Horse Weight Management for Easy Keepers vs. Hard Keepers

Tailoring Nutrition with Country Companion

When it comes to equine nutrition, one size certainly does not fit all. Horses, like people, have unique metabolisms that influence how they gain or lose weight. Understanding whether your horse is an “easy keeper” or a “hard keeper” is essential to managing their health, performance, and longevity. With the right feeding strategy—and the right products from Country Companion—you can support your horse’s ideal body condition year-round.

What’s the Difference?

Easy Keepers are horses that maintain or gain weight easily, often requiring fewer calories to stay in good condition. Breeds like ponies, draft horses, and many native types fall into this category. While this may sound like a blessing, easy keepers are more prone to obesity-related issues such as laminitis and insulin resistance.

Hard Keepers are horses that struggle to maintain weight even with ample feed. These horses often have higher metabolic rates or are under stress from performance demands. Thoroughbreds and high-energy sport horses are common examples. Without careful management, hard keepers can become underweight, compromising their immune function and energy levels.

Feeding Strategies for Easy Keepers

• Focus on Forage: Mature grass hay with lower nutritional value is ideal. Avoid rich alfalfa or high-sugar hays.
• Slow It Down: Use slow feeders or grazing muzzles to reduce intake without restricting access.
• Limit Concentrates: Choose low-starch, low-calorie feeds. Country Companion’s 12% Maintenance Equine is a great option, with a low-calorie level and reliable and consistent nutrition.
• Exercise Matters: Regular, structured exercise helps burn calories and maintain muscle tone.

Feeding Strategies for Hard Keepers

• High-Quality Forage: Provide free-choice access to nutrient-rich hay. Consider adding alfalfa or hay cubes for extra calories.
• Energy-Dense Feeds: Look for feeds with higher fat content (6–12%). Country Companion’s 14% All Life Stages Equine is an excellent choice, offering high fat and controlled starch to support weight gain and digestive health.
• Supplement Wisely: Add stabilized rice bran, flaxseed, or oil-based supplements to boost calorie intake without increasing meal size.
• Monitor Progress: Regular body condition scoring (BCS) helps track changes and adjust feeding plans accordingly.

Why Country Companion? 

Country Companion offers a range of equine feeds designed to meet the diverse needs of horses. Whether you’re managing a pony prone to weight gain or a performance horse that burns through calories, Country Companion has a solution tailored to your horse’s needs. Equine & Multi-Species Feed – Country Companion.