How to Safely and Effectively Fatten Up Your Horse

It can be concerning to see your horse looking underweight. Whether it’s due to a change in activity level, poor pasture conditions, illness, or simply being a hard keeper, getting your horse to gain weight requires a careful and strategic approach. Rushing the process can lead to serious health problems, so patience and a well-thought-out plan are essential. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to safely and effectively fatten up your horse, ensuring their health and well-being.

## 1. Rule Out Underlying Medical Conditions

Before making any changes to your horse’s diet, the very first step is to consult with your veterinarian. Weight loss can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, such as:

* **Dental Issues:** Poor dentition can make it difficult for horses to chew their food properly, leading to inefficient digestion and weight loss. Your vet can perform a dental exam and recommend necessary dental work, such as floating (filing down sharp edges) to improve your horse’s ability to chew.
* **Parasites:** Internal parasites can rob your horse of nutrients, even if they’re eating plenty of food. A fecal egg count test can determine the type and severity of parasite infestation. Your veterinarian can then recommend an appropriate deworming protocol.
* **Ulcers:** Gastric ulcers are common in horses, especially those under stress or in heavy work. Ulcers can cause pain and discomfort, leading to decreased appetite and weight loss. Your vet can diagnose ulcers via endoscopy and prescribe medication to treat them.
* **Chronic Diseases:** Conditions like Equine Cushing’s Disease (PPID) or kidney disease can also cause weight loss. Diagnostic testing by your veterinarian is crucial for identifying and managing these conditions.
* **Infections:** Chronic infections, even low-grade ones, can impact a horse’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. Your vet can help identify and treat any underlying infections.

Addressing these medical issues is paramount. Simply increasing your horse’s feed without resolving the underlying problem won’t solve the weight issue and could potentially exacerbate the condition.

## 2. Evaluate Your Horse’s Current Diet and Body Condition Score

Once you’ve ruled out medical problems, it’s time to assess your horse’s current diet and body condition score (BCS). The Henneke Body Condition Scoring System is a standardized method used to evaluate a horse’s fat covering on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 is emaciated and 9 is extremely fat. A healthy BCS for most horses is between 4 and 6.

* **Body Condition Scoring:** Familiarize yourself with the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System. You can find detailed descriptions and diagrams online. Pay close attention to the following areas:
* **Neck:** Can you easily feel the vertebrae in the neck, or is there a good layer of fat covering them?
* **Withers:** Are the withers sharp and prominent, or are they rounded and covered with fat?
* **Ribs:** Can you easily see the ribs, or do you have to press to feel them? Ideally, you should be able to feel the ribs easily but not see them.
* **Tailhead:** Is the tailhead prominent and sharp, or is it rounded and covered with fat?
* **Behind the Shoulder:** Is there a depression behind the shoulder, or is it filled in with fat?
* **Diet Analysis:** Keep a detailed record of everything your horse eats for several days, including:
* **Type and amount of hay:** Note the type of hay (e.g., grass hay, alfalfa hay, mixed hay) and the weight of each feeding. If you don’t have a scale, use a hay net with known weight markings or estimate the weight of a flake.
* **Grain or concentrate:** Record the type and amount of grain or concentrate being fed.
* **Supplements:** List any supplements your horse is receiving.
* **Pasture access:** Note the amount of time your horse spends on pasture and the quality of the pasture (e.g., lush and green, sparse and dry).
* **Calculate Daily Caloric Intake:** Once you have a record of your horse’s diet, estimate their daily caloric intake. You can find nutritional information for different types of hay and grain online or consult with an equine nutritionist.

This evaluation will give you a baseline to work from and help you determine how many additional calories your horse needs to gain weight.

## 3. Increase Forage Intake

Forage, such as hay and pasture, should be the foundation of your horse’s diet. It’s the most natural and healthy way for them to obtain calories. Here’s how to increase forage intake:

