If you grew up hearing the “two flakes and a scoop” wisdom about feeding a horse, you may have never fully considered the true complexities of feeding horses at different ages and stages—and functions—of their lives. Because horses are living longer and staying healthy and active far beyond what used to be considered average (partly because of feed products and options we now have that weren’t previously available, like Total Equine, a complete feed, and Medalist alfalfa pellets that are more palatable and reduce choke hazards for older horses without teeth), it’s more important now than ever before to understand the nutritional nuances of feeding horses at all stages, ages, disciplines and purposes—and knowing when to change a plan (and how).
Going back to the basic “cowboy” guideline, you have to ask: What type of hay? How big is a flake? What kind of grain? How much is in a scoop? What about
supplements?
A thorough understanding of these crucial details is just part of what you get when you board your horse at 4Hearts Ranch. Not only do we pride ourselves on our top-notch boarding facility and equine community, but also on another unique (and unsung) 4Hearts advantage. By offering a special capability for demystifying the feeding conundrum, we tailor our feeding packages to meet the specific needs of every horse and human we serve.
A unique advantage
I’ve been helping feed horses since I learned to walk. Growing up on our family cattle ranch in northeastern Colorado, I was immersed in the world of feeding and caring for our hard-working horses, because our livelihood literally depended on keeping those horses strong and healthy to do the job they were there to do. Instilled with this love for horses and the responsibility for their well-being, I took this lifelong passion to college where I got a degree in equine science from North Central Texas College, with a focus on equine nutrition.
So, with both formative and formal education under my belt, I went to work managing a top-notch stable north of Dallas, caring for equine athletes and show horses. Many years of varied experience feeding and caring for all kinds of horses then coalesced, bringing me to where I am today as owner and manager of 4Hearts Ranch. Best of all, I offer my education and experience to every boarder we serve. In addition to using this background to research options and products and put together the premium feeding packages we offer as part of our boarding here at the ranch, I am available to help horse owners find the best possible solutions to whatever feed and nutrition issues they face, in many cases tailoring a feeding and care plan to a horse’s specific needs.
We love caring for our equine senior citizens!
Because many of our 4Hearts horses are older, they can require special considerations and diets to thrive in their later years. Through my careful research into the particulars of nutrition and available options for older horses, we’re able to offer feeding regimens that assure every horse—and owner—of the right balance of nutrients for their individual circumstances.
Whether you’re a brand-new horse owner or an old pro—and trying to establish a solid feeding routine for a younger horse or keep an old friend going well into his later years, 4Hearts Ranch is the place to be. You’re never alone on this sometimes confusing, ever-changing journey of understanding equine nutrition. Finding the right feeding solution for every horse in our care is a commitment we take seriously.
Because nutritional excellence is just one of the many factors that set us apart, I’m always glad to answer your questions about feed, hay, supplements, and the feeding regimen that is right for you and your horse. Your peace of mind is our business—and I’m here to help you keep your horse healthy, happy, and ready to bring you the joy you both want and deserve!
