Feeding Your Horse Economically This Winter: Money Saving Tips for Savvy Owners
Winter is on its way, and for horse owners, that means preparing for chilly mornings, muddy fields, and—let’s be honest—a few extra bills. Just when you think you’re coping with the endless rain, your cheery horse rips another rug or pulls off a shoe clowning around in the mud. With prices continually increasing here’s a few tips to help you save a few precious pennies so you can replace that rug sooner!
Forage: Don’t Waste It!
Would you believe almost 30% of forage gets thrown on the muck heap? Literally a heap of wasted hay and wasted money! If your horse loves to trash it into their bedding you might be better off with another strategy. Haynets and hay boxes are great for keeping forage off the floor and out of the muck. If you’re handy with tools, why not try building a safe, sturdy hay feeder yourself? It’s a fun DIY project that could save you a bundle in the long run.
There’s been extra loud chatter and concern this year around forage prices and shortages, in reality we won’t know how this will play out as the varied UK weather is so unpredictable. Some regions seem to have plenty, while others harvested reduced amounts. Speak to your local suppliers, make a plan and budget accordingly. Again, just don’t waste what you have!
Weighing Forage: A Little Effort, Big Savings
Weighing out your horse’s forage might seem like an added chore, but it could help you reduce waste and be more consistent with how much your horse really needs. If you have a poor doer, then of course feed them as much as they will eat. But if you have a good doer, work out how much they need and stick to it.
Regularly monitor your horse’s bodyweight—try body condition scoring every couple of weeks or use a weigh tape weekly. If you notice your horse gaining weight, adjust their ration accordingly. Just remember - feed no less than 1.5% of their bodyweight in dry matter if they don’t have access to grass.
Straw: The Fibrous Win for Good Doers
If your horse is a good doer and needs less energy, consider adding clean, good-quality straw to their diet. Straw can safely replace up to 50% of their forage ration, helping bulk out their meals without piling on extra calories. Introduce straw gradually and make sure your horse’s teeth are in good shape. Avoid feeding straw to horses prone to colic, but for others, it’s a great way to keep them busy, straw requires more chewing than hay, providing extended enrichment for speedy eaters!
Streamline That Feed Bucket!
Now’s a great time to re-evaluate your horse’s diet and seek some advice. The SPILLERS team often speak to owners who are feeding a little bit of this, some of that and a splash of that too. All these little bits of added extras can add up to a very expensive meal. Our team of nutrition specialists are expert at simplifying diets to make sure your horse has everything they truly need for a balanced diet and helping you make savings!
SPILLERS Supple & Senior Balancer is a smart option for combining a balancer and supplements into one bag! This all-in-one feed combines essential vitamins and minerals, quality protein, and biotin with joint-supporting glucosamine, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids, plus pre and probiotics for digestive health. It’s a cost-effective alternative to buying a balancer and separate supplements.
You can also save by feeding a chaff which includes vitamins and minerals. For example, rather than feeding 3kgs per day of a cube or mix plus a plain chaff, you could perhaps feed 2kgs a day of SPILLERS Digest+ Conditioning Cubes and 1kg per day of SPILLERS Conditioning Fibre. You’ll still meet your horse’s nutritional needs, just in a more budget-friendly way!
Happy Horses, Happy Wallets!
Horse ownership is full of surprises, but with a little planning and some clever feeding strategies, you can keep your horse healthy and your costs under control this winter. Remember—every penny saved is a penny you can put towards that next rug! Here’s to a cost-effective winter with your horse!
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
Confused about how much hay to feed or how to balance your horse’s diet? Our friendly team are always happy to answer your nutrition questions and make sure your horse has an affordable but nutritious diet! Call us today or fill in our enquiry form here.