A long rider that myself and a mother-daughter team from New Mexico have been corresponding with, gave his opinion for feeding during a long ride. He said that he fed 20 pounds of feed per day, with free choice hay. I will not do that.
All horses are different, therefore the feed, and frequency you provide it, will be different. I have asked life long horse people their opinion on the above mentioned feeding schedule, and it was dismissed immediately. After talking with a friend of mine, I think that the thing to do is to work up to a week or two short ride. By riding everyday for a week or two, I will find out if I need to adjust my feed. If you have a horse that is an easy keeper, there is a difference.
I am still going to talk to a nutritionist and see about getting oats and a supplement concentrate of some kind. I am thinking oats due to the ability to get them most anywhere, as opposed to having different brands of sweet feed and pellets wherever you stop. I do not want to take a chance with colic by switching feeds every few days. I know this particularly long rider said it is not a concern when the horse is working as hard as they are on a long ride. I cannot find anyone that will substantiate that statement.
On another subject...I might have found a mule. I talked with someone today who has mules, and some folks board others with him. It seems that an 8 yo John mule, boarded by someone, may be available for trade for a registered QH mare I have. I will be calling him tomorrow to find out.
Live free and be happy.
-GW
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