How Much Hay?

[SkyBlue]

Is there a general rule for feeding hay?
My boy is a gypsy cob, rising 4 and currently 14.3hh.
He has access to good grazing during the day and is stabled at night. He only gets a token feed of Safe and Sound when he comes in. My question is how much hay to feed? At other yards I've fed haylage (as was included in price) but at my present yard I am feeding hay. I don't know how much weight-wise to feed (or in 'leaves' as will be using bales) - Can anyone advise? Thanks.

 

[amandap]

I think the rule of thumb is 2% of his body weight in 24 hours to maintain his weight. He no doubt is in longer then out at this time of year so allow for that don't just split it in half for night. If he eats it too quickly, small holed haynets may help slow him down. I aim for them to have a little left in the morning. Those that put on weight have theirs soaked to keep the fibre going through their guts up. Actually all mine get soaked hay!
The trouble with 'leaves' is they vary so much. Spending periods regularly without anything to eat is not only putting horses at risk of ulcers etc. it also leads to boredom and frustration...
That's my take, not everyone agrees I know.

 

[celia]

As long as there are no problems with keeping weight down I like to feed ad-lib hay in the stable. After a couple of nights you should have a good idea of how much to put in for minimum waste - I like to see a little left in the morning so I know they've had as much as they want/need overnight.