Why your horse is not holding condition (and how to fix it)

A horse that is not holding condition can be frustrating, especially when you feel like you are already feeding enough.

Weight and condition can be affected by a range of factors, including pasture quality, workload, weather, dental health, parasites and the overall balance of the diet. The key is to look at the full picture rather than simply increasing feed and hoping for the best.

Start with body condition

Before changing the diet, it helps to assess your horse’s body condition regularly.  Look at areas such as the ribs, topline, neck, shoulders and hindquarters. A horse may appear to have a full belly but still lack muscle or coverage over key areas.

Condition is not just about weight. It is also about muscle tone, topline and how well the horse maintains itself through work, weather and seasonal change.

Check the basics first

If a horse is losing condition or struggling to improve, start with the foundations.

Dental issues can limit how well a horse chews and processes feed. Parasite burdens can affect nutrient uptake. Illness, stress and changes in routine can also play a role.

These areas should be considered before assuming the feed is the only problem.

Forage matters most

Forage should be the basis of a horse diets. Pasture, hay, chaff or other bagged fibre sources provides required soluble and insoluble fibre that support gut health and helps maintain digestive function.

If pasture quality declines, especially in cooler months or dry periods, horses may not be getting enough from grazing alone. In these cases, additional hay or fibre-based feeds may be needed.

A horse that is not receiving enough forage may struggle to maintain condition, even if hard feed is being offered.

Energy intake may need adjusting

If the basics are covered and the horse still is not holding condition, the overall energy intake may need to increase.

This does not always mean feeding larger amounts of grain. The type of energy matters. Some horses do better on feeds that provide slow-release energy, while others need more concentrated nutrition depending on workload and condition goals.

Adding energy gradually and monitoring response is the safest approach.

Workload and weather play a role

A horse in work will need more energy than a horse at rest. Likewise, cold weather can increase energy demands, particularly for horses that are paddocked, clipped, or older.  If a horse’s workload increases but the diet stays the same, condition can drop. The same can happen when pasture declines or seasonal conditions change.

Reviewing the diet at key times of year helps avoid falling behind.

Do not forget protein

Condition is not just fat cover. If the goal is to improve topline or muscle, protein quality and type matters too.  A horse may gain weight but still lack muscle if the diet does not provide the right building blocks. This is especially relevant for horses in work or horses returning to condition after time off.

Look for feeds with high quality protein sources and a wider amino acid profile to meet the protein needs of a horse in work.

Getting back on track

Any changes should be made gradually. Sudden changes can upset digestion and create new issues.

Introduce new feeds slowly, monitor manure, appetite and behaviour, and reassess body condition over time.  A horse that is not holding condition usually needs a structured approach.

Start with health checks, review forage, consider workload and weather, then adjust feed to suit the horse’s needs.  With the right balance and regular monitoring, most horses can be supported back into better condition safely and steadily.