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Estimate horse body weight from heart girth and body length measurements. Use the standard equine weight formula for dosing, feeding, and transport planning.
Calculate minimum pasture and paddock acreage for horses by herd size and grazing system. Plan rotational grazing and dry lot dimensions.
Calculate English and Western saddle seat size and tree width from rider measurements and horse conformation. Guide for proper saddle fit.
Dry matter intake ranges from 1.5% for easy keepers to 2.5–3% for lactating mares and hard-working athletes. Most horses consume 2% body weight daily.
DM intake = Body weight × 1.5–3.0%Forage (hay/pasture) should comprise at least 1% body weight dry matter, ideally 1.5%+. A 1000 lb horse needs 15–20 lb hay daily.
Forage = 1.0–1.5% body weight minimumAdd grain only to meet energy needs beyond forage. Light work: often forage alone. Hard work: 4–10 lb grain daily depending on forage quality.
Grain = Energy deficit ÷ Grain DE (Mcal/lb)Updated: July 2026
20 lb grass hay daily at 2% body weight. No grain needed if hay quality is moderate (9–10% protein, 0.85 Mcal/lb DE).
1200 lb horse needs 24 lb forage plus 6–8 lb performance feed to meet 30+ Mcal/day energy demand during competition season.
1300 lb mare nursing foal requires 2.5–3% intake — 32+ lb forage plus 8 lb mare/foal concentrate for adequate milk production.
Horses require 1.5–3% of body weight in feed daily, primarily as forage. Enter horse weight, workload intensity, and life stage to calculate daily hay, pasture, and concentrate requirements following NRC equine nutrition guidelines.