Hi everyone - looking for input from those with mangers in their trailers. I'm wanting to feed a wet mash in the mangers to keep the horses hydrated while we travel - but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips to cleaning the mangers after? I initially thought of finding a plastic tray to place inside the manger, but am concerned about it being pulled out in transit. I'm thinking not all the mash will be eaten and scooping the remains out will leave a lot of waste (if they don't eat it in camp) and just a lot of mess. Is there an easy solution I'm not aware of - or is it "suck it up and hose it out"...Also - I have a 2 horse trailer and there is no divider between the mangers inside the trailer -- so I can't only put mash on one side or feed each horse a different feed. Anyone have an easy solution to place a divider between the mangers? Wasn't sure if an off-the-shelf product existed for such a thing.Thanks all.
Posted 2013-05-17 10:58 PM (#152109 - in reply to #152103) Subject: RE: Feeding wet mash in mangers - issues cleaning up?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
It's best to feed the mash the night before the trip... Want them hydrated way before you leave home. Wet mash in the mangers = mess and lots of flys..
Posted 2013-05-18 6:02 PM (#152118 - in reply to #152103) Subject: RE: Feeding wet mash in mangers - issues cleaning up?
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Unless you are going a long distance in hot weather I don't see the need for a mash at all. I have hauled 11 hours in very warm weather...I offered water at each stop and for the most part my horse didn't drink. You can offer electrolytes a few days before a haul making sure they get extra water.
Posted 2013-05-18 7:18 PM (#152119 - in reply to #152103) Subject: RE: Feeding wet mash in mangers - issues cleaning up?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
We do distance rides (endurance and NATRC) and have lots and lots of "mash" experience. As suggested, do something before you start your trip. Get the gut mobility and hydration good before the trip. Next, I do not do mashes in the trailer unless we are on the road over days, like from TX to CA. And then usually, they will get small ones when we stop and grab a bit to eat ourselves, every 5 or 6 hours. With that, different methods.I mix them in small buckets, and actually hang the bucket in the trailer as we are stopped, and then remove when we get going again.Next, the large flat rubber tubs, dropped in the manger. If the horse tosses it out, not an issue if they stand on it.Last, tried plastic kitchen dishwashing tubs, which worked OK, but they to hit the floor when empty.I actually prefer the small buckets, and if ideal location, unload horses for a walk, and let them eat next to the trailer. But not always good places to unload.And if mixing mashes on the road, I use a small ice chest, with tight seal,and mix batch, and just let it soak as we go down the road, then after fed, mix the next small mash. You can use ice cubes in t to keep it cool if super hot weather.Pressure washer to remove from inside of trailer, or hose with a brush. I don't feed mashes on the road unless we are doing those long, multiple day trips. Just one night before, and right before we load for normal trips. (normal being 3 to 6 hours)
Posted 2013-05-23 7:49 AM (#152228 - in reply to #152103) Subject: RE: Feeding wet mash in mangers - issues cleaning up?
Regular
Posts: 98 Location: MD
I use electrolyte paste the morning and evening before traveling, then one before I start the drive. It works wonders in keeping your horses hydration needs balanced and my guy even eats/drinks normal the entire time he's away. He didn't use to be that way until I started using electrolyte paste.
Feeding wet mash in mangers - issues cleaning up?
