Key Factors for Feeding Horses in Winter

 horse will have trouble getting enough calories to maintain body weight. In the case of not feeding enough hay, the simple remedy is to provide all the hay the horse will consume during the day.

If the horse is being fed all the hay it will consume and weight loss is still an issue, better quality hay must be fed. Better quality hays typically contain higher calories, for example, alfalfa compared to grass hay. Other baled hay substitutes, such as hay cubes, hay pellets or “hay extenders” can be fed to replace poor quality hay.

Finally, the protein, trace mineral, and vitamin needs of the horse must be satisfied. Winter is a critical time to supply these nutrients since pasture, a good natural source of nutrients, is no longer available. Further, many performance horses are on reduced work or competition schedules and rely on these essential nutrients to repair tissues that have been damaged during the rigors of training.

Similarly, pregnant mares and growing horses require these essential nutrients to grow and develop properly. The common source of supplemental protein, vitamins, and minerals is from fortified grain concentrates. It is crucial that you choose the product that is intended for the type of horse you are feeding. For example, if you have a pregnant mare you would select a product intended for pregnant mares, not senior horses. The next critical factor in choosing a grain concentrate is to make sure you are feeding the recommended amount. If you are feeding one-third of the amount recommended, you are feeding one-third of the intended nutrients for that type of horse. If you feel the amount of feed recommended is too much or your horse is gaining too much weight, then feed a more concentrated product. These more concentrated products are called “supplement or balance pellets” and are designed to be fed at much lower rate, but are still fortified to provide the horse with adequate nutrients.