Winter nutrition for ex-racehorses: Feed smarter, not just more
Winter can be a challenging time for horse owners. As temperatures drop and grazing quality declines, keeping your ex-racehorse in good condition means making smart, proactive choices about nutrition, especially with rising hay costs and supply pressures.
Start by weighing your horse and getting forage analysed. This gives you a clear baseline and helps ensure your feeding plan is tailored to their needs. For ex-racehorses, this is essential for managing condition, temperament and general health through the colder months.
Forage is your foundation; it must be both plentiful and high quality. Horses should never be without forage - not just for energy and condition, but to maintain healthy gut function and reduce the risk of ulcers or stress-related behavioural issues. However, this year, that’s easier said than done.
UK hay prices have doubled, with small bales jumping from £3–£4 to as much as £6–£7. A typical horse can eat around 152 bales per year, meaning forage alone could cost over £750 annually, and that’s before you factor in waste.
Feeding hay on the ground leads to 30% wastage on average, costing owners over £200 per horse each year in hay lost to mud, trampling, or wind. Over a decade, that’s thousands of pounds in wasted forage.
Investing in a feeder, such as a Hay Hutch, can dramatically reduce waste. It keeps hay dry, clean and contained, encouraging slow, steady eating and protecting your investment. In fact, a medium Hay Hutch can pay for itself in under 18 months, while lasting well over 10 years.
Alongside forage, make sure your horse’s hard feed is tailored to their age, condition, workload and temperament. Most ex-racehorses thrive on low-starch, high-fibre diets - especially in winter when turnout may be limited and energy levels harder to manage.
Don’t forget to monitor body condition regularly, adjusting rations as needed to avoid weight loss or unwanted fizz.
With careful planning, smart tools like the Hay Hutch, you can keep your ex-racehorse healthy and happy all winter long.
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