Springtime brings more than just sunshine and fresh flowers. It’s also the time of year when horse owners take stock of their animals and prepare them for the riding season ahead. When building your horse's diet, it's key to evaluate their condition, as their needs and health will dictate the type of animal feed that you implement throughout the season. Here’s what you should know.

How Does Winter Affect Horses?

Many horses naturally lose some weight during winter. Falling temperatures decrease grass growth, meaning that horses must depend more on animal feed for nourishment. Sufficient water intake is also vital to their wellbeing, and is often negatively affected as bodies of water freeze during the winter. 

Horses must also consume enough fiber during the colder seasons, since this will help them stay warmer. Frigid weather also impacts the horse’s energy levels, as their bodies work harder to regulate their internal temperature. As a result of these factors, horses may lose some of their body mass.

How Should You Adjust Their Diet?

When spring arrives, pasture grass begins to grow once again. Early spring grasses contain higher levels of starch and sugars, which may affect the insulin levels of heavier horses. To ensure your horse thrives during this transitional period, assess their condition at the start of the season. The best way to do this is to determine their body condition score, which ranges from one, or poor, to nine, or obese. Inspect your horse's body for signs of fatty buildup or determine whether you can see or feel bones. Ideally, your horse’s score should be around five, since this indicates a horse that is not too thin or too heavy.

Adjust your spring feeding routine based on your assessment. If your horse is underweight, increase their caloric intake with high-quality sources of fibrous hay, like alfalfa. Some horses might also benefit from fatty supplements that help them gain more weight. If your horse is overweight, try limiting their fibrous feed intake. Choose grass hay instead of alfalfa, which has higher calories, and be sure to make regular exercise a part of their seasonal routine.
 

Help your horses thrive with the highest quality animal feed from Farmers Cooperative, Inc. Since 1946, this farming supplier has proudly served farmers and animal owners throughout Suwannee River Valley, FL. These professionals offer an extensive range of products that benefit the health and wellbeing of your livestock and pets. Visit the website for more information, or call (386) 362-1459 to speak with a team member.