Advanced Equine Nutrition: Physiology, Requirements, and Feeding Strategies
Introduction: Achieving peak equine health and performance starts from the inside out. By understanding how a horse’s unique digestive system works and tailoring nutrition to its life stage, workload, and environment, owners and professionals can optimize equine health. In the arid climate of Utah and similar regions, special attention to forage quality, hydration, and metabolic issues is crucial. This article delves into the science of equine nutritional physiology, outlines nutrient needs for different classes of horses, and provides evidence-based feeding strategies. Throughout, we emphasize practices that align with the horse’s natural biology – from hindgut fermentation to continuous forage intake – and highlight how Little Mountain Ranch Supply can be your partner in high-performance equine nutrition.
Equine Digestive Physiology: The Hindgut Engine
Horses are natural “trickle feeders,” evolved to graze throughout the day. Their digestive tract is specialized for fermenting fibrous plant material in the hindgut, extracting energy and nutrients from forage that other animals might not utilize well. This continuous grazing behavior keeps the hindgut microbes “healthy and happy,” maintaining gut motility and preventing digestive upsets .
Horses are hindgut fermenters with a relatively small stomach and a lengthy intestinal tract adapted to break down tough forage. After feed passes through the stomach and small intestine (where simple carbohydrates, protein, and fats are digested enzymatically), it reaches the cecum – a fermentation vat housing billions of microbes . The cecum and large colon are packed with bacteria and protozoa that digest structural carbohydrates (fiber), converting cellulose and other fibrous components into volatile fatty acids (VFAs) that the horse absorbs and uses for energy . This microbial fermentation also synthesizes vital nutrients like B-vitamins and vitamin K for the horse . In essence, the hindgut microbes unlock nutrients from hay and pasture that would otherwise be unobtainable, allowing the horse to thrive on a high-fiber diet . Because of this reliance on hindgut fermentation, forage should make up the largest portion of an equine diet, with concentrates (grains) fed sparingly to avoid disrupting the delicate hindgut balance .
Maintaining a stable hindgut environment is paramount. The microbes in the cecum and colon are sensitive to changes in acidity (pH). Feeding large amounts of starch or sugar (such as grain) that escape digestion in the foregut can lead to excessive fermentation in the hindgut, dropping the pH. A significantly lowered cecal pH kills off fiber-digesting bacteria and allows lactic-acid-producing bacteria to proliferate . As the beneficial microbes die, they can release toxins; if these toxins cross the gut wall into the bloodstream, they may trigger laminitis (painful inflammation of the hoof tissues) or colic . In a worst-case scenario (e.g. a horse breaking into the grain bin), this chain reaction can be catastrophic, causing acute laminitis or colic due to the endotoxins from microbial die-off . To protect the hindgut, feeding management should mimic the horse’s natural grazing patterns. This means offering continuous or frequent forage meals and avoiding sudden diet changes or large grain meals . Horses on all-forage diets experience minimal hindgut pH fluctuation, whereas abrupt high-starch meals cause harmful swings . If high-energy concentrates are necessary, they should be fed in small, spaced-out portions alongside ample forage to buffer the hindgut. Owners can also consider adding digestive aids or hindgut buffers for horses on high-grain diets – these supplements (often encapsulated bicarbonate) help neutralize excess acid in the cecum and colon, maintaining an optimal pH for microbial health .
Another reason forage and hindgut fill are critical is hydration. The fiber in the hindgut acts as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. A forage-rich diet actually encourages horses to drink more and retains water in the gut, which can be a lifesaver during prolonged exercise or in hot conditions . This reserve of fluid and electrolytes can help sustain the horse during endurance efforts, though in intense or lengthy exercise even this must be supplemented externally . In summary, a horse’s digestive mechanics are optimized for continuous intake of fiber. Feeding practices that honor this – plenty of quality hay or pasture, minimal starch, and gradual transitions – will support the hindgut’s microbial balance and, by extension, the horse’s overall health.
Nutrient Requirements by Class of Horse
Not all horses have the same nutritional needs. A racing Thoroughbred, a lactating broodmare, a growing foal, and a retiree on pasture each require different fuel mixtures to thrive. Macronutrients (energy from carbohydrates and fats, as well as protein) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) must be balanced according to the horse’s class and purpose. Below, we examine key nutritional considerations for performance athletes, breeding stock, young growing horses, and seniors.
Performance Horses (Athletes)
Horses in moderate to heavy work – from reining and jumping to racing or endurance – have significantly elevated caloric needs compared to their idle counterparts. Performance horses require higher energy intake (measured in Digestible Energy, DE) to sustain their activity, as well as additional protein for muscle repair and recovery . In fact, horses in regular work have higher protein requirements than those at maintenance, although this is often met simply by feeding more total feed for energy; the key is to ensure the diet’s protein-to-calorie ratio remains sufficient as workload increases . Most working horses can meet a large portion of their energy and protein needs through high-quality forage alone, but concentrates or supplements are usually added to provide the extra calories (and specific nutrients) needed for intensive exercise . Fat is a valuable concentrated energy source for athletes – adding oils or high-fat feeds can boost caloric density without relying on excessive starch. This not only fuels endurance and work output, but feeding fat has been shown to produce a “cooler” energy (less excitability) and can help horses maintain weight during heavy training.
Hydration and electrolyte balance are critical for the equine athlete. Unlike the energy requirement which stays fairly proportional with consistent work, electrolyte losses can vary dramatically with sweat output . A hard-working horse in a hot Utah summer may lose pounds of salt through sweat in a single workout. Thus, performance diets often include supplemental electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, and to a lesser extent magnesium and calcium) to replace what’s lost. Experts recommend choosing an electrolyte supplement that is mostly salt (NaCl and KCl) rather than sugar, and adjusting the amount given according to how heavily the horse is sweating . For instance, a horse coming back from exercise with sweat dripping needs a generous electrolyte dose, whereas a lightly perspiring horse requires much less . By tailoring electrolyte intake to weather and workload, we can prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue in performance horses. Additionally, working horses benefit from antioxidants (like vitamin E and selenium) to quench the oxidative stress of exercise, and adequate salt should always be available free-choice, even when not providing a commercial electrolyte mix.
Another special consideration for athletes is meal timing and frequency. Large grain meals should be avoided close to exercise, as working on a full stomach can predispose to colic or hinder performance. It’s better to feed forage before work (to help buffer stomach acid) and save concentrate meals for after the horse has cooled down. Many performance barns feed 3 or 4 smaller meals a day instead of two big meals, to keep the horse’s energy levels more even and support gut health. Also, because intense training can predispose horses to gastric ulcers and other stress-related issues (addressed in a later section), management for the performance horse often includes ample hay, possibly ulcer-preventative supplements, and routine veterinary checks. In sum, feeding the performance horse is a balancing act: providing enough energy and nutrients to meet increased demands, while mitigating the risks (like dehydration, ulcers, colic) that come with pushing the metabolic engine into high gear.
