Horse Care & Feeding
Best Food for Horses Before & After Trail Rides
What and when you feed a horse around a ride matters more than you might think.
Read articleWhat Horses Eat: A Hay, Grain & Supplement Guide for MD
Inside the Horse's Dinner Bowl
Understanding what horses eat — hay, grass, grain and supplements — is one of the first joys of learning about horses in Maryland.
The horse's diet is simpler than many people expect, and beautifully suited to the animal.
Forage is the foundation
The vast majority of a horse's diet is forage: grass and hay. Horses are designed to graze for many hours a day, taking in a steady trickle of fiber.
Good-quality hay is the cornerstone of equine feeding, fed in stalls and paddocks alike.
Grain and concentrates
Some horses also receive grain or concentrated feed, especially if they work hard or need extra calories. The amount depends entirely on the individual horse.
Many easy-keeping horses need little or no grain at all.
Supplements
Supplements may support joints, hooves, coat or specific health needs. They are added thoughtfully, based on advice from a vet, not added by default.
Water and salt
Fresh, clean water is the most important nutrient of all, and horses also need access to salt. A horse can drink many gallons a day, more in heat or hard work.
Treats in moderation
Carrots and apple slices make lovely treats, offered in small amounts. At Solitude Stables, our boarded horses receive individual feeding plans built around quality hay.
What do horses eat?
Horses eat mostly forage — grass and hay — which should make up the largest part of their diet. Some horses also receive grain or concentrated feed for extra energy, plus supplements when a vet recommends them. Fresh water and access to salt are essential every day.
Key takeaways
- Forage — grass and hay — is the foundation of a horse's diet.
- Grain is added only as the individual horse needs it.
- Supplements are used thoughtfully, with veterinary advice.
- Fresh water and salt are essential every single day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
More on this topic, answered simply.
As a general guide, a horse eats roughly 1.5 to 2 percent of its body weight in forage daily, though exact amounts depend on the horse. A vet or experienced caregiver sets each horse's plan.
No. Many horses, especially easy keepers, thrive on good hay and grass with little or no grain. Grain is added based on a horse's workload and individual needs.
Always ask first. Many farms welcome a carrot or apple slice given the right way, but it is courteous and safe to check with staff before offering any treat.
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Understanding what horses eat is part of becoming a true horse person, a journey that begins with your first riding lesson in Maryland.
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