Hay/Roughage is King!

Loz
Jul 15
2 min read

Updated: Jul 26

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Proper Paddock Nutrition

Did you know that a horse’s nutritional needs are even more critical than a human’s? Why? Because their internal functions depend on specific nutrition to meet their fundamental survival needs.

It’s surprising how often horse owners overlook the absolute basics when it comes to feeding their horses. Without the right nutrition, your horse’s health can quickly decline, potentially leading to serious illness, expensive vet visits, and a whole lot of avoidable stress.

Why Roughage Matters

Horses are natural grazers. Their digestive systems are designed for almost continuous intake of roughage—think pasture grasses or hay. If your horse is stuck on an over-grazed paddock (sometimes called a “recreational” paddock) and doesn’t have 24/7 access to roughage, you’re setting them up for trouble. A constantly lined stomach helps reduce stress, prevent ulcers, and keep the gut ticking over nicely. Without it, your horse could face a raft of long-term health issues that impact their behaviour, your safety, and their overall happiness.

Spotting an Over-Grazed Paddock

Over-grazed paddocks might show a few green patches, but don’t be fooled—this isn’t enough for your horse’s needs. Horses require roughage at all times. You don’t need to break the bank buying top-shelf lucerne hay. More budget-friendly options like teff hay, which is lower in sugar, are a great alternative.

Here are some examples of over-grazed paddocks:

Practical Feeding Tips

Use slow hay feeders (closer to the ground), or better yet, set up several around the paddock. This mimics natural grazing and helps avoid overeating.
Make a habit of checking hay nets regularly. If they’re empty, it’s time to refill—better to have some leftover than to run out.
If you’re not sure what an over-grazed paddock looks like, chances are your horse might not be getting enough. Err on the side of caution and supply extra roughage.

The Consequences of Neglect

Not giving your horse access to adequate grazing or roughage can cause long-term medical issues—think stomach ulcers, gut problems, and a host of other conditions. These often lead to unwanted behavioural problems, both on the ground and under saddle. Neglecting this basic care is not just a health risk; it’s a welfare concern.

Check In On Your Horse’s Diet

When was the last time you took a hard look at your horse’s paddock, pasture, or hay supply? This becomes even more critical if your horse spends time stabled. Investing in quality hay and forage is the best thing you can do for your horse’s health. There’s plenty of science to back this up—feel free to dive into the research (a quick Google will get you started).

Equine Nutritionist that visits the Canberra region: Integral Equine Nutrition

Online feed checking tool: FeedXL

How are you supporting your horse’s wellbeing? I’d love to hear your strategies and tips—let’s keep the conversation going!

Recommended feed stores that supply hay/roughage in the Canberra region (ACT, Australia), that I would recommend:

Canberra Stockfeeds (regular free delivery schedules and their hay is tested for peace of mind)
Healthy Horse Hay & Stockfeed (call 0437 185 670, pick up in Bywong)

Poll

What is your preferred hay to feed your horse(s)?

Lucerne
Teff
Meadow
Rhodes

You can vote for more than one answer.