By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
The current hot, dry weather has scorched many pastures, causing grass growth to stall. As a result, horses may not be getting enough fibre or calories from grazing alone. On top of this, low-quality forage is harder to digest, meaning horses must use more energy just to extract nutrients. The combined effect is that many horses struggle to maintain their weight, at a time of year when grass would typically be plentiful.
In this article, we’ll explain how to support your horse’s condition safely when grass is limited, focusing on fibre intake, forage alternatives, and healthy weight maintenance.
Fibre is our horses main source of energy and is important for all aspects of gastric health.
A lack of fibre can lead to:
Weight loss and poor condition
Upset to the microbiome in the hind gut
Increased risk of gastric ulcers
If your horse is turned out on bare paddocks or grazing sparse, dry grass, it’s essential to compensate for the lost fibre through managed feeding.
How to Support Condition in Horses During Drought Conditions
1. Provide Adequate Forage
Aim to feed at least 2.5% of your horse’s body weight in forage per day. For a 500 kg horse, that’s 12.5kg of hay or haylage daily.
Hay is a great replacement for grass. Ensure it’s good-quality and dust-free.
Haylage - usually higher quality than hay but can quickly go off in the hot weather.
Consider offering forage in multiple small piles to encourage movement and natural foraging. This is also important when multiple horses are in the same field to avoid bullying over resources.
2. Top Up Calories Wisely
When horses aren't maintaining weight on forage alone, additional calories may be needed.
Use high-fibre feeds such as Pink Mash and Pink Mash Condition
Add oil (such as linseed or rapeseed oil) to increase calorie density without adding sugar or starch
Introduce a condition balancer or feed formulated specifically for weight gain and topline support
Speak to a nutritionist or vet if you're unsure which products are suitable for your horse.
3. Rehydrate and Replenish
With the heat, hydration is key to both health and appetite. Dehydration can reduce gut motility and lead to impaction colic.
Ensure constant access to clean, cool water
Soaked feeds like Pink Mash and Pink Mash Condition to increase water intake
Offer a salt lick or electrolytes daily to encourage drinking
4. Support Gut Health
When fibre intake drops suddenly, the horse’s gut flora can become disrupted. Help support digestive health with:
Consistent fibre intake to stabilise the hindgut environment
Live yeast or pre/probiotic supplements such as those in protexin. Pink Mash and Pink Mash Condition contain live pre and probiotics as well as being a significant source of fibre.
Watch for signs of discomfort such as loose droppings, gassy behaviour, or dull coat condition.
5. Monitor Weight and Body Condition
Weight loss can be gradual and go unnoticed. Use a combination of:
Regular body condition scoring
Photographs to track changes over time
Catching condition loss early allows for faster, more effective intervention.
This summer, managing equine condition is all about balancing fibre, calories, and hydration in the absence of grazing. Whether your horse is a poor doer or typically holds weight well, limited grass can throw off their usual routine and nutritional balance.
If you're concerned about your horse’s condition, speak to your vet or an equine nutritionist for tailored advice.
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