Free-Choice Hay & Slow Feeders: Fueling Performance the Smart Way

At elite show barns, the details of care make all the difference—and nutrition is no exception. While many programs still feed hay on a strict schedule, modern equine science is increasingly pointing toward the benefits of free-choice forage and slow feeding systems.

At Sage Creek, we’ve implemented Porta-Grazer slow feeders throughout our barn—and the results speak for themselves: healthier horses, better digestion, reduced stress, and fewer behavioral issues.

Here’s why we believe in free-choice hay and how it helps our horses thrive.

Why Free-Choice Hay?

Horses are natural grazers. In the wild, they roam and eat small amounts throughout the day—up to 18 hours daily. In contrast, meal-feeding disrupts this pattern and can lead to:

• Gastric ulcers

• Colic risk due to gut stasis

• Anxiety and wood chewing

• Spikes and crashes in energy and mood

  
  

Free-choice hay allows horses to return to their instinctual rhythm of constant, slow consumption. When done right, this method leads to calmer, more regulated, and physically balanced equine athletes.

The Role of Slow Feeders

Of course, free-choice hay doesn't mean dumping a bale in the stall. That's where slow feeders like the Porta-Grazer come in.

These systems:

• Mimic natural grazing through a top insert with small holes

• Prevent rapid consumption or waste

• Encourage head-down posture for respiratory and musculoskeletal health

• Keep hay clean and off the stall floor

• Reduce hay waste by up to 30%

At Sage Creek, every horse has access to a Porta-Grazer, which supports consistent fiber intake and maintains gut motility without creating a mess or disrupting schedules.

Benefits We’ve Seen Firsthand

Since adopting Porta-Grazers, we've noticed measurable improvements in our horses:

• Fewer digestive issues (especially with ulcer-prone types)

• More relaxed behavior in the stall and crossties

• Improved topline and weight stability

• Better energy regulation under saddle

• Decreased food aggression and competition during group turnout

Even our performance horses—those on intensive show schedules—benefit from this simple, low-tech approach to feeding.

Addressing Concerns: Won’t They Get Fat?

This is a common myth. In reality, slow feeders prevent gorging, and most horses regulate intake naturally once the novelty wears off.

Our approach includes:

• Quality control of hay type (we feed three flakes of alfalfa daily as a base)

• Nutritional oversight from trainers and owners

• Adjustments based on workload, condition, and seasonal needs

When paired with a strong conditioning and training program, free-choice forage supports lean muscle—not fat gain.

The Big Picture: Feeding for the Future

Feeding free-choice forage with Porta-Grazers is not a luxury—it’s a strategic investment in your horse’s gut health, emotional well-being, and performance longevity. It’s one of many ways we combine traditional horsemanship with modern science to elevate care.

Interested in Learning More? Come see how our program blends technical precision with everyday excellence. Schedule a visit and watch a Porta-Grazer in action—your horse will thank you.