Uploaded September 2015 | Updated September 2026, 13 hours ago
This is one of many abused or neglected horses around the world. Today it got lucky. This starving horse was in a field that we passed frequently on the way to town. We thought at first that the horse was just old. After weeks passed and the starving horse was losing weight and not gaining any, we knew there was a problem with her situation. We stopped and checked the paddock, where we found absolutely no grass or even a hint of hay. There was no feed bucket for grain either. The water was an automatic cow waterer and if you know how that works, then tell the horse, because mechanically, I can't believe she got any water at all.
Animal abuse is terribly out of control in this country and more needs to be done for our neglected horses. Sadly the people who had this horse had no idea that a horse needed much care. They knew the horse was skinny and "didn't look as good she should", but didn't know why. I can't imagine anyone would allow a horse to get to this point on purpose. If you don't know how to properly care for a horse then please ask or better yet, don't get one at all.
There are so many resources out there, especially in these modern time, on the internet. Simply google, how to feed a horse or how do I put weight on a horse, why is my horse losing weight, what's a good feed for gaining weight?. It's all out there at your finger tips for free. If you can't afford to feed your horse, then there are so many people out there that can help you find the horse a better home or even help you financially.
How to feed a horse:
A horse should always, without exception have access to clean, fresh water! A horse also should have quality hay specifically grown and baled for horses, not cows. Make sure you know the difference between hay and straw. If you don't know the difference, then maybe hold off on getting a horse for a while. A horse doesn't need grain if it's getting plenty of good pasture or quality hay and maintaining weight or gaining weight. Grain is suggested if nutrition is lacking, hay is of poor quality or the horse is in need of additional calorie for sport or work requirements. Grain is also needed if weight gain is desired. It's important to buy the right feed that's formulated for what your goals are. Consult your veterinarian for nutritional requirements for your horse.
How to care for a horse:
A horse needs proper shelter from the weather. The shelter provides the horse with cool shade from the sun and blocks the cold wind, rain and snow. A horse needs clean water always and good quality hay or pasture. Horses need their teeth check by a vet or horse dentist a few times a year. Horse's teeth are very important to their health and ability to properly process their food.
Horse's feet need attention too. If you don't plan on having a farrier put shoes on the horse every 4 to 6 weeks then keeping them properly trimmed while barefoot is your other option. Talk to your farrier about your horse's specific needs.
There is no excuse for a horse to starve or be neglected. Sadly, horses going to slaughter are better fed than many. If you can't devote a portion of your day to properly care for the animal that relies on you for survival, then pay someone else to.
This is one of many abused or neglected horses around the world. Today it got lucky. This starving horse was in a field that we passed frequently on the way to town. We thought at first that the horse was just old. After weeks passed and the starving horse was losing weight and not gaining any, we knew there was a problem with her situation. We stopped and checked the paddock, where we found absolutely no grass or even a hint of hay. There was no feed bucket for grain either. The water was an automatic cow waterer and if you know how that works, then tell the horse, because mechanically, I can't believe she got any water at all.
Animal abuse is terribly out of control in this country and more needs to be done for our neglected horses. Sadly the people who had this horse had no idea that a horse needed much care. They knew the horse was skinny and "didn't look as good she should", but didn't know why. I can't imagine anyone would allow a horse to get to this point on purpose. If you don't know how to properly care for a horse then please ask or better yet, don't get one at all.
There are so many resources out there, especially in these modern time, on the internet. Simply google, how to feed a horse or how do I put weight on a horse, why is my horse losing weight, what's a good feed for gaining weight?. It's all out there at your finger tips for free. If you can't afford to feed your horse, then there are so many people out there that can help you find the horse a better home or even help you financially.
How to feed a horse:
A horse should always, without exception have access to clean, fresh water! A horse also should have quality hay specifically grown and baled for horses, not cows. Make sure you know the difference between hay and straw. If you don't know the difference, then maybe hold off on getting a horse for a while. A horse doesn't need grain if it's getting plenty of good pasture or quality hay and maintaining weight or gaining weight. Grain is suggested if nutrition is lacking, hay is of poor quality or the horse is in need of additional calorie for sport or work requirements. Grain is also needed if weight gain is desired. It's important to buy the right feed that's formulated for what your goals are. Consult your veterinarian for nutritional requirements for your horse.
How to care for a horse:
A horse needs proper shelter from the weather. The shelter provides the horse with cool shade from the sun and blocks the cold wind, rain and snow. A horse needs clean water always and good quality hay or pasture. Horses need their teeth check by a vet or horse dentist a few times a year. Horse's teeth are very important to their health and ability to properly process their food.
Horse's feet need attention too. If you don't plan on having a farrier put shoes on the horse every 4 to 6 weeks then keeping them properly trimmed while barefoot is your other option. Talk to your farrier about your horse's specific needs.
There is no excuse for a horse to starve or be neglected. Sadly, horses going to slaughter are better fed than many. If you can't devote a portion of your day to properly care for the animal that relies on you for survival, then pay someone else to.
