HORSE BASICS #1: What Should Horses Eat???

[@farmerpete5936]

Like how you didn't force Lady to come out of her stall and try to make her drink. You realized she wanted her hay more so you altered your plan/lesson accordingly. That in itself was a good lesson, learn to be somewhat flexible about some things. Doing a great job, really enjoyed it. Never hurts to see the way someone else does things.

[@ingeborgm6147]

So that's what I have...a hay-belly. Yes, it almost looks pregnant but I am way too old . I will start eating my grain tomorrow and hope to get in shape soon! Thanks Jim! What all we can learn listening to horse-talk! :)

[@willbass2869]

😆 lol

[@daleevans4261]

Oh darn. I think it's contagious. I think mine is a hay belly too. 😅

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

😀

[@farmboy5622]

Buck was really keeping an eye on that hay. It was as if he was saying,.....quit yackin' Jim, and feed us that hay!!! Loved the way Duke and Earl gathered around you when you stepped in closer to the feed bunks. You can tell all of your horses love you and your family. It all stems from proper care and love for your animals.

[@territn8871]

I was watching Ken too when Jim got that bale of hay! His ears perked up and he kept watching Jim, like "hurry up cause I'm starving!!"

[@kimfleury]

This is really interesting, and I'm not even dreaming of getting a horse. I've learned so much by watching this. It makes me more appreciative of the way Grandpa took care of his animals. That's one of the things I didn't pay much attention to when watching my Grandpa take care of his horses. It was just a treat for us kids to give them a carrot or an apple. I'd guess it was a treat for the horses, too, because I do recall that there weren't apples or carrots in the manger, only hay and maybe oats. Corn was for the pigs, and we did get to slop the pigs every time we were there for supper. We didn't get to feed the cows or horses. Maybe Grandpa was careful not to risk having one of us city grandkids mess up and feed something unsafe. It's possible he also wanted to train his horses to be friendly to us kids so we could ride them. They really liked the apples and carrots, so they associated us kids with a pleasant experience.

[@johnking8679]

As a "City Slicker", and not knowing a whole lot about horses, I really enjoyed this video tutorial !!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Good to hear!

[@resistancechickschurch]

Wow! 1 Bale of Hay a Day? 200 days times 5 horses. The younglings are 1 horse. 1,000 Bales? For Winter? I can see why some barns have to be pretty big Oct. thru March. rounding up. Love the grain, oats idea and the discussion on healthy horse stomachs. Digestion is very good way to keep all animals healthy. Thank you for simplifying the subject. We raise pigs and chickens. Some times a guy who owns a horse stable gives us free hay for the pigs. Now I see why. It is probably too dry for the horses.

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Great Tutorial Jim. as I 've mentioned in past comments I was a Hay dealer years ago and drew into mainly Stables down state (NY Ct NJ) but did have a few Dairy farms and a Pig farm also. and one of the things that became obvious to me early on was the difference of how they all fed their Horses. Common denominator? was what the horse's did for work/exercise, and even then it varied from owner to owner. So its interesting to hear what and how you do it and I'm still learning things as you go along. like you said you're never too old to learn (79 hr) and love to still learn something new. Can't wait for the next video /installment of the 7part series. thank you for taking the time to do them and to share. ECF

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for sharing. Yes it really matters a lot how much they are working, they are fed accordingly

[@mllee2008]

Absolutely agree! Have a great weekend Ellis 😀

[@openrangelivestockguarddog4041]

Jim, I think you would be surprised how many folks consider you a mentor. Thank you for the great content, and the new series directed at helping those of us just getting started!

[@susehendricks6217]

Thank you for starting this new series! You’ll never stop learning when you start keeping them. One thing I learned over the years is that you (as the owner) have to learn to try listen to your horse. They are all individuals and what works for one horse might not work for another. I like offering free choice minerals as well. Thanks again! Looking forward to the next part of this series!

[@frednawrot4197]

Thanks for this video Jim...You are so bless with a cute wife Brenda and seems she is always happy. I am sure your feeding program works just fine for all your happy females. You have the right touch.

[@terrabell1301]

I'm so excited for this series! Thank you Jim and Brenda.

[@rodleger7132]

As a non horse owner, I love your videos. I will watch all of your Basic Series to be certain. Keep up the great work.

