Q: Can I feed lucerne as the main forage in my horse’s diet?

A: Lucerne is a highly nutritious legume hay, rich in protein, calcium, and digestible energy. It’s a great option for performance horses, growing youngsters, lactating mares, or horses needing condition. However, its richness can be problematic for easy keepers or horses prone to laminitis, ulcers, or kidney issues. Feeding it as the sole forage can also skew the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio unless balanced appropriately. Many owners mix lucerne with grass hay to moderate its effects. As with all diets, ensure the overall balance meets the horse’s workload, life stage, and health status.

Did you know?

In ulcer-prone horses, feeding lucerne before exercise may help buffer stomach acid, thanks to its high calcium content.