M
ost horse owners have heard the terms `feeling their oats`,`high', `fizzy', `hot'
and `hyper' all used to describe the effect that grain or certain feeds seem to have
on the behaviour of some horses. Scientific research on the effects of feed or
feeding management on horse behaviour is scarce. However, a basic understanding of feed
and feeding management, coupled with data from other animals may help to determine if
a `calming feed' actually exists or if it is just wishful thinking.
feeDing MAnAgeMenT
The `natural' diet for a horse is often far different compared to the performance diet for a
horse. The `natural' diet allows the horse free-access to pasture. Given this opportunity,
the horse will graze for approximately 16 18 hours per day, assisting a slow, continuous
intake of fibrous feed into the digestive system. Further, the `natural' diet has the added
advantage of the horses being able to roam around the paddock providing it with an
ample amount of natural exercise.
On the other hand, the `performance' diet typically consists of two feeds per day to
horses that are confined to a stable. These horses finish their meals that often consist
of high-energy grain and limited amounts of hay or chaff - quickly and then stand for
long periods of time waiting for the next meal, with little to no natural exercise.
Continued