Of course you want to do the right thing for your horse and provide him with the best possible nutrition, but you may know more about riding or grooming than you do about the nuances of hay. Don’t feel overwhelmed—the topic is less confusing than you might think. We reached out to Rachel Mottet, Ph.D., the owner of Legacy Equine Nutrition consulting business, for help in navigating this sea of dried grass.

Grass or Legume Hay?

Horse hay is generally divided into two main categories: grasses and legumes. Grasses often have long, slender stalks and perhaps a seed head on top; legumes are leafier, don’t grow as tall, and the stems are crunchier.

“The most common legumes fed to horses in the U.S. are alfalfa and clover,” says Mottet. “The most common U.S. grass hays are timothy, orchard, fescue, brome, and Bermuda.”

Mottet notes that grasses are then subdivided as cool-season or warm-season grasses, with cool-season grasses tending to be more palatable to horses than warm-season grasses.

“All are, however, acceptable choices for horses,” she says. “The main difference between grasses and legumes is that legumes tend to be higher in protein, energy, and several other micronutrients.”

So if legumes offer more energy, should you choose them over grasses? Not necessarily.

“Horses can do great on many types of forages,” says Mottet. “A good-quality grass hay can be the foundational piece of the diet for really any horse. A legume can be helpful for high-performance horses, those who are considered ‘hard keepers,’ and for mares that are gestating or lactating.”

Many horse owners use a grass hay, but may supplement with alfalfa (or an alfalfa mix) if the extra calories are needed.

“Alfalfa is usually [richer] in protein, energy, and micronutrient density, and is often not ideal as the sole source of forage in the diet,” says Mottet. “There are some situations where a large inclusion of alfalfa is a good choice, but in general, it shouldn’t be the only forage your horse is receiving if you have grass hay also available.”

Ponies, in particular, can be overly sensitive to the calorie content of alfalfa hay.

Choosing a Hay

You’ll find further options within the grass and legume categories. But you probably don’t need to worry too much about the exact hay species, since that is going to vary somewhat by your region. For example, don’t get too focused on whether to feed a cool-season timothy hay over a cool-season orchard grass mix.

“Finding what’s available in your region is a good place to start,” says Mottet. “Start by finding a quality horse hay vendor in your area that you can get a consistent source from. Check in with other local horse farms to see who grows horse hay in the area.”

She also suggests connecting with a local extension agent as a guide.

“Keep in mind that hay that’s appropriate for cattle and other livestock may not be the best match for your horses, so try to find a vendor growing hay specifically for horses,” Mottet advises.

Another major factor—probably more important than the specific type of hay you buy—is the age at which the hay was harvested. As grasses and legumes mature and the stalks become thicker, the nutritional value of the hay begins to diminish.

“There isn’t a certain species I typically avoid, as maturity when cut is the biggest influencer of nutritional quality in any hay,” says Mottet. “You can have good or bad quality in nearly any variety! However, there are a few situations that warrant specificity. In a number of horses, a low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) hay is most appropriate [for horses with sugar and starch sensitivities or obesity]. The hay most appropriate for these horses is one that is more mature (stemmy), or a variety with known low NSC content.”

She also notes that pregnant mares can be sensitive to the endophyte fungus found in tall fescue grass, so fescue might not be the wisest choice on breeding farms.

Look for Quality

There are some basics you should look for no matter what type of hay you ultimately use. Mottet recommends finding hay that is free of debris, has minimal dust, and does not have discolored areas indicative of mold. She also advises that green hay is not necessarily the truest indicator of quality and nutrient composition.

“Sometimes you can have the most beautiful bright green hay, but your horse prefers the more brown/green option,” she says. “It’s hard to always explain why, but the point is to not get completely lost in finding the greenest hay available thinking this is the determinant of quality.”

Watch Their Weight

Mottet recommends regularly appraising your horse’s body condition, as you can gain clues about the quality of your hay and whether your horse getting too much, too little, or the correct amount.

