10/01/2026
One thing I wish I’d understood better when I was managing a barn: how much the feeding rate matters.
I knew everyone’s feed by heart. Who got a 1/4 a scoop, who needed a little more, and who could get fat just looking at the feed room!
We all want the same thing. Horses that look and feel good, big toplines, and enough energy for them to do their jobs without being more horse than we want.
Since working for Keyflow, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about what goes into those feeding decisions. One of the most useful things has been understanding how the amount we feed relates to what that product is designed to provide.
Senior feeds are a good example. They’re popular in many barns, and there can be good reasons for that. Many offer digestible fiber, added fat, and controlled starch. Those qualities can suit horses that aren’t seniors, too.
The part worth checking is how the feeding directions compare with what your horse actually gets.
With an easy keeper, it’s normal to give a little less to keep their weight where you want it. But reducing the feed also reduces the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids it provides.
Sometimes the current program is doing its job. Sometimes a feed designed for a smaller daily amount, like a balancer, makes more sense.
That doesn’t mean starting over or making the feed room more complicated. It might just mean weighing your usual scoop and having someone help you check the amounts.
I know how much thought and work goes into keeping a barn full of horses looking and feeling their best. Feeding is one part of a very busy day, and having someone to talk it through with can be helpful.
That’s a part of my role at Keyflow I really enjoy. Tell me what your horses’ are eating, how hard they’re working, and what you’d like help with. We can start there!
