Feeding plan for a leisure horse: here's how to approach it

Start with weight and condition score

Before you measure out a single scoop of concentrate, you need to know where your horse currently stands. Estimate the weight using a measuring tape (girth x girth x length divided by 11.877 gives a reasonable approximation) or use a weighbridge. Then assess the condition score on a scale of 1 to 9. For a leisure horse, aim for a score of 4.5 to 5.5. A score of 6 or higher is a signal to adjust the feeding immediately. Record this in the horse profile in EquiSight so you can compare month by month whether your horse is moving in the right direction.

Roughage is the foundation of everything

A horse's stomach is designed for an almost continuous supply of roughage. The rule of thumb: a minimum of 1.5% of body weight per day as dry matter from roughage. For a horse of 550 kg, that's around 8 to 9 kg of hay per day. Have your hay analysed — a sample costs approximately 30 to 50 euros and gives you exact information on energy, protein, sugar and minerals. Grass in the pasture counts too, but is harder to quantify. With rich spring pasture, a 550 kg horse can easily take in 6 to 8 kg of dry matter per day, more than enough without additional roughage.

Does your leisure horse need concentrate?

Many leisure horses that are in light work four to five hours a week don't need concentrate if they have good hay. What they do need are vitamins and minerals. Supplementing with a balancer or a mineral feed is then the smartest choice. If you do feed a maintenance or light-work concentrate, keep the amount between 0.5 and 1 kg per day and always weigh it out. The mistake you want to avoid is a full bucket of cheap concentrate because 'the horse enjoys it'.

Adjust feeding to the season

• Spring and summer: limit grazing time if there is a risk of laminitis, supplement hay with a mineral feed.
• Autumn: check whether the pasture yields enough; adjust roughage as grass diminishes.
• Winter: horses burn more energy keeping warm; increase roughage by 10–15% during prolonged freezing temperatures.
• With more work (holidays, clinics): increase concentrate gradually, by a maximum of 0.5 kg per extra working day.
• With less work or injury: cut concentrate first; roughage always stays at the right level.

Water, salt and supplements

A 550 kg horse drinks an average of 25 to 50 litres of water per day, more in warm weather or after exertion. Always ensure clean, fresh water is available without restriction. A salt lick is a good basic supplement; horses take what they need themselves. Supplements are only worthwhile if you can demonstrate a deficiency through a blood test or feed analysis. A feed advisor or veterinarian can help you avoid unnecessary costs. Record all supplements and changes in the horse profile so you know exactly what you gave and when.

Create a simple daily schedule

Consistency is the key word in horse feeding. Provide roughage at least two to three times a day, or use an automatic feeder. Concentrate should be given in portions of no more than 2 kg per meal — the digestive tract cannot process more than that effectively. An example daily schedule for a 550 kg leisure horse:

• 07:00 — 3 kg hay + 0.5 kg mineral balancer
• 12:30 — Free grazing or 2.5 kg hay
• 17:00 — Training (max 45–60 minutes light work)
• 18:00 — 3 kg hay after training
• 22:00 — 2 kg hay for the night

Use EquiCoach to monitor the schedule

Tracking nutrition is half the work; making consistent adjustments is the other half. Use the calendar in EquiSight to schedule weight measurements and condition scores at least once a month. The EquiCoach feature helps you recognise patterns: is the condition score rising slowly but steadily while the ration hasn't changed? Then it's time to take a closer look at grazing time or roughage intake. This way you keep your horse fit and healthy, without the dreaded winter weight gain.