My horse receives 1/2 flake of hay in her stall by the owner of another horse at the barn around 6:30 a.m. I feed pelleted food when I get there in the a.m. The two horse are then turned out, providing the weather is not cold and wet, with 2 flakes of hay provided in the pasture. The other owner brings them in around 5:30 and feeds her a half flake of hay. When I get there in the evening she gets pelleted food and at least another flake of hay for the evening. In your opinion, is that considered feeding on a regular basis?

I would also like to hear your opinion on stalling a blind horse whom, like mine, will walk her weight off unless stalled, will not go into a run-in type shelter, and has difficulty finding the water tub in the pasture. Thank you so much for all your help.

Where are you from? NC

How did you locate this forum? Ask Jeeves

Hi Julie,

Yes, it sounds like, from what you described, to be a regular schedule. If the hay lasts her throughout the day and evening, then she is getting enough.

Having a blind horse is a challenge. However, they do respond to routine and if the water tub, for example is in the same place, she will likely remember where it is. And, walking is excellent for her. So, if she is losing weight doing that, you can consider changing her diet to provide more calories. That would be a much better way than to confine her and prevent her from doing what is natural and satisfying.

To help her find the water tub, you can offer hay nearby or provide a bucket of carrots or apples consistently nearby so she remembers where it is located. And, I would offer her a legume hay, such as alfalfa, in addition to the grass hay that you are feeding, to boost her calorie intake.

Hope this is helpful!

All the best,

Dr. Getty