Introduction to Homemade Forage for Horses
Horses are herbivores with a digestive system designed to process high-fiber forage. Homemade forage allows owners to control quality and nutritional content. This guide covers selecting ingredients, preparation, and feeding tips to promote equine health.
Types of Forage Ingredients
Grasses
Common grasses include timothy, orchardgrass, bermudagrass, and fescue. Timothy is low in protein (8-10%) and ideal for adult horses. Orchardgrass has similar nutrition but is more palatable. Bermudagrass is drought-tolerant and moderate in protein. Fescue can contain an endophyte that causes issues in pregnant mares; choose endophyte-free varieties.
Legumes
Alfalfa and clover are legumes high in protein (15-20%) and calcium. Alfalfa is excellent for growing horses and lactating mares but may be too rich for idle horses. Red clover is lower in protein but still higher than grass.
Other Ingredients
Consider adding timothy hay cubes, beet pulp (shredded, without molasses), or oat hay (for lower calorie needs). Always avoid moldy or dusty hay.
Selecting Quality Forage
Choose hay that is green, leafy, and free of weeds, mold, and dust. The stem-to-leaf ratio should be low for legumes, while grasses can have more stems. Perform a sensory check: smell for freshness (avoid musty), feel for moisture (should be dry but not brittle), and look for uniform color.
Preparation and Storage
Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground to prevent mold. For homemade forage, consider cutting and curing your own hay. Proper curing reduces moisture to below 15% to inhibit mold. Alternatively, you can grow and graze horses on pasture, which is their natural diet.
Feeding Techniques
Forage to Weight Ratio
Horses should eat 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage daily. For a 500 kg horse, that's 7.5-10 kg of hay. Adjust based on activity and condition.
Feeding Frequency
Horses are grazers; feed forage multiple times daily (3-5 times) to mimic natural grazing. Always provide free-choice hay or pasture to prevent ulcers and colic.
Supplementing Forage
If forage quality is low, supplement with a balanced vitamin-mineral mix. For horses with high energy needs, add grains or fats, but keep forage as the majority of the diet (at least 70% by weight).
Nutritional Considerations
Forage provides fiber, energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals but may be deficient in some nutrients. For mature horses, grass hay provides adequate energy, but alfalfa adds calcium and protein. Provide a salt block and ensure access to clean water.
Safe Forage Practices
Avoid feeding fresh-cut grass that is wet (can cause founder) or frozen. Test hay for mycotoxins if mold is present. Introduce new forage gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Signs of Good Health
- Shiny coat
- Healthy weight (ribs felt but not seen)
- Consistent manure (formed, not too dry or wet)
- Energetic but calm demeanor
If you notice weight loss, dull coat, or diarrhea, reassess forage quality and quantity.
Conclusion
Homemade forage can be a rewarding way to feed your horse if sourced and stored correctly. Prioritize high-quality grass or legume hay, feed by weight, and monitor your horse’s condition. Consult an equine nutritionist for personalized advice.