Feeding Naturally. When feeding on a free-choice basis, use grass rather than legume hays; alfalfa as a condiment and grass hays as the main course.

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1 Page 1 By Lisa Ross-Williams Just as Mother Nature intended, this ragtag herd spent many hours happily munching away, although their diet consisted of more than a lush green mono-grass pasture. As they meandered through their land, noses rarely coming off the ground, they encountered a variety of native grasses, herbs, shrubs and even the occasional small bunch of ripened grain during the fall months. Horses are natural grazers and foragers. But unfortunately, many horses have had to change their fundamental eating habits, either because of human convenience or lack of knowledge. In many areas of the country horses do not have free-choice feeding either because pasture is not available or because it's easier on the people to keep these horses in confined spaces, feeding them only one or two times a day. Some are fed only pellets and grain, some receive large amount of sweetfeed and some are over supplemented. But by getting back to a more natural feeding program, many horses can be given a new lease on life. Infrequent Feeding The way the horse's digestive system is set-up and works, he needs to be fed small quantities numerous times a day. The horse's actual stomach is small and holds only one to four gallons of food. This food moves out of the stomach into the gut track very quickly causing the horse to feel hungry about an hour after he has finished the meal. By only feeding 1-2 times per day, not only are we taxing their systems, but we're making our beloved partner feel hungry twenty hours of their day and night. In addition to hunger, the intestinal bacteria can become unbalanced due to infrequent feeding which can result in stomach disturbances, diarrhea, and colic. For horses who don t live on pasture or the one they do have is over-grazed, by dividing your horses daily amount into multiple feedings or offering free-choice hay and scattering small piles in the area, you will re-establish the natural way of eating, wake up the foraging instinct as well as mentally challenging him to work for his food. By feeding different types of grass hay such as Bermuda, Native grasses, Timothy, & Orchard, and offering small amounts of alfalfa or grain hay gives the horse not only different textures and tastes, but also a variety of nutrients. Common but detrimental practices It s important to remember that there is more to feeding than just offering free-choice hay as not all hay is created equal when it comes to the health of the horse. There are major differences between legume hay like Alfalfa and Clover, and grass-type hays like Bermuda, Timothy, Orchard, Brome, and Rye. Because of these differences, When feeding on a free-choice basis, use grass rather than legume hays; alfalfa as a condiment and grass hays as the main course. One difference is that alfalfa can have up to 50% or more calories and protein per pound than grass hay (this is ok for dairy cows, but not horses), and many times it is fed in the same quantities as the grass hay, or worse yet, offered as the only feed. No horse needs this much protein or calories. In addition to the higher calories and protein, alfalfa also has a high calcium to phosphorus ratio, often 4-1 and higher. The proper ratio for healthy horses should be 2-1 and no more than 4-1. Alfalfa can also be high in Aluminum. Furthermore, a study conducted at the University of California at Davis confirms that horses fed a diet rich in alfalfa may run a higher risk of developing enteroliths. These rock hard mineral deposits, also known as stones, build up in

2 Page 2 the stomach or intestine and can cause colic and death. The study revealed that horses suffering from stones had a higher ph concentrate in their colons and more alfalfa in their diets. It is also known that Cushings, Insulin-resistant, and chronic laminitic horses as well as ponies & burros are very susceptible to the ill-effects of Alfalfa. 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 amounts of this highly concentrated foodstuff and if over-used can cause vices, colic, ulcers and high insulin levels. Grain can also wreck 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 insulin 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 may 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. Both the type of feed and the way it is fed are major factors in whether a horse will or will not develop stomach ulcers; it is estimated that 60-90% of mature horses have gastric ulcer disease. Boarding practices, chemical use, and performance training also play a factor in this disease. These ulcers can range in severity from mild stomach lesions that can heal on their own, some will cause permanent damage, while some can be serious enough to perforate the stomach wall causing death. Indications of this disease may be poor appetite, poor muscle & hair condition, and intermittent colic, although many affected horses may show no obvious outward signs. Ulcers cause the stomach tissue to be damaged by stomach acid. Because a horse is meant to graze on an almost continual basis, his stomach is set up to constantly produce digestive acid, used to start the breakdown of food. When there is food is the stomach, this acid is absorbed properly and along with the saliva helps to neutralize this acid and keep it in check. By allowing the horse free access to pasture or grass hay and cutting down on grain and concentrated processed feeds, you will be lowering your horses' risk of this often serious disease. Sugar Content in Pastures and Hay There has been some wonderful research by Katy Watts, a soil & forage scientist from Rocky Mountain Research into the concept of sugar content in pastures and hay. This is an especially important issue with horses who are prone to laminitis or are insulin-resistant, but all horse owners should be aware of this topic. This is a very in-depth topic and it is recommended you visit for more extensive information. However, some basic facts are below: Cool Season grasses (such as Timothy, Brome, Orchard, and Fescue) are normally higher in sugar than the Warm Season grasses (Bermuda and native prairie grasses) Grain hays are higher and Alfalfa is low to moderate in sugar content Stressed plants, which can be brought on by drought, nutrient imbalance and temperature changes, have high sugar levels

