Transitioning from pasture to hay: how to protect your horse's digestion

In September, pastures are still green, but the grass in them is decreasing every day. The time is approaching when the horse will receive the majority of its diet from hay. This is the biggest change of the year for its digestion, so it is worth preparing for it in advance, rather than on the day when the pasture is already empty.

Why this transition is so sensitive

Billions of bacteria that break down fiber live in the horse's large intestine. Different feeds require slightly different bacteria. Grass is succulent and contains plenty of water and rapidly fermentable sugars. Hay is dry and contains more coarse fiber. When the feed changes in a single day, the bacteria do not have time to adapt.

The consequences vary: softer manure, bloating, and a reduced appetite. The most serious risk is impaction colic, as the horse gets significantly less water with dry hay than with grass.

Why autumn is doubly treacherous

Frosts begin in the autumn. After a cold night, the grass accumulates sugar again, similar to how it does in the spring. Therefore, the last weeks of grazing are not entirely harmless, especially for ponies and horses that gain weight easily.

How to transition gradually

Start while the horse is still grazing

It is best to start feeding hay while there is still grass in the pasture. For a while, the horse receives both feeds, and the proportion of hay increases every few days. This allows the bacteria to adapt naturally, without a sudden shock.

Plan for about two weeks

• In the first few days, give hay before turning the horse out into the pasture and for the night.
• After about a week, shorten the grazing time and increase the proportion of hay.
• By the end of the second week, hay becomes the main feed, and the pasture remains for movement and walking.

If your horse is sensitive, extend the transition period longer. It is not worth rushing here.

Do not change everything at once

If you change hay, concentrated feed, and stabling in the same week, it is too many new things at once for the horse. Change one thing at a time and watch how it reacts.

Monitor weight and mood

During the transition, feel your horse's ribs and check the crest line once a week. Some horses start to lose weight on hay, while others, conversely, continue to gain weight during the final weeks of grazing. Also, pay attention to the details: is the horse eating just as willingly, has the manure changed, or is it more irritable than usual? A small change noticed in time is usually simple to fix.

Hay that protects digestion

• Hay should be available almost 24/7. The stomach produces acid constantly, even when the horse is not eating, so long periods without feed irritate it.
• Check that the hay is not dusty or moldy. Dust burdens the respiratory tract, which already has to work harder in a closed stable.
• Very dusty hay can be moistened before feeding. A short misting is enough to keep the dust down.
• Use slow-feed hay nets. The horse eats more slowly, and the chewing time is extended.

Water, which we usually forget

In the pasture, the horse gets a considerable amount of water from the grass. When switching to hay, it needs to drink significantly more, and horses drink less as the weather cools. Ensure that water is always clean and does not freeze when frosts arrive.

Salt encourages drinking, so a Himalayan salt lick in the stall or by the feeder is very useful during this period. By licking, the horse regulates how much salt it needs itself.

How supplements can help

Supplements do not replace good hay and a gradual transition, but they can help maintain digestive balance during this stressful period.

• GASTRO VIP is a herbal blend designed to support digestion.
• Kaolinite clay with seeds helps maintain normal intestinal function.
• If your horse is prone to gaining weight, choose a salt lick with kaolinite clay without sugar.

You will find the full selection in the licks section. If your horse has already had stomach problems, also read our article on how to recognize a stomach ulcer in a horse.

When to contact a veterinarian

• The horse stops eating or does not pass manure for a long time.
• It scratches its belly, looks at its side, lies down, and gets up repeatedly.
• Manure is very dry and hard, or watery for longer than a day.

Colic is an urgent situation, so do not wait for it to pass on its own.

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the consultation of a veterinarian. HORSYD products are feed supplements, not medications.