Summer and winter metabolism of horses

Horses have a winter mode and a summer mode, also known as summer and winter metabolism. From their genes, horses know that summer means plenty of food and nutrients. The summer is the period to build up fat reserves, which can then be used up in the winter. This metabolism process is controlled by hormones that are also involved in the growth of winter/summer coats. But even in the winter, the horse's system works differently. There is scarcity, periods where there is hardly any food to be found and vitamins and fresh greens are no longer available. This is the time for horses to use their stored reserves. Fat tissue is broken down for energy production, and as a result, stored vitamin E is released.

So, this summer mode and winter mode are a very impressive, refined system that horses have by nature. In the summer, horses gain weight significantly, and in the winter, they lose this weight again. So if your horse gains weight easily in the summer, realize that your horse does this for a reason!

Current horsekeeping works against nature

This system of a winter and summer mode works very well for horses in the wild, but as owners, we prefer to keep our horses at a constant weight. The advantage of this is that we can prevent diseases like laminitis, but the downside is that the horse is no longer guided by its genes. As a result, for example, the natural detoxification process is lost because horses no longer lose fat tissue (with waste products) in the winter.

Another disadvantage is that many horses also remain overweight in the winter, causing them to go out to the pasture in the spring already overweight. This accumulation can lead to issues such as laminitis and itching problems.

Horses can lose weight in the winter

Many horse owners find it difficult to see their horse losing weight in the winter. They immediately want to feed more roughage or richer roughage. They also increase concentrate feeding and add daily portions of mash. From an owner's point of view, this is logical because you don't want your horse to lack anything. But are you not actually depriving your horse by pampering it so much?

It is entirely normal for horses to use their reserves and lose weight in the winter. The body is metabolically set up for these processes by nature. In winter, accumulated waste products are removed, there is a kind of reset in the body, and the body can easily digest fresh greens in the spring without any issues. This affects the body's processes but also hormones. So, it is not a problem if horses gain weight in summer (within limits) as long as they lose it in winter. This maintains balance and allows the body to function without many ailments.

Don't go for fattening products too quickly

Of course, every horse is different and has different nutritional needs. But generally, most horses can function extremely well on a diet of sufficient unprocessed hay and a vitamin nugget. Preferably, do not feed pre-packaged hay/silage, as this causes acidification in the body, leading to poor mineral absorption and increased mineral needs for these horses. Ensure that the transition from 24/7 pasture access to the paddock is done gradually. The digestive system also needs to adjust to hay. Therefore, increase the amount of hay towards the end of the pasture period.

If the temperature drops, there is a cold wind, or it is rainy for an extended period, ensure an adequate supply of roughage and branches. However, do not immediately increase concentrate feeding and mash. The horse can manage by digesting fibers. In fact, you should feed a less rich diet. In the wild, there is even less food available during the snow, only branches, reeds, and tree bark. So, more fibers! The digestion of these harder fibers helps produce heat, keeping the horse warm. Therefore, do not give easily digestible products but offer branches to chew on or reeds. This stimulates digestion and helps maintain warmth.

If you give the horses a choice in winter, you will often see that in extreme cold, horses choose rougher hay over fine hay. Horses know that this keeps them warmer than fine hay. So why would we as owners choose to feed more richly then?

Conclusion: only intervene when absolutely necessary!

Horses naturally lose weight in the winter, shedding excess fat so they can enjoy fresh greens again in the summer. Adequate (preferably unlimited) roughage and a vitamin nugget are generally sufficient for a horse to get through the winter without issues. Extra pampering your horse is unnecessary for its health. Only intervene with extra feeding when it is truly necessary for your horse's health. And choose products that contribute to their health. Pay attention to minimizing the amount of grains in their diet. It should be nourishing, not just feeding.