Feeding pregnant mares in 2026: why targeted support is more important than ever.

A pregnant mare not only carries a foal.
She carries the future.

Whether you breed professionally, run a sports stable, or expect one foal from your own mare? The foundation for a strong and healthy horse is laid before birth.

Nevertheless, the nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation are still often underestimated.

During the last three months of pregnancy, approximately 60–70% of the final foal growth occurs. In this period, the need for energy, high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, and minerals increases significantly. Also, during the lactation period, a mare's energy requirement can be 20–30% higher than normal.

And that's precisely where we've seen a challenge in recent years.

We often hear: "She gets good hay, so that's fine."
But the composition of roughage has changed.

Due to climate change, later mowing periods, and different fertilization strategies, we are increasingly seeing:

• Lower crude protein content in hay

• Greater fluctuations in calcium and phosphorus ratios

• Varying sugar levels

• Less natural variety with limited grazing

A roughage analysis regularly shows that modern hay contains less crude protein than years ago. This is often not a problem for pleasure horses, but for a heavily pregnant or lactating mare, this can mean that the basic diet does not always fully meet the increased needs.

After birth, the burden becomes even greater. Milk production daily demands large amounts of energy, protein, and minerals. If these are not sufficiently supplemented, the mare draws on her own reserves. This can be visible in reduced condition, muscle breakdown, or a slower recovery phase.

Often, in this phase, simply more concentrate feed is given. During pregnancy, organs that excrete waste products are always working harder. And more concentrate often means more starch and sugars. This can put an extra strain on the gut flora as well as other organs like the liver and kidneys and does not automatically ensure an optimal amino acid or mineral balance.

So it's not about feeding more.
It's about providing more targeted support.

The development of the foal's bones, tendons, muscles, and immune system already begins in the womb. What the mare consumes today, you will see reflected tomorrow in the foundation of her foal.

That's why we developed Mom Support. A 100% natural supplement specifically for pregnant and lactating mares. It supports the immune system, helps maintain condition, and contributes to optimal foal development, without unnecessarily burdening the ration.

No added sugars.
No unnecessary fillers.
Targeted supplementation for modern roughage.

Are you unsure if your mare is optimally supported during pregnancy or lactation? We'd be happy to help you assess.

The first investment in a strong sport horse begins before birth.

👉 View Mom Support for more information
👉 Request personal nutritional advice