Running a stable
Part 1: Feeding your horse
Training a successful racehorse will involve careful monitoring of its diet. Just like humans, racehorses need a varied diet that ensures they get all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need to be strong, fit, healthy and happy. But which foods?
Grass and hay
Racehorses like to eat lots of grass and hay (dried grass). The grass or hay needs to be high quality, and the best hay tends to be sourced from well-maintained pastures. However, for extra energy, other feedstuffs are given, such as grain mixtures and oats (a cereal crop that is used in many feedstuffs including porridge).
Additional feedstuffs
Sugar beet pulp is sometime fed as a supplement because it is high in fibre – like bran or brown bread – which the racehorse can turn into energy and body fat. Some people prefer to give their racehorses pelleted feed, because it is specially formulated to contain all the correct nutrients.
Vitamin supplements
Many trainers like to give their racehorses vitamin supplements, which can be mixed in with their feed. Vitamin supplements help to ensure that racehorses receive all of the goodness they need to be fit and healthy.
Fresh water
Just like you, racehorses need to drink enough water: insufficient water can contribute to poor health and performance. The average racehorse drinks between five and 10 gallons a day, depending on the air temperature, activity level, and whether the racehorse’s main diet is grass or hay. Water can carry bacteria or viruses, so the water supply must be clean and changed regularly.
Buckets and automatic waterers
Buckets or automatic waterers can be used in stables. Automatic waterers are a great idea but can cost a lot of money, and it can be difficult to monitor how much water a racehorse is drinking. Buckets are easier to clean, but heavier to carry. They can spill unless safely secured.