[@joycehennequin8469]

Good evening Jim and Brenda,the colts are really filling out and the speed they are growing won't be to long before they are like the others.Thankyou for sharing and all the very best 🌱🌱🌱💕🇬🇧

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hi, yes we will soon be giving more of an update on the colts. Take care!

[@johnking8679]

I guess the colts are like teenagers and need to be treated accordingly. You know, young and growing and need to be fed the "right stuff" !! Also, need to be trained in all aspects

[@johnking8679]

(continuing).......of life !! As well as work habits, obeying various commands, etc. Thanks for sharing, Jim and Brenda !! I look forward to the series that you will be presenting !!

[@jillpickup9981]

Thank goodness for you xx

[@marlenederenne3996]

Thanks have a blessed Day and week to all

[@jasonhill4517]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make the videos. Great content and priceless information.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flawlessfluidity7771]

Yaaay!! I'm so excited for this series. I've had Thoroughbreds for many years but now I want a Percheron...like Kenny 😁 💕 This is so helpful. Thank you guys!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hope you can get one!

[@renee459]

I bought an ex Amish Percheron. and one of the best decisions I've ever made.

[@robertdonaldson6584]

My daughter has 130 Mustangs that live all winter in the winter pasture, outside in Northern Cal. The horses have 200 acres in the summer to run as much as they want to.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Wow!

[@sherrieivanov5481]

I have riding horses (all Arabians) and I agree 100% with your hay feeding. I always look for clean, dry hay and then I figure that each horse will eat 22-25 lbs of hay a day 7 months and then if I need to feed hay during the other months I will have enough. We do feed commercial concentrates, but we do have issues with our fit horses being hot on oats or sweet feed. We worm according to fecals as well. Our horses get a mineral supplement and they have free choice salt. You do a great job Jim and we are seriously considering straight stalls in part of our barn.

[@gregwitkamp5583]

Thanks Jim

[@kobusvanzyl7222]

The thought of having a horse on our small farm to help with chores has been spooking my thoughts and pensive moments quite frequently if not consistently. Thanks for this "learning channel". The years of experience is clearly noticable through the good content being presented.

[@billschengbier7940]

I do feed pretty much the same as you do, I feed oats and a good quality of grass hay I try and feed around two quarts per horse per day but I due watch what there condition is and adjust accordingly and if iam working them hard I put in a splash of shell corn with the oats or ear corn if I have it, but they get more hay than anything else and it's about a bale per horse and I keep a mineral block out in the pasture that is for horses and it does contain salt.

[@lisbonny61]

I saw your first video sharing your experiences with feeding, training, grooming etc. Your comment the first thing to consider when a person gets a horse is where to keep them. Even though all horses especially wild horses won't have a shelter, I was raised in NY state and been in Georgia for approx 40 years and we have hail and I can't imagine not having a barn/shelter to help keep them from hail and hot sun and cold winds. You do a fantastic job with your horses and keep up the good work.

[@mlr1941]

Gtrryings! Thanks for the start of this great subject! Keep up the great work.

[@johntoothman4888]

When you own a horse, you are the student! A place out of the weather, clean water and a truck load of patients cause the game changes every day!

[@rubiesmilo7128]

No one near me has horses other than pleasure riding. Plenty of John Deeres though. So thankyou for your videos. Excellent content. Thankyou also for discussing hay.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you like them!

[@mcrickyd32]

such a great concept for a series. how about a day once a month 'here's what the colts are up to' haha.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Vid on the colts coming very soon! Stay tuned!

[@erikajegl2762]

Maybe putting some kind of cover over that water tub to keep some of the dirt out!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Most of the dirt comes from their mouths, they drop whatever was in their mouth as they drink

[@lamarflanders4374]

I think that went well. enjoyed.

[@judyengland2615]

I like the way you share your wealth of knowledge learned by years of experience

[@kath5201]

In the 70's, when I had saddle horses, we fed just good hay, Omoline grain mix, and wild oat pasture. Things have changed so much!! You need a chemist/pharmacy education nowadays to feed them.

[@sailinglucydaye9930]

This looks like it will be a great series Jim

[@daleevans4261]

Thank you very much Jim and Brenda. This video was great. I really enjoyed it. I'm gonna love this new series you've started.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chrisbeck5688]

I know your audience has horse knowledge that varies from none to extreme. Hard to suit all levels! Re water. Newbies need to know horses are not camels....they need to drink multiple times a day....weather and work directly affecting water consumption. Re pasture. Newbies need to know you can't turn a horse out on lush spring pasture full time...serious risk of founder. Re hay. Nothing wrong with 2nd cutting! You just have to know what's in your hay! Re working. Newbies need to know ALL horses have worms and need regular worming....of course fecals are best. Good job...love your videos! Love your horses!

