Legumes are plant species commonly used as a forages for horses. They typically have a higher nutrient content than grass forage species.
Alfalfa is the most common forage legume; however, clovers, birdsfoot trefoil, and lespedeza can also be fed.
Legumes have rhizobia (nodule bacteria) that fix nitrogen from the air into a plant-available form.
For more information, see:
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Originated from the American Youth Horse Council's
Horse Industry Handbook
The umbrella organization providing leadership and resources for the youth horse industry.
1-800-TRY-AYHC
