Feeding Horses in Cold Weather

During cold weather horses require an increase in feed to keep warm.  Depending on the temperature they may need up to 20% more  feed.  This increase in feed should be in the form of hay, because as hay is digested in the colon it increases their core body temperature. For example if you have a 1000 pound horse and were feeding 20 pounds of hay per day (their normal 2% of body weight), then during cold weather they may need 24 pounds of hay per day. Also horses need more salt in the cold months to keep up their water intake.  Where in the summer they may not use their salt blocks much, they will start using more salt in the colder months.  This increase in salt intake will help prevent colic.