Safe and adequate fencing is a vital part of a horse facility, either your own, or the place where you choose to board. All horses should be allowed as much outside, free exercise as possible. This will reduce the incidence of stable vices, as well as contribute to the general overall health of the horse. This is especially true in the case of foals and young horses, who have fewer problems with r
espiratory diseases and more normal bone development when they are housed outside with unlimited exercise. When choosing fence material, find one that is sturdy, yet will not injure an animal caught in it. The most common types of fencing are wooden post and hardwood board, post and rail, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), woven wire, electrified wire, or a combination of them. All line fences should be at least 4 feet high, and solidly constructed. As a general rule, the smaller the paddock, the stronger the fences need to be. Wooden fences are very appealing to the eye, but cost and maintenance can be high. PVC fencing is becoming increasingly popular because you can get the look of wooden fence without the maintenance. However, PVC is a more expensive option than many of the others. Feeding
Horses, like people, have specific nutritional requirements. The nutrients of greatest concern to horsemen are water, salt, protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and E, and energy. Horses are divided into five nutritional classifications based on the demands of their workload. The classifications are:
Maintenance
Not growing, pregnant, lactating, or doing significant work. Gestation (Pregnancy)
Increased nutritional requirements the last third of pregnancy. Lactation
Mares that are actively nursing foals. Very high nutrient requirements, especially at the beginning of lactation. Growth
Increased protein and energy requirements until full skeletal growth is reached at approximately 5 years. Work and Exercise
The harder the horse is working and being exercised, the more energy it will need in its diet. The horse, unlike ruminants, such as cattle, goats and sheep, has a relatively small capacity for feed in his digestive tract. Horses can consume about 2.5 percent of their body weight per day. As a nibbler and grazer, horses are best fed smaller quantities of feed, especially concentrate, at least twice per day at about 12- hour intervals. That means a 1,000-pound horse will eat about 25 pounds of feed per day of which at least half should be forage, including pasture, hay or hay cubes. Water
Clean, fresh water and trace-mineralized salt should be available regularly or on a free-choice basis on pasture or in the barn. The average 1,000-pound adult horse can easily drink 10 to 12 gallons of water a day. Horses will suffer more quickly from a lack of water or salt than if they are forced to go without feed. The Equine centre comprises of a 60m x 40m indoor riding arena, Large outdoor arena, cross country paddock and off road hacking around the extensive estate. Students have the opportunity to bring their horse with them for the extent of their course or for the week while they are on commercial experience. During their course students will undertake commercial experience and work experience developing their skills to an industry standard. Students will be guided by our specialist staff in developing theory knowledge and practical skills in key areas of the equine industry. Students will get the opportunity to go on trips and have expert guest speakers come and give and insight into the Industry.
