Changing Seasons, Changing Diets

By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS

The 1st of September traditionally marks the start of autumn. The nights are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping and the weather is taking a turn for the wetter. For many a cosy night in by the fire is just around the corner but for us horse owners autumn is usually the beginning of a significant change in management and routine.

Need for Change

As autumn arrives, grass growth slows down, reducing the quality and quantity of forage in the fields. Combined with colder temperatures and increased rainfall, lush pastures can quickly turn into muddy fields. During this time, horses require more energy to stay warm, and without proper management, they may lose condition, affecting their performance and well-being.

In the wild, horses store fat during the warmer months to survive winter. However, domesticated horses often remain active year-round, so their management needs to adjust to support their work levels. Supplementing with extra forage and feed may be necessary for horses kept outside, depending on their workload. For some horses, Keyflow Pink Mash® or Keyflow Pink Mash® Condition with a balancer provides sufficient supplementation, especially if they thrived on grass during the summer.

Managing Stabled Horses

Horses are designed to graze on fibre-rich, low-starch feeds while covering large areas daily, with gradual changes in the quality and quantity of available forage. However, as the weather shifts, horses may need to spend more time in stables, which can alter their natural routine. This transition should be done gradually over 14 days.

Why is gradual change important? A sudden shift in diet, especially in roughage sources, can disrupt the horse's microbiome, the bacteria responsible for hindgut fermentation. A disrupted microbiome can lead to health issues and hinder the horse's digestive efficiency. Stabling also affects their natural feeding patterns. Feeding horses once or twice a day, with long periods between meals, increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Additionally, horses bedded on straw might eat it after finishing their hay, which can lead to impaction colic.

Horses are naturally active animals, evolved to graze and move throughout the day. Confinement in stables for extended periods can cause stiff joints, muscle loss, and weight gain.

How to Manage Stabled Horses

• Introduce Change Gradually:
  Allow the microbiome time to adjust by gradually transitioning horses into their new routines.

• Replicate Grazing Habits:Feed smaller, more frequent meals to mimic natural grazing patterns. Using slow-feed hay nets can extend feeding time, reduce boredom, and aid digestion. Encourage social interaction by allowing horses to communicate with stable neighbours, as this reduces stress.

• Exercise is Essential:Stabled horses need regular exercise. Whether ridden daily, placed on a walker, or allowed to roam in an enclosed yard, movement is vital for their health.

How Keyflow Can Help

Keyflow offers personalized nutrition advice for the changing seasons. If transitioning your horse from grass turnout to stabling, changes must be gradual. Including hindgut support, like live probiotics, can be beneficial. Keyflow Pink Mash® or Keyflow Pink Mash® Condition is an ideal feed during periods of change and can be used as a regular part of your horse’s diet. It also contributes to their fibre intake, supporting overall health.