Feeding Horses in Dry Conditions: A Simple Guide for Horse Owners
When the paddocks dry out, your horse's health is at risk.
Australia is a dry country by nature, and during dry spells, feed gets short, grass disappears, and horses start to struggle. You might notice your horse losing weight, acting cranky, or looking dull in the coat. These are signs your horse isn’t getting what they need — and it’s up to us to step in.
Let’s look at the signs, the reasons they happen, and how you can fix them with a smart, natural feeding plan.
What You Might Notice in Dry Conditions
- Weight loss or lack of muscle
- Dull coat or poor hoof quality
- Dropping feed (quidding)
- Loose manure or signs of colic
- Change in behaviour or temperament
- Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dry gums)
- Chewing dirt or eating sand
Reduced performance or energy
Why This Happens
When feed dries up, your horse may not be getting enough:
- Fibre (from grass or hay)
- Digestible energy (fuel to keep them going)
- Vitamins and minerals (for health and performance)
- Water and electrolytes (to stay hydrated)
- Gut support (to keep their digestion working)
Horses may also eat sand or mouldy hay, leading to issues like sand colic or toxins in the gut, which can affect behaviour, weight, and even bone health (like Bighead).
How to Feed Smarter in Dry Times
A good feeding strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be planned and based on what your horse really needs.
- Always Provide Clean Water
Horses need lots of clean water, especially in hot weather. Dirty water will affect digestion and health.
- Get Their Teeth Checked
Sharp or uneven teeth can stop your horse from chewing properly. This reduces saliva, which is vital for digestion. If they’re dropping feed, book the dentist.
- Feed Plenty of Fibre
Horses need at least 1.5% of their body weight in hay or pasture daily. Use hay nets or racks — don’t feed on the ground (to reduce sand intake).
Avoid mouldy hay.
Rotate paddocks to prevent overgrazing.
- Choose Energy-Rich Feeds
Not all feeds give your horse the same amount of usable energy. Look for feeds with high digestible energy and low sugar/starch (NSC).
- Balance Their Diet
Horses need a full range of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids — especially when pasture is limited. Use a trusted supplement to top up.
- Watch Their Body Condition
It's okay if they drop a little weight during the dry season — a condition score of 4 out of 9 is acceptable. If you can, weigh your horse regularly.
- Stay on Top of Worming
Dry weather can lead to more worm exposure. Worm regularly, but be aware that wormers can upset your horse’s gut. Follow up with gut support.
- Prevent Sand Colic
Feeding from the ground can lead to sand build-up in the gut. Check manure for sand and use a sand-clearing supplement if needed.
- Manage Mycotoxins
Hay, grain and pasture can contain mycotoxins — harmful compounds that affect gut health, mood, skin, and calcium absorption. Use a toxin binder to help.
- Replace Electrolytes
Horses sweat a lot in hot weather, losing essential salts. Replace lost electrolytes to keep them hydrated and healthy.
- Protect Against Ulcers
Stress, dry feed, and high-sugar diets can lead to ulcers. Avoid long gaps between feeds and use a natural supplement that supports the stomach and gut.
Natural Solutions That Work
Here’s how Stance Equitec can help you build a solid feeding plan in dry times:
- For Cool, Digestible Energy - CoolStance Copra – High in fibre and energy, low in sugar and starch. Feed 1–2kg/day for safe, steady energy.
- For Sand Colic - SandBuster – Helps move sand through the gut safely.
- For Vitamins & Minerals - Equilibrium Mineral Mix – Covers the basics for all Australian and New Zealand conditions.
VitaStance – Extra nutrients for performance horses and breeding stock.
- For Electrolytes - Osmoplex – Replaces key salts to prevent dehydration.
- For Toxin Protection - ToxFree Toxin Binder – Binds and removes harmful mycotoxins.
- For Ulcer & Gut Health - UlcaBuf – A gentle digestive buffer for stomach and hindgut support.
Clean Culture – Supports gut microbes before/after worming or stress.
Keep it Simple
- Make changes slowly – Sudden changes upset the gut.
- Write it down – Keep a diary of what you’re feeding and how your horse responds.
- Ask for help – We’re here to guide you.
Call us on 1800 782 623 or Email sales@stanceglobal.com
Want help picking the right feeds / supplements?
Try our free tool:
TruGuide from Stance Equitec
