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Seasonal Horse Feeding Strategies: Adjusting to Seasons

Published on: December 19, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Providing the right nutrition for your horse is essential for their health, performance, and overall well-being. Seasonal horse feeding strategies play a crucial role in adapting to their changing dietary needs throughout the year.

This article offers a season-by-season guide to adjusting horse nutrition for optimal health and performance, drawing from expert insights, research-backed practices, and information from trusted sources like university extension programs and equine experts.

With these horse feeding strategies, you’ll learn how to adapt your feeding practices, ensuring your equine partner thrives in every season. I’ll also share personal insights gained from years of horse care to help you better meet your horse’s nutritional needs year-round.

Fresh green hay hauled to the barn for horse feeding.
Bales of fresh hay on a trailer. (Source: Miles Henry New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course.)

The Importance of Hay in Seasonal Horse Diets

Hay is the cornerstone of a horse’s diet, providing the fiber essential for digestive health and energy. Choosing the right hay and adjusting its quantity based on your horse’s needs and the season are key to maintaining optimal health and performance.

For example, horses consuming lush grass may reduce hay intake naturally, but ensuring adequate fiber is crucial to maintain digestive health. This section will guide you through the types of hay, their uses, and practical seasonal feeding adjustments.

Ensuring Hay Quality and Proper Storage

Hay quality and proper storage are essential for maintaining a horse’s health. Look for fresh, green hay with a clean aroma, free from mold and dust. Store hay in a well-ventilated, dry area, elevated off the ground to prevent moisture damage. Regularly inspect hay for pests or mold, especially in damp seasons.

Pro Tip: In spring, when damp conditions are common, check hay thoroughly for mold to avoid health risks. For more detailed guidance, see our article on Feeding Horses Hay.

To simplify your seasonal feeding strategies, refer to the table below for key nutritional highlights of forage and grains.

Nutritional Highlights of Forage and Grains

Feed TypeKey NutrientsBest UseCautions
Timothy HayModerate fiber, low protein, moderate calciumEveryday feeding, maintaining weight in horses with moderate activity levelsEnsure it’s fresh and mold-free.
Alfalfa HayHigh in protein, calcium, and mineralsExtra calories and protein for working, growing, or underweight horses.Use with caution for horses prone to metabolic issues.
Orchard GrassModerate fiber and proteinMaintaining weight in milder seasons; suitable for horses not in heavy work.May lack sufficient calories for active horses.
Mixed HayVaries based on mixProvides a balance of nutrients and fiber.Ensure uniform quality in the mix.
OatsRich in fiber, easily digestibleModerate to heavy work; balanced option for introducing grain.Avoid large quantities to prevent digestive upset.
BarleyHigher in energy than oatsWinter feeding or horses requiring additional energy.Properly process to avoid digestive issues.
CornHigh in calories and energyWinter feed for horses struggling to maintain weight.Overfeeding can lead to digestive upset and weight gain.
Horse eating hay from a hay net for balanced nutrition.
Horses enjoying nutritious hay, essential for digestive health. (Source: Miles Henry)

Grains: Providing Concentrated Energy for Horses

Grains are a valuable source of concentrated energy, supplementing a horse’s forage-based diet with essential nutrients and calories. It’s essential to remember that grains should complement, not replace, forage in a horse’s diet. Hay and grass should remain the primary components, with grains added to meet additional caloric needs during periods of high activity or cold weather.

One of my Thoroughbreds struggled to maintain weight during a particularly harsh winter. By adding 2 pounds of cracked corn to his daily diet, alongside extra hay, I was able to keep him in optimal condition without digestive issues.

Determining Individual Grain Needs

  • Body Condition Scoring:
    • Regularly assess your horse’s body condition to determine if adjustments are needed. Underweight horses may need additional calories, while overweight horses might require reduced grain. Learn how to measure a horse’s weight.
  • Activity Level:
    • Feed 1–3 pounds of oats daily for light work or up to 6–12 pounds for heavy work, divided into multiple meals, to provide a concentrated energy source while minimizing digestive stress. These recommendations align with those from the Penn State Extension.

Veterinary Guidance: * Always consult a veterinarian or equine nutritionist for personalized advice, especially when making significant dietary changes.

Hay as a Foundation: Remember, grains are supplements to a forage-based diet, not replacements.