“I suggest using the Henneke Body Condition Scoring (BCS) system to ensure your horse is getting adequate hay intake,” she says. “A good guide is to make sure your horse is receiving at least 1.5 percent of his body weight in hay per day, all the way up to free choice [about 2.5 percent of body weight in hay intake per day]. You can use your horse’s BCS to determine where to land within that range of hay intake.”

Once you have determined the hay that works best for your horse and have found a reliable supplier in your region, you should have an easier time next year, when you simply need to restock. Then your only question will be how to find enough helpers to unload the hay!

Further Reading

◆ How to Grow Your Own Hay
◆ Hay Buyer’s Guide
◆ Hay Accessories to Make Feeding Your Horse Easier
◆ Soil and Hay Tests for Horse Owners

This article about choosing the right hay type appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Choosing the Right Hay Type appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Hazel, a 7-year-old, 16.0hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: February Star Sanctuary Inc., Knoxville, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Hazel

Hoping for a mare full of heart? Meet Hazel!

Registered with The Jockey Club as Three D Party, this unraced Thoroughbred mare has tons of potential. By the graded stakes winner and proven sire Desert Party, Hazel is also ready for success—just via an off-the-track career. She’s great for riding and could go into various disciplines.

Hazel also loves to be the queen of the herd and will likely want to be the first to greet you at the gate. She is up to date on vaccinations.

Contact February Star Sanctuary Inc. today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Hazel!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Hazel appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Breaking Bullet, a 5-year-old, 16.1hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: After the Races, Elkton, Md.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Breaking Bullet

Breaking Bullet is a 16.1 hand, 5-year-old mare (Bullet Gone Astray – Intermission by More Than Ready) that came to After the Races in partnership with Aftercare Charles Town. Bullet raced 38 times and made a little money in spite of only winning one race. After her last race in August, her connections decided it was time for her to retire.

Upon retirement she was evaluated at the track by a great vet (also a surgeon) who found her sound. She was then moved to a farm to await space to open up at ATR. Upon arrival there, she looked sound coming off the trailer and was turned out, but was of course hoof-sore a week later when ATR’s vet did her intake evaluation. Thankfully she does block to the foot so ATR hopes that with some TLC they’ll get her back on track.

ATR also plans to do a bit of physical therapy with Bullet to loosen up her neck, which was stiff for her evaluation. They’re hopeful after some good neck stretches and PT she’ll look much better when the vet comes back to revisit her.

Contact After the Races today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Breaking Bullet!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Breaking Bullet appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“This virus can spread fast, it can be deadly, and the earliest signs are often so subtle they’re easy to miss,” Commissioner Miller, himself an avid horseman, said. “That’s why monitoring your horses right now is critical. The quicker we identify a potential case, the better chance we have to protect not only our animals, but the entire Texas equine community.”

A particularly aggressive strain of EHV-1 has been confirmed by veterinary clinics in Central Texas. While investigations are ongoing, the TDA believes the situation warrants immediate attention, given the rapid spread and severe outcomes in affected horses.

Those who should act immediately are those who:

• Have a horse that was present at the WPRA event in the Waco area or transported one to/from that event.
• Have a horse that has mingled with those transported from that event.
• Any horse owner or facility operator who has recently participated in large multi–barn gatherings, roping jackpots, or traveled extensively enough to include the Waco region.

Clinical signs of EHV-1 can vary widely, and may include:

• Fever
• Nasal discharge, coughing, or other respiratory changes
• Depression or lethargy.
• Neurological signs: stumbling or incoordination, loss of tail tone, hind-limb weakness, head tilt, recumbency.
• Abortions in pregnant mares.

