The Horse Isn't The Problem

If you enjoy learning about horses, then you'll love our online courses.

Each month you'll find a new column on our web site. We hope you'll enjoy it, and maybe e-mail us with questions or suggestions for other columns. A Horse, Of Course is a monthly column syndicated by Success Is Easy. If you like the column, call your local newspaper, or local horse publication and ask them to subscribe by contacting Success Is Easy.

HOME

          If you think you get tired of Hamburger Helper, just think how tired a horse gets of hay. A little appetizer a half-hour before mealtime can really perk him up. (Of course you should try to determine why the horse is a poor eater and correct the problem. It may just be the monotonous diet, but it could be nerves, stress, teeth, poor health or a lack of exercise.)

          Now for that special meal.

          Roots bring toots of happiness as a first course.

          Carrots are the basic root. Add some parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, potatoes or sugar beets in small amounts and you’ve got a really delicious beginning. When preparing the roots, be sure they are cut finely enough to keep the horse from choking.

          If roots aren’t your horse’s thing, how about a special relish?

          Pumpkins, squash and melons sliced and in small amounts are excellent.   And don’t worry about the seeds. When fed in small amounts the seeds are not harmful to horses. Such fruits contain only six to 10 per cent dry matter, so the nutritional value is low.   Therefore the horse still needs plenty of hay as a main course.

          Entrée: hay and grass. Maybe a special hay (in very small amounts) for the day. Again, don’t overdo it; changing hay abruptly can cause colic. If your horse doesn’t normally get grain, then he will certainly enjoy a small amount to make the meal sumptuous.

          If you want to add a tantalizing sauce, just pour some honey or molasses on the hay…or sprinkle the hay with sugar.

          Desserts are special to everyone, including your horse.

          But keep desserts small. An apple a day is a good guiding rule. But on special occasions throw in a plum, a pear, a peach or a nectarine.   Be sure to pit the fruit prior to serving.

          And when the special meal is over, your horse will want an after dinner mint. I’ve been told that POLOS (English mints) are the best, but I think a peppermint Life Saver will probably suffice.

          One mint is good for me….but I haven’t found a horse that is satisfied with less than three.