Explore Equine Digestive Health for insights into balancing forage and grain. By understanding the nutritional role of grains and adhering to safe feeding practices, you can ensure your horse receives the energy they need while maintaining their health and well-being.

Measuring grain with a scoop for proper horse feeding.
Measure grain portions carefully to meet your horse’s energy needs.

Concentrate Mixes: Balancing Equine Diets

Concentrate mixes are formulated feeds that supplement a horse’s forage diet, providing a balanced blend of grains, vitamins, and minerals. These mixes ensure horses receive all necessary nutrients that forage alone might not provide, and are tailored to support energy levels, coat condition, and overall health, and can be adjusted based on the season.

Since I live near Baton Rouge, the LSU Vet School has been an invaluable resource for my horses’ nutritional needs.

Hydration and Electrolyte Management for Horses

Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are critical year-round. Horses lose essential minerals like sodium and potassium through sweat, which must be replenished to maintain muscle function and hydration. Horses typically drink 5–10 gallons of water daily, but this can increase to 20 gallons in hot weather or with heavy exercise.

  • Winter: Offer warm water (45°–65° F) to encourage drinking and prevent dehydration, which can lead to impaction colic.
    • Loose salt is better than a salt block in the winter because horses are less likely to lick cold blocks when temperatures drop, potentially leading to inadequate salt intake. Loose salt is easier for them to consume, ensuring they get the necessary electrolytes.
  • Summer: Provide fresh water and a salt block or mineral supplement to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Consider adding electrolytes to feed or water during extreme heat or heavy work.
  • General Tips: Monitor water intake closely, ensure clean water is always available, and adjust electrolyte supplementation based on workload and season.
Horse drinking from a water bucket to stay hydrated in winter.
Encourage winter hydration with warm water and loose salt.

Seasonal Feeding Strategies: A Detailed Comparison

SeasonFeeding FocusKey Considerations
WinterIncrease hay, add grains, provide warm waterHay is the primary source of warmth; supplement with grains for extra energy if needed. Warm water encourages drinking. Blanketing may be needed, especially in severe weather or if the horse is clipped. Monitor weight and body condition carefully.
SpringGradually introduce pasture, monitor for laminitisGradually transition to fresh pasture to avoid digestive upset. Monitor for signs of laminitis. Reduce grain intake as necessary.
SummerFocus on hydration, provide electrolytesEnsure access to fresh water and salt. Supplement electrolytes if needed. Limit exercise in heat to avoid heat stress. Be aware that high temperatures may reduce appetite.
FallIncrease hay, prepare for winterAs pasture declines, increase hay. Monitor weight and make adjustments to diet to prepare for winter.

Winter Feeding Strategies: Keeping Your Horse Warm

YouTube video
Learn about feeding horses in the winter in this comprehensive video.

During the winter, horses need additional energy to maintain their body temperature. I remember one particularly cold winter when I had to increase my older gelding’s hay intake significantly to keep him from losing weight. It’s crucial to make sure they have plenty of food to maintain their body heat.

Additional Dietary Energy: For every degree below 18° F, a horse requires an additional one percent energy in their diet (source).

  • Increase Forage: Hay should be the primary source of warmth and energy during winter.
    • Increase the amount of hay to 2–3% of the horse’s body weight to compensate for reduced grazing opportunities and provide the additional energy horses need to generate body heat through forage fermentation.
    • To calculate the appropriate hay amount, feed 2–2.5% of your horse’s body weight. For example, a 1,000-pound horse would require 20–25 pounds of hay daily. From my experience, horses with lower metabolisms thrive with a hay intake closer to 2% of body weight, while more active Thoroughbreds benefit from the higher end of the spectrum. These recommendations align with those from the Rutgers Equine Science Center and the Iowa State University Extension.
  • Supplement with Grains: Horses in work, those with higher metabolisms, or those struggling to maintain weight may need additional calories from grain.
    • You may also need to provide higher calorie supplements such as grain-based concentrates, or high fat supplements like rice bran or edible oils if horses cannot maintain weight on forage alone.
    • Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
  • Increase Salt Intake: Adult horses should consume one to two ounces of salt daily, which may help stimulate thirst and encourage water intake.
    • Consider feeding loose salt instead of a block, as horses may not want to lick cold salt blocks.
  • Monitor Body Condition: Heavy winter coats can hide weight loss.
    • Perform regular body condition scoring to gauge weight and assess horse health.
  • Provide Shelter: Horses need access to shelter from wind, sleet, and storms. Free access to a stable or an open-sided shed works well, as do trees if a building is not available. Explore more about Winter Horse Care.
  • Blanketing: Consider blanketing when there is no access to shelter, when temperatures drop below 5° F, or when there is a chance the horse will become wet, such as during rain, ice, or freezing rain.
    • Avoid blanketing before December 22 as that can decrease a horse’s natural winter coat.

