By Colorado state law, a Brand Inspection Certificate is needed as proof of
ownership at the time of sale. Proof of ownership is necessary if a horse is
transported on any public highway in the state of Colorado. Anytime a horse is
transported more than 75 miles from home, a Brand Inspection is needed.
Space and Shelter:
Horses need a large exercise area, such as a corral or pasture. They also need
natural or man-made shelter from the elements, both hot and cold. This can
vary from a protective stand of trees to a 3-sided shed to a complete stable
with box stalls. A man-made shelter should be clean and well ventilated with
no drafts.
Fencing:
Whether using a traditional board fence, a rail fence, or electric wire
fencing (wide ribbon wire is best), the most important thing is that the fence
must be visible to the horse.
Manure:
You must have a plan for manure disposal or use. You may want to start a
composting project to convert manure and yard waste into organic fertilizer.
You will also need a plan to control flies and other insects.
Feeding:
An average saddle horse that weighs 1000 lbs. will eat approximately 17 to 22
lbs of feed per day (total ration). The total ration is a combination of hay,
grain and pasture. Grain is usually only required for working and older
horses. Salt should always be available to the horse.
Pasture:
The major component of a horse's diet is good forage such as hay (see below
for details) or pasture. A horse weighing 1000 lbs. will eat about 500 lbs. of
forage each month. How much land will you need to feed one horse for a year?
If this is the only source of forage, your horse will need about 28 acres of dryland
(non-irrigated pasture) a year. To keep pasture grass healthy, DO NOT let
the horse over graze. Over-grazed dryland pasture may never recover. Irrigated
pastures with adequate moisture will grow more forage than dryland
pasture. For good quality regrowth, leave about 1/3 of the grass
uneaten. Manage your pasture as a crop by soil testing, fertilizing, clipping
weeds and managing manure.
Hay:
Horses need supplemental hay during periods of snow cover or other times when
pasture forage is not available. Feeding hay will also extend the grazing
season with properties with small acreage. A small rectangular bale of hay can
weigh between 45 and 85 lbs. How much hay to buy and feed to your horse should
be based upon the weight of the bales and the nutrient value of the hay.
It is best to have your hay analyzed to determine the nutrient value. An
average 1000 lb. horse will eat 20 lbs. of medium quality hay per day.
Quick Facts About Hay:
Legume (alfalfa and clover) hay is higher in protein than grass hay.
Grass hay will keep the horse busy eating and prevent boredom. Horses need only 10% - 12% protein in their feed.
Alfalfa hay that averages 18% - 24% protein is more than the horse needs.
Hay for horses must be mold and dust free or serious complications can arise.
Weeds have limited nutritional value. Weed seeds can be passed through the
manure and infest your pasture. Another reason to always buy hay that is free
of weeds is that some are poisonous to horses.
Water:
Your horse must have plenty of clean, “unfrozen” fresh water available at
ALL times. A horse will drink 10 to 12 gallons of water each day, depending
upon temperature, humidity levels, ration content
