Basic Feeding Protocol for TPR Horses 

This is a guideline and each horse should be treated as an individual. 

When we bring the horse directly from the track to the farm he is on a "grain high".  Most of the horses coming off the 

track have been receiving huge amounts of grain. Upon arrival, our normal beginning point for feeding at Leighton Farm 

is two quarts of Safe Starch Forage and only 2 cups of Legends HayStretcher twice per day.  We add ½ cup of vegetable 

oil in the evening feeding as a high quality source of fat. These amounts, we give for the first week.  It is a “cleaning out” 

period.  All horses are given access to free choice hay at all times.  All horses are treated for Ulcers with Neighlox given 

orally. 

I don't worry if the horse doesn't want to eat this for the first few days or even a week ‐ as long as he is eating hay and 

not acting sick. They are used to eating "candy" feed that is rich and high in sugars and molasses. This diet is rather bland 

compared to that of the working racehorse and most horses take a few days to accept the fact that that's all they're 

going to get. They do learn to look forward to it and enjoy it as much as the race feed, and they feel better too. 

There are two main reasons I use the forage with the Legends Hay Stretcher pellets.  The first being it stretches a small 

meal into a larger one.  Racehorses are used to huge amounts of grain and a quart or two of Legends Hay Stretcher 

pellets is a meager meal when standing alone.  The other and more important reason is that I have experienced a few 

horses that suffered from choke caused by straight pellets. I don't know if this is because the use of pellets at the track is 

rare or if it's just that some horses can't handle pellets.  I can say that I've never had choke since I began mixing the 

pellets with the forage.  

We generally do not feed any grain because I want to get them off of the "grain high" as soon as possible. I believe that 

many Thoroughbreds (maybe other breeds too, I just have experience with Thoroughbreds), are very sensitive to the 

sugars found in most grains. I avoid anything with large amounts of molasses or other sweeteners.  Legends Hay 

Stretcher is fortified to be a complete meal for the horse, it is 11 percent protein.  

In the second week we increase the Legends Hay Stretcher to 1 quart, keeping the Forage and vegetable oil at the same 

amounts.  All horses have free choice hay at all times.  Most horses on this diet maintain a good weight and settle into 

farm life quickly. Growing horses may require larger proportions or even more protein.  When the horse begins to work 

hard enough that he is building muscle or if he is young and growing I add a 1/2 quart of alfalfa hay cubes twice per day 

for an easily digestible source of protein.  Each horse’s diet is evaluated and updated on the individual’s needs.  Some 

horses receive as much as 4 quarts of Legends Hay Stretcher and a cup of vegetable oil in each meal. 

At Leighton Farm, we have explored many different fat supplements and finally came back to vegetable oil.  The reason 

is it is 100% fat and is also a good source of anti‐oxidants.  It is also the most cost effective.  It can be a little more work 

intensive due to its oily nature – meaning it can be messy, but its benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.  If the horse 

hasn’t been receiving a source of fat in his diet, it will take about 30 days for his body to begin to utilize it. 

Horses that come to us in need of substantial weight gain are also fed soaked beet pulp. 

Horses over the age of 15 that are in training or show signs of having had extensive stomach ulcers or are over the age of 

17 years old are fed Purina Senior.   

If you decide to try this diet there are many different companies that offer a variety of “hay stretcher” products.  Check 

to be sure the one you use is fortified to offer the needed protein and minerals a horse in work requires.  If the 

particular brand you select does not, you will need to supplement these.  Also take special care when selecting forage.  

Many types of forage are sprayed with molasses.  The Triple Crown Safe Starch Forage is not and that is the reason for 

our selection. 

This is the diet given to all horses at Leighton Farm and if you have the time to visit, you will find that the horses here are 

shiny, calm and carry good weight. 

www.southernstates.com

®

12-072 3/12

Southern StateS® hay Stretcher Pelleted horSe Feed

11% Protein, 2% Fat, 28% Fiber

> Features alfalfa meal and good palatability for consistent consumption

> Use it to replace forage (hay and pasture) in the horse’s diet

> It can also be fed along with an existing grain and hay feeding program

> Contains reduced dust and mold exposure for horses with respiratory problems such as heaves

> Pelleted form prevents sorting, reduces waste and improves storage time

THE FINEST IN FEEDFOR EVERY HORSE IN YOUR STABLE.

QUALITY NUTRITION FROM SOUTHERN STATES

(553-39011)

®

12-072 3/12

SOUTHERN STATES® HAY STRETcHER PELLETEd HORSE FEEd

FEEDING DIRECTIONSHay Stretcher may be fed at a rate of 0.75% to 1.5% of body weight daily and can replace as much as 75% of the hay in a horse’s daily diet.

