A horse’s digestive system is built for grazing, so the foundation of any good diet is forage—pasture or hay—available for most of the day. Aim for 1.5–2% of body weight in forage daily (7.5–10 kg for a 500 kg horse). High-quality grass hay suits many horses; legume hays like alfalfa/lucerne are richer in protein and calcium and are useful for growing, lactating, or hard-working horses but can be too caloric for easy keepers.
For horses in moderate to heavy work, or those needing extra calories, add concentrates (commercial pellets/mueslis or straight grains). Choose a feed designed for your horse’s workload and age, and introduce it slowly. Keep grain meals small (no more than 2 kg per feeding) to protect the hindgut and reduce the risk of colic or laminitis. Many horses do well on a ration balancer, which provides vitamins, minerals, and amino acids without extra calories—ideal for good-doers on mostly forage.
Don’t forget water and salt. A 500 kg horse may drink 20–40 liters per day; more in hot weather, during travel, or with high-fiber diets. Provide free-choice plain salt (a block or 1–2 tablespoons loose salt daily) and consider electrolytes after hard work to replace sodium, chloride, and potassium.
For gut health, prioritize consistent feeding times, plenty of fiber, and limited starch. Long gaps without forage raise ulcer risk; slow-feed hay nets help extend chewing time. Introduce any diet change over 7–14 days. Monitor body condition score (BCS 1–9); most horses should sit around BCS 5–6—ribs felt but not seen, a smooth topline.
Special cases: senior horses may need soaked hay cubes, beet pulp, or senior complete feeds for easier chewing; metabolic or laminitis-prone horses benefit from low-NSC (sugar + starch) forage and minimal grain.
Finally, feed the individual in front of you—age, workload, temperament, teeth, and health determine the right mix. Regular weigh-ins, fecal checks, and dental care complete the picture of a well-fed horse.