Breeding Mares (and Stallions)
Broodmares, especially in late gestation and during lactation, have substantial nutritional demands. In the last 3 months of pregnancy, the unborn foal grows rapidly, and the mare’s requirements for protein, energy, and minerals all rise to support fetal development. Once she foals and begins producing milk, her needs surge even higher. A lactating mare may require up to twice the dietary energy of a maintenance horse, putting her on par with a racehorse in intense training in terms of calorie needs . It’s not just energy – she will also need significantly more protein (to supply milk amino acids), calcium and phosphorus (for milk production and to keep her own bones strong), and water (a huge amount of water goes into milk each day). For example, protein requirements that were similar to maintenance during early pregnancy will climb about 30% higher by late pregnancy, and lactation increases protein needs further to around 12–14% of the diet(vs. ~8–10% for an idle horse) . Minerals like calcium and phosphorus are drawn heavily for milk; a lactating mare needs roughly double the calcium and phosphorus compared to her needs in early gestation, which is why high-calcium feeds like alfalfa are often fed along with balanced grain concentrates . In fact, experts note that the nutritional demands of peak lactation exceed those of most other equine life stages – this is when the mare is eating at the upper limit of her intake (up to 3% of her body weight in feed daily) to meet her energy quota .
To ensure broodmares get what they need, it’s crucial to feed a well-fortified diet. Good-quality forage (clean, green hay or pasture) forms the base – often free-choice to allow the mare to consume as much as she wants. Many broodmares do well on a mix that includes legume hay like alfalfa, which is higher in calories, protein, and calcium. Indeed, broodmares at Little Mountain Ranch Supply’s Utah clients often enjoy locally grown alfalfa hay, which tends to be rich due to the climate. However, if feeding straight alfalfa, one must balance its extremely high calcium content. Pure alfalfa can have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 5:1 or 6:1, which is far outside the ideal and could pose problems for younger horses(young horses can’t tolerate >3:1 Ca:P without risking developmental issues) . The solution is to pair alfalfa with a phosphorus-rich grain or a mineral balancer to bring the Ca:P ratio into an acceptable range (around 1.5–2:1 is a good target) . Most commercial broodmare feeds are formulated with this in mind, or one can add specific mineral supplements.
Broodmares should also receive ample trace minerals (like copper, zinc, manganese, iodine) and vitamins to support reproduction and foal health. For instance, vitamin A needs roughly double in late pregnancy and lactation, and vitamin E is critical for colostrum quality and immune support of the newborn foal . Many Utah forages are sun-cured (hay), which might be deficient in vitamins A and E by the time they’re fed – so providing a fortified grain or a vitamin supplement is wise. Keeping broodmares in moderate body condition (BCS ~6) is ideal for fertility; underweight mares can have trouble conceiving, while obese mares risk metabolic issues. Stallions, on the other hand, have only slightly elevated needs during breeding season – primarily they require enough energy to maintain good body condition and perhaps slightly more protein. A breeding stallion working (breeding) heavily might need a diet akin to a light-working performance horse, with attention to not letting him get too heavy or too thin. In summary, feeding breeding stock is about ensuring no nutrients are lacking: plenty of quality forage, augmentation with concentrates to supply protein and minerals, and monitoring the animal’s weight and health closely. A well-nourished broodmare is more likely to conceive, carry a healthy foal, produce ample milk, and rebreed successfully, making nutrition a key part of any breeding program’s success.
Growing Horses (Foals, Weanlings, Yearlings)
Young horses are the equine athletes of the future, and their nutrition in the first years of life largely determines how well they grow and develop. The goal in feeding foals and yearlings is to provide steady, balanced growth – not too fast (which can cause orthopedic problems), but not deficient in any key nutrient. Compared to mature horses, youngsters need more protein and certain minerals in proportion to their body weight. For example, a weanling’s diet might need to be around 14–16% crude protein, whereas an adult maintenance horse maintains on an 8–10% protein diet . This higher protein supports the rapid tissue building of growth, and just as importantly, the quality of protein matters. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid for growth – if lysine is lacking, the foal cannot properly build muscle and bone even if total protein is ample . Thus, growth diets are formulated with lysine-rich ingredients (like alfalfa, soybean meal) or supplemented with lysine to ensure the youngster gets the necessary amino acids. Nutritionists estimate light-breed weanlings require about 2.1 grams of lysine per Megacalorie of energy in the diet, and yearlings about 1.9 g/Mcal, to support optimal growth . It’s no surprise then that many reputable foal feeds contain guaranteed minimum lysine levels and often include methionine and threonine (the second and third limiting amino acids) as well .
Minerals are another critical area. Growing horses have high requirements for calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and other minerals to build a strong skeleton. Diets for foals typically target a Calcium:Phosphorus ratio around 1.5:1 (it must always be >1:1 and not more than ~3:1) . If the ratio is inverted or way off, bone development can suffer. For instance, a diet extremely high in phosphorus (like heavy grain with poor hay) can cause nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (“big head” disease) by preventing calcium absorption. Conversely too much calcium (as in straight alfalfa with 5:1 Ca:P) can limit phosphorus availability and trace mineral uptake. Thus, a balanced approach is key: a mix of legume and grass forage or a legume plus fortified grain often achieves the right balance. An example regimen for weanlings might be free-choice grass hay with a set amount of a formulated growth feed (which contains the needed protein, calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals in appropriate ratios). Research shows that copper and zinc are especially important in late gestation and early growth – deficiencies have been linked to developmental orthopedic diseases. Most breeders ensure the pregnant mare and then the foal get a feed or mineral supplement rich in copper/zinc to promote healthy joints and cartilage.
Energy intake for growing horses should be enough to keep them in a moderate body condition (BCS 5), but not “pushing” for maximum growth. We want consistent growth curves, not rapid spurts. If a youngster is getting too heavy, the energy (calories) should be decreased even if protein/minerals stay high. Weighing and measuring young horses every month can help track their growth trajectory and catch any undesirable trends early. Another practice is to evaluate growth rates against breed standards or use growth charts. If a foal is growing too quickly, the caretaker might slightly reduce grain; if too slowly or ribby, increase feed. With proper nutrition, a foal will double its weight by weaning and reach ~60-65% of its adult weight by 12 months. All the while, the nutritional plane must support its developing immune system, hoof and hair quality, and training (for handling) experiences. Many horsemen also provide free-choice salt and sometimes a mineral block or balancer pellet to young horses, allowing them to self-regulate to a degree.
In summary, growing horses need diets dense in protein (especially lysine) and minerals, but with controlled energy. Good-quality forage plus a purpose-designed growth concentrate is a proven formula. Regularly evaluate the youngster’s condition and growth. A common adage is “feed the foal for a steady, not rapid, rate of growth” – enough nutrition to avoid any deficiencies, but not so much that the foal becomes overweight or grows too fast for its joints to keep up. With careful feeding and management, young horses will develop strong bones, muscles, and organs, setting them up for a healthy adult life.
Senior Horses (Aging Horses)
As horses age into their late teens and twenties, their digestion and metabolism can become less efficient. Senior horses often have trouble maintaining weight or muscle, may develop metabolic conditions, and dental issues can impair their chewing ability. A well-managed nutrition program can greatly enhance a senior horse’s quality of life. One key is recognizing that older horses may actually need more protein than mature adults at maintenance – research indicates that horses over 20 can benefit from protein levels similar to those fed to young horses (12–16% crude protein) to help counter muscle loss . This is because aging horses are less efficient at digesting protein and may also experience sarcopenia (age-related muscle wasting). However, any increase in protein should be done while monitoring kidney function, as excessive protein can be taxing if the horse has renal issues . Generally, a range of 12-14% protein with high-quality amino acid profile is recommended in senior feeds to maintain topline and immune function.
