Question: I have a young weanling which I would like to get trained as a futurity horse when it gets older. What diet would you recomend to give it a head start?
April Chesney

Answer: Hi April,There are a few things I would recommend for you to give your young one a head start. Make sure you keep your weanling wormed regularly, a fresh supply of clean water available at all times and a balanced diet

Tips for a balanced diet;
The main thing is that they have a balanced diet getting the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio, 1.5:1, while maintaining to correct balance of protein and energy. If young horses have a poorly balanced diet it does not allow the weanlings to grow to their genetic potential. This also leads to growth and development problems. Caution should be taken that they do not get over weight, causing undue stress on their joints and bones causing orthopedic stress.

On the other hand, a poorly balanced and erratic diet can result in poor growth and skeleton misalignment, not allowing your weanling to grow to his or her full potential.

Plenty of Roughage, like Rhodes grass or pasture hay mixed with Lucerne Hay for them to graze on when they please, that is if they are not in a good pasture.

There are plenty of Grain based feeds made by Barastock, Prydes, Mi-feed just to name few. These are designed to give young horses a balanced diet including all minerals and trace elements.

The other option is to use whole boiled Barley, mixed with a combo Lucerne/white Chaff and a mineral/trace elements mix.

In the situation that weanlings are able to grow out in the paddock, you have the option of putting an equine lick block or loose lick in their paddock for them to access as they wish.

As the weanlings grow, it is important that they get enough exercise if they are locked in a stable or small paddock. Exercise can be as simple as lunging around the round yard or being lead done the road from another horse.

There are animal nutrition experts from different company's available to discuss your nutrition needs.

Never hesitate to call your local vet and discuss your weanling's growth and diet.

Julieann Baulch