Tag: horse nutrition

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Ask the Expert: How Many Horses Can Your Pasture Support?

Horse grazing representing How Many Horses Can Your Pasture Support?

We are often asked “how many acres of pasture do I need for my horses?”. In today’s blog we are using one owner’s experience to review how to determine the carrying capacity of your horse pasture to ensure optimal grazing conditions.

Expanding Your Herd

We’ve finally purchased a horse property! It’s 7 acres with about 5 acres in pasture. We have 2 horses, but are looking to expand our herd. However, we do not want more horses than what our pasture can hold since we do not want to feed hay (or much hay) during the summer. How many horses can our pasture support? 

How Much Pasture Do Your Horses Need?

In general, 2 acres per one 1,000-pound horse is recommended if owners expect the pastures to provide most of the horse’s nutrition during the growing season. However, this is highly variable and depends on several factors including geographical location, soil type, rainfall, and management. Although location, soil type, and rainfall are mostly out of an owners control, management can be controlled and includes mowing, fertilizing, controlling weeds, resting (e.g. avoiding over-grazing), and dragging; all recommended best practices for horse pasture management.

Your 5 acres of pasture should be able to feed 2.5 1,000-pound horses during the summer grazing season. If your farm is on sandy soil, there is a drought, or you choose not to do any pasture management (e.g. mowing, fertilizing, weed control, resting, and dragging), then 5 acres might not be enough for your two horses and hay supplementation would be needed. On the other hand, if your farm has heavier soil, there is good rainfall, and you practice good pasture management, then your pasture should be able to support your two horses, and maybe one more, during the summer grazing season. 

At Nutrena, we believe proper nutrition plays the biggest role for a lifetime of health and happiness for every horse. That’s why Nutrena horse feeds are specifically formulated for every life stage and activity level. 

Ready to ensure your horse is getting the optimum nutrition at feeding time, every time? Find the perfect feed formulated specifically for horse’s needs with our Feed Selector Tool.

Feed Selector tool

Photo credit: Michelle DeBoer, PhD, UW-River Falls.

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Do You Know the Feeding Rate For Your Horse Feed?

scooping feed

During a horse owners meeting, a conversation with a trainer revealed the negative consequences of not following proper feeding rates. The trainer had switched to a competitor’s product without considering the specific nutritional needs of his horses. As a result, his horses experienced weight loss and dull coats, prompting him to return to his previous feed program.

Importance of Choosing the Right Product

Choosing the appropriate horse feed is crucial, especially when considering the horse’s activity level. A product designed for maintenance-level horses may not provide sufficient supplementation for horses involved in demanding activities such as showing or breeding. Proper feed rates and additional supplementation are imperative for horses working harder.

Understanding Feed Tags and Directions

Feed tags provide valuable information about the purpose and recommended feed rate for a specific product. The purpose statement indicates the intended type of horse and lifestyle for which the feed is formulated. The recommended feed rate is crucial and can vary based on fortification and nutrient quality, typically ranging from 1/4 pound to 2 pounds per hundred pounds of body weight.

Importance of Following Directions

Following the recommended feed rate is essential for optimal nutrition. Neglecting to do so can result in inadequate nutrient intake or overfeeding, both of which can have negative effects on the horse’s health and performance. It is crucial to understand and implement the appropriate feed rate for the specific product being used.

The Case Study

Misinterpretation of Feed Rate

In the case of the trainer mentioned earlier, it was discovered that he had misunderstood the recommended feed rate for the product he switched to. The product was intended for horses working at a performance level and required a feed rate of 1.5 pounds per hundred pounds of body weight, amounting to 15 pounds per day for a 1000-pound horse. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to suboptimal nutrition and compromised horse health.

