It is common that our saddle and pack stock lose some body weight on extended trips unless rest days and extra nutrition is provided. The horse has a minimum roughage requirement for normal digestion. The roughage requirement takes into consideration particle size. Finely ground roughages, such as those found in some pelletted rations, may be lacking adequate particle size for optimum digestive function and water retention. If natural forage is available, it may require 6-8 hours for gazing for the horse to gather this roughage requirement.
Some regulatory agencies require only processed feeds in the backcountry for noxious weed control.
When we pack processed rations, we should consider the horse's roughage requirement. Age, physical condition and body frame are other factors which may influence nutrition requirements. When heavy work requires a large number of calories, the horse may not be able to eat enough roughage to satisfy his total caloric requirement. A combination of high energy cereal grains and roughage is necessary to satisfy the nutrient demand. Good nutrition for backcountry saddle and pack stock combines common sense, experience and the art and science of feeds and feeding.