Creating a Simple but Effective Feed Chart
I love organizing, especially when it comes to my horses and one of the best places I've found to have great organization is in the feed room! Clear labels, and clear instructions, are key to making sure I have an efficient and safe feeding plan for my horses.
For my feed room, one of the most important things to have (besides the feed itself) is a clear and easy-to-read feed chart posted next to or inside of my horse’s grain can. This makes it easy for me to ensure I am feeding everything I am supposed to and ensures that when I am unable to make things up for my horses whoever is helping me will have effective instructions to guide them!
Getting a Head(ing) Start
To start, I always label my feed charts specifically with my name as a heading, and my contact information below. This way if an emergency comes up while I’m away from the barn whoever is responding can get a hold of me right away. Below this I add my horse’s names, and then I make a chart containing a spot for AM and PM feeding as these often differ based on what supplements each horse receives.
For my horses, they receive the same grain but in different amounts. Additionally, Truffles receives SmartOmega 3&E Ultra that Winona does not, while Winona receives a daily allergy medication that Truffles does not. Making a clear distinction in what each horse receives makes things as clear as possible for anyone who might be helping me, and for myself! I am always sure to write out what the horses are receiving in full, instead of using any abbreviations. These can be easily misinterpreted, especially if it’s something I just happen to know that might not be a common one! For example, if I were to abbreviate my horse’s grain as ELPC I might know that stands for Equilene Pro Care, but someone who is filling in for me might not know that and mistake it for something else!
Make it Clear
Another piece that I always include in my charts is where everything is located. Just because the layout in my feed room makes sense to me, it might not to someone else! On my chart I list exactly what bin you can find things in, what scoop to use, and any additional information. Also, my bins are laid out left to right, and two of them are identical. I find it best to label them in this order as well, as it is easy for other people to follow that same pattern!
Finally, I always include any additional instructions that might be helpful. This can range from what hay nets to use down to tips about horse behavior. Truffles is notoriously a poor drinker when she's inside, so I often use water additives to help her drink. This is something I always include on a feed chart so anyone who is helping will know that it’s somewhat normal for her, and there is a solution at hand. In the past for other horses I have listed out if you have to feed someone first, or even if they prefer a certain feed bucket!
Simplicity is Key
The most important thing about designing this feed chart for me is simplicity. It needs to be easy to read but still get all the vital information across. I make sure to use a simple font, this means no scripts or fonts with flair. I try not to have long sentences and instead use clear short phrases to convey the horse’s needs. Lastly, I keep this chart up to date monthly. Even if nothing has changed, I print out a new sheet, so it is fresh and easy to read. Things in the barn get dirty simply by existing there, and the feed chart is no exception. Having a fresh one handy makes sure that if I ever need help feeding, whoever is stepping in will have everything they need to know!
Showing My Work
I’ve included an example of my feed chart that I use for my horses, Truffles and Winona. Feel free to copy this or put your own spin on it! Just remember to use clear labels for things, a simple font, and concise directions so that you and whoever is helping you have everything they need in one easy spot!