Question: How much hay should you feed?
Having hay available mimics the natural grazing instincts and is healthiest for your horse's mind and body.
Answer: According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture a full-grown horse should eat about 12-15 pounds of hay a day. This is a very rough average and horses will require more or less depending on their metabolism, workload, time of year, and what else they may be eating. Ponies will require considerably less, while large draft breeds can eat 30 pounds a day or more. For the healthiest digestive system and the happiest horse it is best to have hay available all the times. Most horses are self-regulating. There are some that will need their hay diet restricted to prevent obesity.
More Horses Q&A