Pony food

A pony needs approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight in food per day. This may include forages such as grass or hay, and concentrates such as grain or commercially prepared pelleted feeds. Like people, some ponies are "easy keepers" and prone to obesity, while others are "hard keepers" and need a great deal of food just to maintain a slim build. The average riding pony weighs roughly 1000 pounds, but the weight of a pony can be more closely estimated using a weight tape, which can be purchased from a feed store or tack shop.

Best practice is to feed ponies two or three times daily, unless they are on full time pasture. Fresh, clean water should be provided free choice at all times, unless there is a specific reason to limit water intake for a short period of time.

A pony that is not ridden daily or subjected to other stressors can maintain adequate nutrition on pasture or hay alone, with adequate water (10-12 gallons per day minimum) and free access to a salt block or loose salt. However, ponies generaly need a ration of both forage and concentrates.

Ponies that are fed improperly may develop colic or laminitis, particularly if fed spoiled feed, subjected to excessive feed, or a too-abrupt change of feed. Young ponies who are improperly fed may develop growth disorders due to an imbalance of nutrients.

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