The EHV-1 virus spreads quickly and efficiently, making early precautions essential. Horses can transmit the virus directly through simple nose-to-nose contact, and infected animals may also release contagious aerosolized particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is equally dangerous, as shared tack, grooming tools, water and feed buckets, thermometers, and other equipment can all carry the virus from one horse to another. Even humans can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers, spreading the virus on their hands, clothing, or boots.

To protect your horses and the broader equine community, the TDA recommends the following immediate steps:

1. Isolate any horse that attended the Waco event for at least 14 days from other equines, or until cleared by a veterinarian.
2. Suspend hauling, showing, or mixing horses from the exposure group until further notice. Avoid taking exposed horses to other barns or events.
3. Disinfect trailers, wash-racks, cross-ties, tie-areas, tack rooms, buckets, grooming tools, and any shared equipment. Use an appropriate virucidal disinfectant.
4. Avoid sharing tack, halters, grooming equipment, buckets, water hoses, etc., between exposed and unexposed horses.
5. Monitor temperatures twice daily for all exposed horses and report any fever (≥101.5 °F) or other signs to a veterinarian immediately.
6. If any horse exhibits neurologic signs, coughing, or nasal discharge, isolate it immediately, wear protective gear, and call your veterinarian.
7. Keep accurate records: track which horses were present at events, their movement, and who handled them for contact tracing if needed.
8. Stay in contact with your local veterinarian and keep up to date on updates from state veterinary authorities.

“I’m asking every local horse rider, roper, trainer, and breeder to do their part today,” Commissioner Miller added. “Check your horses twice a day, isolate any exposed animals, tighten up your biosecurity, and call your vet the moment something looks off. If we work together and take this seriously, we can get ahead of this outbreak and keep our horses and our state’s $12.3 billion equine industry safe.”

What is Equine Herpes Virus?

The horse can be affected by many different strains of equine herpes virus (EHV), also known as rhinopneumonitis, but five strains are most prevalent: EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-3, EHV-4, and EHV-5. Of these, EHV-1 and EHV-4 are associated with viral respiratory disease, with EHV-4 mostly affecting young horses younger than 3 years of age. EHV-1 is the most prevalent concern in horse populations of all ages, not only because its respiratory disease is more virulent than that of EHV-4, but also because it can cause viral abortion in pregnant mares or neurologic disease (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy or EHM). Mutation of the DNA in the herpes virus produces this extremely virulent neurological form, which damages blood vessels in the central nervous system. Subsequent damage to the spinal cord tissues and brain is accompanied by specific neurological signs.

How EHV-1 Works

Horses often contract the herpes virus at a young age but do not always develop apparent clinical signs at that time. Like herpes infections in humans, the virus often goes dormant but can resurface when the horse is stressed by training, transport, competition, herd dynamics, or other health conditions.

Re-activation of the latent virus results in active shedding of the virus in the horse’s nasal secretions. Even a healthy-looking horse can transmit the EHV-1 virus from his respiratory secretions. Horses with clinical signs shed viral particles profusely and should be isolated immediately.

Direct horse-to-horse contact facilitates exposure, but the virus can also be transmitted on peoples’ hands, clothing and shoes, as well as grooming equipment, tack, buckets, rakes, hoses and water tanks, to name a few. It is also possible for airborne particles expelled by coughing or sneezing to transfer to horses some distance away, although no one knows exactly how far.

— Edited Press Release | Source: Texas Department of Agriculture

The post EHV-1 Outbreak Reported in Texas appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

How you decide when to blanket—or not blanket—your horse can depend on many factors, including climate, coat length, access to shelter, his individual internal thermostat, health, age, and weight.

Understanding A Horse’s Coat

You’ve probably noticed that blanketing can be a controversial topic.

“Everybody has an opinion, but nobody seemed to have the science to back it up,” says Michelle DeBoer, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin River Falls with a research interest in horse blanketing. She began her research with the goal of improving horse welfare and reducing stress for owners making blanketing decisions.

