August does not yet mean that summer is over, and many horses still enjoy being on pasture now that the number of insects is decreasing. However, the cooling autumn weather and the upcoming end of the grazing season mean that many stables are transitioning to the indoor feeding season.
The transition from pasture back to forage feeding requires planning, as changes in feeding and bedding choices must be made carefully for the well-being of the horses. A well-prepared transition helps prevent digestive disorders, unnecessary stress, and practical problems in the stable.
Feeding planning and adaptation
The switch from pasture grass to dry hay should be done gradually over 2–3 weeks. Hay feeding starts with small amounts in the pasture, and the amount is increased day by day while pasture time decreases.
Changes in concentrates should be made just as carefully.
Before the feeding season begins, it is advisable to have a hay analysis of dry hay or silage to determine energy, protein, and fiber content. Check hay for dust-free and hygienic quality. Moldy or poorly stored roughage can cause respiratory and intestinal diseases.
Additionally, ensure that there is enough fresh water available in the stable and paddocks even in winter. For example, heated drinking bowls or automatic waterers prevent freezing.
Stable preparation
When horses return from pasture holiday to the stable, in many places it is routine to perform a thorough annual cleaning beforehand. If possible, disinfectants and a pressure washer can work wonders! After washing, the stable is also prepared in other ways for autumn.
Adequate but draft-free ventilation is important in preventing respiratory diseases. Keep roughage dry and protected from pests. Different forage batches should be stored separately so it is clear which batch is in use.
Test and clean automatic cups and water buckets. The recommended waterer flow rate is usually around 6–8 liters per minute. If the flow is significantly slower (e.g., 2–3 l/min), the horse may become frustrated and not drink enough. Faster flow ensures the horse gets plenty of water without a long wait.
A horse weighing about 500 kg usually needs 25–30 liters per day. Dry hay increases water demand, as it contains only 10–15% water. Pasture grass may contain 60–80%. Hard exercise or hot weather can raise the need to as much as 40–60 liters per day.
Choosing bedding
The indoor feeding season also means more time in the stall, so bedding choice has a major impact on horse health and care routines. Even paddock horses may spend more time under shelter in autumn weather.
There is a wide range of bedding materials, and everyone has their own opinion about what is the best option. Bedding choice depends on the horse's health, stable conditions, and cleaning routines.
Straw pellet is compressed from straw and has excellent composting properties. It decomposes faster than plain straw and absorbs moisture better, creating a cleaner, less ammonia-rich stable environment.
Peat-shavings mix combines the good qualities of peat and wood shavings. Peat binds effectively, shavings add structure. It is a practical choice when a balanced bedding is desired that also supports composting.
Hemp bedding is highly absorbent and composts efficiently. In addition, it has good ammonia-binding capacity, making it a healthy option for the stable.
Peat is generally the most popular bedding on horse farms. It binds liquid and ammonia effectively. A suitable combination bedding, such as the already mentioned peat-shavings mix, brings the benefits of both and is more effective, for example, for messy horses.
Supporting well-being
Returning from pasture means less natural exercise. Even during the indoor feeding season, horses should move daily, whether in the paddock, driving, or riding.
Horses need social contact. In the stable, they should have at least touch or visual contact with other horses if stalls separate them.
Hay nets, salt licks, and safe stall toys help prevent boredom and behavioral problems.
Checklist:
Start hay supplementation in the pasture early.
Monitor horse weight and condition. During the indoor feeding season, energy consumption may rise due to cold weather and less nutritious forage.
Stick to a regular daily routine. Horses adapt more easily when feeding and turnout times remain consistent.
A well-planned indoor feeding season begins even before the grazing season ends. A controlled transition, quality forage, and good stable conditions keep the horse healthy and daily life at the stable smooth.
