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Today, horse care tends to drift towards the aesthetic and easy. A stable block of stalled horses is both pleasing to the eye and easy to take care of. Diets and exercise routines can be carefully monitored. Feed three meals a day and pick the stall, what could be easier than that? However, this management often leaves the horse without forage for hours every day.
Even horses kept outdoors do not always have the luxury of free access to forage. Today, large, grass-filled fields are a luxury in many parts of the world and out of reach for the average horse owner. Over-grazed pastures and dirt lots are a great way to get horses outside but do not provide forage for their occupants. So, many owners turn once again to feeding incrementally throughout the day.
This feeding schedule is not in our horses's best interest, leading many to to turn back to a natural diet that consists of 24/7 forage. However, like any change to a horse's diet, doing so gradually and with the proper tools in place will ease the transition. Below are the things you need to consider before switching to 24/7 access to forage.
Pasture vs. Hay
Acres of pasture is the most natural way to feed our horses. The room to roam, social interaction with the herd, and diverse sward of grass and legumes are ideal for a horse's mental and physical health. However, pasture must be maintained carefully to provide adequate forage for horses and land is often prohibitively expense for the average horse owner.
Luckily, you do not need acres of lush pasture to give your horse the diet they crave. We can still provide our horses with a diet and lifestyle that mimics grazing pastureland even if we do not have the grass or space to do so.
How to Feed Free Choice Hay
Hay can be fed free access to provide horses with an unlimited supply of forage they need. However, putting large amounts of hay on the ground is wasteful and can lead to excess consumption. Today, there are numerous products on the market you can buy or DIY yourself to contain the hay and slow your horses down.
Slow Feeders
At pasture, horses can only have a small bite of grass at a time, however when faced with a pile of hay, they can really stuff their cheeks. Large bites of dry material are often not hewed properly and can be consumed too quickly.
Owners looking to provide 24/7 access to forage are better off offering it in a slow feeder- a contraption designed to limit the amount of hay a horse can eat at one time. There are numerous different types available for purchase, below is a brief overview of the most popular slow feeders.
Racks/ Feeders
These are often made of metal or wood and range from individual wall-mounted racks for one horse to huge feeders that hold a round bale. Metal bars run vertically to limit the amount of hay a horse can eat.
These tend to be good options for those looking to feed a lot of horses out in a field (and can also be used in conjunction with a hay net to limit consumption even further). However, small racks need to be mounted high which can lead to the inhalation of dust.
Porta-Grazer
This slow feeder looks like a trashcan with a cover that slides inside and sits on top of the hay. Small round holes in the cover allow the horse to pull small bites out at a time. This feeder allows the horse to eat in a natural position and is safe for shod horses, making it a great option for many.
Hay Nets
Hay nets are just how they sound- a net for hay! They come in various sizes with some for a few flakes of hay up to an entire round bale. When choosing a hay net the size holes need to be considered. Some hay nets have very large holes (up to 4 inches) and will not slow consumption. Most slow feeders have holes between 1 and 2 inches. Experiment to find the size that works best for your horse - it should slow consumption without causing frustration.
Transitioning to 24/7 Forage
Eventually, the time comes to take the plunge and start offering 24/7 forage. Transitioning to free access to forage is straightforward but does require some care to ensure the horse maintains the proper weight and has their dietary needs met.
Start off by choosing proper forage. For the majority of horses, feeding grass hay low in NSC (10% or less) is ideal to ensure they do not consume excessive amounts of sugar.
Expect them to eat more than they should in the first few days or weeks. Horses that are fed in small increments are not used to needing to regulate their consumption. They will recalibrate over time. However, if you feel like your horse is eating too much too quickly for an extended period of time, consider adding a slow feeder or adjusting their current one.
Feeding hay in multiple locations around a paddock allows the horses to mimic grazing behaviors by encouraging movement.
Lastly, always keep an eye on your horse to ensure they are healthy and happy with the new setup!