Daily Hay
18 lbs
Daily Grain
5 lbs
Monthly Cost
$210
Daily Hay
18
lbs/day
Daily Grain
5
lbs/day
Monthly Hay
540 lbs
Monthly Grain
150 lbs
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Inputs
Result
Hay = 1000 x 0.018 = 18.0 lbs/day. Grain = 1000 x 0.005 = 5.0 lbs/day. Monthly: 540 lbs hay, 150 lbs grain. Water = 1000 x 0.008 = 8.0 gal/day. Cost = (540/40) x $10 + 150 x $0.50 = $210.
Inputs
Result
Hay = 1200 x 0.025 = 30.0 lbs/day. Grain = 1200 x 0.008 = 9.6 lbs/day. Monthly: 900 lbs hay, 288 lbs grain. Water = 1200 x 0.008 = 9.6 gal/day. Cost = (900/40) x $10 + 288 x $0.50 = $369.
Inputs
Result
Hay = 800 x 0.015 = 12.0 lbs/day. Grain = 800 x 0.003 = 2.4 lbs/day. Monthly: 360 lbs hay, 72 lbs grain. Water = 800 x 0.008 = 6.4 gal/day. Cost = (360/40) x $10 + 72 x $0.50 = $90 + $36 = $126.
Horses should eat 1.5-2.5% of their body weight in forage daily depending on type. An adult horse eats 1.8%, a senior 1.5%, a growing horse 2.5%, and a pregnant mare 2.2% of body weight.
| Horse Weight | Adult (1.8%) | Senior (1.5%) | Growing (2.5%) | Pregnant (2.2%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 lbs | 14.4 lbs | 12.0 lbs | 20.0 lbs | 17.6 lbs |
| 1,000 lbs | 18.0 lbs | 15.0 lbs | 25.0 lbs | 22.0 lbs |
| 1,200 lbs | 21.6 lbs | 18.0 lbs | 30.0 lbs | 26.4 lbs |
| 1,400 lbs | 25.2 lbs | 21.0 lbs | 35.0 lbs | 30.8 lbs |
Grain needs depend on activity level. Light work horses need 0.3% of body weight in grain (3 lbs for a 1,000 lb horse), moderate work 0.5% (5 lbs), heavy work 0.8% (8 lbs), and intense work 1.2% (12 lbs).
| Horse Weight | Light (0.3%) | Moderate (0.5%) | Heavy (0.8%) | Intense (1.2%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 lbs | 2.4 lbs | 4.0 lbs | 6.4 lbs | 9.6 lbs |
| 1,000 lbs | 3.0 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 8.0 lbs | 12.0 lbs |
| 1,200 lbs | 3.6 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 9.6 lbs | 14.4 lbs |
Monthly feed costs range from $126-$369+ depending on horse weight, type, and activity level. A typical 1,000 lb adult on moderate work costs about $210/month for hay and grain alone.
| Scenario | Monthly Hay | Monthly Grain | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 lb senior, light | $90 (360 lbs) | $36 (72 lbs) | $126 |
| 1,000 lb adult, moderate | $135 (540 lbs) | $75 (150 lbs) | $210 |
| 1,200 lb growing, heavy | $225 (900 lbs) | $144 (288 lbs) | $369 |
Horses drink approximately 0.8 gallons per 100 lbs of body weight daily. A 1,000 lb horse needs about 8 gallons per day, increasing to 12-15 gallons in hot weather or during heavy exercise.
Feed at least twice daily with 8-12 hours between meals. Splitting hay into 3-4 smaller feedings is even better and helps prevent colic and ulcers.
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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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