[@markbeauseigneur5947]

That was a very good instructional post. Learn a lot by watching from somebody who knows. Thanks 👍

[@jamesmorrison1884]

Very good Jim my daughter boards horses so someone that may want to get a horse have a place to keep it. Thought I mention that. This video very informative thankyou. Thankyou you Brenda have a great day.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

That is great! Thanks for watching

[@francog8051]

Great video. I like this additional format as well as all the other videos that you produce. It’s instructional and conversational. Thank you

[@empressogre3205]

I love this series already. I was nodding along with the grain/feed topic. Although I've never owned a draft, I liked a light crease down the back. And alfalfa works so well, but there's a point where too much can be bad for them. And I fed mainly corn, puts a good blush on a horse, and have only had trouble with feeding oats, due to the hyperactivity and possibilities for equipment damage and not being worked enough. Love all your advice. And supplements are good. Especially selenium.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robertlivingstone3947]

Jim what a great and informative video

[@jessiebabineaux9297]

Excited to find your series. Your explanations are so thoughtful. Thank you!

[@honesttraitorbear3527]

Buying the horse before having the facilities is me. The filly had to stand tied for a couple days and nights -I did not sleep, too scared she'd get tangled up. Now she lives in a corral (40' roundpen) it works here on the hot, southern border.

[@name-ey5it]

You doing very good, I grow up this way , I am indigenous from Christian island Ontario. My family had horses pigs cows . I really miss this way. I am going to be 60 this year A family of three. I am thinking of moving back home. Build my own farm again. You are right you are never to old . I love with you said. I love your video s keep them coming sir

[@ronhaworth5471]

Thanks so much for this series.Ive sent to a friend in Virginia who has two pleasure horses and another friend in my state North Carolina who has owned horse in past.Of course my wife will keenly watch also!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks!!!

[@henryhankwarrenyohe2541]

I enjoy your videos and watching you working with your horses. During my beginning working my horses, percherons, I was given many different opinions on caring for my horses. Working with a vet, as one horse had a problem, I got well versed on the horse and it's digestive system. As you stated, a horse will do on hay and grass as it's digestive system needs roughage (fiber) to work properly. The only thing I'd state as I learned feed by weight not by size. And as the weather gets colder the amount of hay should be increased as the colder temperatures requires more calories to maintain body warmth. The other thing I did was give them hay first thing in the morning as the horses system was fasting overnight and this starts the digestive process. Just my opinion. Wishing yu a great day.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

good point

[@jerrybriscoe4735]

Thanks for video .

[@williamlewis8741]

bonjour jim et brenda thanks for the tutorial. have a great weekend

[@The35211]

Great Lesson Jim and Brenda

[@benzoverakers1877]

Love this information, it will be a blessing to all that watch!!! Be blessed!!!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks, you too

[@br927]

Going to love these!! My son is an Artist, I always wanted him to paint me a picture of the cart before the horse! It may happen one day! Is it dusty hay, or musty,moldy hay- I know you don't want to feed the latter 2- I didn't hear you say anything i wouldn't do! My dad always carried buckets of water for the horses! So they didn't over drink, especially after working all day!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

haha,, thanks for sharing

[@twocooneys]

Love the new series.

[@territn8871]

Good informative topic today! I was just noticing how shiny and pretty Duke and Earl's coat was. All 6 of your horses look so clean and shiny. I think that is another representation of any animals good health. If their coat looks dull, they may be lacking something in their diet. You all have a good weekend!👋

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks, you too

[@JChaos1120]

I loved seeing the colts! They look so good! Hope to see them working soon.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

More coming on the colts soon

[@rodneywroten2994]

Great video Jim And Brenda

[@carolynharmon7074]

This a going to be an interesting series.

[@jimmclam]

We boarded a Morgan horse with heaves for a friend. Had to sprinkle the hay with water to kill any dust. The mare was very useful for several years but couldn't be used hard for long periods...I had a big Paint riding horse that loved to run and I always kept him well fed with oats along with his hay-fed him the High Octane stuff and he responded accordingly! The two of us had some great rides over those Vermont dirt roads!

