Horse glossary
Scoop
A tool used to measure feed.
In Spanish: Medidor
What it means
A feed scoop is a container with a handle used to measure a horse's feed, so the right amount goes into the bucket at every meal. Barns often label scoops or mark a fill line on them. Some scoops have measurement marks, and some barns weigh each scoop once so everyone knows how much it holds.
Why it matters
Horse feed is measured by weight, not volume, and different feeds weigh different amounts. A full scoop of oats and a full scoop of pellets are not the same meal, so using the right scoop keeps each horse's diet on track.
Example
Ask before using the feed scoop.
Try this
Use the scoop that belongs to each feed bin, level it off unless the chart says otherwise, and put it back where you found it. If you are not sure how much to give, stop and ask.
Common mistake
A heaping scoop can hold much more than a level one. Guessing or rounding up at every meal adds up fast and can lead to weight gain or tummy trouble.