Horse Feeding Equipment: Practical Kit for Stable, Paddock and Field

Horse Feeding Equipment: Order at the Feeding Area

Good horse feeding equipment is not only about what goes into the trough, but also about how it gets there. The right kit helps you offer hard feed cleanly, make hay last longer and keep your supplies dry. In this area you will find bowls, buckets and troughs, hay nets and racks, feed bins, salt block holders and scoops for measuring out each portion.

Forage first, hard feed as needed

Hay is the basis of every ration, because horses are designed to eat many small meals throughout the day. Hay nets and hay racks extend eating time and keep hay clean and off the ground. Hard feed, balancer or mash, on the other hand, goes into a bowl, bucket or trough. A feed scoop with a scale or a digital scoop helps you divide portions evenly, which is especially useful on a livery yard with several helpers. A long-handled mash spoon makes it easier to stir soaked feed.

Storage and water on the move

Feed stays fresh for longer when it is kept dry and out of reach of mice. A feed bin with a lid holds pellets and coarse mix together, while stackable boxes save space in the tack room. For shows, long rides or days out, a collapsible water carrier is handy because it takes up hardly any room in the trailer when empty. A salt block holder keeps your horse's salt lick clean and within reach on the wall.

Frequently asked questions

Should I feed hard feed from the ground or from a hanging manger?
Eating with the head lowered matches a horse's natural posture, which is why ground bowls and low-mounted troughs are popular. What matters is that the feed does not get mixed with sand or bedding. On sandy ground, a trough with a raised rim or a bowl on a firm surface is the safer choice.

How often should I clean feed bowls and troughs?
Ideally, rinse bowls with water after every meal, especially after mash or soaked pellets. Leftovers turn sour quickly and attract flies. A thorough scrub with a brush once a week keeps troughs hygienic.

How do I change my horse's feed the right way?
Change feed gradually over one to two weeks by mixing a little more of the new feed into the old each day. This gives the digestive system time to adjust. The same applies when you switch to a new batch of hay.