View the Stafford County community page

Soak your feed first? Maybe not

Betsy Carter's horse scene

Date published: 9/8/2006

T HERE HAVE ALWAYS been conflicting opinions on the treatment of wheat bran and beet pulp prior to feeding it. Most people subscribe to the theory that both must be soaked in water before feeding to your horse. However, Stephen G. Jackson, of Kentucky Equine Research in Versailles, Ky., doesn't believe soaking is absolutely necessary.

Wheat bran has been thought to have a laxative or mild cathartic effect, but research has not proven this. While wheat bran is high in fiber, oats and hay are higher.

The only significant advantage that Jackson could find in soaking wheat bran prior to feeding it was to increase your horse's water intake. This could be particularly helpful during cold weather when horses drink less water. Wheat bran soaked in hot water and fed warm is very appealing to most horses during cold weather.

It is believed that beet pulp must be soaked to prevent it from swelling from saliva absorption in the esophagus or stomach causing choking or gastric rupture. However, Jackson contends that since many commercially available feeds contain beet pulp which are fed dry, then shredded beet pulp is probably safe to feed without soaking. The important word here is probably, since he goes on to say that it is better to be safe than sorry, so add a little water.

An Equine Yard Sale to benefit the Stafford County Stablemates 4-H Horse and Pony Club is Sept. 30, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Double L Tack Shop.

Tables are available to rent for $10. Rent proceeds go directly to the Stablemates 4-H club. Proceeds from the sale of your items goes directly to your pocket.

There will also be a silent auction at 12:30 and raffles throughout the day.

For more information contact Wendy Taylor at 540/903-9973 or Meghan Thompson at
Email: quarterhorsechick@cox.net.

Show Results Hazelwild, Sept 3

Pre short stirrup champion: Alex Meyers; reserve: Emma Swenser.

Short stirrup champion: Haley Chemelewski; reserve: Emily Wright.

Student equitation champion: Ashley Keene; reserve: Chelsea Griffen.

Pleasure pony champion: Picturesque Mocha Latte, r/April Sautter, o/Kristy Wilworth; reserve: Just Because, r/Meagan Meyers, o/HWF.

Green pony champion: Simplicity, r/ A. Sautter, o/K. Wilworth; reserve: Lucky Duck, r/A. Keene, o/HWF.

Follow us on

Date published: 9/8/2006