Feeding and Energy Levels
Feeding excess energy can be a common cause of significant behavioural issues related to exuberant or over-enthusiastic behaviour . Behaviour points may include :
• Bucking ( sometimes accompanied by some squealing ),
• Leaping
• Bolting
• Appearing highly strung and hypervigilant ( such as shying at lots of stimuli )
There are many other reasons we see unwanted behaviours ( the most common alternative being pain ). Animal behaviourists have often been referred cases where an imbalance in energy consumption versus expenditure is causing unwanted behaviours . The diet of the horse should be carefully calculated , monitored and slowly altered to ensure the provision of the optimal level of energy and balance of macro and micronutrients for good health and calm behaviour .
Following correction of the diet , there is often a requirement to undertake some training or re-training work to undo learnt behaviours and conditioned responses developed during suboptimal feed management . It is essential that this training is carefully planned by an appropriately qualified and accredited clinical animal behaviourist . Why ? to ensure that the unwanted behaviours are replaced with positive ones , without any techniques that are aversive to the horse ( either through causing pain , fear or frustration ).
Suitably qualified , accredited and experienced clinical animal behaviourists specialising in equines can be found via the Animal Behaviour and Training Council ' s list of accredited practitioners at www . abtc . org . uk / practitioners /?_ species = equines .
For specific and tailored advice regarding feeding your horse , you should consult an appropriately qualified equine nutritionist ( see www . associationfornutrition . org / about ) or RCVS Specialist in Equine nutrition findavet . rcvs . org . uk / find-a-vet-surgeon .
The field of equine nutrition is not well regulated , and as such , anyone can call themselves a nutritionist . Look for someone who holds a Masters degree or PhD ( Doctorate ) in Animal / Equine nutrition . Alternatively , approach one of the wellknown feed companies for advice as their representatives are often overseen by wellqualified nutritionists . Don ' t be afraid to ask for evidence of a practitioner ' s credentials when seeking out the best care and advice for your horse . •
36 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : JULY 2021
How can I ensure I feed my horse for both physical and emotional health ?
If your horse does not require restrictions to grazing or turnout , follow the traffic light system here .
IDEAL
• Turned out 24 / 7 with a stable ( non-changing ) herd of companions who get on with one another
• Well managed pasture with a variety of grass species suitable for equines ( rather than cattle ), herbs for foraging and horse-safe shrubs for browsing
• Provision of natural shelter in the form of hedges and horse-safe trees
• Provision of artificial shelter away from the prevailing elements with enough space for each horse
• Free-running , clean water supply
• Minimal hard feed - used only to correct vitamin and / or mineral imbalances in grazing or to adjust for real workload
FAIR
• Turnout daily for at least 8-12 hours
• Turnout with the same friendly companion / s each day
• Provision of enough forage ( grass , browse , herbs ) for each horse plus some spare or supplemented with dry long stalk forage such as hay
• Provision of some shelter
• Provision of free-running clean water
• At least 70 % forage to 30 % concentrate ratio in the diet
NON IDEAL
• Limited turnout ( either not daily or for short periods of time such as less than 4 hours )
• Frequent turnover of companions or no companion ( solo turnout )
• Poorly managed pasture that is either too rich for horses or does not provide enough space / grazing for the number of horses grazed on it
• No provision of shelter ( from cold , heat and flies )
• Use of non-free-running water provision such as ponds or buckets
• Less than 50 % forage in the diet
A horse crib biting - this behaviour may be develop from boredom or other related feeding issues .