In winter, we cook whole oats in a bucket of water using a heating wand. This provides our horses with a warm, easy-to-digest meal, maximizing the nutritional benefits of the oats. Without cooking or crimping, much of the nutrients in whole oats pass through undigested. This simple step helps keep our horses warm and well-nourished during the colder months.

Spring pasture management as part of seasonal horse feeding strategies.
Gradually introduce horses to lush spring pastures to prevent laminitis.

Spring Feeding Transitions and Pasture Management

As the weather warms and grass begins to grow, it’s tempting to turn horses out to pasture. However, gradual introduction is essential to prevent health issues like laminitis or digestive upset. After moving my mare to lush pasture one spring, I noticed her shifting her weight frequently and felt slight heat in her front hooves—early signs of laminitis.

“I immediately pulled her off the pasture, provided hay, and consulted my vet. With prompt action and treatment, she recovered fully, highlighting the importance of gradual pasture management and vigilant hoof monitoring in spring.

  • Gradual Introduction to Pasture: As grass starts to grow, gradually introduce your horse to fresh pasture to prevent digestive upset.
    • Lush spring grass contains a lot of moisture, so horses will need less water than in winter when they eat dried hay.
  • Monitor for Rich Pasture: Be aware that rich pasture can cause laminitis. Supplement with hay and reduce grain if necessary.

Summer Feeding Strategies: Hydration and Heat Management

Summer can be especially challenging because of the heat. I have seen horses go off their feed due to high temperatures. Keeping them hydrated and comfortable is critical.

  • Adjust Hay Intake: Horses may decrease their hay intake when spending more time grazing on pasture. Continue to monitor hay intake to ensure adequate fiber consumption.
  • Limit Exercise: Exercise during the hottest part of the day should be limited, as exercise generates body heat that must be released to prevent overheating. If the combined temperature and humidity are over 150, take extra care to ensure the horse does not become heat stressed.
  • Monitor Appetite: High temperatures may impact a horse’s appetite, so adjust the amount of feed accordingly. You may need to adjust the type of feed as well; adding fat to the diet will increase the calories without increasing the volume, and fat burns cooler in the body than protein or carbohydrates.
Horse standing under a tree during summer.
Provide shade and fresh water during hot summer days to prevent heat stress.

Fall Preparations: Getting Ready for Winter

As the season shifts to fall, it is time to prepare for the winter months ahead. This is when I start increasing the amount of hay that my horses get, and I always keep an eye on their weight, making sure no one is getting too thin.

  • Increase Hay and Feed: As grass becomes less plentiful, gradually increase hay and feed as needed.
  • Prepare for Winter: Ensure that horses have enough hay and are not losing weight as they prepare for the winter season.
Horses eating hay in a snowy paddock during winter.
Feeding hay in winter ensures horses stay warm and nourished.

Conclusion: Seasonal Horse Feeding Strategies

By focusing on consistent feeding, high-quality forage, and proper hydration, you can ensure your horse thrives year-round. For personalized guidance, consult an equine nutritionist or veterinarian.

To summarize the key feeding practices:

What feeding strategies have worked best for your horses? Share your experiences in the comments below, and stay updated with expert horse care tips—subscribe to our newsletter today!

Consult Experts: Regularly consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount of feed for your horse and to personalize a diet plan.

Miles Henry

About the Author: Miles Henry

Miles Henry is a lifelong horseman with over 25 years of experience owning and training Thoroughbred racehorses. He shares expert insights from his personal experiences growing up with horses, including Quarter Horses and Appaloosas, and currently owns seven Thoroughbreds in training.

Learn more about Miles Henry