TOTal DaIly RaTION (lbs per day)1 900-lb Mature BW 1100-lb Mature BW 1300-lb Mature BW

light WorkSouthern States Hay Stretcher 1,2,3

Hay or Pasture Equivalent

6.0-14.0 lbs5.0-18.0 lbs

8.0-17.0 lbs6.0-22.0 lbs

10.0-19.5 lbs7.0-26.0 lbs

MaintenanceSouthern States Hay Stretcher 1,2,3

Hay or Pasture Equivalent

6.0-14.0 lbs5.0-13.0 lbs

10.0-19.5 lbs7.0-18.0 lbs

10.0-19.5 lbs7.0-18.0 lbs

1 If feeding less than 4 pounds daily, add EquiMin Horse Mineral to daily feeding program.2 Add an electrolyte supplement to daily feeding program for horses in moderate exercise and above3 Do not feed to growing, breeding, pregnant or performance horses without additional mineral and vitamin supplementation.

GUARANTEED ANALYSISCrude Protein (min) 11.0%

Crude Fat (min) 2.0%

Crude Fiber (max) 28.0%

Calcium (min) 0.5%

Calcium (max) 1.0%

Phosphorus (min) 0.4%

Zinc (min) 60 ppm

Copper (min) 20 ppm

Selenium (min) 0.30 ppm

Vitamin A (min) 2,000 IU/lb

Vitamin D (min) 200 IU/lb

Vitamin E (min) 30 IU/lb

Feeding DirectionsTriple Crown Safe Starch Forage is an all in one diet for mature horses. No other hay, pasture, or mineral and vitamin supplement is required to provide your horse a complete and balanced diet. Feed Triple Crown Safe Starch Forage to mature horses at a rate that maintains desired body condition. Begin with approximately 2% of body weight (20 pounds for a 1000 pound horse) and adjust up or down, depending upon the individual horse’s body condition. You want to feed a minimum of 1% of body weight. Provide access to salt and fresh, clean water at all times.

Guaranteed AnalysisCrude Protein (min.) 10.00% Lysine (min.) 0.10% Methionine (min.) 0.10% Threonine (min.) 0.10% Crude Fat (min.) 6.00% Crude Fiber (max.) 28.00% Calcium (min.) 0.60% Calcium (max.) 0.90% Phosphorus (min.) 0.35% Magnesium (min.) 0.30% Iron (min.) 150 ppm Potassium (min.) 2.00% Selenium (min.) 0.30 ppm Zinc (min.) 110 ppm Manganese (min.) 120 ppm Copper (min.) 35 ppm Vitamin A (min.) 3,500 IU/lb Vitamin D (min.) 750 IU/lb Vitamin E (min.) 100 IU/lb Vitamin C (min.) 25 mg/lb Biotin (min.) 0.15 mg/lb Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bacteria (min.) 1 million CFU/gm Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (min.) 2 million CFU/gm Cellulase (min.) 75 CMC–ase Units/lb Protease (min.) 0.3 Northrup Units/lb

IngredientsTimothy Grass Hay, Orchard Grass Hay, Vegetable Oil, Glycerin, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Wheat Middlings, Rice Bran, Ground Limestone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Monocalcium-Dicalcium Phosphate, Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Manganous Sulfate, Magnesium Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Cobalt Sulfate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Selenium Yeast, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfi te Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ribofl avin Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, d-Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Beta Carotene, Calcium Lignin Sulfonate, Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Yeast Culture, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Yeast Fermentation Solubles, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Solubles, Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, D. L. Methionine, L-Lysine, Kelp Meal, Lecithin, Fenugreek Seed, Anethole, (Proprionic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives)). (Free from Restricted Ruminant Protein Products per Title 21, CFR 589.2000) Packaged in 40 lb. bags.

Triple Crown Safe Starch FormulaSpecially selected for low NSC levels and the product is molasses and grain free.When trying to create a balanced ration for their horse with as low as an NSC% as possible many horse owners are stymied when it comes to the hay p. A number of factors make it diffi cult and often impossible to determine the actual NSC value of their horses’s diet: 1) They only get hay in small batches - so even if the hay is tested, by the time they have the results the hay has changed and so has the NSC%. 2) They get the hay tested and it comes back high in NSC but it is their only supply option. 3) They board so they no control over the hay source their horse receives. Triple Crown Safe Starch Forage supplies the horse with its’ enitre diet - forage as well as vitamins and minerals. The product is 6% fat and contains the EqiMix technology found in all Triple Crown feeds. The grass hay used in Triple Crown Safe Starch is specially selected for low NSC levels and the product is molasses and grain free.