Fiber is extremely important for seniors, but it must be highly digestible fiber. Many older horses have worn or missing teeth, making it hard for them to chew long-stem hay. They may also not extract as many nutrients from fiber due to less efficient hindgut flora or dental problems reducing particle size. Therefore, senior feeds typically include easy-to-chew fiber sources such as beet pulp, soy hulls, and dehydrated alfalfa meal . These provide calories and keep the hindgut functioning, but are gentler on an older horse’s system. It’s often recommended that a senior horse’s total diet include at least 12-14% fiber and that some of this is provided in a processed form (like pellets or cubes that can be softened into a mash) . Many commercial senior feeds are complete feeds, meaning they contain forage, so an older horse who can’t chew hay can still get fiber by eating the complete feed as a mash. Ensuring adequate forage intake – in whatever form the horse can manage – is vital to prevent weight loss and to avoid problems like gastric ulcers or boredom-induced vices. Soaking hay or feeding wetted hay cubes can help horses with poor teeth. Additionally, feeding frequent meals (three or more per day) can help seniors who can’t consume a large volume at once.
Micronutrients deserve attention too. Older horses, especially those with Cushing’s disease (PPID) or insulin resistance, might benefit from lower sugar/starch diets to manage blood glucose and laminitis risk. Many senior feeds are now low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) for this reason. Conversely, the thin, hard-keeper senior horse needs plenty of calories – adding fat to the diet is an excellent way to increase energy density. Vegetable oil or stabilized rice bran are common supplements to boost calories without overloading sugars. Omega-3 fatty acids from flax or fish oil can also help reduce inflammation in arthritic seniors and improve coat condition. Senior horses also often need a bit more phosphorus in their diet (because they may not absorb it as well), and vitamin C production in the body can decline with age, so some formulas include vitamin C and higher vitamin E as well .
Hydration is another concern: older horses might not drink as readily, or in winter they may avoid cold water, putting them at risk for impaction colic. Owners often soak the senior horse’s feed, both to aid chewing and to increase water intake. Warm mashes in winter can encourage consumption. All the general best practices – regular dental floats, parasite control, comfortable shelter – go hand in hand with nutrition to keep the senior horse healthy. By paying close attention to body condition and adjusting the diet, one can keep an older equine looking and feeling great well into their 20s or 30s. Little Mountain Ranch Supply offers specialized senior feeds and supplements that address these needs, from highly digestible fiber blends to joint support and digestive aids tailored for aging horses.
Forage and Nutrition in Arid Climates (Utah Considerations)
Feeding horses in arid climates like Utah presents unique challenges and opportunities. On one hand, Utah’s dry climate and high altitude can produce very high-quality hay – local alfalfa and grass hays often cure with excellent nutrient preservation (and are prized by out-of-state buyers) . On the other hand, pasture for grazing is limited in many areas due to low rainfall; many horses in the Intermountain West rely primarily on hay year-round. This means horse owners must pay extra attention to the hay’s nutritional content and ensure certain vitamins are supplemented, as well as manage water intake carefully.
First, let’s talk about forage type. As mentioned earlier, alfalfa (a legume hay) is common in Utah and is richly endowed with protein and calcium. Grass hays (like orchardgrass, brome, or timothy) are also grown or shipped in; they tend to be lower in protein and energy. For many idle or lightly worked horses, a grass or grass-mix hay is preferable to avoid overloading on calories and protein . Straight alfalfa, while an excellent feed in moderation, can cause issues if fed as the sole forage: excess protein and calcium can lead to higher urine output and potential mineral imbalance if not countered with other feedstuffs . In an arid climate, it’s absolutely essential that horses eating mostly alfalfa have unlimited access to fresh water, because the body needs to flush the excess nitrogen (from protein) and minerals. Studies have shown that as long as a horse can drink freely, high-quality alfalfa does not harm the horse – but without enough water, it could contribute to dehydration or renal stress . Thus, one rule of thumb is: no matter the forage, but especially with rich hay, always ensure plenty of water. Horses in hot, dry weather will drink significantly more, and in winter, providing slightly warmed water (or at least not frozen) will encourage intake.
Another consideration in the West is dust. The dry environment means hays can be dusty, and paddocks have little grass cover, which might predispose horses to heaves (recurrent airway inflammation). Soaking or steaming hay is a strategy some use to reduce dust and prevent respiratory issues – it also can increase the moisture intake of the horse, which is a bonus in arid regions. However, one downside is that soaking can leach out some soluble nutrients, so it’s a balance between respiratory health and nutritional retention.
Because horses in Utah often don’t have lush pastures, they lack a natural source of certain vitamins, most notably vitamin E. Fresh green grass is the best source of vitamin E, an antioxidant crucial for muscle and nerve health. But once grass is cut and dried into hay, its vitamin E content plummets over time – on average hay has about 80–90% less vitamin E than fresh forage . Within a few months of storage, hay is essentially devoid of vitamin E . Therefore, horses fed predominantly on cured forages should receive vitamin E supplementation to meet their requirements. A lack of vitamin E can lead to muscle stiffness, weakened immune function, or neurological issues in severe cases. Many feeds or ration balancers include vitamin E, or owners can top-dress a separate supplement. Likewise, vitamin A (important for vision, skin, and immune health) degrades in stored hay, though horses can store vitamin A in their liver to buffer short-term deficits. Still, a year-round hay diet typically calls for a multivitamin supplement or fortified feed to cover vitamins A and E, and possibly D (though horses make vitamin D from sunlight, which is abundant in Utah).
Forage testing is extremely useful in our region. The nutrient content of hay (protein, fiber, sugar, minerals) can vary widely depending on where and how it was grown. By doing a hay analysis, one can determine if the hay is, for example, high in sugars (NSC) – important to know for feeding a laminitic horse – or low in selenium – common in some Western soils – and then supplement accordingly. Ideally, every load of hay should be bright, clean, and analyzed for nutritional value, so the feeding program can be adjusted to complement that hay . Little Mountain Ranch Supply can assist clients with forage testing and interpretation, ensuring your hay plus our feeds/supplements make a complete diet.
Water is a critical nutrient often overlooked in nutritional discussions. In arid climates, the low humidity leads to higher water loss from both horses and their feed. A 1,000-pound horse typically drinks 5–15 gallons of water a day, but in 100°F heat or lactation, this might double. Always provide fresh, cool water; clean troughs or buckets frequently since algae grows less in dry climates but can still be an issue. In winter, horses may actually be at greater risk of dehydration (and impaction colic) if they have only near-freezing water – many will reduce intake. Using tank heaters or giving a warm mash can help maintain hydration in cold, dry weather.
Forage selection in Utah also often means blending hays to get a good nutrient profile. Some horse owners mix alfalfa with grass hay to get moderate protein and energy while balancing minerals. Others might feed local hay but supplement with a small amount of soaked beet pulp or timothy pellets to increase fiber variety and water intake. The lack of pasture also means horses have less opportunity to “graze” throughout the day, so using slow-feed hay nets or frequent small hay feedings can simulate grazing and prevent boredom. A final note: some parts of Utah have pastures or irrigated fields, but these can be high in fructans or sugars during certain conditions (cool nights, drought-stressed grass), which might trigger laminitis in sensitive horses. Thus, even when grazing is available, owners of easy keepers or metabolic horses should introduce it gradually and possibly use a grazing muzzle during high-risk periods.
