Unlimited roughage, why?

Feeding unlimited forage is not the same as feeding unlimited hay. Let's start with that! As a partner of Equilin, we advocate "the new way of feeding." But what exactly does this term mean?

A horse is designed to forage for its food over many miles. This food varies from grasses and herbs to tree bark and fruits. The way we house horses today makes it almost impossible to provide for this way of feeding. This means that, as caregivers, we must ensure that a horse has access to the right nutrients and quantities.

A horse that goes too long without access to food has a greater chance of stomach and intestinal problems. A horse's digestive system is not designed to be idle for hours. A horse only produces saliva while chewing, unlike humans and dogs, for example. Saliva is necessary to neutralize the acidic juices that the stomach continuously produces. But there are also acidic juices in the small intestine. A horse does not have a gallbladder; the bile produced by the liver continuously drips into the small intestine. Without a continuously filled and working digestive system, this negatively affects the horse's stomach and intestines.

But should you just lay down a large pile of hay and hope your horse will eat it all day and not overeat? No!

First, it's important to know what you're feeding! Measuring is knowing, so first ensure you have tested hay. A horse needs 2 to 2.5 kilograms of dry matter per 100 kilograms of body weight in forage! If you can't manage this with forage for whatever reason, you could supplement with a forage mix. Divide portions throughout the day by scheduling multiple feeding times. Try to prevent your horse from being without forage for longer than 4 hours! Your horse's stomach is empty after 3 to 4 hours. If your horse has access to grass, take this into account when determining the amount of hay you feed.

Use slow feeders; the fine mesh will make your horse take longer to eat the hay. Provide multiple feeding points if space allows. This will encourage your horse to move. And add variety; not just hay, but also branches, lucerne, and herbs, for example, fall under forage (always check first that they are not poisonous to your horse). If your horse has access to a pasture, there will always be something to forage for, and your horse will always have something to nibble on between feeding times. If your horse is stabled, provide straw if possible. Even if it's in a hay rack, this way your horse has access to forage even after its portion of hay is gone. Create a challenge, for example, by filling a play ball with hay and hanging it loosely; your horse will have to work harder and will take longer to eat its hay.

In addition to hay, it is also important that your horse receives sufficient vitamins and minerals. Because much hay comes from depleted soils, it is advisable to supplement with at least a balancer! Has your horse been subjected to extra exertion, is it pregnant or lactating, or recovering? Then you can also supplement with extra feed. We are happy to advise you on what your horse needs!