06/10/2026
Full Care Horse Boarding
What you can expect series
Part 3: Nutrition
Horse nutrition is an essential part of maintaining a horse’s health, performance, and overall well-being. With digestive systems specifically designed to process large amounts of forage throughout the day. When given continuous access to pasture, horses naturally graze for 10 to 17 hours a day. Taking in 1.5 – 2.5% of their body weight.
The foundation of a horse’s diet is forage, such as grass and hay. Forage supplies fiber, which is crucial for proper digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Most horses should receive the majority of their nutrition from high-quality forage. In some cases, horses may also require grains or concentrated feeds to meet additional energy demands, especially if they are growing, pregnant, lactating, or involved in intense athletic activities. A key question with full care boarding is what grains are offered, or if you can supply your own.
Water is the most important nutrient for horses. An average horse can drink between 5 and 15 gallons of water each day, depending on temperature, activity level, and diet. Adequate hydration supports digestion, regulates body temperature, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body. Make sure your horse always has access to CLEAN, fresh water at all times, no matter the season.
Horses also require essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates provide the primary source of energy, while protein supports muscle development and tissue repair. Fats can serve as a concentrated energy source and contribute to a healthy coat. Vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, are necessary for bone health, immune function, and other bodily processes.
Proper feeding management is just as important as the nutrients themselves. Sudden changes in diet can disrupt the digestive system and may lead to health problems such as colic or laminitis. Full care boarding should monitor body condition regularly and adjust feeding programs based on age, workload, and overall health. But it is also the owner’s responsibility as well, to make sure their horse is receiving the correct care.
