Not quite a year ago, I wrote how difficult it was to find hay for horses.  Usually, in the first month of Panama’s dry season, the fields remain green with grass that is fresh and lush.  However, the pastures dried up early in Boquete, as of December and animal owners are having a tough time to feed and have their animals graze freely.

Apache was in Caldera until a few weeks ago and he was moved up to Alto Jaramillo, back onto the 1.5 hectare land where the stables were built.  He and Chevy know the terrain, where their favorite grazing areas are, and have munched down all there was in less than a week.

Hay is difficult to find but I’m very happy to have the horses where they are, with the feeding schedule they have. It is more controlled and I know exactly what they are eating and feel more comfortable knowing this.

I have found fresh grass which is cut every three or four days.  Fortunately, I have a good horse resource for feeding, care and hoof trimming.  The horses love the fresh cut grass, much more than hay, and it is providing them with enough forage while controlling their eating habits.  At night, they are stabled so they don’t wander and damage the grounds.  During the day, they are permitted to wander however, they tend to hang around the stable where grass is hung for them to chew on.  They are supplemented with a little grain in the morning and evening and this is only to keep them happy and trained.  Feeding grain, puts them on a routine where they are happy.  Both horses literally put themselves to bed in their respective stalls.  They are easier to fetch and their attitude is much calmer.  The grass keeps them happy and healthy.