Horse Feeding Behavior and Welfare

How feeding management that aligns with the natural horse feeding behavior reduces stereotypies, ulcers, and behavioral frustration.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to graze for 16-18 hours daily on high-fiber, low-sugar grasses — their digestive system is adapted for continuous small meals
The equine stomach produces acid continuously, requiring a nearly constant supply of fiber to buffer acid and prevent ulceration
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) affects approximately 90% of racehorses and 60% of performance horses, largely driven by feeding management
Slow feeder haynets that extend feeding time over 8-12 hours significantly reduce boredom, stereotypy development, and ulcer risk
Ad libitum hay access — providing more hay than can be consumed — is appropriate for most horses except those with metabolic conditions
Horses fed large grain meals show elevated cortisol responses and are more reactive compared to hay-based feeding programs

Welfare Considerations

Feeding management is one of the most impactful welfare decisions for stabled horses. The conventional pattern of two or three large meals per day, often with periods of empty stomach between, is fundamentally misaligned with equine digestive physiology and creates both physical and behavioral welfare problems. Gastric ulcers cause chronic abdominal pain that manifests as behavioral changes including girthiness, reluctance to work, and altered temperament. Stereotypic behaviors like crib-biting, which appear to develop partly as a response to the discomfort of an empty acidic stomach, become established habits that persist even after management improves. Transitioning to continuous forage access through slow feeders or ad libitum hay provision is one of the highest-impact welfare improvements available to most horse owners.

What You Can Do

Provide your horse with continuous access to hay using slow feeder haynets or multiple small portions throughout the day and night
Minimize grain feeding and keep any grain meals small — large concentrate feeds disturb gastric acid balance and increase ulcer risk
Have horses with suspected gastric ulcers scoped endoscopically to confirm diagnosis before committing to long-term treatment
Maximize turnout time on good-quality grass pasture as the most natural and welfare-positive feeding arrangement available
If your horse is stabled, place hay in multiple locations in the stable to encourage movement and provide greater behavioral variety during feeding