10 things everyone should know about nutrition for the mature
horse On this page - 1. Always supply unlimited quantities of
clean, fresh water. - 2. Maximize forage intake - 3. Minimize
concentrate consumption - 4. The Calcium to Phosphorous ratio
(Ca:P) should be between 3:1 to 1:1 - 5. Supplement minerals and
vitamins 1. Always supply unlimited quantities of clean, fresh
water. Water is the most important nutrient needed by the horse.
A horse should always have available a fresh, clean supply of
water maintained at a tepid temperature to encourage maximum
water consumption. A 1,000 pound horse at rest in a moderate or
cool environment and eating dry forage will drink anywhere from
10 to 12 gallons of water a day. The need for water will
increase with an increase in ambient temperature, humidity,
activity and/or a change in physiological condition. Water is
typically supplied via automatic waterers, buckets or water
troughs. Waterers, buckets and troughs need to be cleaned on a
weekly basis, even in winter.