Transitioning a horse from lush summer pasture to a dry‑season barn environment is one of the biggest nutritional challenges of the year. A well‑designed seasonal feeding plan keeps your horse healthy, maintains body condition, and prevents digestive upset. Below is a step‑by‑step guide you can adapt to any type of operation---whether you manage a single pleasure horse or a small herd.
Assess the Starting Point
| Factor | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Body Condition Score (BCS) | Score 1--9 using the Henneke system | Determines how much extra energy the horse needs during the transition |
| Current Diet | Record pasture quality, any hay, concentrates, supplements | Establishes a baseline for nutrient intake |
| Health History | Recent laminitis, colic, metabolic issues, dental work | Certain conditions require specific nutrient adjustments |
| Workload | Light, moderate, heavy | Exercise level drives caloric requirements |
Action: Write down the data on a sheet or in a simple spreadsheet. This snapshot will guide the amount and type of feed you introduce.
Understand Seasonal Nutrient Shifts
| Season | Typical Nutrient Profile | Feeding Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Pasture | High in non‑structural carbohydrates (NSC), abundant water, variable protein | May need to limit concentrate for horses prone to laminitis; monitor protein if pasture is low |
| Winter Barn | Low NSC, higher fiber from hay, drier environment, less natural water intake | Requires more calories from hay and possibly a low‑NSC concentrate; ensure adequate electrolytes and water |
Choose the Right Forage
-
Transition Hay -- Start introducing a good‑quality hay 2--3 weeks before pasture removal.
-
Gradual Reduction -- Decrease pasture time by 10‑20 % each day while increasing hay allowance. This prevents sudden changes in gut microflora.
Calorie Calculations
A typical adult horse (≈ 1,000 lb) needs 15,000--18,000 kcal/day at maintenance. Adjust:
Example Calculation
| Item | kcal/kg (DM) | Daily Amount (kg) | kcal Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay (grass/legume) | 2,500 | 7.0 | 17,500 |
| Low‑NSC Concentrate | 3,600 | 0.5 | 1,800 |
| Total | --- | --- | 19,300 |
If the total exceeds target, trim concentrate; if it falls short, add a small amount of beet pulp or fiber‑rich supplement.
Introduce Concentrates Wisely
- Low‑NSC Options -- Ideal for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic syndrome. Look for feeds ≤ 10 % NSC.
- Slow‑Release Formulas -- Provide steady energy without spikes in blood sugar.
- Feeding Schedule -- Split concentrate into two equal meals (morning & evening) to avoid gut overload.
Tip: Use a measuring cup or weigh scale every day for the first two weeks to ensure consistency.
Add Essential Supplements
| Need | Common Supplement | Typical Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrolytes | Salt block + trace mineral mix | ½--1 lb per 1,000 lb body weight per month |
| Vitamin E & Selenium | Selenium‑fortified premix (if region is deficient) | Follow label, usually 0.02--0.05 mg/kg BW |
| Joint Support (if older) | Glucosamine‑chondroitin blend | As per manufacturer |
| Probiotics/Prebiotics | Live yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces boulardii) | 1--2 g per day |
Add supplements with the first concentrate meal to aid digestion.
Water Management
- Check temperature -- Cold water can deter drinking. Use water heaters or insulated buckets when temperatures drop below 32 °F (0 °C).
- Freshness -- Change water at least twice daily; keep buckets clean to avoid biofilm buildup.
Monitor and Adjust
| Parameter | How to Check | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Body Condition Score | Visual palpation of ribs, spine, tailhead | Every 2 weeks |
| Weight | Scale or girth measurement | Monthly |
| Manure Consistency | Look for firm, pellet‑like pellets (ideal) | Daily |
| Feed Intake | Record leftovers at each feeding | Weekly |
Decision Tree:
- BCS ↓ 2 points → Increase calories by 10 % (add 0.5 kg hay or 0.25 kg concentrate).
- Manure becomes watery → Lower concentrate, increase fiber, check water temperature.
- Weight gain > 2 %/mo → Reduce concentrate or replace a portion of hay with lower‑calorie forage.
Sample 4‑Week Transition Schedule
| Week | Pasture (%) | Hay (kg) | Concentrate (kg) | Supplements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 80 % | 3.0 | 0.25 (low‑NSC) | Electrolytes + Vitamin E |
| 2 | 60 % | 4.5 | 0.5 | Add probiotic |
| 3 | 40 % | 5.5 | 0.5 | Check BCS, adjust |
| 4 | 0 % (barn) | 7.0 | 0.5--0.75 (based on BCS) | Full supplement suite |
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Abrupt removal of pasture | Colic, laminitis, weight loss | Gradual reduction over ≥ 14 days |
| Over‑feeding concentrate | Insulin spikes, laminitis | Keep concentrate ≤ 10 % of total diet DM |
| Neglecting water temperature | Dehydration, impaction colic | Use heated water sources or insulated troughs |
| Ignoring BCS changes | Undetected weight loss/gain | Perform BCS checks at least bi‑weekly |
| Feeding low‑quality hay | Nutrient deficiencies, dust inhalation | Test hay, rotate stocks, store dry |
Final Checklist
- [ ] Record baseline BCS, weight, and health status.
- [ ] Have at least 2 weeks of high‑quality hay on hand before pasture removal.
- [ ] Choose a low‑NSC concentrate appropriate for the horse's metabolic profile.
- [ ] Set up a reliable water heating system for winter.
- [ ] Schedule regular BCS and manure checks.
- [ ] Keep a log of daily feed amounts and any adjustments.
By following these steps, you'll provide a smooth nutritional bridge between summer pasture freedom and winter barn comfort, keeping your horses strong, healthy, and ready for whatever the season brings.
Happy feeding, and enjoy the change of the seasons!