Review of equine feeding and stable management practices in the UK concentrating on the last decade of the 20th century.

The research paper discusses the varying practices of feeding and stable management for horses in the UK, with a focus on the different influencing factors. These involve the purpose and location of the horses, the time of year, the horse’s breed and age, and the financial situation of the owner. It also looks into the common practices adopted by both professional and amateur horse parents.

Key Findings

• The research points out that the feeding and management practices for horses in the UK differ significantly, thus suggesting that there is no standard regimen being implemented across the country.
• The study states that these practices are influenced by many factors such as why horses are kept in the first place (i.e., for racing or breeding), where they are located (i.e., in urban or rural areas), and the time of year. Other influencing factors are the breed and age of the horse, and the financial status of the owner.

Feeding and Managing Practices Vary by Rider/Owner Type

• The paper invokes that professional riders, owners, and trainers tend to keep horses in large barns or stable yards, which are managed by either themselves or an appointed head stable person.
• On the other hand, amateur riders or those who keep horses for leisure or competition tend to keep their horses at a livery yard or at their own or a friend’s house. These horses are often kept under part or full do-it-yourself (DIY) conditions.

Common Feeding Practices

• The study identifies some feeding practices such as the use of traditional home cereal-based mixes or feeding coarse mixes/pelleted compound manufactured feeds.
• However, it is rare for people to only feed horses a simple single grain or compound feed plus roughage diet. Additional feeds like soaked sugar beet, vegetable oil, carrots, and certain vitamin/mineral mixes are common.
• Notably, supplements with claims of enhancing performance or ergogenic agents are often included. And especially for competition horses, the provision of supplementary salt is common either through a salt block, lick, or as a feed addition.

Seasonal Variations in Feeding Practices

• According to the paper, the type and amount of feeds provided for horses differ greatly according to their workloads. However, there are also marked seasonal variations in feeding practices due to weather changes and the availability of pasture.