To help your horse maintain a healthy weight through the winter, consider feeds like good quality grass-legume pastures, which can provide sufficient nutrients. You may also need to supplement with high-energy sources such as grain, or consider high-quality legume hays, such as early bloom alfalfa. Ensuring your horse gets the right nutrition will help them stay healthy and warm during the colder months.
What are the best types of hay for horses in the winter?
High-quality legume hays, like early bloom alfalfa, are excellent for horses, especially those that are growing or lactating. Grass hays such as timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass, are also good options, especially for horses that need a slower rate of passage through the intestinal tract. Late fall- and winter-pasture forage is low in water and protein and may require protein and vitamin A supplementation.
What grains are good for horses to maintain weight?
Oats are a preferred grain for horses because of their bulk, but corn (maize), barley, wheat, and milo can also be used, especially when they are less expensive. When selecting grains, it’s important to consider the horse’s specific needs based on their weight, temperament, and previous nutrition.
How much should I feed my horse to maintain weight in winter?
The amount to feed your horse depends on their age and weight. Weanling foals need about three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. As they get closer to maturity, this drops to one pound of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. Adult horses at light work can usually maintain their weight on good quality pasture with iodized or trace-mineralized salt.
Are there any supplements I should add to my horse’s feed?
Yes, horses may need supplements depending on the quality of their pasture and hay. During late fall and winter, pasture forage is often low in protein and may require protein and vitamin A supplementation. Additionally, all cattle (including horses) require salt (sodium chloride) and a palatable source of both calcium and phosphorus, such as limestone and steamed bone meal.
What should I avoid feeding my horse?
Avoid moldy or dusty feeds because horses are extremely susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications. Silages of all sorts should also be avoided since horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
Maintaining your horse’s weight in winter involves a balanced approach of selecting the right types of hay and grains, adjusting the quantity based on their needs, and adding necessary supplements. Always ensure the feed is of good quality to avoid health issues.
Would you like to explore specific feeding strategies for different types of horses, such as young foals, pregnant mares, or working horses?