If your paddocks are looking more like hay fields than lush grazing this summer, you're certainly not alone.
Across much of the UK, prolonged dry weather has left fields scorched, grass growth has slowed dramatically and many horse owners are wondering whether their horses are still getting everything they need from grazing alone.
The short answer? Probably not.
Whilst brown grass doesn't suddenly become nutritionally worthless, drought conditions can significantly reduce both the quantity and quality of available forage. For horses in work, competing regularly or simply spending long days out in sparse paddocks, this can have a real impact on health, condition and performance.
Why Dry Grass Can Become a Problem
Horses are designed to graze for up to 16 hours a day, consuming small amounts of fibre almost constantly.
During periods of drought, the issue often isn't just that the grass has turned brown—it's that there simply isn't enough of it.
Grass growth slows significantly when moisture is limited, meaning horses have less forage available to eat. As grass matures and dries out, it also becomes less digestible than fresh, actively growing pasture.
Whilst some nutritional value remains, horses may struggle to consume enough fibre and energy from grazing alone, particularly if they're in regular work.
Fibre Is More Important Than Many Owners Realise
When we think about horse nutrition, it's easy to focus on energy, protein or supplements. However, forage should always remain the foundation of the diet.
Fibre plays a vital role in:
-
Supporting healthy digestion.
-
Feeding the beneficial bacteria within the hindgut.
-
Providing slow-release energy.
-
Helping maintain a healthy digestive system.
-
Reducing the risk of digestive upset.
If grazing becomes limited, horses should have access to alternative forage such as good-quality hay or haylage to help replace what they're no longer finding in the field.
For many horses, introducing additional forage before weight loss becomes noticeable is far preferable to trying to regain lost condition later.
Could Dry Weather Affect Performance?
Competition horses often have higher nutritional demands than those at maintenance.
If forage intake drops, horses may begin to show subtle changes such as:
-
Reduced stamina during work.
-
Loss of condition.
-
Duller coats.
-
Slower recovery after exercise.
-
Reduced enthusiasm under saddle.
These signs aren't always caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies alone. More commonly, they're the result of reduced overall forage intake and an imbalance between nutritional requirements and what the horse is actually consuming.
What About Vitamins and Minerals?
Even under normal conditions, grazing doesn't always provide every vitamin and mineral a horse requires.
During prolonged dry weather, pasture quality becomes more variable, while hay and haylage can also differ considerably depending on when and where they were produced.
This makes it even more important to ensure the overall diet remains balanced, particularly for horses in regular work, breeding stock and growing youngsters.
A well-balanced vitamin and mineral supplement can help fill nutritional gaps that forage alone may not provide.
Five Ways to Support Your Horse During Dry Weather
1. Don't rely on grazing alone
If fields are bare or grass growth has slowed dramatically, provide additional forage before your horse begins to lose condition.
2. Prioritise digestive health
Maintaining fibre intake is one of the best ways to support a healthy digestive system throughout periods of poor grazing.
Radiance Gold Gut Balancer is designed to help support digestive health and maintain a healthy gut environment when forage quality or routine changes.
3. Ensure the diet remains balanced
Where grazing quality is poor, it's worth reviewing whether your horse is still receiving sufficient vitamins and minerals to support everyday health and performance.
Radiance Gold Original provides a balanced source of essential vitamins and minerals to complement forage-based diets.
4. Don't forget hydration
Hot, dry weather increases fluid losses, particularly in horses that are travelling, competing or working regularly.
Fresh water should always be available, and horses working hard may also benefit from electrolyte supplementation where appropriate.
5. Monitor condition regularly
Rather than relying on weight alone, keep an eye on:
-
Body condition score.
-
Coat quality.
-
Energy levels.
-
Recovery after exercise.
-
Droppings and digestive health.
Small changes are often the first indication that nutritional adjustments are needed.
Brown fields don't necessarily mean your horse is in trouble, but they are a good reminder to reassess what your horse is actually eating.
During prolonged dry spells, the biggest challenge is often reduced forage availability rather than the colour of the grass itself. By ensuring adequate fibre intake, balancing the diet appropriately and supporting digestive health, you can help keep your horse feeling and performing at their best until the grass begins growing again.
At Radiance Gold, we believe good nutrition starts with strong foundations. Supporting forage intake, digestive health and balanced nutrition during challenging conditions helps your horse continue to thrive, whatever the British weather throws at us.