To understand how to blanket horses, we must understand how their natural coats work. According to DeBoer, a horse’s coat provides warmth using piloerection. Piloerection, which occurs in many kinds of animals, works when the hair stands up on end. When you see your horse’s coat “puff up,” it is actually creating air pockets underneath the hair follicles, which traps warmth.

Weather conditions may impact your horse’s ability to fluff up. For example, a wet coat cannot use piloerection, which creates a risk that your horse can become cold. According to the website for Mid-Rivers Equine Centre in Wentzville, Mo., snow can often be kept at bay by a thick coat. Heat can stay trapped within, resulting in snow simply sitting on top of the coat.

If the snow begins to melt, it may indicate that your horse’s coat is not insulating properly. On the other hand, heavy rain that breaks through the top layer of a horse’s coat and soaks down to the skin poses a risk in cold weather.

“Flattening the Coat”

Many owners are concerned about blanketing because they fear it may damage a horse’s natural coat and insulating ability.

A blanket should not have a significant negative impact on the natural coat’s insulation. According to Fernando Camargo, DVM, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Kentucky and Sarah Coleman, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Council, there is no research that indicates that putting a blanket on a horse will make them colder by flattening their coat.

If you’re concerned that blanketing today means your horse will need to be blanketed more in the future, there is little need for concern, according to DeBoer. It takes approximately five to 12 weeks to see a change in a horse’s coat due to blanketing, and the changes don’t seem to have long-term effects.

In other words, if you decide to blanket one winter, it does not doom you to blanket the same way next year and beyond.

Thermoneutral Zone

At what temperature should you start blanketing? This depends on the individual equine and weather conditions. However, DeBoer states that horses have a “thermoneutral” zone where they don’t use any extra energy to stay warm (or cool).

This temperature varies greatly depending on the horse’s climate. DeBoer says that horses adjusted to colder areas don’t start burning additional calories until it is 5 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit, while horses that are accustomed to warmer regions need to produce extra heat at around 41 degrees Fahrenheit. If wet, horses begin producing extra heat at around 59 degrees.

Similarly, Rutgers University’s Netti R. Liburt, Ph.D., and equine extension specialist Carey Williams, Ph.D., state that 59 degrees Fahrenheit is also the approximate bottom of the thermoneutral zone for a body-clipped horse or one with a summer coat.

Weight and Health

A heavier horse has a bigger insulating layer of fat, which will keep him warmer when the temperatures drop. An underweight horse, on the other hand, may feel colder sooner than other horses in the same weather conditions.

An overweight or healthy weight horse could perhaps stand to burn some of the extra calories it takes to stay warm in cold conditions, while a horse that is underweight, a hard keeper, or in poor health may not be able to spare the same calories.    

Hay Use

A horse’s digestive system creates significant amounts of heat while breaking down fiber in the hindgut, kind of like an internal wood stove, so forage is an important part of keeping a horse warm.

According to DeBoer, this also means that blanketing can help reduce hay use during the winter. In her study on horse’s dry matter intake and condition, she found that “blanketed horses had a reduced hay intake compared to non-blanketed horses.”

If barns and owners are experiencing a winter hay shortage, or don’t have good access to places to put lots of forage in their fields, this may be an option to consider. It also can be important for horses who are stalled overnight, and therefore may go longer periods without forage.

Shivering and Ear Check

Sometimes an owner may worry that they can’t tell if their horse is too cold. DeBoer says that shivering is her No. 1 way to check.

“If a horse is shivering, he is too cold,” she says. “While they can shiver for short periods of time and be OK, if they are required to shiver for a long period of time as a way to stay warm, it can lead to weight loss and health problems for the horse. I most often see shivering when it is wet and windy.”

DeBoer also suggests that a more subjective way of gauging your horse’s temperature is checking the base of his ears.

“This can be an indicator of your horse’s condition, as a cold horse will reduce blood flow to extremities in an attempt to conserve heat by keeping the majority of blood within the core of the animal,” she says.

