FAQs

Sometimes, you just need to go back to the basics. How much should my horse weigh? Should I feed my horse hay or sweetened grain? What do I do if my horse catches a cold?

With EquineOnline's Frequently Asked Questions, you can conveniently check back and review the basic information any horse owner should know.

Updates are posted regularly, so check back often!

Q: I hear a lot about the Henneke System. What is it and why should I care?
A: Simply put, the Henneke System is an objective scale which evaluates a horse’s body condition regardless of breed, age or gender.

 It was developed by Don Henneke, PhD, in 1983 and has since become a widely used tool by veterinarians and law enforcement agencies.

The Henneke System examines six key body points on a horse and scores them on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being poor and 9 being extremely obese. Most vets consider a score between 4 and 7 to be acceptable.

Q: How much should my horse eat per day? I don’t want to over feed him, but want to make sure he’s not hungry, either.
A: Most horse care experts believe a fully grown horse should eat 1.5-2% of its total body weight in roughage (hay and/or grass) each day.

For example, a 1500 lb. horse should be eating approximately 22.5-30 lbs. of roughage every day.

Of course, every horse is different and based on the time of year, its age, its workload and a myriad of other factors, could eat more or less.

Remember, the 1.5-2% figure is just a guideline. Always check with your personal veterinarian before starting or changing any feeding regimen.