03/06/2026
Access to Food Matters 🐴🌱
Small things make a big difference
In our weight management series, we’ve been looking at different ways to keep horses healthy. One of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—factors is making sure horses have regular access to forage.
Forage includes things like grass, hay, straw, or haylage, and it should be available to horses throughout the day. Unlike us, horses are designed to eat little and often, so regular access to food is essential for both their physical health and wellbeing.
Why This Matters 🤔
Taking the time to understand what animals need to eat and drink—and providing the right amount—is a key part of responsible care.
A horse’s diet doesn’t just affect their body—it can also affect their mental wellbeing:
✅The right diet can bring comfort and satisfaction
❌A poor diet can lead to hunger, discomfort, and stress
What We Sometimes See 👀
In the equine community, we do see situations where horses may not be getting enough access to food, for example:
⏺️Little or no grazing available
⏺️No supplementary forage such as hay or haylage
⏺️Too many horses in one field, limiting access to food
As the seasons change, this can become more of a concern. Hot, dry weather can reduce grass growth, meaning horses may need additional forage to stay healthy.
What You Can Do 🙏
If you notice a horse that looks underweight and has little or no access to grass or forage, it may be a welfare concern.
You can report concerns to our Welfare Team, who are here to offer advice and support:
📞 01427 787369
📧 [email protected]
Want to learn more? 🧠
👉 Spot the signs: https://bransbyhorses.co.uk/what-we-do/equine-advice/body-condition-scoring/
👉 Test your knowledge: https://bransbyhorses.co.uk/bodyconditionquiz
💙 Making sure horses have access to the right food, little and often, is one of the simplest ways we can protect their welfare.
