Your mustang’s grain refusal is often a sign of dental pain, feed dislike, or stress. Start by checking for sharp teeth or mouth sores.
Has your mustang suddenly turned up his nose at grain? This can be frustrating, but it’s usually a solvable issue. Mustangs are hardy, but they can be picky or have underlying problems. Here are the most common reasons and what you can do.
Dental Problems
Mustangs, especially older ones, can develop sharp enamel points, hooks, or even tooth root abscesses. These make chewing painful. Look for dropping grain, tossing the head, or slobbering. A yearly equine dental exam by a vet or qualified equine dentist is essential. If your horse avoids grain but eats hay or grass, that’s another clue: hay is softer and easier to chew without sharp points digging into cheeks.
Digestive Discomfort
Grain is more concentrated and can cause gastric upset or colic. If your mustang has ulcers, grain may sting. Signs include lying down more, pawing, or poor appetite. Ulcers are diagnosed via gastroscopy. Stress from a move or herd changes can also trigger refusal. Try splitting grain into smaller meals, or feeding soaked hay pellets instead.
Feed Preferences and Smell
Mustangs have sensitive noses. Grain that’s gone rancid, moldy, or has been stored near strong smells (like diesel or manure) will be rejected. Taste the grain yourself (it should not taste sour or bitter). Also, some mustangs simply prefer plain oats over fortified sweet feed. Experiment with different textures: whole oats, beet pulp, or a ration balancer. Introduce new feed slowly over 5-7 days.
Stress and Routine Changes
A new barn, new herdmates, or a change in feeding schedule can throw off a mustang’s appetite. They are creatures of habit. Ensure feeding times are consistent. If the refusal coincides with a new rider, training pressure, or trailering, address the stressor. Some mustangs also dislike eating if they’re too hot or dehydrated. Offer fresh water first, then grain.
What to Do
- Inspect the mouth: gently lift the lips and check for cuts, swelling, or bad odor.
- Smell the grain: discard if musty or off.
- Soak the grain: add warm water to make a mash; this softens it and boosts water intake.
- Offer a handful of hay before grain to stimulate digestion.
- If refusal lasts more than 24 hours, call your vet. They can do a dental float, check for ulcers, or run bloodwork to rule out metabolic issues like PPID (Cushing’s).
Remember: a healthy mustang should maintain weight and appetite. Sudden grain refusal is a red flag. Trust your gut and get professional help if needed.
Key Takeaway
Always check for dental pain first, then consider stress or feed freshness, and involve your vet if grain refusal lasts more than a day.