* **Provide Free-Choice Hay:** If possible, provide your horse with free-choice access to hay. This allows them to graze throughout the day, mimicking their natural feeding behavior. Use slow feeders to prevent them from consuming too much hay at once, which can lead to digestive upset.
* **Increase Hay Ration:** If free-choice hay isn’t feasible, gradually increase your horse’s hay ration. Start by adding a few pounds per day and monitor their weight and body condition. Aim for a minimum of 1.5% to 2% of their body weight in hay per day. For example, a 1000-pound horse should eat at least 15-20 pounds of hay daily.
* **Choose High-Quality Hay:** Opt for high-quality hay that is leafy, green, and free of mold and dust. First-cutting hay is often more fibrous and less nutritious than second or third-cutting hay. Alfalfa hay is higher in calories and protein than grass hay, but it can be too rich for some horses. Consider mixing alfalfa hay with grass hay to provide a balanced diet.
* **Haylage or Hay Pellets:** If your horse has dental issues or difficulty chewing hay, consider feeding haylage or hay pellets. Haylage is fermented hay that is softer and easier to digest. Hay pellets are ground hay that can be soaked in water to create a mash.
* **Pasture Management:** If your horse has access to pasture, ensure the pasture is well-managed and provides adequate grazing. Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and allow the grass to recover. Consider fertilizing the pasture to improve its nutritional value.

**Important Considerations for Forage:**

* **Gradual Changes:** Introduce any changes to your horse’s diet gradually over a period of several days to weeks to avoid digestive upset, such as colic or diarrhea.
* **Monitor Manure:** Keep a close eye on your horse’s manure. Changes in consistency or frequency can indicate digestive problems.
* **Water Availability:** Ensure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water, especially when increasing forage intake. Fiber requires water to be digested properly.

## 4. Add Concentrates (Grains) Strategically

If increasing forage intake alone isn’t enough to help your horse gain weight, you can add concentrates (grains) to their diet. However, it’s important to do this strategically and choose the right type of grain. Concentrates are higher in calories than forage but can also be more difficult for horses to digest.

* **Start Slowly:** Begin by adding a small amount of concentrate to your horse’s diet and gradually increase the amount over several days to weeks. This allows their digestive system to adjust.
* **Choose the Right Grain:** Several types of grain are suitable for horses, including:
* **Oats:** Oats are a popular choice because they are relatively easy to digest and provide a good source of energy.
* **Corn:** Corn is higher in calories than oats but can be more difficult to digest. It’s best to feed corn in moderation and ensure it is cracked or rolled to improve digestibility.
* **Barley:** Barley is another good source of calories and is often used in commercially prepared horse feeds.
* **Commercial Horse Feeds:** There are many commercially prepared horse feeds available, specifically formulated for weight gain. These feeds often contain a blend of grains, vitamins, and minerals.
* **Feed Multiple Small Meals:** Divide your horse’s daily grain ration into two or three smaller meals. This helps to prevent digestive upset and allows them to utilize the nutrients more efficiently.
* **Consider Fat Supplements:** Adding fat to your horse’s diet can be a safe and effective way to increase their caloric intake without significantly increasing the amount of grain they consume. Options include:
* **Rice Bran:** Rice bran is a good source of fat and fiber and is often available in stabilized forms.
* **Vegetable Oil:** Vegetable oil can be added to your horse’s feed, but it’s important to introduce it gradually to avoid digestive upset.
* **Flaxseed:** Flaxseed is another good source of fat and omega-3 fatty acids, which can have anti-inflammatory benefits.

**Important Considerations for Concentrates:**

* **Quality Control:** Ensure the grain you are feeding is of good quality and free of mold and contaminants.
* **Storage:** Store grain in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
* **Individual Needs:** The amount of concentrate your horse needs will depend on their individual metabolism, activity level, and body condition. Consult with an equine nutritionist to determine the optimal amount.

## 5. Optimize Digestion with Probiotics and Enzymes

Even with a well-balanced diet, some horses may have difficulty digesting their food efficiently. Probiotics and enzymes can help to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

* **Probiotics:** Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to maintain a healthy gut flora. They can improve digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of digestive upset. Look for probiotic supplements that contain a variety of different bacterial strains.
* **Enzymes:** Enzymes are proteins that help to break down food into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules. Enzyme supplements can be particularly helpful for horses that have difficulty digesting fiber or carbohydrates.

**Important Considerations for Probiotics and Enzymes:**

* **Quality Supplements:** Choose high-quality probiotic and enzyme supplements from reputable manufacturers.
* **Storage:** Store supplements according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Consult with Your Vet:** Talk to your veterinarian before adding any new supplements to your horse’s diet.

## 6. Manage Stress and Provide a Comfortable Environment

Stress can negatively impact a horse’s appetite and ability to gain weight. Create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your horse.

