Question
I have two Miniature Horses, both of which I show. One is four years old, the other five years old. Both are 250-275 lb (114-125 kg). I feed 0.2 lb (0.1 kg) of sweet feed to each per day. I don’t allow them to graze long and give them about 1 lb (0.45 kg) of alfalfa daily. Neither gets much exercise besides walking and longeing occasionally, and they’re both overweight. I’ve been asking friends for advice. One friend suggested a diet of alfalfa pellets, beet pulp, ground flax, and a mineral mix. Another friend told me to feed a ration balancer and forage. Now I am flooded with suggestions, so I thought I’d come to you.
Answer
As you know, many Miniature Horses are masters at weight gain. To simplify your routine, but also help them to lose weight, I have two different feeding suggestions, but first I would like to address the choice of forage.
Have you considered switching from alfalfa hay to a grass or mixed grass-alfalfa hay? Generally, alfalfa contains more calories than grass hay. By switching to grass hay, you may be able to feed slightly more, which would give the horses more “chew time” and would be beneficial for their digestive tracts. In addition to this, consider using a grazing muzzle on each horse when they’re given access to pasture to limit consumption.
Now, back to feeding options. The first option would be to eliminate the sweet feed and feed 0.25- 0.5 lbs (0.11 – 0.22 kg) of All-Phase. All-Phase is a low-starch ration balancer, which will reduce calories both horses consume. All-Phase also contains protein, which will support muscle building when coupled with exercise. If you decide to feed All-Phase, you will not need to feed a vitamin and mineral supplement, as it provides these necessary nutrients in the amounts required.
The second option would be to eliminate the sweet feed but give them 1 oz (30 g) of Micro-Max , a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals. Because it is pelleted, the horses will feel like they are still getting a little feed.
Whether you choose the All-Phase or Micro-Max, the horses will be receiving more optimal nutrition than they were when fed the small amount of sweet feed.
In addition to some changes in their dietary management, formulating and adhering to an exercise program will also help them lose weight and gain muscle, changes that likely align with show-ring goals.