In essence, nutritional management in arid climates centers on high-quality hay, adequate water and salt, and compensating for what’s missing without fresh pasture. When done right, horses in Utah can do just as well as those on lush eastern pasture – they just get their nutrients in a different form. Little Mountain Ranch Supply is well-versed in these regional challenges and offers products like vitamin/mineral balancers, salt licks, and quality forages to ensure your horse’s needs are met despite the desert conditions.
Managing Metabolic and Digestive Challenges
Even with optimal feeding, some horses are prone to metabolic disorders or digestive issues that require special nutritional management. Three common concerns in equine nutrition are insulin resistance (and related laminitis), equine gastric ulcer syndrome, and the broader category of digestive disturbances like hindgut acidosis. Addressing these conditions involves both dietary modifications and management practices.
Insulin Resistance and Laminitis
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and insulin resistance (IR) refer to a condition where the horse’s tissues become less sensitive to insulin, resulting in elevated insulin levels in the blood. These horses are often easy keepers (prone to obesity) and may develop odd fat deposits (cresty neck, fat around tailhead) . The biggest danger with EMS/IR is the heightened risk of laminitis, a painful inflammation of the laminae in the hooves that can cause lameness or even necessitate euthanasia in severe cases. Research has shown that persistently high insulin levels can directly induce laminitis in horses and ponies . The mechanism isn’t purely mechanical; insulin has effects on blood flow and cellular function in the hoof that lead to the hoof wall’s attachment weakening when insulin is chronically elevated . Thus, preventing laminitis in an IR horse hinges on controlling insulin spikes.
The cornerstone of managing an insulin-resistant horse is dietary carbohydrate restriction . Soluble carbs (sugars, starches) are what drive insulin up the most. So these horses are typically put on a low-NSC diet – that means feeds and forages low in non-structural carbohydrates. Practically, this involves: feeding primarily grass hay that’s been tested low in sugar (or soaking hay for 30-60 minutes to leach out sugars if necessary), eliminating grain and sweet feeds, and using low-carb ration balancers or supplements to fill nutritional gaps. Many IR horses can maintain weight on hay alone (since they tend to be easy keepers); if more calories are needed, adding fat (oil or rice bran) is safer than adding grain. Total caloric intake might also need to be restricted to promote weight loss in obese horses – weight reduction itself improves insulin sensitivity. For an overweight EMS horse, aim for about 1.5% of its ideal body weight in hay per day, split into multiple small meals to keep it chewing but not gaining. Exercise is the other half of the equation (if the horse is sound) – regular movement helps cells respond better to insulin and burns off excess fat reserves. Indeed, the “prescription” for metabolic syndrome is often described as diet + exercise first, with medications as a last resort . If dietary changes and increased exercise aren’t enough, veterinarians might use drugs like levothyroxine (to induce weight loss) or metformin (to blunt sugar absorption), but these are supplemental to the foundational diet changes .
Nutritionally, one should also be mindful of minerals and other nutrients for IR horses. Some studies and anecdotal evidence have suggested supplements like magnesium, chromium, or cinnamon might aid insulin sensitivity, but controlled research has not found a significant benefit from these in horses . Nonetheless, ensuring the IR horse isn’t deficient in magnesium (common in some hays) or other minerals is important, as deficiencies could exacerbate metabolic issues. Many owners will feed a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement or a low-NSC concentrated feed to make sure the horse gets all the micronutrients (since the diet is often just plain grass hay which may lack certain elements). Soaking hay is a common practice for laminitic horses – it can reduce sugar content by 30% or more, making a previously risky hay safe to feed. Just remember that soaked hay should be drained and fed fresh, and one might need to provide a source of vitamins (especially if soaking for a long time, which can leach some minerals and vitamins).
Pasture is a double-edged sword for these horses. Lush pasture, especially in spring or fall, is loaded with sugars (fructans) and can trigger laminitis overnight in a susceptible horse. Therefore, many IR horses are either kept off pasture entirely or allowed very controlled access (e.g., a few hours early morning when sugars are lower, or with a grazing muzzle to limit intake). The safest approach is often a dry lot with measured hay. One bright spot: laminitis-prone horses can often still have alfalfa hay in moderation. Alfalfa is higher in protein and calories, but it’s usually low in starch and has moderate sugar, making it “low NSC”. It must be balanced for minerals, but it can help keep weight on an IR horse that can’t have grain. Each horse is a bit different, so regular monitoring of body condition and ideally checking blood insulin levels can guide the plan. Owners should also be vigilant for the early signs of laminitis – such as a short, stilted gait, heat in the feet, or the classic “leaning back” stance – and immediately institute a stricter diet or medical intervention if those occur.
In summary, for insulin resistant horses: feed fiber, not sugar. Provide a low-carb diet with controlled calories to promote a healthy weight. By doing so, and with vet guidance, we can often prevent the devastating development of laminitis . Little Mountain Ranch Supply carries several low-NSC feeds and sugar-free supplements (including high-fiber cubes, low-carb balancers, and products like cinnamon-magnesium blends) that can be part of a smart management plan for metabolic horses.
Gastric Ulcers and Digestive Health
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is rampant in the horse world, especially among performance horses and those under stress. The horse’s stomach continuously secretes acid (designed for constant grazing), so if a horse goes long periods without forage or is under intense work or stress, the stomach’s lining can suffer ulcerations. Clinical studies have found ulcer prevalence rates of 60-90% in athletes like racehorses, but even trail horses or occasional show horses can get ulcers. Nutrition and management play a huge role in both prevention and management of EGUS.
To prevent gastric ulcers, the number one strategy is to mimic natural feeding patterns: offer frequent or constant forage so the stomach rarely empties completely . Chewing feed produces saliva, a natural antacid that buffers stomach acid. Thus, giving a horse access to hay or pasture for as many hours of the day as possible keeps that saliva flowing and acid diluted. Avoiding extended fasting is critical – for instance, if a horse is stalled overnight, ensure they have hay available (perhaps in a slow feeder net to last longer) to prevent an empty stomach by morning . When traveling or at shows, plan for hay breaks; research shows trailering is very ulcerogenic, partly because horses often don’t eat in the trailer. Simply hanging a hay net during transport can mitigate this.
Diet composition matters too. Alfalfa hay has a protective effect against ulcers due to its high calcium and protein content, which can buffer stomach acid . Many trainers ensure their ulcer-prone horses get some alfalfa daily or right before exercise as a “stomach buffer.” Feeding a flake of alfalfa 30 minutes before a ride, for example, is a common practice to help soak up stomach acid. High-grain diets, on the other hand, are risk factors for ulcers. Large starch meals not only leave periods of fasting between meals, but grain fermentation can produce volatile fatty acids that in a low pH environment may irritate the stomach lining. Therefore, low-starch feeds and concentrates that use fat and fiber as energy sources are preferred for horses with ulcer issues . If grain must be fed, giving some hay first, and splitting the grain into multiple small feedings, will help reduce the ulcer risk.