Overcoming Resistance to Feeding Rates

The trainer expressed surprise at the recommended feed rate, mentioning that he would never feed that much concentrate to any horse. His resistance stemmed from not taking the time to read feed tags and do the necessary calculations. To emphasize the importance of following feeding rates, an analogy was made to baking a cake: Just as following the directions on a cake mix box is crucial for desired results, adhering to feed tag instructions ensures the horse receives the proper nutrition.

Understanding and following recommended feeding rates is vital for providing horses with the nutrition they need. Neglecting to do so can lead to adverse effects on weight, coat condition, and overall health. By taking the time to read and comprehend feed tags, horse owners can ensure that their horses receive the optimal amount of nutrients and support their well-being and performance.

Ready to ensure your horse is getting the optimum nutrition at feeding time, every time? Find the perfect feed formulated specifically for horse’s needs with our Feed Selector Tool.

Feed Selector tool
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Does My Horse Need a Diet or Exercise Change?

During an Equine Nutrition class, a student requested an evaluation of her horse to determine if any diet or exercise changes were necessary. This case highlighted the importance of assessing a horse’s body condition, weight, and topline when considering adjustments to their diet or exercise regimen.

hand feeding red size representing Does My Horse Need a Diet or Exercise Change?

The Horse Evaluation

Appearance versus Muscle Coverage

The evaluated horse was a 4-year-old Warmblood gelding, measuring 17.1 hands and weighing 1350 pounds. At first glance, the horse appeared to be in good flesh, but upon closer examination, a lack of muscle and coverage in the withers and back areas was noticeable.

Current Diet and Potential Issues

The student shared that the horse’s current diet consisted of 20 pounds of first cutting hay per day and 8 pounds of locally grown oats. While the calorie content seemed sufficient, there was a deficiency in the amino acid balance. The student also mentioned recent saddle refitting and chiropractic visits due to the horse’s back issues.

Identifying the Need for Changes

Increased Workload and Nutritional Requirements

Considering the horse’s increased workload due to the transition to college, it was evident that additional fortification was necessary. A ration balancer was recommended to address the young horse’s dietary needs and help replenish his topline.

Challenge and Counterargument

During the evaluation, another student challenged the recommended dietary change. As an Equine Physiology major, she believed that working the horse in a more collected manner, engaging the hindquarters and developing the topline through exercise, would be sufficient. She perceived the horse as overweight and did not see the need for a diet change.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Nutrition

Comparing Diet Deficiencies

To explain the importance of proper nutrition, an analogy was drawn to a young child on a diet consisting solely of rice. Such a diet lacks essential amino acids, resulting in a rounded abdomen but a lack of muscle mass. In this scenario, simply increasing exercise would not lead to muscle development unless the diet is appropriately supplemented.

Listening to Your Horse

The horse’s physical condition and performance can serve as indicators of dietary deficiencies. Taking the time to observe and assess your horse’s body condition, weight, and muscle development can provide valuable insights into whether diet or exercise changes are necessary.

When considering diet or exercise changes for your horse, it is crucial to evaluate their body condition, weight, and topline. Deficiencies in amino acids or other essential nutrients can affect muscle development and overall health. By paying attention to your horse’s physical cues and seeking professional advice, you can make informed decisions to ensure your horse receives the appropriate nutrition and exercise for optimal well-being and performance.

Ready to ensure your horse is getting the optimum nutrition at feeding time, every time? Find the perfect feed formulated specifically for horse’s needs with our Feed Selector Tool.

Feed Selector tool
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Horse Nutrition 101

Horse nutrition is confusing! So many things to consider for your horse, and then on top of that, every horse has different needs…Where is a new horse owner, or even someone who has been around horses for a while that is now interested in nutrition, to begin?

Here’s a quick list of past blog posts that will give you the basics – a “Horse Nutrition 101” class list, so to speak!

Determining How Much Should Your Horse Eat:

Basic Needs:

Understanding Horse Feeds:

There is much more beyond just these topics, but horse owners should all have a good handle on the basics to keep their horses happy and healthy!

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