Comments on: Stable Advice: Who Knows Best?

By: Lila

Lila — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:21:55 +0000

Try this, next time you see your trainer, ask her why she thinks this is a good amount of grain for your mare. When she gives an explanation, take a moment to think about her answer: Does her explanation make you agree with her? If not, ask your vet to come out and check your horse, If she is overweight, ask the owner if they could cut back a little on your mare’s grain. Be respectful about it though! If she says no and that your horse is just naturally fat, or some other excuse, then it’s time to find another stable. but if she says that all right, just keep on keeping your mare happy and healthy!

By: Emma

Emma — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:44:46 +0000

Is your horse too fat or too hot? If not, then you may need to simply consult your trainer and have a one-on-one talk, and find out exactly why your horse is getting that much. If your horse is fat, hot, or even out of sorts, then it may be best to research. Find an equine nutritionist or a vet and explore options, and get them to check your horse. If your trainer will not allow this, it might be time to move or change barns or trainers. Once you have a plan and know a few options, then talk to your trainer. Perhaps she will request a talk with the vet as well. Remember though, get evidence to back up your opinion!

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 06:33:13 +0000

you could get a second opiion
ask your vet next time he checks up your horse how much you should be feeding him. then make that his grain ration.

By: Mary Lynne

Mary Lynne — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 07:09:27 +0000

In the case of your concern about the grain, I would first try to talk to the barn manager casually about how she makes horse-feeding decisions so you can better understand her point of view. Then gathering equine nutrition information from reputable sources such as your veterinarian might help put your fears to rest. Tactfully explain your concerns about why you think this person is feeding too much grain and how you think it might affect your horse’s health and behavior. If after talking with other experts you still feel your horse’s care is being compromised, you can either talk with the barn manager directly about your concerns and/or explore other boarding options that might more closely match your horse-keeping philosophy. If you approach each of your concerns in this manner, you might find that many of your worries will have been laid to rest and that you have learned a great deal of information along the way. Keep in mind too that even experienced, thoughtful horse-people will have differing opinions on what might be right for a particular horse in a particular circumstance. In the end though as the owner of your horse, you have to decide where you think your horse will be happiest and healthiest. If you continue to be uncomfortable with your horses care after increasing your knowledge base, it might be time to move on.

By: Autumn

Autumn — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 20:37:48 +0000

Speak up, but politeness and respect are vital! I would read up on horse nutrition and then approach the stable manager first by asking questions, such as “How do you decide how much grain to feed my horse?” “Do you think my horse would do better with a little less grain?” etc. Then, be listen to what your barn manager has to say. It may be that after listening to her explaination you will find you agree with her. If you still disagree, make sure you stay respectful and don’t argue. Get a second opinion from a vet or another knowledgeable horse professional and make any needed adjustments. Most good barn managers will understand that you are just trying to do what is best for your horse.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 12:32:01 +0000

Just say “I would like his grain cut and hay increased until I increase his work” no need to say more. If she argues, just say “I hear what you are saying but I would like to try (give ammount) for a month and then we can discuss making more changes. I have found that many barns prefer to feed too much grain rather than more hay. Grain is easier to deal with and come by than hay.You pay the board, she works for you.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:39:36 +0000

I would let the owner of the boarding facility know that you are interested in learning how and what to feed horses. Ask questions on how does she go about determining how much to feed and what to feed different horses. Being a well educated and informed horse owner makes for a good horse owner. If the owner of the boarding facility truly loves and enjoys her career he/she will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you. When this is all said and done and if your still concerned about how much your horse is being fed, I would ask if they would mind if you have a feed expert from which ever feed they use to come and analyze your horse to see what they have to say and why. If still not satisfied I would have a vet come out to give my horse a once over and see what he/she has to say. In the end I would go with what the vet and feed expert has to say about your horse and its nutritional needs due to its current work load. Thank the barn owner for being patient and understanding with you and your concerns. Just let them know that you just want to learn and do what’s best for your horse.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:35:10 +0000

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:16:19 +0000

Since you have less experience than your barn owner, I would seek the advice of either your vet or another boarder. Being a barn manager for the last 3 years, if a boarder wishes to change their horse’s routine, politeness is always appreciated. Perhaps give her an explanation or reason why you think the amount she is currently being fed is too much. As long as you are polite I don’t see why the owner would not honor your request. In the end, this is your horse and you are the owner.

By: Carol

Carol — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 06:59:00 +0000

Do your homework….hay first,or a hay replacement pellet. Grain is not a good option for a non working horse ( light work counts as non working) unless it is being used modestly to feed supplements. We have boarded others horses and ironically, several were concerned because they thought we were not feeding enough grain. When I explained and backed it up with information they could check out…we were able to work together to find the best balance for their horse.