With the changing seasons, the management and feeding of horses are often adjusted. During certain seasons, some forms of housing and feeding, such as fresh grass and turnout, are less available. Additionally, various factors differ per season and influence the horse's ration, such as environmental temperature. Therefore, it is important to adjust the diet to seasonal changes to ensure the well-being and health of the horse. In this blog, we discuss the adjustments to consider when transitioning from one season to the next.

Transition to Autumn and Winter 

One of the most important changes when transitioning from spring and summer to autumn and winter is the drop in environmental temperature. Due to this temperature drop, horses need more energy to keep their bodies warm. Additionally, horses shed their summer coats for a thicker winter coat, which requires extra energy, vitamins, and minerals.

Roughage is fermented in the horse’s gut by microorganisms. This fermentation process generates heat, helping to maintain body temperature. Moreover, the fibres in the roughage are converted into volatile fatty acids, which provide the horse with energy. Therefore, feeding sufficient roughage supports both the thermoregulation and energy supply of the horse.

During the autumn and winter period, most horses have little to no access to fresh grass. It is important to offer alternatives, such as hay, to ensure the horse receives enough roughage.

Changes in the diet should always be implemented gradually to avoid digestive issues. The horse’s digestive system is sensitive to changes. A sudden change in diet can lead to an imbalance in the gut flora and cause issues like colic or diarrhoea. Therefore, introduce changes step by step. To support gut health, for example, during a ration change, pre- and probiotics can be added to the feed.

The change in seasons can also affect the horse’s immunity, making them more susceptible to pathogens. In such cases, it is recommended to supplement the diet with a product that supports immunity.

In de herfst en winter staan paarden vaker op een zandpaddock, zodat grasweides kunnen herstellen. Wanneer paarden regelmatig buiten staan op een zandpaddock, bestaat de kans dat ze bewust of onbewust zand opnemen. Het is dan raadzaam een preventieve zandkuur, zoals SynoviumSand-Oil, aan het rantsoen toe te voegen ter ondersteuning van het spijsverteringsstelsel.

Because horses are often stabled on cold and wet days, it is important to encourage foraging behaviour. This has a positive effect on the horse's well-being. By combining different types of roughage (such as hay and alfalfa) with a hay net, you ensure the horse takes longer to finish its feed.

When extra energy is needed in winter, products such as linseed oil and beet pulp are suitable. These products provide a long-lasting source of energy without adding excess sugars and starch.

If you notice that your horse drinks less water due to the cold, offer lukewarm drinking water. This encourages water intake and prevents dehydration.

Transition to Spring and Summer 

As temperatures rise and the days get longer with more sunlight, grass begins to grow again. One of the biggest changes when transitioning from winter to spring is that horses get access to grass pastures again.

Fresh grass contains different nutrients compared to hay, which changes the diet. Spring grass, especially when the nights are still cold, contains relatively high amounts of sugar. Therefore, it is important to gradually introduce grass pasture turnout. For horses that are sensitive to sugar or receive a restricted diet for health reasons, unlimited access to spring grass is not recommended.

During this period, it is important to closely monitor your horse’s Body Condition Score (BCS). Grass contains more energy than hay. For horses with a low BCS, this is beneficial for reaching a healthy weight. However, horses that gain weight easily should be limited in their grass intake. This can be done through strip grazing or using a grazing muzzle. For more information, read the blog on regulating grass intake.

Ook ruilen paarden in deze periode de wintervacht in voor de zomervacht. Dit proces kost energie. Lijnzaadolie is in deze periode een waardevolle aanvulling. Het ondersteunt de huid en vacht en levert daarnaast extra energie. Omdat de lever een rol speelt in het rui-proces, kan een supplement ter ondersteuning van de lever nuttig zijn, zoals bijvoorbeeld Synovium Hippochol.

During the summer, horses are generally more active. Therefore, ensure they receive sufficient energy. Energy can be provided in various forms: fatty acids provide long-lasting energy, while carbohydrates like sugars and starches provide quicker energy. For more explanation on energy types, read the blog on energy forms.

Warm weather causes horses to sweat more, losing electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining proper fluid balance. During intense sweating, it is advisable to replenish these electrolytes with a supplement. Synovium Electrolytes Q contains all the important electrolytes to support normal fluid balance in the horse’s body.

All in all, it is important to evaluate your horse’s diet per season and make adjustments where necessary. If in doubt about whether the current ration meets your horse’s needs, it is advisable to consult a nutritionist for advice.