[pwynnnorman]

Hey, folks. I always come here to get practical advice, so here I am again.

Due to my own pastures being out of action for a while, I have made arrangements to pasture my 3 broodmares and their babies, plus yearling and two-year-old fillies (and possibly a three-year-old filly OR an older mare w/o a foal) in a 20-acre pasture with tested 18% protein grazing. Only one of these girls is not a pony.

I do not know how to manage this group's nutrition. I am not allowed to build feeding stalls or any kind of structure on the field. Giving them hay makes no sense--the facility never does (and it is an expertly managed facility). I have added Seminole's "Equalizer" to rations in the past when I had ponies out on pasture, but the pasture was never this well seeded AND I can't figure out HOW to physically feed each one since I can't use feeding stalls--and if I set out separate tubs on the ground (can't tie to the fencing either), it might be dangerous if one bully scarfs up all the feed.

Any suggestions?

One of the owners recommended the molasses-based supplement tubs (can't remember the name) which I've also used in the past. Do you think putting maybe two of them out in the field would cover everyone's needs?

Oh, here's a link to the Gro-Strong tub, BUT it says, "Formulated to supplement nutrient needs of mature horses on pasture or range."

What about growing and lactating horses?

[Polydor]

Could you use feed bags for individually feed each horse?

Can't help with the other questions though.

P.

[EquusMagnificus]

If their weight is fine, I would use those mineral tubs/blocks.

Use the ones made for horses, some of them even have proteins and yeasts in it.

[Home Again Farm]

Knowing FL soil (no matter how well the grass is seeded, maintained), I'd go with feedbags and the Equalizer. I'd not count on any FL grass to give them enough minerals, etc. Where did you find this 20 acre heaven?

[Waterwitch]

I have had good luck with Progressive Nutrition's ForagePro products in group feeding situations where you have growing youngsters and broodmares:

http://www.prognutrition.com/fpgoldformula.html

They make different versions depending on forage source and size of enclosure/how frequently the horses are in the proximity of the feeding area. These are low carb highly mineral fortified protein meals with probiotic that are fed free choice (consumption limited by salt and magnesium). These products work well for situations where you don't have hard keeping lactators and there is plenty of forage available. You can feed in a covered feeder (the plastic ground feeders called "bull feeders" work well - even the foals quickly learn how to flip the rubber flap up), or if you are there everyday you can just keep fence feeders full.

I like this method because feed time stress is totally eliminated and the youngsters are "trickle" fed which decreases the big insulin spikes associated with larger meals that may contribute to developmental growth problems.

Good luck,

[pwynnnorman]

Liz, that sounds PERFECT! I hope I can get it around here. Thank you!

[pwynnnorman]

Knowing FL soil (no matter how well the grass is seeded, maintained), I'd go with feedbags and the Equalizer. I'd not count on any FL grass to give them enough minerals, etc. Where did you find this 20 acre heaven?

It was a repro center, run by vets. Hopefully, it is as is said, but that's all I have to go on.

[Home Again Farm]

Very cool, wynn. Enjoy!

[Home Again Farm]

Progressive FL dealers:

http://www.prognutrition.com/florida.html

It used to be available in Williston. Sadly, no longer.

[Lynnwood]

Are you allowed to put up portable pens? Since they would not be permanent. Pipe Panels and maybe make small feeding straight stalls.

I know a farm that feeds their pastured horses this way and it works great they all know which is their standing stall walk in and eat.

Also adding we have used Go-Strong for all our horses including mares/foals- adulthood with fantastic success.

We have also used / supplemented with ADM's http://www.admani.com/Horse/Products...%20Pellets.htm

and http://www.admani.com/Horse/Products...20Mintrate.htm

[Mel0309]

Are you going to Equigen? So weird cause when I passed by there yesterday and saw the huge empty fields, I thought of you! Perfect!

[Sakura Hill Farm]

Did Equigen move? Or fold? I think that I am 'way out of the loop.

[pwynnnorman]

I believe they are just on hiatus. One partner is finishing up school, the other has bought a new practice, but there are no definite plans for the old facility at this time--just a reaction to the slow economy.

Can't do feeding stalls. Not allowed, alas.

[columbus]

Can you divide the pasture with a line of tape fence? I agree with Liz though. I also don't think the supplement tubs would be a problem either. These are ponies... high test ponies perhaps but still ponies. their needs will be less. I would worry more about too many calories than too little nutrition. PatO