What are some high-calorie feeds for horses in winter?

During winter, horses require high-calorie feeds to maintain their body condition and energy levels. Good-quality forage, such as grass-legume pastures, can provide adequate nutrients, but supplementation with high-energy sources like grains may be necessary, especially for horses performing medium to heavy work. It is important to ensure that the feeds are free from mold and dust to prevent health issues.

What are the Best High-Calorie Feeds for Horses in Winter?

Grains

Oats are a preferred grain for horses due to their bulk and nutritional value. Other grains like corn (maize), barley, wheat, and milo can also be used as high-energy sources, depending on their cost and availability. For older horses or those with digestive issues, crushed oats are recommended.

Hays

High-quality legume hays, such as early bloom alfalfa, are excellent for horses, particularly those that are growing or lactating. Grass hays, including timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass, were favored by early horsemen for their cleanliness but require adequate supplementation due to their lower energy and protein content.

Complete Horse Rations

For horses stabled in areas where sufficient roughages are not available, complete horse rations that include roughage are a convenient option. These rations are tailored to meet the specific needs of horses based on their function, such as growth, pregnancy, lactation, or maintenance.

How Can I Supplement My Horse’s Winter Diet?

• Protein and Vitamin A Supplementation: Late fall and winter pasture forage is often low in protein and may require supplementation to meet the horse’s nutritional needs.
• Commercial Feed Mixes: Modern breeders and owners can use commercial feed mixes that contain minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients to provide a balanced diet when supplemented with hay.
• Salt: Ensure that horses have access to salt at all times, especially when they are shedding their winter coat.

What Should I Avoid Feeding My Horse?

• Moldy or Dusty Feeds: Horses are highly susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications, so moldy or dusty feeds should be avoided.
• Silages: Silages of all sorts should be avoided as horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
• Feeding Before or After Work: To avoid digestive problems, horses should not be fed immediately before or after work.

People Also Ask

How much should I feed my horse?

Weanling foals typically require three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight per day. As they approach maturity, this requirement decreases to one pound of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. Horses usually reach mature weight before four years of age, with 80 percent of their mature weight attained before two years of age.

What are some treats I can give my horse?

Bread, carrots, and sugar are often used as treats by riders or trainers to reward their horses. These can be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How important is fresh water for horses in winter?

Fresh water is crucial, especially when the horse is shedding its winter coat. However, avoid watering the animal when it is overheated after working.

By providing a balanced diet with high-calorie feeds and necessary supplements, you can help your horse stay healthy and energetic throughout the winter months.

Would you like to explore specific feeding strategies for different types of horses, such as young foals, pregnant mares, or working horses?