While winter is the most common time for horses to lose weight, some may drop condition at any time of year. Following a few practical feeding principles can help maintain healthy weight, restore condition and support overall performance. Baileys Horse Feeds, British Eventing’s Official Feed Partner, shares expert guidance for feeding horses to prevent weight loss or promote weight gain.  

Step 1: Feed Enough Fibre Fibre is the foundation of a healthy equine diet. Ideally, hay or haylage should be offered ad libitum.

If this isn’t possible, horses should receive a minimum of 1.5kg of forage per 100kg bodyweight per day, increasing up to 2.5kg/100kg when weight gain is required. Example: A 500kg horse would need at least 7.5kg of forage per day, increasing to 12.5kg for weight gain.

Pasture contributes to daily fibre intake, but hay or haylage will be more important during poor winter grazing. Fibre:

• Supports natural grazing behaviour
• Provides bulk for the gut and maintains digestive health
• Supplies nutrients to the microbiome for efficient nutrient absorption
• Generates internal warmth through fermentation, reducing reliance on calories

For poor forage eaters, alternative sources such as alfalfa chaff, soaked Fibre-Beet or Natural Meadow Cobs in a separate bucket can encourage browsing and increase overall fibre intake.    

Step 2: Feed the Most Suitable Concentrate Choose a feed appropriate for your horse’s workload and condition.

Horses working harder than their feed’s formulation can support will lack sufficient calories and nutrients. This can prevent weight gain and may even result in weight loss.

Correctly balanced feeds supply essential vitamins, minerals and energy, which are critical for maintaining and improving condition.  

Step 3: Feed the Recommended Quantities Manufacturers formulate feeds based on bodyweight and workload. Underfeeding a fortified feed can leave horses with insufficient calories, vitamins and minerals.

Feeding recommended amounts, alongside forage, ensures a fully balanced diet, supporting metabolism and promoting healthy weight gain.  

Step 4: Keep Meal Sizes Manageable
A horse’s stomach is relatively small, so smaller, more frequent meals are preferable for nutrient digestion and absorption.

• Do not feed more than 0.4kg per 100kg bodyweight per meal 
• Example: A 500kg horse should have meals no larger than 2kg each
  Divide daily ration across multiple small meals
• For soaked feeds, measure by dry weight before soaking