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Adjusting feed rations for lay-ups

Q: I normally ride my horse three or four times a week, but due to work and family commitments, I’m not going to be able to continue that schedule this winter. So, my horse will have no work at all for the next two or three months. Do I need to cut back on his grain to ensure he doesn’t get overweight or develop colic during this time? How do I do that without withholding nutrients that he needs to stay healthy?

A: I commend you for looking ahead to try to prevent the problems that might be caused by this change in your horse’s schedule. Diet plays a critical role in a horse’s behavior and gastrointestinal health. Any change to his routine can cause stress, but reduced physical activity is a particular concern because it can lead to decreased gut motility, which in turn increases the risk of colic, particularly impaction colic.

For sure, you will need to reduce your horse’s total calorie intake. The two main calorie sources in a horse’s diet are carbohydrates and fats. The potential effects of carbohydrates on a horse’s health depend on where they are derived---from fiber or starch. Microbial fermentation enables horses to digest fiber (grass, hay, etc.) in the large intestine, while starch is subject to enzymatic digestion in the small intestine.