[@willbass2869]

Really like the idea of a series and how you laid out the topics. Your presentations are much smoother and production methods are much improved. I think Brenda's help is a big reason for the latter.🙂 As for feed....down along Gulf Coast my g-father and all fed corn, not oats. Part of reason was undoubtedly availability and cost. I mean, they already grew acres & acres of corn but oats was store bought. Another reason explicitly stated was that oats heated the horses/mules too much. The higher natural protein content of oats vs corn made the kidneys work too hard. Excreting that protein coupled with blazing heat was too hard on them. In addition to grass hay, they also fed the tops of dried corn stalks/blades but not yr around.....just probably ad an addendum in winter. Looking forward to remainder of series and the regular videos.

[@davidmunro1469]

You do such a wonderful job. I can not afford to do It right so for the sake of horses I can only watch and dream. My land is wet and covered with brush and I am working alone.

[@jerryjarrell206]

Very interesting thanks for sharing looking forward to the next one

[@garycrockett4477]

Jim, thanks for taking the time to patiently explain all this "stuff" to us newbies. Questions: 1) What is the difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd cuttings? You said there's a difference, but what? Here in Arizona, I'd imagine we'd get 4th or 5th cuttings! 2) How does one show one's affection to a horse? Meaning, what can we do so that the horse understands that we love and appreciate them? Again, thanks for your efforts. May God bless you!

[@moritzkilb2438]

1st cuts have a higher fibre content relatively speaking, later cuts have a higher protein content. Horses digestion is build for nutrient poor feed, the protein rich cuts are better for building mass in cattle for example.

[@paulpochan9631]

Well Done...!!!

[@MegaSusanc]

Thank you for sharing your awesome intelligence of feeding horses and how what you feed them. You both are truly awesome. I going to follow y'alls page if you don't mind so I can learn more. You are very smart thank you so much again. God bless y'all.

[@bobbates6642]

Good information

[@chrislittlefarm]

Hi Jim, that introduction video on feeding horses was very well done! I do agree almost 100% upon what you said. I also think oats is the best grain for horses, but some horses, as you said, tend to get somewhat hyperactive when eating too much oats. To these horses we feed barley then, which is a pretty good alternative to oats without "activating" them too much. Take care and have nice weekend -Chris

[@russlong7175]

Thanks for a great video. Blessings on your week

[@williamcawthorne5325]

Good to see that you have put up they roof construction up as I've been watching most of the season of when ever you have made a video

[@tedferry408]

Great start to the series. Never had a horse, but fun to watch a real pro share his knowledge, thanks!

[@lindalakota38]

I noticed few weeks ago you only have one water traf first time i seen that and i like how you sead you know how their doing if their drinking too muck not enough great series i just learned how much i didn't know . wow awesome tutorial from a great horse man and horse women ive seen paid speakers not do as good of a job jim wow .

[@jimcour291]

This is a great series Jim, Thank you to you and Brenda for all your insights and experience. I am so glad you stressed the importance of "GOOD" hay! We always used a blend of Timothy, Orchard grass and Blue Grass, with a small percentage of white clover. It might help to know the percentages, rough idea, of what you think is best, for anyone looking for good hay! I always fed "cracked oats". Just found they were easier to digest. I would run the whole oats in small batches, through a small mill. And again, I am so enjoying this series!!!!

[@jipjojed]

Great Information!

[@lucinaramsey4705]

Great video.. thank you….

[@290wayne]

Nice explanation of what should be done. Interesting... Thank you. Glad to see you are doing fine. Keep up the good work but don't over do it..,. Have a Great Day.

[@frankmillett]

Jim I love your new series on horses 🐎. Very informative and to the point. I’m not new to the channel as I’ve been watching for some time. I continue to enjoy the videos and the calendar and news letters. Good to see you fully recovered. My wife was born and raised in Oneonta, New York.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel

[@thomastonelli675]

Love how the colt had their nose right on your grain scoop. When I had Beagles I would be do what you are doing the harder I ran them durning the season the more food I gave them in the off season with an eye on there weight

[@timothymoore2672]

Those kids love you so much Jim great lesson Sir, Have a Blessed Weekend. GOD be with you all.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

You too!

