Writing clear feeding instructions
Put the instructions already agreed for your horse in one place, so the person feeding can find what to use, how much, how to prepare it and when.
In brief
- Copy the existing instructions, including the product, amount, unit, preparation and timing.
- Keep the source, date and any temporary changes with the instructions.
- Keep what should happen separate from what someone records as done.
On this page
Start with the current instructions
Use the feeding arrangements already agreed for this horse. Keep the original advice, product directions and relevant messages where the person responsible can find them.
Record who gave each instruction and when. If advice was given in conversation, write down what was agreed and check anything unclear with that person.
The British Horse Society describes feeding guidance as something to adapt to the individual horse. Use this guide to organise the instructions you have, rather than to choose a ration. British Horse Society: Feeding horses
Make each feed clear
Use a separate set of instructions for each horse. For each feed, include the details the person preparing it needs.
- The horse’s name and the agreed feeding time or place in the routine.
- The full name of each product and where it is kept.
- The amount and unit for each product at that feed.
- The preparation instructions, including any soaking directions stated in the original instructions.
- The equipment used to measure and prepare the feed, and where to find it.
- Any existing restrictions or separate hay, water and grazing arrangements relevant to that feed.
If an instruction uses a scoop, identify the scoop and how it is filled. Only add a weight if it has been established for that product and measure.
Give changes a clear starting point
Record what changed, who agreed it and when it takes effect. Keep the previous instructions identifiable as superseded, so they remain available when looking back.
For a temporary change, copy the start and end details you were given. A date to review the instructions is different from an instruction to stop. Ask about anything that has not been specified.
Make the current version easy to identify wherever people use it. Replace the copy at the feed store and tell the people affected which instructions have changed.
Keep the handover and outcome separate
Include the name and contact details of the person responsible for questions. Sending an update does not establish that the recipient understood it or carried out the feed.
If you keep feeding records, distinguish the planned feed from what was actually offered and when. Record who provided that information.
A missing record leaves the outcome unknown. A record that feed was offered does not establish that the horse ate all of it. Keep anything known about leftovers as a separate observation.
