Hay intake varies significantly between working and pasture horses due to differing energy demands. Working horses require more energy to fuel their activities and thus need a higher hay intake than pasture horses, who primarily need sustenance for maintenance. The specific amount depends on the horse’s size, metabolism, and workload, but understanding these basic differences is key to proper feeding.
How Much Hay Should Different Types of Horses Eat?
What Factors Influence Hay Intake for Horses?
Several factors influence how much hay a horse should consume daily. These include:
- Activity Level: Working horses expend more energy and require more calories than horses at pasture.
- Metabolism: Each horse’s metabolism affects how efficiently they process food.
- Size and Weight: Larger horses need more hay than smaller ones to maintain their body weight.
- Hay Quality: Nutrient content varies; higher quality hay means horses might need less to meet their nutritional needs.
How Does Hay Intake Differ Between a Working Horse and a Pasture Horse?
A working horse needs more energy than a pasture horse, so their hay intake will differ.
| Factor | Working Horse set | | Hay Intake | Higher, to meet energy demands.