What Do You Feed a Horse Who Was Bred to Eat Nothing?

Photo by Hoke Wilder, Pairbonded Arabians living in Georgia, USA

What Do You Feed a Horse Who Was Bred to Eat Nothing?

By Désirée Braganza, EdD, EBQ

Having spent my childhood in the Middle East, partnering with equine professionals and caregivers in the region now brings me a meaningful sense of reconnection. The bond between horses and humans in the Arabian world spans thousands of years, deeply embedded in tradition. Recently, I was asked to offer thoughts on a case involving a three-year-old Arabian filly, whose veterinary records flagged her as underweight. As I’m based in the United States, I had many questions about her diet. It was a mix of familiar ingredients: alfalfa hay, concentrate pellets, corn, barley, molasses, and occasional apples and carrots.

While I’m not a nutritionist, I’ve spent years observing horses, assessing labels, and reviewing hay analyses and veterinary documents, which has deepened my understanding of how nutrition shapes a horse’s well-being. But, just when I think I have a grasp of the challenges of feeding domesticated horses, I am often reminded there is always more to consider.

A colleague asked a question that stuck with me: “What do you feed a horse bred to eat nothing?” Of course, this is rhetorical exaggeration, but it points to something worth considering: the mismatch between a horse’s ancestral context and their modern care.

Ships of the Desert

Generally speaking, for centuries, Arabian horses have navigated deserts alongside their people, enduring vast stretches of barren land where vegetation is sparse, if not nonexistent. The landscape of the Arabian Desert is foreign to most of us and horses who evolved there were built for those harsh conditions. They are lean by nature, their physiology adapted to thrive in those demanding conditions. Unlike modern pastures, they didn’t graze endlessly; their connection with their people was vital to survival. They lived closely with their humans, forming a bond that was as important as their physical sustenance.

As a child, I remember Bedouin groups passing through town, their camels and horses in tow, a living testament to this ancient closeness. That kind of relationship of human and horse, side by side day in and day out, created a unique connection that shaped the Arabian horse’s history.

Two Issues at Play

One issue arises when Arabians, like many modern horses, are managed under welfare standards that prioritize safety and feeding protocols, but often include limited turnout and reduced daily interaction. The filly I was recently asked about is a good example: her weight loss may be rooted in something more than just diet. Her condition could reflect a deeper need for social engagement with humans or other horses, an aspect that’s easy to overlook when physical care appears sound.

The second issue involves Arabians imported to or bred in the United States. The shift from their desert-adapted origins to life in varied U.S. climates can be profound for some individuals. The extreme weather shifts, rich diets, and unpredictable climates create challenges for these horses, who are designed to thrive in far more stable conditions. Even the milder seasons can pose challenges for horses whose lineage favored resilience to desert extremes, rather than fluctuations in cold or humidity.

What Can We Learn?

This article is an invitation to reflect on our horses’ ancestral roots. Where did their breeds evolve, and what environmental challenges did they face? Understanding your horse’s origins can offer valuable insights into their care today. Taking even small steps to meet their unique needs can help them feel more comfortable, supported, and connected. Share what has helped you. Your experience might help someone else. After all, horses, like us, are individuals with complex histories that shape their present experiences.

Suggested Reading Resources:

Bekoff, Marc. The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint.

Kiley-Worthington, M. The Ethology of Domestic Animals: An Introductory Text.

Hughes, Barbara O., and Peter S. H. O’Connor. Animal Welfare: The Science of Animal Care and Use.

McDonnell, S. M. The Equid Ethogram: A Practical Field Guide to Horse Behavior.

Hansen, L. M. Arabian Horse: A Gift of the Desert.

Baker, L. A., and J. B. Sutherland. Comparative Ethology of Horses and Other Animals.

Sponenberg, D. P. Genetics and the Breeding of Horses: A Cultural Perspective.

About the Author

Dr. Désirée Braganza received her equine behaviorist qualifications from the Natural Animal Centre, then located in the UK and South Africa. As a member of Bodhi Horse Practice, she collaborates with equine professionals worldwide on research projects specific to experiences of domesticated horses from an ethological lens. She is a horse partner, a rider, and has cared for and supported numerous horses over the years. Désirée recently relocated from Northern California and is now based in Athens, Georgia, USA. She consults internationally in-person and virtually.

Friendly Reminder: These articles are meant to spark thought, not replace expert guidance. Consult equine professionals for individual advice.