how much feed?

Question
i have a draft colt -shire- he was 6 months when i got him. he is around 18 months now. i have slowly increased his feed as needed. we are now up to 3 large coffee cans morning and three at night. he looks good, but he isn't fat by any means.  i'm feeding purina's edge complete 12%. i do ride him some, i don't weigh much. but i know i'll have to increase once we start riding more. i was wondering if i could overfeed him. i know they aren't supposed to have a lot at one time. feeding three times a day isn't an option. i have to work full time to feed him! lori

Answer
Rick Gore: Be careful not to love your horse to death.  Hi Lori, you have been feeding him for over a year and he seems to be doing ok.  You can check with your vet for other ideas as well.  Unless you are riding him hard and bringing him back dripping with sweat, I would not think you need to up his feed.  Most people saying "riding", means a walk for an hour or so.  That is not really work for a horse.  If you are working cattle, pulling things, chasing things, jumping things for two or three hours, then I would say you are working the horse and should feed him more.  The best alternative to feeding is provide low quality hay, all the time.  If you feeding three cans, I think you are talking about grain or feed.  This is not good for a horse for his primary diet all the time.  His teeth need to work and he produces 12 gallons of salvia a day.  This keeps him internals working well and keeps him drinking and well hydrated.  Buy hay that is not high protein.  Some type of grass hay with little nutritional value.  This will keep him busy during his lonely times, keep him chewing, keep his internals working well and will assist in him not getting so bored and developing bad habits.  

You can start off with a flake or so and then keep adding to it, when it starts piling up so he can snack all day (simulate grazing).  This will be good for him in lots of ways.  Three times a day is much better, but if you have to feed only twice, try and break up the two feedings.  Like when you come out to feed, give him half and then do his stall, take care of other things and then before you leave give him the other half.  This will prevent him from filling his gut up too fast and will make his digestion work longer.  

A horse in the wild eats 22 hours a day.  Feeding food that a horse eats in 30 mins twice a day is so bad for him.  You can also get a hay feeder (hay holder) and keep it stocked with hay, once your horse knows it will be there all day he will snack and not gorge when he eats.

Hope this helps.  I have some other feeding ideas on my web site, so feel free to check it out.

Rick