Horsemanship Level 3: Feeding
Horses are creatures of habit and do best on a regular feed schedule. As a Level 3 Horseman you are expected to:
6. Know the feed schedule and amounts for your own horse.
If you don't own or lease a horse, you should be prepared to answer questions about the schedule of the horse you are using for your practical test. 
In most stables you will find charts which list the amounts of feed and supplements for each horse at each time of day. These are often in the feed room, or sometimes posted on each horse's stall. For convenience, feed charts often list amounts in terms of flakes of hay or scoops of grain. However, because a 'flake' or a 'scoop' can vary in size, you should also find out the weight of these feeds.
To the right is a typical feed chart. Note that the amounts are listed in both grams and pounds, either of which is fine, and the time of day is given for each feed. Because this was a chart used at a competition, the horses are identified by rider numbers rather than names.
If your horse receives supplements in addition to hay, be prepared to explain why. Some horses may temporarily be on antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications for an injury or illness, and some may receive additional nutritional supplements due to age or chronic conditions. Make sure you know the common, alternate, and full names of items in the feed schedule. In this example, methylsulfonylmethane is commonly known as MSM and is given as a joint supplement, and phenylbutazone or 'bute' is an anti-inflammatory drug.
At this level you don't need to know detailed nutritional information, but you should be able to recognize your horse's feed by sight, and be familiar enough with his schedule that should you have to look after him you'd be able to step right in.
Upcoming Classes & Events
Work Party
Sunday 26 October 10am - 3pm
Location: Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
On Sunday before Cavaliere classes we'll be doing some paddock upgrades and rebedding stalls. Come out and warm up with some barn labour before you ride!
Cavaliere Classes
Sunday 26 October, 3 – 6:30pm
Sundays 9, 23 & 30 November, 14 December 1- 4:30pm
Cost: $60 or one flex-pack credit per class
Cavaliere Classes have moved back to Sunday afternoons. Note that on this Sunday October 26th class is from 3:00 to 6:30pm instead of the usual 1:00 – 4:30pm. Riding and Horsemanship assessments will be held on October 26th & December 14th. After that we will take a break until February.
Mounted Combat
Sunday 2 November, 1-4pm
Cost: $60 or one flex-pack credit
This is the last Mounted Combat class before our winter break -- don't miss it!
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.