September 7, 2021

How To Feed Your Horse Indoors This Winter

Winter is approaching, and as we start to spend more time indoors, so do our horses. But with our horses being kept indoors overnight without their usual pastures, how can we ensure that they get the nutrition they need? This article will discuss some of the questions we get asked by our customers.

Does my horse need constant forage?

In short, the answer is yes. Horses should be eating almost constantly, and unfortunately, whilst this is something that they can do easily outside, it is a little trickier to do inside. Horses should eat between one and two percent of their body weight every day, so with the average horse weighing between 380-1000kg, you’re looking at them needing at least 3.8-10kg of roughage per day.

Will my horse be stressed if it is left without forage?

Yes, horses are grazing animals and need constant access to food throughout the day and night. As horses only sleep up to two hours per day in 15-to-20-minute stints, they need more hay than you may think. They need 1%-2% of their body weight throughout the day. Without this, horses can become extremely stressed. One of the best ways to see if you’re feeding your horse enough is to check late at night to see if they have any left, then again in the morning. If they are short at night or have none left in the morning, they need to be provided with higher quantities or for those on restricted rations, explore ways of extending chew time.

Could my horse be at risk of ulcers if it is left without haylage?

A horse not eating 24/7 will not directly cause them to have ulcers. However, horses produce over 60 litres of stomach acid per day, so if they aren’t constantly eating hay or haylage to provide a physical barrier to stomach acid and produce saliva to buffer stomach acid, they could be at risk of stomach ulcers. There are many symptoms to look out for, such as a lack of energy, a dull coat, being prone to colic, and undesirable behaviours such as bucking, rearing, and refusing to go forwards when ridden, especially into the canter. If you suspect that your horse does have ulcers, please take them to see your equine vet.

Are haynets suitable for horses?

It can be in your horse’s best interests to feed them hay at ground level, as it more suitably mimics natural grazing behaviours. However, haynets can be a suitable option if used correctly to reduce waste and extend the amount of time the forage lasts. If your horse is overeating too quickly, you can also buy double or triple-layered haynets, which makes it harder for them to pull a large amount of hay out in one go. If using slow feeders or multiple nets, be sure to monitor your horse for signs of frustration.

What should I feed my horse in winter?

Due to the dark evenings and increased workload of mucking out many horse owners find themselves riding less over the winter months. If your horse is less active in the winter it might be beneficial to them to reduce their energy levels and feed a lower sugar forage like our Low Energy Haylage. If your horse isn’t suited to haylage, our dust-extracted Pure Hay has lower energy and protein levels for horses and ponies who are in rest or do moderate levels of work. Alternatively, if your horse struggles to maintain its weight during winter months, our Haylage Complete or Haylage Elite may be more suitable. Spend time researching the best options for your horse, and if you are in doubt, we have a nutritionist who is more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Get in touch with a member of our team who will be able to help you find the right option for your horse.