Fresh, palatable, and nutritious food that is free from contamination and insects shall be provided to each animal in sufficient quantity with consideration for the animal's condition, age, breed, size and work level. Food provided shall be of adequate and appropriate nutritional value.
 

Horses are grazing animals, therefore, the basis for all diets should be grass and/or hay. Horses must be fed free choice hay or pasture. If this isn't possible, they must receive a minimum of 1 to 2 pounds of hay per 100 pounds of body weight daily.
 

Grains are used to supplement weight and energy. Mixed grain diets are readily available from feed stores and should be fed at the rate of .5 to 1.5 pounds per 100 pounds of body weight. If the grain exceeds 5 total pounds daily, it is recommended that the grain be divided into two feedings. Grain should be stored in a clean dry covered container in a dry building to ensure that it does not mold or become infested with insects.
 

Feeding space should be adequate for the number of horses fed. Horses should not be fed on the ground to avoid waste contamination, ingestion of sand, increased possibility of colic, parasite infection and disease transmission. Certain conditions (i.e. Geriatric, lactating, in training, pregnant or working horses) may require the horse to be fed separately and with a special grain mix to maintain body condition.
 

Equines should score, by a veterinarian, no less than a body condition score 3 on the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart to be considered of adequate weight.

Water is the most critical and essential nutrient for horses. Horses must have water to maintain normal body functions. The amount of water a horse will drink in a day depends on body weight, stage of production (i.e. growth, work, lactation, etc.), environmental effects and individual variations.
 

Most horses will drink 5-10 gallons of water per day.
 

Water intake during lactation increases 50 to 70%
 

Working horses will require a substantial increase (20 to 300%) in their need for water.
 

Free choice water is best for horses. If this is not possible, they should be allowed to drink their fill at least twice daily.
 

Water should always be clean, fresh, potable and free from algae, insects or other contaminants.

Space available to the horse must be safe and free from standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris.
 

Equines shall be allowed exercise daily and have freedom of movement as necessary to reduce stress and maintain good physical condition.
 

Although it is not required for livestock to be provided shelter, it is advisable to provide natural or artificial shelter to provide shade from direct sunlight. Any artificial structure should be adequate for the size and number of horses in order to avoid fighting among the animals. Individual stalls should be large enough for a horse to stand upright in a normal position, turn around and lie down comfortably. The shelter should also be adequately ventilated to help prevent respiratory infection and should be free of hazards that might cause injury. Any shelter should have adequate lighting that mimics a natural lighting cycle. The area should have good footing and be well drained
 

Stall sizes typically range from 12 ft x 10 ft. for miniature breeds to 14 ft x 14 ft for all but the largest draft horse.
 

Pens for horses that are not ridden daily should be no smaller than 12 ft x 20-30 ft to allow them enough room to stretch their legs.
 

All fencing for pens and paddocks must remain in good repair to avoid injury to your horse from broken boards.