Certain supplements can support gastric health. For instance, pectin-lecithin complexes (found in some commercial supplements) can coat the stomach lining; buffering agents like calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide can temporarily neutralize acid; and probiotics or yeast may improve overall digestion (though their direct effect on stomach ulcers is unclear). In addition, recent research has shown that a high-fat supplement like rice bran can be beneficial – interestingly, the fat (especially omega-6 fatty acids) can moderate acid secretion and increase protective prostaglandins in the stomach . This goes somewhat against the intuition that omega-3s are always the anti-inflammatory ones; in the stomach, rice bran’s fats have been observed to help the mucosal defenses. Regardless, adding oil or rice bran to replace some grain can both boost calories for a performance horse and reduce ulcer risk.
Management is equally as important as diet: stress is a known contributor to ulcers. Horses that are constantly stressed by their environment (whether it’s intense training, pain, or social stress) will be more prone. While not all stressors can be removed, providing turnout time (even for high-level horses), social interaction, and a consistent routine can help. Some barns play music or use calming pheromone diffusers for anxious horses – every little bit helps. Always ensure water is available; dehydration can concentrate stomach acids. If a horse is a chronic ulcer sufferer, working with a vet for medical prophylaxis (like low-dose omeprazole during stressful periods) might be warranted, but nutritional management often reduces the need for long-term medication.
To sum up, feeding and management to prevent ulcers includes: lots of forage, a bit of alfalfa daily, small frequent meals instead of large ones, low starch intake, access to water, and minimization of stressors . For horses that already have ulcers, these same steps will aid healing in conjunction with veterinary treatment. At Little Mountain Ranch Supply, we frequently advise clients on ulcer-friendly feeding programs and stock supplements such as digestive buffers and herbal gut soothers that can complement veterinary care. By prioritizing the horse’s digestive comfort, we not only heal the ulcers but often see improvements in attitude, appetite, and performance.
Other Digestive Challenges (Hindgut Acidosis, Colic)
Beyond gastric ulcers, the hindgut can also experience issues, as discussed in the physiology section. Hindgut acidosisoccurs when the cecum/colon pH drops (often from too much starch reaching the hindgut). It can be subclinical, just causing a bit of loose manure or discomfort, or it can precipitate colic or laminitis. Nutritional approaches to hindgut health include: feed plenty of fiber, limit starch, introduce any dietary changes slowly (to allow the microbiome to adapt), and consider hindgut supplements for at-risk horses. Yeast probiotics have some evidence of stabilizing hindgut pH by supporting fiber-digesting bacteria. Buffers like EquiShure® (a time-released bicarbonate) have been shown in KER research to prevent post-meal pH drops in the hindgut and reduce lactic acid accumulation . Horses on high-grain diets or grazing lush, fructan-rich pasture might be candidates for such a buffer. Also, feeding a cup of plain baking sodaused to be an old horseman’s trick for racehorses (though it’s now banned on race day as a potential performance enhancer), but daily use is not common due to mixed results and the risk of altering stomach pH too.
Colic prevention through nutrition is essentially about consistency and fiber. Sudden changes in feed type or schedule are a big no-no. Always transition feeds over 1-2 weeks. Maintain at least 1.5% of body weight in forage per day (for gut motility) . In our dry region, we also emphasize keeping sand out of feed (sand colic is a concern in dry lot environments) – using mats or tubs to feed hay can prevent horses from ingesting sand. Psyllium supplements are sometimes given to help clear any sand buildup in the gut. Additionally, ensure the horse isn’t overfed grain in one meal (over 4-5 pounds per meal for a 1000 lb horse is risky as it may overflow to hindgut). If a horse is prone to gas colic, avoiding feeds that ferment rapidly (fresh spring grass, excess lush alfalfa) and encouraging slow eating (via slow feeders) can help.
Finally, hydration ties into everything. Impaction colics often occur in winter when horses eat lots of dry hay but drink too little water. We recommend adding salt to feed or offering warm soaked mashes in cold weather to stimulate drinking. In summer, make sure electrolyte losses are addressed so the horse stays thirsty and drinks enough. A dehydrated horse’s gut slows down and becomes prime for impactions.
By tackling these metabolic and digestive challenges with targeted nutritional strategies, we can greatly reduce their incidence. Many of our customers have seen their once-laminitic pony return to soundness with a strict low-sugar diet, or their cribbing, uncomfortable show horse turn into a happy eater after implementing an ulcer prevention feeding routine. The right feed can be as powerful as the right medicine in many cases – and our team is here to help tailor those solutions.
Strategic Supplementation for Optimal Health
Beyond basic feeds (hay, pasture, grains), the world of supplements offers targeted nutritional support for specific needs. Professional horse owners often implement supplements to give their equine athletes or breeding stock an extra edge in health and performance. Here we will discuss some key supplement categories – electrolytes, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, gut buffers, and mycotoxin binders – and their roles in equine nutrition.
• Electrolytes: These are minerals (primarily sodium, chloride, and potassium, but also magnesium and calcium) that dissolve in body fluids and carry electrical charges, enabling muscle contraction, nerve function, and fluid balance. Horses typically get some electrolytes from salt blocks or feed, but hard-working horses lose a tremendous amount in sweat. Supplementing electrolytes is crucial for any horse that sweats heavily (endurance, eventing, ranch work, etc.), especially in hot/arid conditions. A good electrolyte supplement should provide mainly salt – look for sodium, chloride, and potassium as the first ingredients, rather than sugar . Administer electrolytes in accordance with sweat loss: on a cool light work day, only a maintenance amount (or just free-choice salt) is needed; but after a long ride with sweat dripping, a substantial dose is warranted . Replenishing electrolytes helps prevent dehydration, muscle cramps (tying-up), and fatigue. Always pair electrolytes with water access – an electrolyte paste given to a dehydrated horse without water can worsen dehydration. For endurance rides or long-distance hauling, many riders dose electrolytes periodically to keep levels up. At Little Mountain Ranch Supply we carry balanced electrolyte mixes and can advise on dosing for your horse’s workload.
