* Horse size: Larger horses need more food than smaller ones.
* Age: Foals and growing horses require more calories.
* Pregnancy and Lactation: Mares carrying foals or nursing them need extra nutrients.
* Climate: Horses in colder climates need more food to maintain body heat.
* Forage availability: The quality and quantity of available grass, browse, and other vegetation will impact their intake.
* Physical activity: Horses that are more active will require more energy.
However, here's a general guideline:
* Average daily intake: Wild horses typically consume 2-3% of their body weight in dry matter (grass, browse, etc.) each day.
* Example: A 1000-pound horse might eat 20-30 pounds of dry matter per day.
Important Note: These figures are just estimates. It's essential to consider the specific factors mentioned above to get a more accurate idea of an individual horse's dietary needs.