How do i work out how much grass horse is eating

[Gingerwitch]

Big lad still too heavy - and i want him slim for spring as we are on very very very good grass.

So - what would you estimate his grass intake would be on a field grazed since July - still greenish and not too much mud - out from 7.30 until 2.30 pm

 

[SonnysHumanSlave]

You cant really by weight of grass, you would need to do it by hours only.

some horses stuff their face, while some pick. Some fields have more grass then others.

 

[Gingerwitch]

Its just so difficult to work out what forage allowance i should "take off" his daily allowance for grazing - i am trying to do it by trial and error but the factors with the weather are so variable - first week he lost too much too quickly for my liking - then we were steady away week 2 - week 3 warmed up and with less hay at night he went up half an inch on the weight tape - and now its gone cold again..... aghgghghghghghhgh

 

[frankie8]

Are you soaking his hay? If you are, then I wouldn't concern yourself with the amount he is having as such but just be giving him just enough to last him through the night. Then in turn restrict his grazing, increase work etc. All the normal stuff for our plump horses. I was told at an equine nutrition meeting though that horses can adjust their rate of grazing. So say they are used to being turned out for an hour, they will stuff as much as they can as they know they're not out there for long!