Horse Feeding: Forage, Feed, and Water

Feeding is the most critical factor influencing a horse's health, performance, and behavior. A horse is an herbivore adapted to eating small amounts frequently, not large, occasional rations. Understanding this principle changes the logic of any domestic feeding plan.

Forage is the Foundation

Between 60% and 100% of the diet should be forage (hay or pasture). An adult horse needs between 1.5% and 2% of its live weight in dry matter daily. For a 500 kg horse, this means 8-10 kg of hay or pasture per day. Reducing this base below 1% of live weight significantly increases the risk of ulcers and stereotypic behaviors.

Hay Quality

Good hay is recognized by its light green color, pleasant smell, absence of dust, and leaves that don't fall off when handled. If a bale smells moldy, is dusty, or has dark areas when opened, it should not be fed. Hay analysis (protein, fiber, digestible energy) allows for adjusting the ration with real data in stables where hay is purchased in bulk.

Concentrates: When and How Much

Compound feed covers the energy and nutritional deficit that forage doesn't provide when work demands it. A leisure horse with good forage intake may not need it. A competing sport horse, however, will. The practical rule: never more than 2 kg of concentrate per feeding; large rations should be divided into 2-3 feedings per day. Exceeding 0.5 kg/100 kg body weight/day of grain increases the risk of colic.

Water: The Forgotten Nutrient

A horse drinks 25-55 liters daily under normal conditions and up to twice that in summer or after exertion. Water should always be available, clean, and at a reasonable temperature. Chronic mild dehydration is the silent cause of many impaction colics. Automatic drinkers without meters make it difficult to know how much each horse actually drinks.

Common Mistakes

Abruptly changing feed or hay without a 7-10 day transition. Feeding large rations of grain after intense work. Not allowing continuous access to forage and forcing the horse to fast for long periods. Supplementing without diagnosis. Wetting feed with hot water and allowing it to ferment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should a horse be fed?

Ideally, forage should be offered with continuous access or frequent distribution. Concentrates should be divided into 2-3 feedings. Fasting for more than 6 hours dry increases the risk of gastric ulcers.

Is it good to give apples and carrots?

In moderate amounts, yes. They are well-tolerated treats. They should not replace basic food or be given in excess due to their sugar content.

How much does it cost to feed a horse per month in Spain?

It depends on the area and management, but it rarely falls below €150-€200 for hay and feed. This is an important factor to consider before acquiring a horse.