How Much Hay Should a Horse Eat in Winter? (Simple Guide + Handy Tables)

When the grass stops growing and the temperature drops, forage stops being “just part of the diet” and becomes the diet. The good news: you don’t need to overcomplicate it.

This guide gives you a simple winter rule of thumb, easy tables you can use like a calculator, and a few practical tweaks that can help your horse keep condition without turning half the hay into bedding.

Quick answer: how much hay per day in winter?

Most horses do well on around 1.5%–2% of their bodyweight per day in forage (on a dry matter basis). In winter, many horses end up towards the higher end because:

• Grazing is limited

• They burn more energy keeping warm

• They may be stabled for longer

Practical starting point:

• Good doers / easy keepers: aim around 1.5%

• Average horses at maintenance: aim around 2%

• Poor doers / older horses / weight loss: you may need 2%+ (with guidance)

If you’re worried about weight loss, colic risk, or a sudden change in droppings/appetite, speak to your vet or an equine nutritionist.

Rule of thumb by bodyweight (simple table)

Use this like a quick “calculator”. It’s a starting point — you’ll fine-tune based on condition, workload, and how much is actually being eaten (not just offered).

Quick note on “as fed” vs “actually eaten”

If your horse wastes hay (very common in winter), you may need to offer more than the target so they consume enough.

When to feed more in winter

You may need to increase forage (or reduce waste) if you notice:

• Cold snaps (especially if your horse is out, clipped, or exposed)

• Weight loss or a dropping topline

• Older/veteran horses struggling to keep condition

• More time stabled with less movement and less grazing

• More work (even if it’s “just” more hacking)

Tip: make changes gradually. Sudden jumps in forage type/amount can upset the gut.

Hay vs haylage in winter: what’s the difference?

Both can work brilliantly — the key is understanding that they’re not always “swap like for like”.

The simple version

• Hay is drier.

• Haylage contains more moisture.

So, to provide the same amount of dry matter (the bit that counts nutritionally), you often need to feed more haylage by weight than hay.

Which is better for winter?

“It depends” (sorry — but it’s true). Consider:

• Dust sensitivity: haylage is often lower dust, which can help some horses

• Weight gain/condition: some horses maintain better on haylage, but it varies by batch

• Storage and waste: haylage can spoil if not stored/used correctly

If you’re changing forage type, do it slowly and keep an eye on droppings and appetite.

How to reduce hay waste (and save money)

Winter hay bills hurt most when half the forage ends up trampled, weed on the floor, or dragged into the bed.

Hay nets vs feeders vs floor feeding (pros/cons)

Hay nets

• Pros: reduces trampling, can slow intake, keeps hay cleaner

• Cons: some horses get frustrated; check fit and safety; avoid tiny holes for horses that need to eat more

Hay feeders / hay racks / mangers

• Pros: keeps hay off the floor, can reduce waste, good for larger amounts

• Cons: depends on stable/field setup; still needs regular cleaning

Floor feeding

• Pros: more natural head/neck position

• Cons: easiest to waste; can get mixed with bedding/mud; can be hard to monitor intake

If your horse is a serial waster, the “right” system is the one that helps them eat more and waste less.

If you’re looking for simple ways to cut waste, browse our horse feeding essentials here: https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/collections/new-horse-feeding-equipment

Winter feeding for different types of horses

Good doers

If your horse gains weight easily:

• Start around 1.5% bodyweight/day and adjust slowly

• Prioritise waste reduction (it’s the easiest win)

• Consider using small-holed nets only if your horse is coping and not getting stressed

Poor doers / veterans

If your horse drops weight in winter:

• Aim closer to 2%+ forage intake

• Split forage into more “top-ups” so they’re rarely without something to nibble

• Consider adding condition support (with appropriate advice)

A gentle place to start is our horse supplements collection: https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/collections/new-horse-supplements

Horses in work vs not in work

• In work: may need more forage (and/or additional calories) to hold weight

• Not in work: still needs plenty of fibre for gut health and warmth — don’t cut forage too hard

Signs your horse isn’t getting enough forage

Look for:

• Empty net/bare stable for long periods

• Weight loss, ribs showing, dropping topline

• Increased wood chewing or stable vices

• Changes in droppings (very dry, reduced amount) or reduced appetite

If anything feels “off”, it’s worth getting professional input early.

Practical winter stable checklist (forage + water + salt)

A calm, simple routine beats overthinking.

• Forage: enough to last through the longest gap (often overnight)

• Water: always available and not freezing

• Salt/minerals: access to a suitable salt or mineral lick

• Monitoring: quick daily check of body condition, droppings, and how much is actually eaten

Browse horse salt & mineral licks here: https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/collections/new-horse-salt-mineral-licks

FAQs

How much hay should a 500kg horse eat in winter?

A useful starting point is 7.5kg/day (1.5%) to 10kg/day (2%) of forage intake, then adjust based on condition, workload, and waste.

Should horses have hay overnight in winter?

Many do best when they’re not left without forage for long periods, especially in winter when grazing is limited.

Is it OK to feed hay on the ground?

It can be, but it’s often easier to waste and can get mixed with bedding/mud. A feeder can help keep it cleaner.

How do I know if my horse needs more hay?

Watch body condition, topline, and whether they’re finishing forage quickly and then standing with nothing to eat.

Does a horse need more hay when it’s freezing?

Often, yes — especially if they’re out, clipped, older, or losing weight. Increase gradually and monitor.

Hay vs haylage: which is better for weight gain?

It depends on the forage quality and the individual horse. Because haylage is wetter, you may need to feed more by weight to match hay’s dry matter.

Can too much hay cause colic?

Sudden changes, poor-quality forage, or dehydration can contribute to digestive issues. If you’re concerned about colic risk, speak to your vet.

How can I stop my horse wasting hay?

Try a hay net, feeder, or rack, and keep hay off wet/dirty ground. Waste reduction is often the cheapest “extra feed”.

How much hay should a pony eat in winter?

Many ponies do well around 1.5% bodyweight/day, but it depends on condition and workload. Use the table above as a starting point.

Do horses need salt in winter?

Many benefit from access to salt/minerals year-round, especially if they’re not licking enough naturally or are on soaked feeds. If unsure, ask a professional.

Ready to make winter feeding easier?

If you’re topping up forage, supporting condition, or simply trying to keep winter routines simple, take a look at our most-used winter essentials:

• Horse supplements: https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/collections/new-horse-supplements

• Horse salt & mineral licks: https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/collections/new-horse-salt-mineral-licks

• Horse feeding equipment (hay nets, feeders, buckets and more): https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/collections/new-horse-feeding-equipment

And if you want the non-winter version too, read our main guide here: https://www.chestnutmill.co.uk/blogs/equestrian-articles/how-much-hay-should-a-horse-eat-a-horse-hay-calculator-guide?_pos=24&_sid=ecd7a43e0&_ss=r