12/04/2024
Why does my horse need more hay in the winter?
“The average horse requires approximately 20 lbs. of forage per day, and winter weather can increase the hay needed by 30 to 50%”. On average, we recommend feeding 2-3% of a horse’s weight in hay per day. Depending on horses condition, age, workload etc. However, in the winter this need goes up due to the cold weather. The effort (calories) required to stay warm in the cold weather require horses to consume more calories, mostly through increased fiber/forage although an increase in grain may be required, again depending on the horse. If at all possible, we highly recommend letting your horse have access to unlimited hay especially during winter months. Rather that is through feeding rounbales or throwing flakes multiple times a day. Feeders and nets are great ways to limit waste but still allow for 24/7 forage. All of our horses always have access to 24/7 forage, water, loose salt, minerals and shelter. Those things become even more critical in the winter. If your situation doesn’t allow you to provide 24/7 forage (and we know many situations don’t such as boarding barn, work schedule, access to equipment to secure rounbales, etc) make sure your horse is getting at least the minimum required hay to sustain their increased forage/calorie needs in winter.
Below is an article that helps explain the need for increased hay in the winter and some of the science behind it.
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/equine/increase-hay-intake-winter
