TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF VITAMINS & MINERALS

The act of feeding a horse doesn’t require much thought: Open up the grain bin, measure out the appropriate number of scoops and dump them into your horse’s feed tub. But this simplicity is possible only because the hard work has already been done for us.

Modern feeds are formulated to provide balanced nutrition for horses in every phase of life, from youth to old age. Take a look at a feed label and you’ll find a variety of ingredients in precise measurements---amounts determined over decades of nutrition research---to help ensure that your horse gets exactly what he needs. There’s little risk of deficiencies or overdoses of vitamins and minerals for horses fed on quality hay, pasture grass and a balanced commercial ration matched to his stage of life, activity level and other health needs. Simply choose the product that suits his situa-tion and scoop away.

Still, it’s a good idea to learn what you can about the vitamins and minerals that are vital to your horse’s health and to be aware of the circumstances that may disrupt his nutritional balances. Your veterinarian is always a good resource for immediate and pressing questions, but building your own understanding is also important. To find out what you know and don’t know about vitamins and minerals in your horse’s diet, test your knowledge with this six-question quiz.

VITAMINS & MINERALS

CONSEQUENCE OF AGE?

1. Green, growing grasses are rich in many nutrients a horse needs, but some vitamins begin to degrade when plants are cut and dried