Grazing in the most natural act a horse can perform. His survival
depends on it. By grazing we mean: the act of eating and traveling at the same time. Covering
ground while using those prehensile lips to full capacity. Actually, foraging is more
natural for the horse. To forage means to search for what one wants or needs. So by placing hay all over the
EQ system the horses stay busy foraging for food and continually 'grazing' in the process
... and by feeding hay in this way, we actually use less hay and have little to no waste.
We have had 5 horses on less than 4 acres. Our method of feeding
hay (like shaking out each flake of hay in different spots) helps the horses meet the grazing requirement. If
the horse evolved as a grazer/forager it must mean that their digestive system is designed to process small amounts of food
on a more or less continual basis. The horses always have a supply of hay (grass
hay) day and night.. The act of foraging or grazing is virtually constant which
may mean feeding hay 4 to 6 times per day... depending on how much land you have available. Sometimes
during the cold winter months we utilize round bales, situated far from the water so they have to walk to get water,
as well we spread hay in other parts of the field. The weather is a big factor on amounts
of hay they consume. Colder weather equals an increase in hay consumption. In winter, the act of
chewing hay is generally enough to regulate body temperature and we see them run and play when it gets
very very cold.
Sometimes we will feed some whole oats or some black oil sunflower seeds. This
is spread or sprinkled on the already spread out hay so there is not gulping ... it takes longer to eat ... no fighting with
one another ... and keeps them busy searching with those lips. Happier and no need for any sweet feeds or processed feeds.
One thing horses are very sensitive to is dust and molds. Make sure your
hay is clean and dust and mold free. Grass hay should be the first choice for horses.
Horses tend to drink more when it's hot and less when it's cold.
It's important to either supply a constant non-frozen source of water or fill the water source at the same time each day which encourages
them to drink a big drink.
