Equine Nutrition Myth Busters

As the season transitions to autumn, beautiful leaves and cooler temperatures are a reminder that winter weather will soon settle in. Horses have already shed their summer coats and are busy growing thicker winter ones, and their environment is adjusting to seasonal changes too. The arrival of fall is a great time to assess your horse’s overall health and body condition, and determine what he needs for winter. 

Let’s bust some common nutritional myths so you can help your horse prepare before winter arrives. 

Myth #1 — Autumn grass is an adequate nutrition source on its own.

Although it may look abundant and your horse is still happily grazing, fall grass is typically higher in fibre and lower in nutrition. Your horse may begin to shed pounds on this pasture as a sole source of food, even though he had been able to maintain a healthy weight during the spring and summer months. Also, be aware that fructan levels can increase with the return of moisture and this sugar can trigger laminitis.

Your nutrition plan not only needs to consider changes in the horse’s workload, but also in the nutritional content of pasture or hay throughout the seasons.

Myth #2 — Water tubs and troughs don’t need to be scrubbed and topped up as often in cooler weather.

Algae continue to flourish well into the fall season. Now is not the time to become lax with the scrub brush. Keep the water topped up, too! As horses start eating more dry hay and less moisture-rich grass, water is essential in digestion and keeps this dry matter moving smoothly through the gastrointestinal system.