Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo <pennbo@bbv.net>]

I think we need to remember that founder (in its simplest definition) is 
an inflammation. That inflammation can be caused by several things. 
Pelleted feed on its own will probably not cause a founder UNLESS the 
horse has underlying metabolic issues. Unfortunately the horse world is 
seeing more and more horses with just such issues. We feed our horses 
too richly and we've helped them along to some diabetes like 
conditions.(do a search on Insulin Resistance in Equines) Rich hay, 
hay/grass too full of sugar, extremely high proteins (due to many 
factors not the least of which is the weather just prior to cutting), 
sweet treats too often.... lots of things can put a horse in line for 
founder. However, just like with diabetes, if there is one thing you can 
eliminate easily to reduce the potential for a metabolic disaster it 
would be sugars (including molasses and natural plant sugars).

Here is my problem- we feed grass hay. (also called grain hay in some 
parts of the country- oat, wheat, barley) Unlike alfalfa grass hay is 
NOT compact and does not travel well. It is bulky and loosely packed. 
This creates a potential problem if being called out IN THE FIELD for 
overnight or longer. Room in a pack horse is limited to necessary 
supplies and that usually doens't include hay for the mounts. We used to 
take along senoir feed as its easy on the digestion and least likely to 
precipitate a colic. However it is extremely high in sugars. The last 
couple of times I needed to pack feed I used oat hay cubes. They usually 
use a small amount of molasses as a binder but since I do not currently 
have any horses with metabolic issues it shouldn't be enough to tip the 
scales. However the vet and I have discussed choke and pellets vs cubes 
many times. Apparently cubes have a higher incidence of choke. So when I 
take them I do crumble them before feeding them. I am not 100% happy 
with this solution but to date haven't found a better one.

When trailering to an area my horses get a hay bag hung in front of them 
to munch on. It helps to keep them calm and they have food in their 
belly for when I have to pull them and go.

Looking forward to hearing others comments and experiences.

Chris Pennington
Big Bear Sheriff's Posse
MSAR