* **Socialization:** Horses are social animals and thrive in the company of other horses. Provide your horse with opportunities to socialize with other horses.
* **Turnout:** Regular turnout on pasture allows horses to graze and exercise, which can help to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
* **Minimize Stressful Situations:** Avoid exposing your horse to unnecessary stressful situations, such as loud noises, aggressive horses, or changes in routine.
* **Adequate Shelter:** Provide your horse with adequate shelter from the elements, such as a barn or run-in shed.

## 7. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed

It’s essential to regularly monitor your horse’s weight and body condition and adjust their diet accordingly. Weight gain should be a gradual process. Aim for a weight gain of about 50-100 pounds per month.

* **Weigh Your Horse Regularly:** Use a weight tape or scale to track your horse’s weight. Weight tapes are not always accurate, but they can provide a general indication of weight gain or loss.
* **Reassess Body Condition Score:** Reassess your horse’s body condition score every two to four weeks. Take pictures to document their progress.
* **Adjust Diet:** Based on your horse’s weight and body condition, adjust their diet as needed. If they are not gaining weight, gradually increase their forage or concentrate intake. If they are gaining weight too quickly, reduce their feed.
* **Consult with Your Vet:** Continue to consult with your veterinarian throughout the weight gain process. They can help you monitor your horse’s health and make any necessary adjustments to their diet or management.

## 8. Exercise and Muscle Development

While the primary focus is on increasing fat reserves, exercise plays a crucial role in converting fat into muscle and improving overall body condition. Proper exercise helps distribute weight evenly and gives the horse a more toned appearance.

* **Consistent Exercise:** Implement a consistent exercise routine that includes both cardiovascular work and strength training. This can range from light riding and groundwork to more strenuous activities depending on the horse’s current fitness level.
* **Hill Work:** Incorporating hill work into the exercise routine is excellent for building hindquarter muscles. Walking or trotting up hills engages the gluteal and hamstring muscles, contributing to a more muscular physique.
* **Pole Work:** Pole work (cavaletti) helps improve coordination, balance, and muscle strength. Adjust the height and spacing of the poles to challenge the horse and encourage proper muscle engagement.
* **Progressive Loading:** Gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise to challenge the horse and promote muscle growth. Avoid overexertion, especially in the initial stages of weight gain.

## 9. Specific Considerations for Senior Horses

Senior horses often have unique challenges when it comes to maintaining weight. Dental issues, decreased digestive efficiency, and underlying health conditions can all contribute to weight loss. Here are some special considerations for senior horses:

* **Dental Care:** Regular dental exams and floating are crucial for senior horses. They may need more frequent dental care to ensure they can chew their food properly.
* **Soaked Feeds:** Soaking hay pellets or cubes can make them easier for senior horses to chew and digest. This is especially important if they have missing or worn teeth.
* **Senior Feeds:** There are many commercially prepared senior feeds available that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of older horses. These feeds are often highly palatable and easy to digest.
* **Smaller, More Frequent Meals:** Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help to prevent digestive upset and ensure that senior horses are getting enough calories.
* **Monitor for Underlying Conditions:** Be vigilant for signs of underlying health conditions, such as Cushing’s disease or kidney disease, which are more common in senior horses.

## 10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fattening up a horse requires careful planning and execution. Avoid these common mistakes:

* **Overfeeding Grain:** Feeding too much grain at once can lead to colic, laminitis, and other health problems. Always introduce grain gradually and divide the daily ration into multiple small meals.
* **Ignoring Dental Issues:** Ignoring dental problems can prevent your horse from chewing their food properly, leading to weight loss. Schedule regular dental exams and floating.
* **Neglecting Parasite Control:** Internal parasites can rob your horse of nutrients, even if they are eating plenty of food. Implement a regular deworming program.
* **Failing to Provide Adequate Forage:** Forage should be the foundation of your horse’s diet. Ensure they are getting enough hay or pasture.
* **Making Sudden Dietary Changes:** Sudden changes in diet can disrupt the horse’s digestive system and lead to colic or diarrhea. Introduce new feeds gradually.
* **Ignoring Water Intake:** Water is essential for digestion and overall health. Ensure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water.
* **Lack of Veterinary Consultation:** Failing to consult with a veterinarian before making significant dietary changes can lead to overlooking underlying health issues or making inappropriate feeding choices.

By following these steps and working closely with your veterinarian and equine nutritionist, you can safely and effectively fatten up your horse and improve their overall health and well-being. Remember that patience and consistency are key to success. Every horse is an individual, and what works for one horse may not work for another. Pay close attention to your horse’s individual needs and adjust their diet and management accordingly.