One of the most common reasons a horse does not clear up its feed is that the feed has become less palatable. Horses are very sensitive to smell and taste, so a change in composition, smell or freshness can mean they no longer eat it willingly. Feed kept for too long, dampness, mould or dust put them off eating very effectively. Feeds dressed with oil, and those with a higher fat content, deserve particular attention. They are more prone to going rancid, especially if stored badly, which produces an unpleasant smell and taste and puts horses off eating them. Any change in feeding should also be introduced gradually, because horses need time to accept a new feed.
The next important factor is health problems, especially those involving the digestive system and the mouth. Pain when chewing, gastric ulcers, colic or other digestive complaints often show themselves as a drop in appetite. The horse may approach the feed, but give up eating after a moment, or leave part of it. In these cases a lack of appetite is a warning sign that needs a consultation with a veterinary surgeon.
The effect of stress and the environment should not be forgotten either. A change of yard, a new horse in the herd, transport, competitions or even a change in the daily routine can affect how the horse behaves at feeding time. A stressed animal often eats less, or irregularly, which over time can lead to a loss of condition and to health problems. The way feed is given matters too. Horses that eat in a hurry, or in the presence of dominant individuals, may not finish their portion. A portion of concentrate that is too large at one time can also be unappealing to them, or cause discomfort. It is worth checking whether the horse has quiet conditions in which to eat, and whether the ration is properly matched to its needs.
Sometimes, however, the cause is much simpler. The horse may simply be overfed, or its energy requirement may be too low for the amount of feed it is given. This applies particularly to horses in light work, or those whose activity has been reduced. In that situation it is worth analysing the ration and matching it to the horse’s current level of work.
💡FUN FACT: One of the first signs of developing gastric ulcers in horses can be precisely a reluctance to finish the concentrate, even though the appetite for hay is still there.
To sum up, a lack of willingness to clear up the feed is a sign that should not be ignored. It can come from the quality of the feed itself, from feeding mistakes, or from health problems or stress. Watching the horse, analysing its diet and reacting quickly to worrying signs are the key to keeping it healthy and in good condition. Even the best feed will not do its job if the horse does not want to eat it!