| To have a strong and healthy horse it is important for | | | | the hay should be fine. Don't buy hay which smells |
| you to feed them properly. Feeding them quality hay | | | | moldy and looks fermented. |
| will give them the important nutrients and minerals they | | | | Purchase hay which has been harvested while the |
| need. The amount of proteins needed by a horse are | | | | plants were still in bloom. Study it to determine how |
| dependent on their metabolism, age, and rate of work. | | | | mature it is. Don't purchase hay which has lots of dirt, |
| An adult horse will eat about 2% of its body weight | | | | weeds, or other materials which are not healthy for |
| every day, and experts recommend that half of the | | | | your horse. Make sure the hay doesn't have diseases |
| food eaten daily should be hay. | | | | or insects which could harm your horse. Ask the the |
| If your horse ways a thousand pounds, they should be | | | | person who grows the hay about any problems |
| eating at least ten pounds of hay each day. All hay is | | | | they've had with harvest in their area. Avoid |
| basically divided into two categories which are grass | | | | purchasing hay from bales which are heavy or seem |
| and legumes. Legume hay is much more nutritious than | | | | like they are wet. These are likely to have mold in |
| grass hay, and has more calcium and protein. While | | | | them. |
| hay will not give horses all the vitamins and nutrients | | | | Once you have purchased the hay you want to place |
| they need to stay healthy, it is essential for all horses | | | | it in a dry place which is not in the sun, rain, or snow. If |
| whether they are used for competitions or not. | | | | this is not possible, cover it with something than can |
| Once you have decided which type of hay is best for | | | | protect it from these weather conditions. You may |
| your horse it is important to study it. Find out if you like | | | | also want to have the hay checked by a specialist to |
| the smell or feel of the hay. Check inside the bales of | | | | make sure it is rich in content. The health of your horse |
| hay to get a better look at it. Though some of the hay | | | | is important, and you want to make sure you buy the |
| may be discolored, this is not a cause for concern. | | | | best food you can afford. |
| Choose hay which is green and soft. The stems on | | | | |