The shifts in forage quality and requirements are significant starting in the fall. This is due to the change in temperature, which affects the pastures. As pastures cool, plants store sugars for later use.
This leads to a more concentrated storage of sugars in the plants horses eat. For horses who are overweight, have sugar sensitivities, and those with laminitis risks especially, this is an important consideration. This shift in the plant’s concentration of sugars can also lead to digestive upset for some horses. This weather change often increases colic episodes.
The lack of grass in the pastures means owners should begin increasing the amount of high-quality hay fed moving into the winter months.
Some of the ways you can tell forage is high-quality is its smell and color. It should smell fresh and not smell musty or moldy, have a high leaf-to-stem ration, and a bright color that is not yellow, brown, or faded looking.
The plant’s maturity at the time of harvest will also determine its quality. If the plant was leafy and young when harvested, its likely to contain more protein, minerals, and energy. Older plants, when harvested, have thicker stems, more indigestible fiber, and are not as nutrient dense. You can lab test hay for quality if you are ever unsure.
Horses will need to be supplemented with high-quality horse feed or ration balancers so they maintain good body condition and health throughout the winter months. This is especially important when feeding lower quality forage.
Feeding more hay in the winter, especially feeding a few small forage meals throughout the day, is also a great way for horses to naturally keep warm, assist with natural grazing behaviors, and fight off boredom with more time in their stalls.
However, when switching from pasture grass to hay or when getting a new supply of hay that might be a different quality, this should also trigger a change in the horse’s grain intake and the use of ration balancers. This change should also be made gradually to prevent digestive upset.
For horses on a diet of 50% or more alfalfa, consider a ration balancer specifically designed for this, such as Alfa Essentials®, which is low in sugar and starch with no added iron. Designed for easy keepers, it also works as a top-dress added to regular grain.
For horses transitioning to a hay that is 50% or more grass (therefore, less than 50% alfalfa), a ration balancer like Essential K® is ideal.
Ration balancers are also great for ensuring horses are getting the proper vitamins and minerals they might be lacking. They are also ideal for use in horses who are easy keepers that don’t need a lot of grain.
Many horses are also less active in the winter. As a result, you should consider calorie input versus output when deciding how much grain to feed and discuss this with your veterinarian.
Adjusting horse feed rations and planning ahead in the fall with forage will help prevent weight loss. It can also address other winter-related health concerns.
If you have questions about your horse’s nutrition plan, please reach out to us for a free, personalized feeding plan.