Feeding Oat Hay

[JB]

I definitely don’t disagree that the group is immensely valuable. I was just pointing out that blanket statements of “no bagged feed is good for any IR horse” isn’t valid, and that just because they recommend not using one doesn’t make them invalid either. Ditching them, going back to as basic a diet as you can (low sugar hay + important supplements, for example) and letting things settle, is never a bad idea. That’s where some horses have to stay, but it’s not where all have to stay.

It is definitely possible, maybe often healthier, to feed a-la-carte. But it’s not always economical for the harder keeper, and having to use too many different things in a boarding situation is often not a viable option. Fortunately, there are some really good, very low NSC bagged feeds out there for some luckier folks to choose from.

[grayarab]

@JB

I definitely don’t disagree that the group is immensely valuable. I was just pointing out that blanket statements of “no bagged feed is good for any IR horse” isn’t valid, and that just because they recommend not using one doesn’t make them invalid either. Ditching them, going back to as basic a diet as you can (low sugar hay + important supplements, for example) and letting things settle, is never a bad idea. That’s where some horses have to stay, but it’s not where all have to stay.

It is definitely possible, maybe often healthier, to feed a-la-carte. But it’s not always economical for the harder keeper, and having to use too many different things in a boarding situation is often not a viable option. Fortunately, there are some really good, very low NSC bagged feeds out there for some luckier folks to choose from.

I was just putting out my experience with what has worked for my horses. Knowledge is power when you are dealing with IR/Cushing horses. When i get an opportunity to maybe help someone i take advantage of it.If it saves 1 horse from suffering with laminitis i’ve made a difference.I realise not everyone is able to avoid bagged feeds that is fine. Just want people to know IF their IR horse is having issues ,do look hard at what you are feeding. It could well be the feed horse is eating.

I have a great love for horses and love to help people out when they’re in need. I don’t disagree with you but i have a different view about feeds. Heck different views and ways of doing things makes life interesting. And makes one realise there is more then one way to do things.

[csaper58]

@tazycat had a thread on feeding oat hay to her horses. Read it before you proceed.

Or, PM tazy.

[candyappy]

@dressager

Where do you get your data? I double checked the equi analytical site. In over 16,000 samples from 2000-2016 oat hay has an average protein of 8% and a normal protein of 5%. So clearly the majority of the hay isn’t being cut at the optimal time.

I googled it.

Search Results
[PDF]the nutritional value of oat hay harvested at several stages of maturity

library.ndsu.edu/tools/dspace/load/…/10365/…/farm_35_2_3.pdf%3Fsequence%3D1

I think it was done many years ago, but that shouldn’t matter.

[candyappy]

@csaper58

@tazycat had a thread on feeding oat hay to her horses. Read it before you proceed.

Or, PM tazy.

In all fairness,

what happened with tazycat’s horses would happen to just about any horse. Her horses were not eating hay and then ate 3 days non stop on hay they were not accustomed to eating.

[enjoytheride]

Around here, the good ol boys who don’t think twice about dropping old lame horses off at the sale barn make fun of other good ol boys who feed oat hay because THOSE people don’t care about their horses.

[MysticOakRanch]

@JB

. I was just pointing out that blanket statements of “no bagged feed is good for any IR horse” isn’t valid, and that just because they recommend not using one doesn’t make them invalid either. .

Totally agree - there are some bagged feeds specifically formulated for horses with special dietary needs (such as metabolic horses). And in many cases, the IR horse needs a very efficient way of getting basic vitamins and minerals - a classic example of a bagged feed might be a ration balancer. For some horse owners, specifically formulated bagged feeds are a lifesaver!

Totally agree with JBs statement!

[grayarab]

@MysticOakRanch

Totally agree - there are some bagged feeds specifically formulated for horses with special dietary needs (such as metabolic horses). And in many cases, the IR horse needs a very efficient way of getting basic vitamins and minerals - a classic example of a bagged feed might be a ration balancer. For some horse owners, specifically formulated bagged feeds are a lifesaver!

Totally agree with JBs statement!

Got to remember there are a lot of metabolic horses who don’t need the extra calories of an RB. Or even the feeds targeted for metabolic horses. Feeding my horses a RB would be a disaster in the making. There are vit/min out there that are just that Vit/Min. Not requiring a pound of it which for an overweight horse is too much. There are also places that will mix up a vit/min to meet your horse’s requirements,so no need to feed a pound or more of some feed to get required vit/mins. Can be given in a handful of BP soaked,no added calories for a fat horse.

No i don’t agree because the IR Cushings group has research to back up their findings, and over 13,000 members. They have saved many ,many horses who were too lame to exercise but with the protocol of this group, those horses are now sound and in full work.

Yes maybe there are horses with IR who seem to do fine on an RB or a special feed made for metabolic horses. They do fine until they don’t do fine any more. The Motto of the IR Cushings group is NO LAMINITIS! I really push this IR Cushings group because i’ve seen first hand how they have helped horses in crisis.

[JB]

The point is that neither end of the spectrum is a valid blanket statement for all IR/Cushing’s/metabolic horses.

Stating that NO IR horse should have any commercial feed is not true just because there are some who cannot have them. Likewise, it’s not valid to stay that they are perfectly fine just because some are perfectly fine with them (not that anyone has said that).

There is no single way to manage any horse. None. There are generalities, so you start there and modify as the horse needs.

There are plenty of IR horses who work and live to old age on a low NSC feed and low NSC hay, so it’s not as if they are fine until they aren’t, unless “until they aren’t” means old age

Remember, IR has a spectrum, from those who are able to have some grass in the wee hours of the morning, then 10% NSC free choice hay, to those who can’t even have a blade of grass, no hay over 8% NSC, zero added iron, no soy, etc, and many in the middle of all that.

[tazycat]

@JB. We Will just have to agree to disagree. The IR Cushings group has the data to prove what I’ve said.

Now off line for next 2 weeks, headed out to Dakotas for horse back riding. Loaded and ready to leave. Have a great memorial weekend!

[grayarab]

@JB we will just have to agree to disagree. You obviously didn’t get my point on my last post,i never said all IR metabolic horses. Can’t have bagged feed but you read into what i posted as being all horses metabolic. Which is wrong.

Will not argue my point not worth it,i’ve done plenty of reading on a group that has research to back up it’s findings. So i’ll go with that when and if i ever need help with my horses because they become IR.

[JB]

@grayarab

i never said all IR metabolic horses. Can’t have bagged feed but you read into what i posted as being all horses metabolic. Which is wrong.

Except that you said this. If this isn’t what you meant, then that’s where things derailed

@grayarab

Don’t feed bagged feeds they are not good for any IR/Cushing horse.

Will not argue my point not worth it,i’ve done plenty of reading on a group that has research to back up it’s findings. So i’ll go with that when and if i ever need help with my horses because they become IR.

And I have said that group has great value and is a fantastic place for people to get help. I frequently send people there when they are having a crisis of some sort so they can get real help from many people who have btdt, get the emergency diet in place, and go from there.

[cabz]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, advice and information. Sorry to be delayed in replying, but had family affairs to deal with in the last week. Even then the oat hay was suggested, I decided to proceed with caution. Will definitely do more research etc. I will also look into the ECIR group. Horse was diagnosed just under 8 years ago, have never had a laminitis issue (touch wood), just turned 21, looks great with the great care she is getting a private barn, so hope to continue in that trend for more years to come.