Tips for Feeding Horses in the Fall

November 04, 2021 2 min read

As the change in seasons brings a welcomed drop in temperatures, beautiful foliage, and favorite holidays, it’s time to reconsider horses’ feeding programs. Senior horses may need special attention as the colder weather makes everything a little more difficult, and a bred broodmare might need extra concentrate, such as grain, to fulfill her dietary requirements.


With thoughtful planning and diligent adjustments, the transition from summer to fall feeding can be an uninterrupted affair.

 

Watch for colic

According to Horse & Rider writer Eleanor Kellon, VMD, spring, and fall pasture grass contains more simple carbohydrates than grass in the summer and winter and can put horses at risk for colic. This is because grass grows rapidly in the spring and fall due to the rainfall, and is more immature. The fresh, new grass is higher in simple carbohydrates, which turn to sugar in the digestive tract.


In comparison, hay and more mature grass are higher in complex carbohydrates that provide more fibrous, balanced digestion. Horse & Rider writer Kristen Janicki, MS, PAS says the young grass’s sugars could spike insulin, causing digestive upset or laminitis.

 

When it comes to acclimating a horse to a fall pasture, gradually build up turnout time over several weeks and feed hay their body is accustomed to.

 

Adding grain

Grain is an excellent tool for filling in missing minerals and nutrients. Grain can behave like a body condition builder but should be added to the diet in stages to let the horses’ fermentative gut adjust. According to Horse & Rider, no more than four pounds of grain should be fed at a time.

 

Adding hay

Hay is the savior of fall feeding. The heat it produces while being broken down in the digestive tract keeps horses warm, and its fibrous nature can help balance the rich fall pastures.

 

Hay quality is dependent on plant maturity. When selecting hay, look for a high leaf-to-stem ratio, smaller stem size, freshness, good color with minimal sun bleaching, and absence of weeds.

 

Changing hay

If you’re changing from one batch of hay to another, replace 10-25% of the older hay with the new hay, upping the ratio of new hay every three days until you’re feeding entirely new hay.

 

Watching water

As temperatures cool, horses often stop drinking as much water. The reduction of water consumption can lend itself to colic, so keeping clean, ice-free water available to your horse at all times is vital. There are several trough insulation tutorials available on the internet, and you can outfit your trough with caged heaters or insulation. To encourage a horse to drink, you can add an electrolyte supplement to grain or give it as an oral paste.

 

Consider supplements

Supplements like powdered electrolytes can aid your horse in its fall transition. If maintaining body condition throughout the fall is a concern, oil in the grain can get your horse extra calories. Supplements such as pelleted dewormers and loose mineralized salt can also benefit horses as the seasons change. Consult with your veterinarian for specific feeding and health concerns.

 

Transitioning to fall feeding is a straightforward process that once implemented, can make both you and your horses more comfortable.

 



Also in Blog

Edema in Horses: Causes + Treatment
Edema in Horses: Causes + Treatment

March 31, 2023 3 min read

Edema in horses is the accumulation of fluid somewhere in their bodies, most commonly in their legs (commonly known as “stocking up”) or in their lower abdomen. Edema is different than inflammation and, in rare cases, can become malignant and even fatal. Read on to learn about common forms of edema in horses and what you can do to help.
Natural Wound Care for Dogs with Essential Oils
Natural Wound Care for Dogs with Essential Oils

March 23, 2023 2 min read

Essential oils are an excellent natural home remedy for wounds or your dog’s irritated skin. However, not all essential oils are safe to use around or on dogs. Make sure you know what is helpful and harmful before using any essential oils on your dog.
What is a Normal Heart Rate for a Horse?
What is a Normal Heart Rate for a Horse?

March 16, 2023 2 min read

Hearts are an amazing thing in all animals. A constantly working muscle, the heart, pumps blood throughout the body to sustain life. The horse’s heart is a well-oiled machine—the heart’s efficiency results in a super athlete.