315 Lake Street East, Suite 300Wayzata, MN 55391 800.451.9916 (Continental USA Calls) 952.473.6330 (Local / International Calls) www.triplecrownfeed.com

Supports health and well-being of active, aging horses that can e�ectively chew and digest forages. Based on over 15 years of Purina Equine Research, original Purina® Equine Senior® horse feed remains the industry gold standard in senior horse health and nutrition. Today, new �ndings suggest that healthy aging horses may bene�t from a diet designed with controlled starch and sugar, and balanced nutrients to support their active lifestyles. Introducing Purina® Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed for the caring owner of an active aging horse. Purina® Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® is a concentrated, pelleted feed that will help ensure you and your horse enjoy more quality years together. �is diet is designed for moderate activity with a high fat and �ber, controlled starch and sugar formula, that delivers all the vitamins and minerals your active aging horse needs. �is feed gives you con�dence that you are providing balanced nutrition and support.

For the Healthy Lifestyle of Your Active, Aging Horse

BENEFITPurina® Amplify® Nugget - Patented, high fat, extruded particle that contains a proprietary blend of vegetable oils, �ax seed and rice bran for an optimal fa�y acid pro�le.

Special blend of �ber sources including beet pulp to help maintain the aging horse’s body condition and support normal digestive function.

High levels of vegetable oils for an appealing body condition and shiny coat.

More calories from fat, less from sugar - Provides a diet lower in nonstructural carbohydrates that may help aging horses with di�culty managing blood sugar levels.

Proprietary amino acids: �e building blocks of proteins, that support strong muscle growth, shiny coat and healthy hooves.

Superior, consistent, natural nutrition

Purina® Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed is designed to be fed with hay and/or pasture.

Vitamin & mineral package - Designed to meet the nutritional needs of active aging horses, helps support joint condition and immune function.*

Provides 100% of the required nutrients for horses when fed as directed* so no additional supplements are necessary. *Based on “Nutrient Requirements of Horses Sixth Revised Edition – 2007” published by the National Research Council

�e FeedGuard® Nutrition System is one of the industry’s most innovative and exacting quality assurance programs. It can help deliver the trust, quality and performance that horse lovers demand every day.

FEATURE

amplifyPATENTED HIGH-FAT NUGGET

®

with

VITAMINS & MINE�LS

energy sourcescombined

EASY TO DIGEST

High Fat

High Quality Proteins

HAYPASTURE

QUALITYingredients

Consistently fresh,

NutritionallyBalanced

HORSE FEED

Crude Protein, min ................................ 14.00%Lysine, min ..................................................0.90%Fat, min ........................................................8.00%Fiber, max ................................................ 18.00%Calcium (Ca), min ....................................1.10%Calcium (Ca), max ....................................1.30%Phosphorus (P), min ................................0.60%

Sodium (Na), min.................................... 0.10%Sodium (Na), max.................................... 0.60%Copper (Cu), min .......................... 80.00 ppmZinc (Zn), min................................ 280.00 ppmSelenium (Se), min ............................ 0.60 ppmVitamin A, min.......................... 3,000.00 IU/lbVitamin E, min..............................125.00 IU/lb

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS

Purina Mills, LLCP.O. Box 66812 • St. Louis, MO 63166-6812800-227-8941 • www.horse.purinamills.com

�anks to extensive research and �eld testing, Purina has learned how certain nutritional advantages can help horses be more active and productive during their lifetimes, even with the added stress of training regimens, performance expectations and aging.

�e Purina® Amplify® Nugget is a palatable, high- fat, extruded particle providing calories for weight gain, performance, lactation and sales prep in a nutritionally balanced formulationthat has controlled carbohydrate levels.

�is Patented feed supplement canbe found only in Purina® Horse Feeds including Equine Junior®, Equine Senior®, Omolene #200®, #300®, #400®, #500® and Strategy® Healthy Edge® horse feeds; and Ultium® Competition and Ultium® Growth Horse Formulas.

Features of the Purina® Amplify® Nugget include:

� Balanced nutritional forti�cation� Palatable, extruded particle for easy

digestion and calorie absorption� Proprietary blend of vegetable oils,

�ax seed and rice bran create an optimal fa�y acid pro�le

� No trans-fats� Added amino acids help promote

healthy hair coats, skin and hooves� Calorie dense formula provides more

calories per mouthful, allowing you to feed less

To learn more about the Purina® Amplify® Nugget visit our web site at www.horse.purinamills.com

WEIGHT OF HORSE IN POUNDSLIFESTYLE 600 lbs 800 lbs 1,000 lbs 1,200 lbs 1,400 lbs (lbs/day)

Minimum Hay or Equivalent Pasture** 7.00 9.50 12.00 14.50 17.00 Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed (lbs/day)***