DeBoer notes, however, that this is not an “end-all, be-all” method.

All of these factors can feel like a lot to consider, so it’s important to observe your horse for yourself. Is his weight dropping, is he shivering, or is he sweating and hot in his blanket? When it rains, does his undercoat remain dry, or is he immediately soaked through?

When you take the time to observe your horse, you will eventually develop an idea of how he reacts to different weather conditions.

“If you choose to blanket, you need to be more vigilant in managing your horse, but if you don’t, you want to make sure he has the resources to stay warm on his own, primarily adequate or extra hay and a shelter,” says DeBoer.

Blanket Away! (Mindfully)

Blankets are useful tools, and you may use them for a variety of reasons. In real-world situations, it may not be possible to constantly micromanage your horse’s warmth. Most unclipped horses that are a healthy weight can manage winter on their own, especially with good shelter access.

Throwing a heavy blanket on a horse and then leaving it on when the temperature rises again could potentially be just as harmful as a horse being cold.

“When we over-blanket, it can trap too much heat underneath the blanket,” says DeBoer. “Besides the obvious concern of making the horse uncomfortable, if he gets so warm he begins to sweat, this can create an environment that fosters skin infections or rain rot.”

When blanketing, always consider when you will next be able to check on your horse and switch his blankets. Consider your resources and time when deciding how to blanket.

Further Reading
◆ Best Horse Blanketing Practices
◆ Feeding Your Horse in the Winter
◆ Winter Horse Care FAQs
◆ Keeping a Horse Blanket Clean

This article about the science behind blanketing horses appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Science Behind Blanketing Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Gummy, a 24-year-old, 14.2hh American Quarter Horse gelding
Organization: West Virginia Horse Network, Guthrie, W.Va.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Gummy

Gummy (also known as Gunther) is a Quarter Horse gelding who is looking for a home as a companion horse. He is pasture sound but cannot be ridden due to a previous injury. He is looking for an adopter with a farrier that is patient and supportive when he is not as flexible as he would like to be.

Gummy is easy to handle. He is happy and kind. He loves to be hosed down in the heat of the summer and will let you know just where to spray the water on him.

In his younger years, Gummy was a working horse. He is looking for a job that would keep his mind active, such as in-hand obstacles, long walks on the beach or whatever other non-riding activities you have in mind.

He enjoys herd life and thrives in a pasture setting. Gummy is currently at a foster home where he is providing loving and patient companionship for a 38-year-old horse that recently lost his best friend. Once Gummy is done with his role there, he’ll be looking for an adopter with similar needs.

He is also dashingly handsome, so he’d be great to help with photos/selfies, etc.

Contact West Virginia Horse Network today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Gummy!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Gummy appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Cabrio, a 17-year-old, 16.2hh Holsteiner gelding
Organization: Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, Lancaster, Calif.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Cabrio

Meet Cabrio!

Looking for a handsome partner with experience and a heart of gold? Cabrio is your guy! This 2008 Holsteiner gelding comes with extensive hunter/jumper experience and is as sweet as they come. While Wild at Heart hasn’t yet completed his under-saddle evaluation at the rescue, Cabrio has already impressed them with his excellent ground manners, kind personality, and willingness to please.

Cabrio does require a low-starch diet, but that doesn’t hold him back one bit—he’s healthy, happy, and eager to connect with his person. With his background, brains, and beauty, Cabrio has the potential to shine in his next home, whether that’s continuing in the show ring or enjoying a new adventure with someone who appreciates his gentle nature.

Don’t miss the chance to welcome this sweet, experienced gelding into your family.

Contact Wild at Heart Horse Rescue today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Cabrio!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Cabrio appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Silver Kitty, a 12-year-old, 15.0hh Thoroughbred mare
Organization: Second Stride, Prospect, Ky.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Silver Kitty

A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Silver Kitty last raced in 2017. Second Stride was not told of any injury history and she moves soundly under saddle. “Kitty” has had four foals, the last being in 2025. She is eligible for the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover Broodmare Division.

