrimental practice. In the wild, grain is only found in scattered small amounts at certain times of the year, often when winter approaches and the horses need more calories. It is neither natural nor healthy for a horse to consume large amount of this highly concentrated foodstuff and if over-used can cause vices, colic, ulcers and high insulin levels.

It has long been recognized that horses on high grain diets exhibit more "vices" like cribbing, pawing, pacing, and weaving, as well as having excess energy that may show itself while under a rider. Horses fed grain, especially corn or sweet feed are at a higher risk of colic and this risk increases with an increase in the amount of grain.

Some horses often do not chew the grain enough, possibly because of dental problems and therefore there is not enough saliva mixed in before swallowing. The grain can then lump up in the stomach that is harder to digest. The saliva also helps to neutralize the acid in the stomach, lowering the chance of ulcers when properly manufactured.

Grain also wrecks havoc on the horse's glucose levels. There are two types of carbohydrates; simple such as grain, and complex which is fiber based like hay. Simple carbohydrates get into the horses bloodstream quicker than the complex ones, causing surging glucose levels. This in turn causes a quick increase in insulin and a rush of adrenaline. Now, since this extra glucose is too high, the body must remove this surplus from the bloodstream, causing a feeling of fatigue which can last several hours. Cushings and Insulin-resistant horses should not be fed grain because of this fact.

Although many ponies & burros and some lightly used horses will get their needed nutrients from a variety of hay and/or pasture, some horses do benefit from added fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. There are numerous options available to replace a high grain diet. Rice bran, wheat bran, beet pulp, small amounts of grain (a pound or two) and some commercial natural feeds are available to use in small amounts to supplement the horse's mainly roughage diet and to add additional supplements to if desired.

Flaxseed is an excellent addition to many horses’ diets and has numerous benefits. It can help strengthen your horse’s immune system, improve mineral absorption, help chronic inflammatory conditions, improve hair, skin, and hoof condition, and can even help allergies. Flax is also a soluble fiber source that forms a quick gel that traps and suspends sand, carrying it out. Flax is also high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which many horses fed hay are lacking. Most diets are much richer in Omega-6 fatty acids than the Omega-3s, which are extremely important in allergic reactions and immune system operation.

Keep in mind that flaxseed can go bad fairly quickly. By using stabilized ground flax or grinding your own in a coffee grinder, this won’t be a problem. Enreco Omega Horseshine is an excellent flaxseed product that is convenient to use and affordable at $36 per 50 lb bag + shipping. Contact info is available at the end of the article.

Another key concept in proper nutrition is the importance of minerals which a crucial in the normal functioning of all living cells. They are necessary for energy production, fluid balance, normal growth, bone formation, rate of healing and the balance of every cell in the body. Imbalances can cause a variety of problems including skin & hoof problems, allergies, poor stress tolerance, low immune reserves and intestinal problems to name a few. Stress, exposure to environmental toxins, unbalanced feeding programs and genetic patterns can all contribute to mineral imbalances.

A Hair Mineral Analysis is a very effective tool that can pinpoint these mineral imbalances; excesses, deficiencies, key ratios, and even levels of toxic minerals such as Aluminum, Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, and Cadmium. From a sample of your horse’s mane, a HMA can show the mineral levels which can then be addressed through proper supplementation. Contact info available at end of article.

Horses also derive needed nutrients from a variety of natural plants and plant materials, and rarely choose to eat only hay or grass. They will nibble on leaves, bark from branches, seeds and if available, fresh fruits and vegetables. All of these are very easily obtained and most can be found within your neighborhood.

Branches from a different variety of trees allow the horse to nibble the leaves and bark if they need the nutrients. It also allows natural use of the teeth, helping to wear down sharp edges. Many types of trees may be used; however fruit and citrus trees as well as pines are good ones to start with. Check with your local county extension office about whether a particular tree might be poisonous and also ensure there are no large thorns that may injure the horse. Natural logs with bark of all sizes can be obtained from specialized lumber yards, often free of charge from their scrap pile. Just remember to use only natural logs and branches, no lumber or wood that splinters or has been treated.

Fresh vegetable scraps along with some edible flowers and leaves may be offered and many horses also enjoy the tangy taste of citrus. Bird seed can also be sprouted and offered as a treat as well as sprouted seed mixes available in grocery stores. Don't be offended if they don't eat some things, as they are exercising their right to choose what they need. However, organic carrots grown in your garden will always be a hit.

Although what horses are fed plays a major role on their health, how they are fed is also important. Because humans don't want to eat off the ground, we assume our horses don't either and hay is often placed in hay racks or mangers at chest level to the horse. The additional feed is often placed in a bucket hung at head level, and again the horse cannot eat as nature intended. Built to chew and swallow with their heads at ground level, not only does this unnatural way cause improperly chewed food, decrease in saliva, and uneven tooth wear, but also increases the possibility of choke or partial obstruction. Respiratory problems can also occur as foreign particles of dust, hay and grain hull pieces can easily be inhaled causing irritation and possible infection. If you are concerned about sand colic, you can use rubber mats or even tire feeders at ground level.

Following the same example of ground level feeding, watering also follows nature's rules. Horses don't just sip their water; if given the chance will often submerge their whole muzzle to play or to clean out their nostrils. The bowl-like automatic waterers do not allow this activity and don't allow you to monitor water intake. Rather than using tall narrow tanks, low shallow troughs allow the horse to be closer to the ground as nature intended. Allowing the tank to periodically run over ensures that the hooves receive an occasional moisturizing bath.

Because this is a very different approach to feeding, many people may fear this will cause colic. On the contrary, many of the cases of colic and other intestinal and stomach problems are the direct result of unnatural eating habits. Add to that the over-use of chemicals and the poor horse is fighting a losing battle. By getting back to a natural feeding program, we are giving our horse a much better chance to live a happy, healthy life.

Enreco Omega Horseshine flaxseed supplement. 800-962-9536 or visit www.enreco.com.

Hair Mineral Analysis by Uckele Health and Nutrition. 800-248-0330 or visit www.uckele.com.

Naturally,
Lisa.

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