Feeding Suggestion for 2-year-old

Question
Would you be able to advise me on a feeding program for my 2-year-old mare?  She is in light training, we usually lunge 2-3 times a week, for no more than 20-30 minutes at a time (usually closer to 15 minutes).  The rest of the week we work on groundwork, nothing strenuous.  

Right now she is on limited grass because there are too many boarders--the facility is in the process of reducing the herd, but I feel that this summer the grass will not grow in as it should.  However, she is on pasture 24/7.  I was wondering what you would suggest as far as hay, grain, and if she should be on beet pulp or something.  

Right now I would rate her as a 5 on the BCS.  She is currently on Barlett: Horse Maintenance Pellet (13.5% Protein, 3.4% Fat, 12.5% Fiber).  My vet told me to just give her a handful at feeding time (so that she doesn't get mad while other horses get fed), and that she didn't really need grain as long as she remained in light work and on good grass all day.  My concern comes from the fact that the grass isn't looking nearly as good as last year.  I would love any input you have on this.  Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Rachel,

Thank you for your question.  As a 2 year old, your horse has done most of it's growing as far as her stature (height) is concerned.  But she still has a lot of maturing to do, and really needs a well balanced diet to ensure that she completes bone and joint growth properly, and needs enough protein to develop muscle as she is working.  Even if she was on top quality forages, a mare of your age who is in training requires more dietary protein, mineral and vitamin from some sort of grain.

You are going to want to ensure that your mare has access to unlimited forages...although you may have no control over that forage quality.  Fresh forages are always preferable so as much pasture as possible is a good idea.  But if there is not much to the pasture, be sure that she gets as much hay as she can eat.  If pasture/hay quality is not the best, then you can use other feeds to complement her nutrient requirements.  The Bartlett Horse Maintenance Pellet will work but you should also feed KER AllPhase, also available through Bartlett.  The AllPhase is a nice mineral/vitamin balancer that will ensure your growing horse has enough mineral to build healthy bone if the forages are not good, or if the feeding rate of the maintenance feed is low.  Beet pulp can also be fed as a forage replacement...the horse's digestive system uses it like pasture or hay...only better quality.  I've put together 2 feed programs for you using my 'Ration-X' ration balancing software, the first based on a lower quality forage source and the second based on a better quality forage.  You can adjust feeding rates accordingly as your pasture/hay situation changes.

Low Quality Forage: Free Choice
Bartlett Maintenance:  1.65lbs/day
AllPhase:  0.9lbs/day (about 2 cups/day)
Beet Pulp:  at your discretion


Better Quality Forage:  Free Choice
Bartlett Maintenance:  not necessary
AllPhase:  0.9lbs/day
Beet Pulp:  at your discretion

For both programs I have left feeding of beet pulp up to your discretion.  I would suggest using your mare's body condition as a gauge of how much to feed...if she starts to loose a little weight, include beet pulp.  If she gains too much body condition, remove the beet pulp.

The AllPhase is necessary in both programs...primarily to maintain adequate Zinc levels in the diet.  Zinc and Copper are essential components in cartilage and joint health, and your horse's growth plates and joints are still forming until the age of 5-7 years.  This mineral supplement will be essential in keeping your horse sound for a lifetime.

I hope that helps to some extent.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks, Corlena