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Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a qustion on what is the best foal food during the frist few weeks of training in raceing, and why.
Answer -
Amy,

I'll need to ask you to re-phrase your question.  A foal is a new baby, so you wouldn't feed foal food to a race horse in training.   Are you asking about feeding foals, or feeding mature race horses in training?

Stephanie Frost
www.alchemybloodstock.com

A mature horse i mean, I mean what do I feed a mature racehorse in the frist few weeks of training?

Answer
There are as many different views on proper feeding of the racehorse as there are trainers, I'm afraid.  
I'm a big believer in premixed feeds, although many trainers prefer to feed straight oats and supplement them with lots of different vitamins.  I'm of the opinion that large companies that specialize in equine feed have devoted a lot of time and money into getting the absolute best mix of protein and vitamins into their feed, and they're probably a better judge than I am.  It is so easy to over-do the supplements when you are trying to completely mix a feed yourself, that I prefer not to try.  (some vitamins and minerals can be somewhat toxic when overdosed) I also don't have a problem with sweet feeds, as some people do.  If a horse wan't eat, the best feeding program in the world won't help him, and I've had far better luck with picky eaters whaen feeding a sweet feed than feeding straight oats.
I am lucky enough to live in a very equine rich area, and we have several feed companies that mix their feed locally, specific to our environment, and they put out a very high quality feed.  If I didn't live in an area with access to a high quality local feed mill, I'd buy either Purina or Buckeye Feeds. They probably make the highest quality mix generally available.
Usually I like a 14% protein mix, no higher.  I supplement with Source, electrolytes, and a joint product like Next Level.  Racehorse joints, especially their hocks, take a lot of wear and tear, so I figure that it can't hurt.  Any other supplements get added on an individual basis, based on the horse's visible needs and on blood work.
Beet pulp based feeds are also very good feed, although they tend to be more expensive.  Beet pulp is a great way to keep bulk and not increase the protein levels too high.

Thanks,
Stephanie Frost
www.alchemybloodstock.com