What is the optimal horse feed during the winter?
When the weather changes, the grassland becomes wet and the quality of the grass decreases. At this time, especially during the cold days in winter, a horse needs more energy from feed to keep itself warm. Roughage plays an important role in this!
During winter, horses and ponies receive fewer nutrients through the grass and therefore it is wise to adjust feed management. The change in ration starts when the horses are still outside but the quality of the grass is decreasing. Slowly, horses can get used to the roughage that can already be supplemented in the field or paddock. This slow feed transition allows the stomach and intestines to gradually get used to the larger amounts of dry feed.
Stable problems during winter
Being indoors due to bad and cold weather causes stable problems for many horses, such as boredom, stress, wind sucking and crib biting. Roughage problems can also throw a spanner in the works. Think of dusty hay, mouldy silage and pests. Give the horse consistent quality roughage with all the daily nutrients and spread feeding times throughout the day. Prevent these problems with good feed management that feeds each horse or pony according to its needs.
Keeping your horse warm in the winter
When the days get colder, horses need extra energy to keep themselves warm. Most of this energy comes from your horse’s roughage ration. Especially for horses that are kept outside, it is wise to provide extra roughage during periods of frost. This is better than giving extra concentrate, because the fermentation of fibre in the hindgut produces heat that helps keep your horse warm. If your horse gets (almost) unlimited roughage, it can be challenging to provide extra, and the extra roughage is often left lying around. In these cases, a roughage mix such as Hartog Digest can be a solution. This way you not only provide extra roughage, but also support the digestive tract. You can mix a roughage mix with your concentrate, or feed it separately as an extra feeding moment.
Help! My horse is losing weight in the winter
If your horse loses weight quickly in the cold, it may be that not enough roughage is provided. Roughage might also not contain enough nutrients to support your horse. It sounds tempting to fall back on extra concentrate, but horses benefit more from extra roughage than concentrate! In these cases you can look at Hartog Lucerne Mix or Hartog Lucerne Plus. These roughage mixes are based on lucerne and contain high-quality protein that helps your horse stay in shape.
Tips to help your horse get through the winter
- Change the horse or pony’s feed ration slowly to avoid gastrointestinal problems during the winter.
- Give good quality roughage with no mould, dust, etc.
- Spread the feeding times as much as possible and let the horse nibble (e.g. a thin layer of straw in the stable).
- Distribute drinking and eating points as much as possible in the paddock or field so that movement is encouraged.
- Horses and ponies that are outside all day in cold winter weather need 10% to 20% extra energy from roughage.
- Feed each horse individually and match the feed to the horse’s energy needs.
- A horse or pony should always have access to fresh drinking water.
- Give your horse or pony adequate exercise, even in winter.
- Reduce the amount of concentrate when there is little exercise and work.