Maintenance - Minimum Activity 2.00 2.50 3.25 3.75 4.50Maintenance - Average Activity 2.75 3.50 4.25 5.00 5.75 Maintenance - Elevated Activity 3.25 4.25 5.25 6.25 7.25 Light Work 4.00 5.25 6.50 7.75 9.00Moderate Work 5.50 7.25 9.00 10.75 12.50Early Gestation (�rst 250 days) 2.75 3.75 4.50 5.50 6.25Late Gestation (last 90 days) 4.25 5.50 6.75 8.00 9.25Breeding Stallion 4.75 6.25 7.75 9.50 10.75

**�is is the recommended minimum amount of hay to be fed. If feeding more hay, reduce the feeding rate of Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed by 1.0 lb for every additional 2.0 lbs of hay fed. EXAMPLE: Using the chart above, if feeding 14 lbs instead of 12 lbs of hay to a 1,000 lb maintenance-elevated activity level horse, reduce Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed o�ered by 1.0 lb from 5.25 to 4.25 lbs per day (2.0 lbs of additional hay divided by 2.0 lbs = 1.0 lb less of Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed).

***Do not feed less than 0.3 lbs per 100 lbs of body weight per day. EXAMPLE: A 1,000 lb horse has ten 100 lb increments (1,000 divided by 100 = 10). So for this horse, do not feed less than 3 lbs per day (10 x 0.3 = 3.0 lbs per day). If your horse gains too much weight at that minimum feeding rate, then you should replace Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed with Purina’s Nature’s Essentials® Enrich 12® or Enrich 32® Horse Supplement.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:1. Any feed changes should be made gradually over a period of 7 to 10 days. Mix the new feed with the old, gradually

increasing the amount of the new feed while decreasing an equal amount of the old. Changes in the rate of feeding should not exceed 1 lb per day for each horse. Feed at regular times – at least twice daily – with three daily feedings preferred. Be sure to weigh your feed using a scale. A small scale can be purchased in the �shing department of many sporting goods stores.

2. Reduce and/or delay feeding a horse which is hot, excited or showing pain, has fever or diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian if any problems arise. Prevent rapid eating.

3. Let horses feed in natural position from large feed containers.4. Have plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times.5. Store in a dry, well-ventilated area protected from rodents and insects. Do not feed moldy or insect-infested feed to

animals as it may cause illness or death.6. Observe horses daily. Consult your veterinarian for proper preventative health care. Maintain a regular deworming and

vaccination program.7. Feeding added selenium resulting in total diet levels in excess of 0.3 ppm is prohibited.

DAILY FEEDING CHART

�ere is no speci�c age that dictates when the horse becomes “Senior”. �eir nutritional needs are a function of the teeth and digestive tract. When your horse is no longer able to e�ectively chew adequate roughage to meet his needs, switch to original Purina® Equine Senior® horse feed. It contains all the nutrients your older senior horse needs including a special blend of �ber sources, beet pulp and top-quality hay. It is easy to chew and digest regardless of teeth quality or digestive condition.

Designed to be fed with hay or pasture

XXXXXXXXXX

Feeding Directions

Triple Crown Premium forages should be fed at a minimum rate of 1% to 1.5% of body weight (10 lbs. to 15 lbs. on a 1000 lb. horse) per day if using as a complete hay replacement. Feed 4 lbs. to 6 lbs. per day if using as a supplement to normal long stem hay. Feed separately in a feed bin or bucket, or mix with your grain ration. Mixing may help reduce rapid consumption (bolting) and slow the digestive passage through the gut to maximize digestion.

Guaranteed AnalysisCrude Protein (min.) 15.00% Crude Fat (min.) 2.50% Crude Fiber (max.) 30.00%

Triple Crown Premium Chopped Alfalfa Forage BlendA processed alfalfa hay product for all classes of horses.

Now there’s a way to get more out of poor or average quality equine hay. Simply replace all or part of your hay with Triple Crown Premium Chopped Alfalfa Forage Blend. Grown and manufactured with the highest standards. What makes our chopped forage product superior to most others? First, our hay is harvested at the precise, immature, pre-bloom stage of growth. Next, we chop and blend Alfalfa Hay, Timothy Hay, and Orchard Grass with computerized precision. Then we lightly mix in molasses and glycerin while removing any excess dust particles. The result is a highly digestible and consistent forage, ideal for any feeding need.

315 Lake Street East, Suite 300Wayzata, MN 55391 800.451.9916 (Continental USA Calls) 952.473.6330 (Local / International Calls) www.triplecrownfeed.com

Ingredients

Sun Cured Alfalfa, Timothy Hay, Orchard Grass, Glycerin, Cane Molasses, (Propionic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives)). (Free from Restricted Ruminant Protein Products per Title 21, CFR 589.2000)