Horse owners are being urged to keep a close eye on grazing conditions after more than 70% of England was officially declared to be in drought.
With grass growth slowing dramatically and another heatwave forecast, many farmers have already started feeding winter forage to livestock much earlier than usual. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that water for food production must become a strategic priority as the prolonged dry weather continues to affect farms across the country.
For horse owners, the lack of grass could mean reduced grazing, poorer pasture quality and an increased reliance on conserved forage such as hay and haylage. As supplies come under pressure, owners may also face higher forage prices later in the year.
Dry conditions can also increase the risk of hard ground, making turnout and exercise more challenging, while sparse grazing may encourage horses to consume plants they would normally avoid.
Owners are advised to monitor body condition closely, ensure horses have constant access to fresh water, and assess whether supplementary forage is needed to maintain a healthy diet. Fields should also be checked regularly for toxic weeds, which can become more prominent as desirable grasses die back.
The Government has said it is actively considering further support for farming as drought conditions continue, but with little significant rainfall forecast in the immediate future, the challenges facing both farmers and horse owners are expected to continue.
