Hello! For clarity, we've responded to each question individually. Attached are files for the CSU Forage Guide and Horse Care guide for your reference. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact your local Small Acreage Specialist or local CSU Extension Office. 

How many horses can I board. I am thinking of up to 20 horses.

1. The number of horses will depend on the facilities and acres you have. Contact your county planning office for county zoning or regulations on allowable animals per acre. The webpage for Douglas County regulations can be found here: Animals - Douglas County Government
2. How much water do you have rights to use? Each horse will need about 5-10 gallons per day. Is your well permitted to provide livestock watering and how much is permitted?
3. How will you dispose of the manure? Each horse will produce 30 pounds of manure per day.

2. Do I need to grain them every day

1. Horses will require feeding daily, several times a day. Horses can be housed in a herd but should be fed individually with feed tubs at least 50 feet apart. Often horses do not get along and will need to be kept separate depending on their personality. If they all get along, they can be pastured together, but expect that many will need to be separated. Depending on their age, exercise, and health, each will have a different diet (grain, hay, alfalfa, supplements, etc.)

3. Do they come home every day for grain and water.

1. If they are spending days in pasture, they will need to have access to water all the time. As a rule of thumb, they shouldn't walk more than a mile for water. Keep in mind, if you have them out on pasture all the time, they will destroy/overgraze the pasture. If you want to keep the grass healthy, it is suggested to have one horse per 25 acres of dryland pasture in CO.

4. How can I feed them separately during the winter. I have a small barn with 3 stalls.

1. You can use tub feeders or troughs to feed, but you will need to require enough space for the horses to spread out. Without enough feeding space, more dominant horses will force other horses out, with the more submissive horses not getting enough feed. When using hay feeders, they should accommodate 2 to 3 horses at a time.

5. Is it ok to pasture them 24/7.

1. It will depend on the condition and amount of forage available in your pasture. To determine how many days of grazing you pasture has available, please consult the CO Forage Guide. The file is attached. In the winter, expect little to no forage available for grazing, depending on how much has been stockpiled.

6. Do they all need winter protection.

1. Not necessarily, but most likely if someone is paying to board them, they will want shelter for their horse, especially during winter months.