How To

How to Feed a Pony

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

Feeding a pony is different from feeding a full sized horse. Ponies don't need much feed to stay fat and healthy and can quickly become dangerously overweight if not fed correctly. Learn how to correctly feed a pony by following these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Assess the needs of your pony to determine the appropriate amount of feed. This includes knowing the weight of your pony by measuring him with a horse weight tape. Also keep in mind what kinds of activities your pony is involved in; a pony ridden daily needs more feed than a pony sitting in the pasture.

  2. Step 2

    Feed your pony one to two pounds of feed daily for every 150 pounds of body weight. Use a scale to determine the correct amount. Break the feed up into at least two separate daily feedings or more if possible.

  3. Step 3

    Have safe buckets from which your pony will eat. Make sure buckets are hung on the wall or post with no sharp objects sticking out. Ponies can catch their eyes or parts of the face on nails holding up a bucket. If the pony is fed in a pasture with other horses, use a bucket made for foals. They are made of thick plastic and have bars across the top. There is an opening big enough for a foal or pony, but too small for a horse to get to the feed.

  4. Step 4

    Determine if your pony should be fed grain. Ponies kept on good pasture grass or who are fed good quality hay do not need a grain feed. Ponies are very hardy and can maintain good health and size with little feed. If you don't feed your pony grain, allow her free choice mineral blocks.

  5. Step 5

    Buy a feed manufactured especially for ponies and miniature horses. Horse feed does not contain adequate nutrition for ponies and can make a pony overweight.

Tips & Warnings
  • Store feed in clean, dry containers with locking lids. Keep rodents and ponies out of the feed.
  • Keep clean, fresh water available at all times for your pony.
  • Never feed wet or moldy feed to a pony or horse.

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eHow Article: How to Feed a Pony

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