3 Page 3 Usually the lowest sugar levels in pastures are from 3am-10am and during cloudy days Mineral Balance The hard desert ground was no match for the powerful natural hooves of the spirited gray. Inch by inch he dug into the bank of the wash until he uncovered what he was looking for; a red colored rock which he began to lick over and over again. Although there were many rocks scattered about, perhaps this one contained certain minerals his body needed. Another key concept in proper nutrition is the importance of mineral balance, which is crucial in the normal functioning of all living cells. Minerals 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 & parasite problems to name a few. Stress, exposure to environmental toxins, unbalanced feeding programs and genetic patterns can all contribute to mineral imbalances. In an ideal world, all pastures, hay & grain fields would be fertile, organic land. But unfortunately, most of the soil is barren, semi-depleted and bombarded with chemical fertilizers (which inhibit plants from taking up various nutrients). If the soil is lacking in life and nutrients, the plants will be the same. Therefore, supplementation is probably necessary for most domestic horses. Mineral balance is a very complex issue because so many minerals interact with each other. (See Diagram 1). For instance, an excess of one can lower the absorption of others as with calcium and magnesium. Because of this, it s often best to use a balanced supplement, preferably from natural sources such as Equine Saver by Figueroa Labs, However, for informational purposes, some common minerals and supplements will be covered below. Diagram 1: Arrow denotes interference between minerals. For example, Calcium absorption decreases manganese. Calcium (Ca) is required for proper bone development, healthy teeth, and muscular & nervous system operation. Alfalfa is very high is calcium and if fed in excess can inhibit the absorption of magnesium and be too high in relation to Phosphorus; a 2:1 ratio is nicely balanced. Chamomile is a natural source of calcium and phosphorus. Magnesium (Mg) is required for bone growth, neuromuscular transmission, muscular & nervous system function. Magnesium deficiency is very common and can contribute to arthritis, uneven bone growth and even hypersensitivity. Dolomite is a natural source with a good balance of calcium and magnesium. Other natural sources include garlic, seaweed, dandelion, and parsley. Copper (Cu) is another common deficiency and it is important for connective tissues, resistance to parasites & illness, brain function and hormones. A deficiency can contribute to poor, hooked and off-color hair, wood eating, high parasite load, irregular estrus, and white line disease. Red and black horses need more copper than light colored ones. Natural sources include seaweed, rosehips, garlic, raw pumpkin seeds, and dandelion. Phosphorus (P) is an important mineral for healthy growth, nervous systems, skin, hair and hooves.

4 Page 4 Phosphorus must be properly balanced with calcium and magnesium. Natural sources include oats, black sunflower seeds, and seaweed. Vitamin C is also in need of mentioning and is essential for health of cells, production of connective tissues, blood vessel strength and health immune systems. Although horses manufacture some vitamin C in their livers, supplementation should be considered for older & compromised horses, during times of stress & illness, swelling, allergies, cancer, and anytime when administering vaccination or drugs. Natural sources include rosehips, parsley, dandelion, and citrus. A note about free-choice minerals. This can be a very viable option as long as it is truly free choice. Many mixes on the market contain grain and forage by-products which might entice the horse to eat more than he might normally do. Be sure to read the ingredients. A Hair Mineral Analysis, when done by a qualified person, can be a very effective tool that can pinpoint 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. For more information visit, Flaxseed 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, & hoof condition, and can even help allergies. Flax is also a soluble fiber source that forms a thick gel that traps, suspends and carries out sand, helping to prevent sand colic. Flax is also high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is lacking in most horses fed only hay instead of pasture. Keep in mind that flaxseed must be ground and can go bad fairly quickly. By using stabilized ground flax (we offer Nutra Flax in our website store) or grinding your own in a coffee grinder, this won t be a problem. A normal daily dose is ½ cup. Variety is the spice of life The Bay colt dug into the hard bank of the wash to uncover the Creosote plant roots far underground. Delicately he nibbled the outer layer of the root for almost an hour. Did he somehow know the Creosote had anti-inflammatory properties and could benefit digestional upsets? Did he know because it was the dry season, these beneficial properties were concentrated in the outer layer of the root instead of the leaves? 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 allows the horse to nibble the leaves and bark for needed nutrients, and allows for 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 or pesticides that have been sprayed 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, leaves, and herbs may be offered and many horses also enjoy the tangy taste of citrus or 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

5 Page 5 always be a hit. Research some of the native plants in your area and find some with beneficial properties to plant. Some common vegetables and fruits to offer could include but not limited to: Zucchini and other squash Pumpkins Bananas Pear Nectarines Alfalfa & bean sprouts Melons Oranges Feeding Position 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 and he 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, decreased 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 and supplement with flax seed. Although equine nutrition is a complex subject and really must be based on the individual horse, by getting back to a natural feeding program, we are giving our horses a much better chance to live a happy, healthy life. Small changes can make an enormous impact. About the author: Based in Arizona, Lisa Ross-Williams is a natural horse care consultant, freelance writer, clinician and host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show, which is available via internet webcast at Lisa has dedicated herself to extensive research, hands-on experience, and attending many clinic and seminars including natural horsemanship, hoof care, massage & stretching, homeopathy, animal communication, essential oils and nutrition. She has completed the Basic Veterinary Homeopathy course through the British Institute of Homeopathy and working on her certification course in Iridology. She is a regular writer for both Natural Horse Magazine and Animal Wellness Magazine as well as a resident expert on the popular websites, and Her herd of six have been some of her best teachers and her passion is educating horse guardians to a more natural approach.