• Amino Acids (Protein Supplements): Protein quality is a limiting factor in many horses’ diets. The most critical amino acids for horses (often called limiting amino acids) are lysine, methionine, and threonine . Lysine in particular is commonly deficient if a horse’s diet is mostly grass hay or grain; without enough lysine, a horse can’t effectively build muscle, even if total protein is adequate. That’s where amino acid supplements come in. For young growing horses, broodmares, or horses in heavy training needing muscle development (topline), supplementing lysine or feeding a ration balancer high in amino acids can make a noticeable difference. For example, adding just 10-20 grams of lysine per day for a 500kg horse can help meet requirements if the forage is lysine-poor. Methionine is another amino acid often supplemented, particularly for hoof and hair quality – it’s a key component of keratin and many hoof supplements contain methionine plus cysteine. Threonine plays roles in gut integrity and immune function. In practice, many horse owners will use a concentrated protein supplement (like soybean meal or a commercial amino acid supplement) if their hay is low in protein or if the horse is a senior losing muscle. It’s important to remember that microbial protein production in the hindgut does not fully meet a horse’s amino acid needs for growth or work , so we must supply quality protein in the diet. Thankfully, good legume forages or fortified feeds often cover this. But if you see a horse with poor topline despite good feed amounts, consider whether an amino acid boost is needed. Our store offers pure lysine powder, as well as high-protein balancers that can be top-dressed to ensure those “building blocks” are in place. In technical terms, think of amino acids like the bricks to build muscle – you can’t build what’s not provided.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omegas have become a hot topic in equine nutrition due to their wide-ranging benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids (like alpha-linolenic acid from flax, and EPA/DHA from fish oil) are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while omega-6s (like linoleic acid from corn oil) tend to be pro-inflammatory in excess . Horses historically got a lot of omega-3 from fresh grass, which is rich in ALA, and less omega-6. Modern diets with grain and sunflower/corn oils can skew that ratio towards omega-6. By supplementing omega-3s, we can help rebalance this and support a range of health aspects. Documented benefits of adding omega-3s include improved joint health, reduction in arthritis inflammation, support for horses with inflammatory airway disease (heaves), enhanced skin/coat condition, and even benefits to sperm quality in stallions . For instance, studies showed that DHA/EPA from fish oil lowered inflammatory markers in arthritic horses’ joints and in asthmatic horses’ lungs . Additionally, many horse owners notice a shinier coat and healthier skin when omega-3 supplements (like ground flaxseed or fish oil) are given, as these fats help maintain cell membrane integrity and moisture in the skin. The ideal ratio of omega-3:omega-6 in the equine diet is suggested to be around 2:1 to 4:1 in favor of omega-3 , yet in some grain-heavy diets it might be 1:4 instead – so supplementation corrects that. Omega-3s may also aid metabolic horses by supporting insulin signaling and reducing general inflammation associated with obesity. Common sources: Flaxseed (linseed) meal or oil is popular – it’s high in ALA which horses convert to EPA/DHA (though conversion is limited, which is why fish oil, containing preformed EPA/DHA, is more potent per gram). Chia seeds are another plant source now in use. Fish oil or algae-derived DHA/EPA supplements are very direct but need to be introduced slowly due to taste; once accustomed, many horses will lick their bucket clean. At Little Mountain Ranch Supply, we have stabilized ground flax and a top-dress marine oil supplement for those high-performance cases that need maximum omega-3 support (like senior horses with arthritis or horses with sweet itch allergic skin reactions). Omega-3 supplementation is a relatively easy and natural way to boost a horse’s diet for long-term health dividends.
• Gut Buffers and Digestive Aids: We touched on hindgut buffers earlier – these fall under supplements designed to maintain gastrointestinal pH and function. A product like EquiShure, containing encapsulated sodium bicarbonate, is specifically made to buffer the hindgut without being neutralized by the stomach. By preventing a drastic drop in cecal pH, such buffers support the fiber-digesting bacteria and can reduce the risk of colic or laminitis in horses on higher grain diets . Another category is prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics (like MOS, FOS – various oligosaccharides) provide food for beneficial microbes or bind harmful pathogens, whereas probiotics (live yeast or bacterial cultures) aim to directly add beneficial organisms. Yeast culture has research backing for improving fiber digestion and possibly stabilizing hindgut conditions; it’s included in many senior and performance feeds. Gastric buffers (for the stomach) include things like antacids – while these are short-acting, some ulcer supplements use aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide to raise stomach pH transiently. There are also coating agents like lecithin and pectin (as mentioned) that help line the stomach. We also have herbal supplements with ingredients like slippery elm, aloe vera, marshmallow root – these can soothe the gut lining and are popular among those preferring natural remedies. It’s important to choose digestive supplements based on the specific issue: a horse with recurrent hindgut acidosis might benefit from a product like EquiShure and a yeast probiotic, whereas a horse with frequent gastric ulcers might be on a supplement containing calcium carbonate, aloe vera, and perhaps an amino acid called L-glutamine that fuels gut lining cells. Always introduce such products gradually and monitor the horse’s response. At our supply store, digestive health is a major focus – we believe in preventing problems before they start, using smart supplementation when needed. We carry a range from daily digestive powders to paste for use during stressful events (e.g. hauling long distance) to keep a horse eating and comfortable.
• Mycotoxin Binders: Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by molds that can contaminate horse feed (grains or forages). In the arid West, we generally have less mold than humid regions, but it can still occur in drought-stressed or improperly stored feeds (for example, irrigated pasture that gets a fall frost can develop mycotoxin-producing fungi, or hay stored with slight moisture can grow mold inside bales). Mycotoxins, even at low levels, may cause chronic issues: colic, diarrhea, poor coat, unexplained infertility or lactation problems, neurological signs (staggers), or just an unthrifty horse. Mycotoxin binders are supplements added to the feed to bind these toxins in the gut so they pass out with manure instead of entering the bloodstream . They are widely used in the livestock industry (especially poultry and pigs) and have gained popularity in horse management for those who want extra protection. Common binder ingredients include clays like bentonite or montmorillonite, activated charcoal, and yeast cell wall extracts (MOS/β-glucans) – each works on different types of toxins. For example, aflatoxin (from certain molds in corn) is effectively bound by clay, while fumonisins (from moldy corn) and ochratoxin might need yeast-based binders. A broad-spectrum binder combines several agents. It’s important to note that binders do not “cure” moldy feed – if feed is visibly moldy, it should be discarded entirely. Binders are more of an insurance policy when feed might have invisible traces of mycotoxins. There’s also the matter of endophyte-infected grasses (like fescue toxicosis in broodmares); certain binders can help mitigate those toxins too. For horse owners in our region, we sometimes suggest a binder if their hay was rained on then dried (risking mold growth), or if their grain has been stored through a hot summer. If a horse shows mysterious health or behavior issues, a binder trial might be part of the troubleshooting. According to nutritionists, these binders work by physically binding to the toxin molecules in the gut and carrying them out, preventing absorption into the bloodstream . They are generally considered safe, though one should not overdose as they might bind some nutrients if overused. Little Mountain Ranch Supply offers a mycotoxin binder that can be added to feed – think of it as cheap insurance on your horse’s feed, especially if you suspect any quality issues. We also advise regular feed storage checks to avoid spoilage; prevention is better than mitigation.
These supplement strategies, when applied thoughtfully, can greatly enhance a horse’s diet. However, we always remind clients: supplements are just that – supplemental to a good base diet. One cannot out-supplement a fundamentally inappropriate feeding program. The foundation should always be quality forage, balanced feed for the horse’s life stage, and good water and salt availability. Then, supplements address the specific gaps or needs (like more electrolytes in summer training, or more omega-3 for an older arthritic horse). Used correctly, they can improve performance, aid recovery, and support health in ways basic feed cannot. Our staff at Little Mountain Ranch Supply stays updated on the latest equine nutrition research so we can recommend products with proven ingredients and appropriate dosages – ensuring you get the most bang for your buck and your horse gets the most benefit for its belly.
Feeding Management: Schedules, Portions, and Analysis
Even the best feed in the world won’t yield results if feeding management is poor. How we feed (the schedule, portions, and methods) is just as important as what we feed. Several best practices in feeding management have stood the test of time and research:
1. Establish a Consistent Feeding Schedule: Horses are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Feeding at the same times each day helps minimize stress and digestive upset. If your boarding operation feeds at 7am and 7pm, try to stick to that. If you need to adjust feeding times, do it gradually. Also, consider splitting feed into multiple small meals rather than one or two big meals. We’ve mentioned the benefits of frequent forage access – it reduces ulcer risk and keeps the hindgut content stable. For concentrates, if a horse’s grain ration is large, dividing it into 2 or 3 feedings will improve digestion and reduce the starch load at any one time. Many farms do a morning and evening grain feed; some add a lunchtime feed for hard keepers or high performers. The rule of thumb is a horse should not go more than 6-8 hours without forage if possible. If extended overnight, ensure they have a slow feeder or plenty of hay so they won’t run out quickly. An exception is an obese horse on a diet, where you might need to use slow feeders to stretch out a smaller ration of hay over time.
