A brown mare and her young foal grazing on a lush green horse farm in California's Central Valley, representing the legacy of expert breeding and equine care at The Cole Ranch.

Horse Nutrition in California’s Central Valley

A Constant Focus on Horse Nutrition

At The Cole Ranch, we believe no horse—regardless of their breeding—can reach its full genetic potential without a nurturing environment paired with excellent horse nutrition.

To thrive, a horse requires constant access to clean water, fresh alfalfa, and cultivated Bermuda grass for grazing. We round out this foundation with generous quantities of our own scientifically fortified grains to ensure complete horse nutrition for every resident.

Achieve 12%: Advanced Horse Nutrition

We are proud to announce that Cole Ranch has enhanced its feeding program to lead the way in modern horse nutrition. While we have always provided a high-quality, custom-designed mix of grains, vitamins, and minerals, we are committed to evolving with the latest industry standards.

Recent research in horse nutrition indicates that a diet lower in sugar and starch is significantly healthier for the equine digestive system. In consultation with our specialist nutritionist, Dr. Amy Gill, our grain provider, O.H. Kruse, and our farm veterinarian, we have reformulated our grain to prioritize these findings

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A dark bay horse grazing in a lush green pasture surrounded by white rail fencing, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains and clear blue sky in the background.

Horse Nutrition in Terra Bella, CA

The Benefits of Our Reformulated Feed:

Improved Health Profile: This formula is corn-free and significantly lower in sugar and starch.
Essential Supplements: It is enriched with healthy fats and key supplements like kelp, providing natural sources of iodine, magnesium, and organic selenium.
Pelleted Form: To guarantee that the full nutritional value is ingested, we now use pellets rather than textured grain.

Full List of Ingredients

Soy hull pellets (Not more than 49.7%), Wheat millrun, Beet Pulp Shreds with Molasses, Rice Bran, Vegetable Oil, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Oats, Soybean Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Molasses, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, Cane Molasses, Diastatic Malt, Corn Syrup, Magnesium Oxide, Dicalcium Phosphate, Linseed Meal Expeller, Salt, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Selenium Yeast, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt sulfate., Lysine, Zinpro 4Plex C (zinc methionine complex, manganese methionine complex, copper lysine complex, cobalt glucoheptonate, ground corn cobs), DL-Methionine hydroxy analogue liquid, Kelp (Seaweed Meal), Apple Flavor Dry, Diamond V Seleno Source 2000.

A group of healthy retired horses socializing by the fence in a lush green pasture, illustrating the compassionate care at The Cole Ranch.

High-angle view of a black and white pinto horse inside a clean stall, standing on a deep bed of fresh, high-quality golden straw provided as part of the specialized equine nutritional and care plan.

FAQ’s About The Cole Ranch

What does your retirement equine care plan include?

Every horse at our horse farm receives a customized plan focused on long-term wellness. Our standard services include daily observation for health concerns, a scientifically formulated diet (including our own locally-grown hay), and a strictly managed schedule for vaccinations, deworming, and hoof maintenance.

Can you accommodate horses with specialized medical needs?

Yes. Under the supervision of our farm veterinarian, our team provides daily oral medications or injections and wound dressing changes. We also have 24/7 expert veterinary support on call for immediate first-aid or emergencies.

What kind of nutritional program do you offer?

Nutrition is a core pillar of our equine care. Residents graze on lush Bermuda grass pastures renowned for safety and nutritional value. We supplement this with premium alfalfa, grass hay, and our “Achieve 12%” grain—a custom, low-sugar/starch pellet designed for optimal health.

Is exercise provided for retired horses?

We believe movement is essential for health. We offer a range of exercise services tailored to your horse’s ability, including hand-walking, lunging, and riding on our 5/8th mile exercise track. For advanced recovery, we also offer Vitafloor® vibration therapy to increase bone density and blood circulation.

How are horses monitored for health issues?

Our proactive approach relies on diligent daily observation to ensure early detection of any health changes. If an issue is identified, we take immediate action, which may include relocation to a private paddock for closer monitoring or prompt consultation with a licensed veterinarian.

Our protocols are informed by the latest research in animal wellness, such as the resources provided by the UC Davis Center for Equine Health.

Ready to Give Your Horse the Retirement They Deserve?

Fill out the form below to schedule a visit to our horse farm or discuss a customized care plan for your horse. We look forward to welcoming you to our community in Terra Bella