When feeding, what should you include regarding grass access?

The importance of considering the hours per day a horse has access to grass is critical for managing their diet and health. This factor directly impacts how much grass the horse can consume and, consequently, their overall nutritional intake. Horses have a natural tendency to graze throughout the day, and their digestive systems are designed to process small amounts of forage continuously. Limiting access to grass can help regulate their intake and prevent issues such as overfeeding, which can lead to obesity or laminitis.

Access hours can significantly affect the horse's body condition and digestive health. If a horse is allowed unlimited access to grass, particularly lush, spring grass, they may consume excessive amounts of it, which can lead to metabolic disorders.

While the type of grass, the number of horses, and the nutritional content are also important considerations, they are more related to the overall management of grass and pasture quality rather than the immediate feeding practices regarding access. Understanding the duration of grass access is fundamental for optimizing a horse's health and ensuring they receive the proper diet without overindulgence.