2. Feed by Weight, Not by Volume: This cannot be stressed enough. Always weigh your feed (both hay and grain) or at least know the weight per scoop/flakes you are feeding . A “quart” of one feed can weigh drastically different from a quart of another (pellets vs oats vs sweet feed all have different densities). Likewise, a “flake” of hay might weigh 2 pounds or 5 pounds depending on bale type and flake size. Feeding by weight ensures you are meeting the horse’s actual intake needs and following feeding recommendations accurately . For example, if a feed’s guideline says “feed 5 lbs per day for a 1000 lb horse in moderate work,” you need to weigh out that 5 lbs with a scale – not assume that 1 scoop is 5 lbs. Often people underfeed expensive fortified feeds because they go by scoops (which may be light) or overfeed certain grains unintentionally. Invest in a hanging scale or a fish scale to weigh a full hay net, and a small scale for grain. At the very least, periodically calibrate your scoop: weigh how much one full scoop of your current feed is. As a case in point, a 3-quart scoop of oats might be ~3 lbs, but a 3-quart scoop of a dense pelleted feed could be 4.5 lbs. Feeding “3 scoops” of each would give very different amounts, potentially leading to an under-supplemented or over-supplemented diet . Along with weight, adjust feed amounts according to the horse’s condition – if they’re gaining too much, cut back; if losing, increase. Use a weight tape or scale occasionally to estimate the horse’s body weight, and aim for 1.5–2.5% of body weight in total feed (forage + concentrate) daily depending on needs .
3. Analyze and Balance Your Forage: As emphasized earlier, forage (hay/pasture) is likely 50-100% of your horse’s diet, so you should know what’s in it. A hay analysis can reveal crude protein, fiber fractions, calorie content (DE), NSC (starch + sugar), and minerals. This data is gold for creating a balanced diet. For instance, if your hay is only 8% protein and you have growing horses, you’ll know to add a higher-protein supplement. If the hay is high in iron and low in copper/zinc (common in many areas), you can choose a balancer with extra copper/zinc to compensate. If NSC is high (above 15%), you’d be cautious feeding that hay to a laminitic horse or might soak it. By balancing the diet based on analysis, you avoid the extremes of deficiency or excess. Many feed companies or independent equine nutritionists offer diet balancing services – you plug in your hay analysis, the horse’s details, and they formulate the optimal concentrate or supplement plan. This is something we can assist with at Little Mountain Ranch Supply, connecting you to resources to analyze and interpret forage. Even without a detailed analysis, observe your hay’s quality: is it leafy or stemmy? Green or brown? Leafy, greener hays are richer (and usually more nutritious) than very mature, stemmy hays which are mostly indigestible fiber. You might feed more of a stemmy hay to meet energy needs, whereas a rich leafy alfalfa you might mix with grass to avoid excess.
4. Monitor Body Condition and Adjust Feed Accordingly: Feeding is not a set-and-forget task. Horses’ needs change with seasons, workload, and age. Continuously body condition score (BCS) your horses – ideally monthly. A BCS of 5 (moderate) is a common target for most, 6 for broodmares, maybe 4 for a race-fit horse. If you notice the crest getting harder or ribs disappearing, reduce feed; if ribs are easily seen and horse is a bit bony, increase feed. It’s far healthier to make gradual adjustments than to let a horse become obese or skinny and then do drastic changes. Use a weight tape to track trends – it’s not perfectly accurate for true weight, but if the number is going up or down over time, you know which direction your horse is heading . Make feed changes incrementally (usually no more than 1-2 lbs change in concentrate per week, or 10% change in hay amount at a time). This fine-tuning is the hallmark of good horsemen – they feed with their eye on the horse, not strictly by a formula. For instance, an older horse might suddenly start losing weight as winter comes on – that might prompt adding an extra feeding of beet pulp mash at night for extra calories. Or a pony that’s getting cresty in spring – time to cut grass access and switch to a low-calorie balancer pellet.
5. Feed Forage Before Grain & Don’t Work Hard Right After Feeding: A couple of old yet valid pieces of advice: Always put some hay in the horse’s stomach before you feed grain. This slows the intake of concentrate and provides fiber to mix, moderating glycemic response and keeping the stomach acid busy with hay (reducing ulcer risk). It’s a good practice especially for enthusiastic eaters – let them munch a bit of hay, then give grain. Similarly, avoid heavy exercise immediately after a large grain meal – it can predispose to colic (as blood flow is diverted from the gut) and is generally uncomfortable for the horse. Small forage meals, on the other hand, can be given before riding (a flake of hay 30 minutes before work is beneficial, as mentioned in ulcer prevention). After exercise, ensure the horse is cooled down and rehydrated before giving its next meal.
6. Ensure Access to Clean Water and Salt: While not exactly “feeding,” water and salt are integral to diet. A horse can eat 20 lbs of hay, but if it doesn’t drink, that hay can become an impaction. Encourage drinking by providing fresh, palatable water. Some horses are picky – if you travel to shows, bringing water from home or flavoring the water with something (apple juice, electrolytes) can encourage them to drink unfamiliar water. Always have at least a plain salt block or loose salt available. Most horses will consume about 1-2 ounces of salt a day if it’s free-choice, which often covers baseline sodium needs. In our dry climate, I often see horses licking their salt blocks more – it’s their way of regulating intake.
By adhering to these management principles – consistent schedule, weighing feed, balancing rations with analysis, and monitoring horse condition – you’ll maximize the benefits of the quality feeds and supplements you provide. It’s often said, “feeding horses is as much an art as a science.” The science gives us the guidelines, and the art comes in applying them to individual horses and situations. At Little Mountain Ranch Supply, we not only provide the feed and supplements but also the expertise to help you implement these best practices on your farm. We can help you set up a feeding chart, calculate ration weights, or schedule hay testing, functioning as your ally in optimizing your feeding program.
Adapting to Workload, Seasons, and Stress
A horse’s nutritional needs are not static – they fluctuate with changes in workload, seasonal weather shifts, and stress factors. A savvy nutrition program anticipates and adjusts for these changes to keep the horse in optimal condition year-round.
Workload Adjustments: When a horse’s activity level increases or decreases, its diet should be adjusted in tandem – but gradually. For a horse coming into training or increasing performance intensity, you’ll need to ramp up its energy intake to match the greater calorie burn. Typically, this means more hay if the horse isn’t already at free-choice, and then additional concentrate or fat as needed. The digestive system adapts over time, so if you plan to have your horse fit by spring, start increasing feed in late winter as you incrementally increase work. Conversely, when a horse goes on off-season or lay-up, reduce grain to prevent weight gain or excitability. Many racehorses or show horses get “let down” with a period of pasture rest – during this time they often can be switched to mostly forage with just a minimal balancer feed. Sudden removal of exercise without changing feed can quickly lead to an obese, high-strung horse. A good example is a barrel horse that’s been competing all summer on a high-octane diet; once the season ends, that extra energy in feed needs to be scaled back. Always consider the type of work too: endurance horses benefit from high-fat diets (for sustained energy), and their electrolyte protocol is critical. Sprinters or horses doing anaerobic bursts might handle a bit more starch for quick energy but still need adequate fat and electrolytes for recovery. There’s also the concept of “making weight” – for horses in sports like racing, maintaining a certain body weight is desired, so feed is fine-tuned to keep them on the lighter side of healthy without losing muscle. Ultimately, match the feed to the work: a hard-working horse in constant work may eat 2-2.5% of its BW in feed (with grain making up a larger share of calories), whereas a pasture pet might maintain on 1.5% of BW entirely in hay.