[@randybutler4772]

Very enjoyable Jim and Brenda. Really are interested in all the details you offer. Look forward to future coverage as the boys mature. So good to know you continue to address the constant internal worm threat. Thank you for sharing.🐴🐴

[@rancherrita7512]

Howdy from mid Michigan 🤠! Just love watching you guys 🙂. I appreciate you doing basics . Learn so much from you and appreciate your experience. Thank you 😊

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching, glad you are enjoying the vids

[@mymustangs]

Have two mustangs, going for two more. Thank you for sharing! It is priceless the information and first hand experience you have. We all do it the best we can with what we have.

[@hughwhaley3179]

Awesome information thanks Jim and Brenda 🐎👍

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@djmoulton1558]

Can't wait til the next one! I have read of people treating their grain with molasses. What good would that do the horses, or is it just for taste?

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

It can help if the feed is dusty to cut down on that

[@fion1flatout]

Your horses are at home. That's why your watering system works. Most people are only able to see their horses twice or maybe once a day, so that's why they need to leave water for them

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, that sure would make a difference

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them every time they come on

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

thanks so much for watching

[@doughoff1254]

Thanks for another great video Jim and Brenda! I'm very grateful that you are doing this series. I plan to get horses in the future and will use these lessons as a reference. God bless!

[@maryekola2120]

Great advice on feeding. I especially like that you do not recommend lots of grain or high quality hay. In days past the team of horses used in the winter was fed what the dairy cow left. It was usually more stemmy hay that was good for the horses. I want to share with you what we ended up feeding a 30 year old arabian mare that we used in harness. She worked up to th day she died at age 33. She had no molars left so couldn't eat any hay or grass. We gave her ground ear corn and a sweet feed mix. She stayed in good condition up to the end. I feel that the ground ear corn gave her the energy and the necessary fiber to keep her digestive system healthy. We stillhave offspring on our farm from this hardworking horse.

[@todd1808]

Thank you for sharing you time and experience with us!!

[@biddydibdab9180]

Thanks for doing this great series. For beginners, it might be useful to mention what happens to horses if they get too rich hay or too much oats . . . or maybe you are planning to talk about that in a different segment. This is a very nice overview.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Good idea

[@kennethcross5572]

Very interesting

[@davidaarons2488]

Neat little series Thanks guys Jesus Saves

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for watching, yes He does

[@markkuhne8928]

Very informative!

[@ronaldchappus2205]

Great information and well presented.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janebrommet7942]

Thank you Jim

[@MsGroovalicious]

Great stuff!!! Thank you!

[@sgcollins]

In the video where your daughters fed the horses (during your anniversary I think), they said they made sure to keep the halters on while they were eating, then remove the halter when the horses went out to the pasture. I'm wondering why they need to have halters on while they're eating? Thanks for the groovy lessons!

[@Paige0557]

Hi Jim and family this is a really good thing you are doing. I just thought that I would share another channel with you. I have been watching Engles Coach Shop for quite a long time now and I thought that you and your family would find him really interesting. he is also doing a video diary of his Trade and I think it falls in line with your channel. In fact I think I found yours because some of his viewers we watching your your channel so give it a go and let us know what you think of it. Like you, he is very talented at his craft and he does it all. you keep talking about your Amish carriage makers, this guy has a much bigger range when it comes to wagons and things that horses pull

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Yes, he does have a very interesting channel, which we enjoy watching. What he does is amazing!

[@lilvalentine545]

Great informative video thank you. I've just got a new horse and am hoping to train him to pull a cart. I haven't had a horse for 20 years so I'm learning and re- learning so much. maybe you could outline how to assess your horses body condition. how to recognise if they're over weight , under weight. Hoof condition , how do you care for your horses hooves ?

[@jamesabernathy6470]

Have you ever crimped your oats it works well with my drafts and you feed less the only drawback is you need to only crimp what you feed a day so the oils you release when you crimp won't dry up

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

No we haven't

[@patpower5239]

Jim your a good communicator, look forward to the next education video

[@tinachambers4887]

Love the new series Jim have a day

[@markgroth4380]

Looks like a new water tank, I was so used to the old one.

[@jorgequinones991]

Thanks for the knowledge, Jim. Good 👍 video.

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@kimfleury]

Wow! I just opened KZbin and saw this fresh out of the oven!

[@WorkingHorsesWithJim]

Hope you enjoyed it!