Feed Summary
- Breeding and Foaling Stage: Kawmix Mare & Foal for pregnant mares; milk for foals.
- Foal Stage (0-6 Months): Mother’s milk, supplemented with Kawmix Mare & Foal.
- Weanling Stage (6-12 Months): High-quality forage and Kawmix Mare & Foal.
- Yearling Stage (12-24 Months): Forage and Kawmix Horse Ration.
- Two-Year-Old Stage (24-36 Months): Forage and Kawmix Bronco Excel or Bronco Low Starch for horses needing lower starch.
- Adult Stage (3 Years and Beyond): High-quality forage and balanced concentrate feed, such as Performance Horse or Bronco Maintenance, Bronco Low Starch or; Equipro (30% equine supplement pellets) as needed.
- Senior Stage (15 Years and Beyond): Snickers Senior feed with higher fiber and adjusted protein levels or Bronco Low Starch feed for horses with specific dietary needs.
Horse husbandry, or equine husbandry, is a comprehensive approach to the care and management of horses, focusing on feeding, grooming, housing, and health maintenance. It includes training, breeding, and ensuring proper exercise to promote the animal’s well-being and performance. Effective equine husbandry is not just important, it’s essential for maintaining the health, temperament, and physical fitness of horses, whether they are used for work, sport, or companionship. Attention to detail in nutrition, hoof care, and veterinary support is crucial to the long-term care and productivity of the horse.
Breeding & Foaling
The lifecycle of a horse begins with breeding and foaling. Mares are typically bred during the spring and early summer months. The gestation period for a horse is around 11 months. During this time, the mare receives Kawmix Mare & Foal (16% protein), rich in vitamins and minerals to support foal development. Once the foal is born, it stays with the mare, nursing for the first few months.
Foal: 0-6 Mos
During the foal stage, the young horse relies primarily on its mother’s milk for nutrition. However, by about 2-3 months, the foal begins to eat small amounts of solid food. They are typically provided with Kawmix Mare & Foal to support their rapid growth and development. Clean water is always available, and the foal is gradually introduced to grazing on pasture.
Weanling: 6-12 MoS
Around six months, the foal is weaned from its mother and transitioned to the weanling stage. During this time, the young horse’s diet consists of high-quality forage and Kawmix Mare & Foal, which contain essential vitamins and minerals to support continued growth and bone development. The environment is managed to reduce stress during weaning and promote healthy socialization with other young horses.
Yearling: 12-24 MoS
As the horse enters the yearling stage, its diet shifts to include more forage and Kawmix Horse Ration (12% protein) feed, which is rich in energy and nutrients to support steady growth. Regular exercise and socialization are essential to develop strong muscles and bones during this period. Yearlings are often introduced to basic training and handling to prepare them for future work.
2YR-Old: 24-36 MoS
During the two-year-old stage, the horse continues to mature physically and mentally. The diet now consists primarily of high-quality forage, supplemented with Kawmix Bronco Excel (14% protein) to meet energy and nutritional needs, especially for those in training. Kawmix Bronco Low Starch (14% protein) is provided for horses requiring lower starch in their diet. This stage often includes more intensive training, depending on the horse’s future use, whether for riding, racing, or other activities.
Adult: 3Yrs +
Once the horse reaches adulthood, its nutritional needs stabilize. The diet consists mainly of high-quality forage and a balanced concentrate feed tailored to its activity level and workload. Performance horses may be fed Kawmix Performance Horse (14% protein), while horses with lower activity levels may benefit from Kawmix Bronco Maintenance (12% protein). Horses needing a lower starch diet can be given Kawmix Bronco Low Starch (14% protein). Kawmix Equipro (30% equine supplement pellets) can be provided for additional support to meet specific nutritional needs. Regular health check-ups, dental care, and vaccinations are essential to maintain overall health.
Senior: 15YRS +
As horses age, their nutritional needs change. Senior horses may require Kawmix Snickers Senior (12% protein), which is easier to chew and digest and has added nutrients to support joint health, digestion, and overall vitality. The diet typically includes higher fiber content and adjusted protein levels to maintain muscle mass and body condition. Horses with specific dietary needs can also be given Kawmix Bronco Low Starch (14% protein). Regular veterinary care has become increasingly important in monitoring and addressing age-related health issues.
Clean water is always available throughout each stage, and feed formulations are adjusted based on the horses’ specific needs, environmental conditions, and overall management practices. The focus is on promoting optimal growth, health, and performance tailored to the horse’s age and activity level.