Caring for the Pregnant Mare

Giving them one or two meals each day that can be consumed in an hour or so is not natural. A horse is designed to eat a generally poor quality, high fiber diet which takes them many hours to consume. They eat for long periods throughout the day, taking breaks to rest, drink, roll, and socialize. So, what should the pregnant mare eat?

It is better for horses, and especially pregnant mares to receive free choice, good quality grass hay or pasture with vitamin/mineral supplements rather than expensive concentrated feeds once or twice a day. Add a leaf of alfalfa (uncrimped to avoid possible Blister Beetle contamination).

Hay and grain should always be fed by weight, not by volume. Weigh your leaves of hay to see exactly what your horse is getting. There is so much information on this subject that it is impossible to give all the details here.

Some Guidelines are as follows:

• Free Choice, Quality Grass Hay
• Alfalfa - Limited Quantity
• Grain
• Salt
• Vitamin-Mineral Supplement
• Regular Worming
• Vaccinations
• Vet Checks

Keep in mind that recommendations are general and subject to change due to new research findings. A diet of free choice, quality grass hay (fiber, protein, & phosphorus), supplemented with small amounts of alfalfa hay (calcium), a vitamin/mineral supplement specially formulated for pregnant mares, and grain products (not more than 12.5% protein). a 900 lb horse should receive grain products according to this formula or as recommended on the feed bag: (900 lb x 0.005 = 4.5 lb of grain per day). An overweight horse should receive less.

These are recommendations, for more accurate analysis have your vet help you determine what your mares dietary needs are. Also, it is wise to have your hay analyzed for nutritional content periodically so you know exactly what your horses are getting.