Managing horses and livestock during times of drought is a harsh reality that many horse owners or farmers in Australia will face at some point. Extended periods of little to no rainfall and the resulting lack of feed, lead to significant financial stress and serious concerns for animal health and wellbeing.

This triggers a domino effect that can feel overwhelming: the feed shortage makes good quality hay harder to source, demand increases and prices quickly skyrocket. However, with careful planning and a few simple adjustments to daily stock management, we can navigate drought more effectively and come out the other side.

Steps to navigate drought

  • Utilise Hay Nets: Using hay nets slows down your horse’s hay consumption, allowing them to ‘graze’ over a longer period throughout the day. This not only supports digestive health by reducing the risk of ulcers but also minimises waste, as less hay is trampled or lost in the paddock.
  • Encourage Horses to Finish Their Feeds: If your horse regularly leaves hay or hard feed behind, consider giving them more time to finish before offering additional feed. The goal is to ensure all feed is consumed, rather than allowing them to pick out only their favourite parts. Another approach is to offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
  • Mix Straw with Hay: Straw that is clean and good quality can be palatable for most horses and is a great source of fibre, it just lacks the vitamins and minerals found in most hay. By mixing straw with your hay, it can work as a ‘bulker’, allowing hay stores to last longer. Explore our compressed straw here.
  • Integrate Periodic Turnout: Reduce the load on paddocks and prevent over-grazing by reducing the number of horses on your property or by locking them up overnight. This will stop permanent damage and gives paddocks every chance to bounce back when given the chance.
  • Supply Fresh Water and Minerals: fresh drinking water is essential for all animals, especially during drought. Providing minerals through salt licks or supplements helps ensure horses receive the nutrients they need to stay healthy, even in tough conditions.
  • Body Condition Score: It’s important to body condition score or weight tape horses frequently to remain well-informed and catch weight loss before it becomes too severe. Remember, it is much easier to maintain weight during a drought than it is to put it on. Use our horse weight calculator here.
  • Feed A Fibre Alternative: Fibre is vital for horses as their digestive system is specifically designed to process high-fibre diets. If pasture or hay supply is dwindling, consider alternatives such as MultiCube Hay Cubes, which are made from 100% Australian premium tested hay and offer a guaranteed supply.

Drought places immense pressure on horse owners, boosting feed costs and decreasing access to quality pasture. Yet, through mindful management and preparation, the well-being of stock can be maintained even in the toughest seasons.