Kitty is a very kind and easy going mare. She seems to be intelligent and not concerned about much at all. She doesn’t mind being in a stall, as she stays quiet and munches on her hay. She is also fine being in a field 24/7. She gets along well with her friends and settles down quickly to graze. She walks nicely on a lead rope and is well behaved for grooming, bathing and tacking up. She stands quietly on crossties and enjoys being back under saddle.

She has a cute little trot, but her canter needs some refining. She would make a great lesson or beginner horse. Good for kids and grandkids, Kitty would make a perfect family horse and will be suitable for any age appropriate discipline.

Contact Second Stride today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Silver Kitty!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Silver Kitty appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Adoptable Horse: Cajun Crazy, a 5-year-old, 16.2hh Thoroughbred gelding
Organization: New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Covington, La.

Get to Know Adoptable Horse Cajun Crazy

Meet Cajun Crazy, available from New Vocations’ Pasture Potatoes Program, meaning he is eligible for adoption to a non-riding home only.

“CC” needs a handler who is used to dealing with mouthy, busy youngsters. He is okay for handling but will try to play with you using his lips or teeth. When he is not trying to put his mouth or teeth on everything, CC stands quietly in the crossties for grooming and picking his feet.

CC lives outside in a herd of three geldings and does very well with others. He is a happy friendly horse with an oral fixation. He wears steel front shoes.

CC is ready to pursue a second career as your loving Pasture Potato! His adoption is eligible for shipping credit up to $1,000.

Contact New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Cajun Crazy!

ASPCA Right Horse

ASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.

The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Cajun Crazy appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Draft Horse Hoof Care

Gentle Giants Draft Rescue is a 300-plus acre facility in Mt. Airy, Md., that rehabilitates and re-homes draft horses. They are currently home to more than 150 drafts. Executive Director and founder Christine Hajek says the most common problem seen in draft breeds is hoof neglect.

One misconception about drafts is that due to their size, they wear down their feet on their own. This is not true; as with other horse breeds, drafts require regular hoof trims. However, given their size, “Expect to pay more for the farrier,” she says.

Drafts can have a reputation for being stubborn about picking up and holding up their feet. This is in large part due to their background. Many drafts come from Amish and Mennonite farms, says Hajek. There, feet are trimmed in wooden restraints called stocks, so many drafts haven’t been taught to stand while having their feet held by a person.

However, this can be overcome by patient, consistent training. Staff at Gentle Giants use clicker training to accustom drafts to having their feet handled.

Skin Beneath the Feathers

Along with the beautiful feathers some draft breeds have comes extra work in keeping the skin underneath healthy. Long hair on the lower legs can create an environment that is ideal for bacteria and parasite proliferation. Many drafts that arrive at Gentle Giants have a skin condition called scratches, mite infestations, or both, says Hajek.

Scratches, also called mud fever, is a dermatitis of the pastern and heel. Overgrowth of microorganisms on the skin’s surface results in localized inflammation, causing these areas to appear greasy. The skin will be red, thickened, and scabby, and may be sensitive to touch.

Mange mites, specifically chorioptic mites (Chorioptes species), commonly take up residence along a draft horse’s lower legs. Infestations result in intense itching that can cause a horse to stomp and yank his foot away when held. Some owners may misinterpret this as a behavioral issue; however, when the underlying condition is treated, this issue resolves.

Managing these skin conditions involves a delicate balance between moisture and dryness. Yes, those beautiful feathers will likely have to be shaved off (but they grow back!) in order to expose the mites and dry out any bacteria present. Initially, regular leg bathing will help fight these infections, followed by thorough drying.

Keeping the horse’s legs clean and dry then is key in keeping these skin issues at bay. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best shampoo for your draft and any other medications needed, such as an antiparasitic or antibiotic for severe infections.

