Switching a horse's feeding regimen should be done slowly over time and with care. Your horse should have no problems switching from alfalfa to grass hay. You can start mixing the hay to make the switch; i.e., two flakes of alfalfa, a flake of each, to two flakes of grass hay. You may find that he will not clean up the grass hay as he did the alfalfa. Alfalfa is a highly palatable hay (it tastes good!), and some grass hays are not as appealing. However, your horse will adjust. To start grain feeding, you should start slowly with a pound or two a day and work your way up to the desired feeding level. Remember, your horse should get the majority of his nutritional needs met on pasture and hay and only supplemented with grain if necessary. For many horses at maintenance, access to pasture, hay, water, and plain salt is more than enough to meet their needs. For specific recommendations, you may want to consult your local Cooperative Extension agent.

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