Spring Bear, Horse Feed question

Thehunter · 02-12-2009, 02:03 PM

I have two horse that i'm taking bear hunting May 1ST, threw the 10th in the Snake river area. Planing on being back in there for about 7 days.

My question is there enough feed for the horses that time of year or do I need to bring horse pellets? If so how much a day is required for two 1100 pound beast?

Thanks
Dan

Hunt'nFish · 02-12-2009, 02:29 PM

figure to take the 4D hot wire fence, hobbles, and 2 bags of packer pellets.
You should be fine. with a little bit of fresh spouts coming up through the old low quality bunch grass.
Elevation would play a role in amount of grass feed available, but if you camp at 3000ft level you should be fine.
Might be wise to have a couple more bags in the rig just in case.
Can't say as we've ever had a problem, even w/o the pellets.
Hunt'nFish

7pointbull · 02-12-2009, 02:59 PM

What ever you feed your horses make sure they have been eating if for at least 30 days preferably 60 before you go. As you know Horses do not digest their food directly bacteria in their gut do and they turn it to sugars which the horses can then digest. lost of people make this mistake when packing. If they wil be woring hard an electolyte supplement will be required. Grass has nutritional value from Sea level to 1000 feet starting the second week of April in the NW. It would be safe to add a couple of weeks to that for every 1500 feet in elevation. Barring a long stretch of warm weather. I prefer grain and let them graze the grass for fiber and something to do. Its easier to pack IMHO. Some people use pellets becasue they have hot horses or worry about founder with grain.

Thehunter · 02-12-2009, 04:07 PM

Thanks for the help.

Benny · 02-12-2009, 04:29 PM

2 bags of pellets? Probably depends on your guys.
More importantly is making sure your horse bag is good to go. Keep stocked on Bute and other good stuff. Horses not used to the work loads of the canyon and elevation changes get all sorts of sweet little problems.

salmonfisher77 · 02-12-2009, 04:38 PM

That area is no joke! A friend lost(died) a very healthy horse couple of years ago on the trip! He brought a mule just to carry the horses feed and supplies!

mtn300 · 02-12-2009, 07:42 PM

I agree with the grain and grass easier on the horse. The pellets are dry so if your horse is not getting a lot of water the could become impacted and that is not good at all.

Thehunter · 02-13-2009, 07:24 AM

My horses are in top shape....they get used.........I would say more than about 95% of all other horses....

We have a good situation where we ride them 5 days a week with 2000 foot elivation changes.

I was just curious on the feed. I know when you go in late May there is lots of grass.