Belgians, specifically, are at risk for a different type of condition in the legs called chronic progressive lymphedema, or CPL. Belgians with this condition develop swelling in their lower legs, which can lead to thickened skin and lesions. Not much is currently understood about this disease, but it is progressive and there is no treatment. Anyone interested in a Belgian should carefully inquire about the horse’s background and lineage, if known.

Feeding Fat

Most adult draft horses in little to light work and general good health are relatively easy keepers, meaning they can maintain a good body condition on quality forage, such as hay or pasture. In fact, if fed according to the guidelines on many feed bags based on body weight, owners may accidentally over-feed their draft, leading to obesity and associated metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance and laminitis.

Inappropriate diet is a common issue in many of the draft rescues rehabilitated at Gentle Giants.

“They were fed based on light breed horse guidelines,” Hajek explains.

When a draft horse does require a higher level of nutrition than what simple forage can provide, they may need more fat as opposed to the high starch seen in grain mixes.

“A lot of people don’t realize drafts may need a higher-fat diet,” says Hajek.

If your draft horse requires a high-calorie concentrate in addition to good quality forage, work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to ensure he is getting a balanced diet appropriate for his metabolic needs, age, and workload.

Possible PSSM

One serious nutrition issue common in draft horses is a metabolic disorder called equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM or EPSM). Horses with PSSM are unable to properly metabolize and store carbohydrates, which becomes an issue when a horse is fed a high-carbohydrate diet (such as grain) and then exercised.

Mild signs of PSSM include muscle weakness, twitches, and gait abnormalities, but severity of the condition varies, and can escalate to colic-like signs, refusal to move, severe muscle cramping, and kidney issues due to muscle cell death.

PSSM is diagnosed via bloodwork, muscle biopsy, and, more recently, genetic testing. While there is no cure, PSSM can be managed successfully by switching to a diet high in fat instead of carbohydrates and a consistent exercise regimen. Careful management should be overseen by a veterinarian.

Neurologic Conditions

Draft horses are also more prone to some neuromuscular disorders than can look like PSSM.

Shivers and stringhalt are two neurologic conditions that typically result in an abnormal gait, most notably in the hind legs. These conditions aren’t lethal, but they can make a horse reluctant to lift his feet for a farrier.

Some horses with shivers or stringhalt can still be ridden or driven. Severity and management of these conditions varies by horse.

Eye Health

Some breeds of drafts with wide white markings on their faces, such as Belgians, Clydesdales and Haflingers, are predisposed to a locally invasive type of cancer in the eye called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

SCC can range in severity. A small lesion on the third eyelid can be relatively straightforward to remove. But in extreme cases, removal of the eye may be necessary, or possibly euthanasia if the underlying bone is involved.

Owners of Belgians and any breed with excessive white on the face should regularly monitor their horse’s eyes for any unusual coloration, irregularity, or signs of irritation. If something is abnormal, have your veterinarian conduct a closer examination. The earlier SCC is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

Heat & Humidity

Due to their larger frames and associated musculature, draft horses can struggle to dissipate heat, which can lead to heat stress. When you add to this the challenges of keeping heavily feathered legs dry in humidity, it can be difficult to keep a draft breed comfortable in the summer.

For this reason, if you live in the southeastern United States, Hajek cautions against getting a draft. At the very least, she advises, avoid getting a draft horse from a northern climate and transporting him south, where he isn’t acclimated to the heat and humidity.

Key Takeaway

At the end of the day, a draft horse is still a horse, with the same training needs, personality quirks, and general care requirements.

“They train the same way [as a lighter breed],” says Hajek. “People tend to treat them like they’re different. The worst stereotype of drafts is that they’re dull and slow. That’s not the case at all.”

With proper care and consistent training, just like their smaller counterparts, draft horses make excellent mounts and companions. There’s just a bit more of them to love.

This article about draft horse health and care appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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