Seasonal Variation: Horses are naturally seasonal creatures – their bodies and metabolisms change from summer to winter. Winter (cold weather): As temperatures drop, a horse needs more energy just to keep warm. A general rule is for every degree (Celsius) below the Lower Critical Temperature (the temp below which a horse needs to burn extra calories to maintain body heat), energy requirements increase by about 1% . For example, if a horse’s LCT is 40°F (which varies by coat and condition), and it’s 20°F outside, that’s 20°F below LCT – roughly a 10% increase in calories needed. This is typically met by feeding more hay, because the fermentation of fiber produces internal heat. Indeed, on a frigid night, giving an extra 2-3 pounds of hay is more effective at warming a horse from the inside than a scoop of sweet feed . We often advise clients to gradually bump up hay rations as soon as cold nights set in. Also, ensure water heaters are working so the horse drinks enough – impaction risk rises in winter. Some horses lose weight in winter due to the cold; others might gain if they become less active but are still fed the same. So monitor and adjust. Summer (hot weather): In hot climates, the biggest concern is ensuring the horse stays hydrated and doesn’t go off feed from heat stress. Many horses eat less when it’s very hot. Focus on providing cool, clean water and perhaps wetting their feed. You can even substitute some hay with a soaked hay cube mash to sneak in water. Electrolytes become vital in summer – horses should have salt, and those sweating a lot need supplements as discussed. Another summer consideration is that pasture nutrient contentchanges – spring and early summer grass is high in sugars and very caloric (dangerous for laminitis-prone horses, but great for hard keepers), whereas late summer pasture in arid areas might be sparse and low quality, essentially adding little nutrition. Come autumn, a flush of grass or fallen leaves/fruits can pose laminitis or colic hazards. So the seasonal management includes possibly using grazing muzzles in spring, then feeding more hay in late summer drought, etc.
Stress and Travel: Horses undergoing stress – be it environmental changes, hauling, showing, or herd dynamics – often need nutritional support. Traveling horses might go off water or feed, so offering wet mashes or bringing familiar hay can encourage them to eat. Probiotic pastes given before and after transport can help maintain gut flora that might be disrupted by stress or strange water. Also, as mentioned, always give forage during transport breaks. Show/Competition days: Many riders avoid feeding grain within a few hours of a class to prevent discomfort or dullness. Instead, they provide hay and then give grain after the horse has cooled down. If a competition runs all day, offering small hay snacks or soaked beet pulp between classes can keep gut sounds happy. Some performance horses benefit from an ulcer preventative (like omeprazole) during high-stress shows, but even with that, feeding management (hay, alfalfa, etc.) should be consistent. Stall confinement (e.g., due to injury) is another stressor – when a horse used to being active is suddenly on stall rest, its feed must change. Typically, we reduce caloric intake to prevent weight gain since the horse isn’t exercising, and also to keep them a bit calm (lowering high-energy concentrates). At the same time, we increase fibrous, boredom-fighting feeds: lots of hay, possibly a slow feeder, some low-calorie chaff or soaked hay stretcher pellets to munch on through the day. This avoids the horse stressing out from lack of chewing activity. For horses that get anxious (weaving, cribbing) when not occupied, constant hay or a nibble net can be hugely beneficial.
Climate Stress: In an arid region, we should also mention altitude – in high altitude parts of Utah, horses initially may have higher red blood cell production needs (which requires more iron, copper, B-vitamins), though most adapt fine. Not a huge dietary change, but something to note if moving a horse from sea level to mountains. Also UV intensity is higher; feeding antioxidants like vitamin E and C could, anecdotally, help with sun-related stress (like in horses with photosensitivity issues).
Finally, always introduce any diet changes gradually. If you know a seasonal or workload change is coming, start adjusting the feed a week or two in advance so the horse can smoothly transition. For instance, before winter cold hits, slowly increase hay; before show season, gradually add that performance feed. This prevents digestive upset and allows the horse’s metabolism to adapt.
By staying proactive and adjusting rations for work, season, and stress, you prevent problems and keep the horse at peak condition. Nutrition is not static, and neither is the horse’s life – marrying the two in a dynamic way is the hallmark of advanced horse care. Our team enjoys working with owners on these fine-tuning adjustments. We often have clients come in saying, “I think Thunder’s going to start team roping next month, what should I change in his feed?” – and we’ll walk through his current diet and map out adding a performance grain and electrolyte protocol. Or someone says “my mare really drops weight in winter” – and we plan to incorporate beet pulp and rice bran from October through March. This level of detailed care is what sets apart top-notch horse management, and it’s what we aim to support every day.
Conclusion
Feeding horses is a science grounded in the horse’s evolutionary design as a nomadic grazing herbivore, yet it’s also an art of individual customization. We’ve explored how the equine digestive system – powered by hindgut fermentation – demands a forage-rich diet and careful management to avoid upsetting its delicate balance. We’ve broken down the special nutrient needs of different classes of horses, from the elite athlete requiring extra energy and electrolytes, to the broodmare eating for two (or three!), to the youngster building a body, and the senior trying to maintain one. We’ve considered the environmental context of Utah’s arid climate, where forage is fed more than grazed and water is truly the lifeblood of nutrition. We’ve addressed common metabolic pitfalls like insulin resistance and ulcers that can be largely mitigated by smart feeding strategies. And we’ve highlighted supplements and feeding practices that can give your program a winning edge – because sometimes a little extra lysine or a scoop of electrolytes can make a tangible difference in a horse’s well-being.
At Little Mountain Ranch Supply, our mission is to elevate equine care through education and quality products. We don’t just sell feed – we partner with you to craft diets that are scientifically sound and tailored to your horse’s unique needs. Whether you run a professional training barn, a breeding farm, a boarding stable, or are a dedicated owner of one or two beloved horses, we are here as a resource. Our staff stays up-to-date on the latest in equine nutrition research (as you’ve seen reflected in this article) so we can offer informed recommendations – be it a new gut health supplement backed by studies or a simply better way to schedule your feedings.
By implementing the advanced nutrition and management insights discussed here, you can expect to see horses that gleam with health, perform with vigor, and thrive in longevity. The devil is in the details, and excellence in horse care often comes down to doing the little things right – like weighing that feed, refilling that water, or remembering to pack the alfalfa for the next show. Little Mountain Ranch Supply is passionate about those details. We invite you to reach out for any help in optimizing your feeding program. Together, let’s fuel our horses the way nature intended, with the benefits of modern science, and watch them reach new pinnacles of health and performance.
References: The information in this article is supported by current equine nutrition research and expert guidelines, including sources from Kentucky Equine Research, university extensions, and peer-reviewed studies in equine health. For further reading or specific source material, please refer to the citations within the text, which correspond to detailed references on each subject. Our team can provide additional resources or clarification on request. Thank you for trusting Little Mountain Ranch Supply as your partner in high-performance equine nutrition.
