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Weight gain often happens gradually, particularly when grazing improves. By the time changes are visually obvious, an extra condition, which can be hard to remove, may already be established.
Checking body condition regularly helps you spot small changes early so you can make gentle adjustments to feeding or management. Using your hands is often more reliable than looking alone; you should
be able to feel the ribs easily when you run your hand lightly over them, but not clearly see them.
Regular checks let you stay ahead of seasonal changes rather than react later. Thank you, @allenandpage , for this top tip!
Follow #FFF26 and #FeedFactFortnight. We’ve got daily expert tips, live webinars, and amazing prizes to help you master your horse’s nutrition from start to finish! 🏆🌾
#BETAFFF #Feedmark #SpringGrazing #EquineNutrition #HorseHealth #EMS #LaminitisAwareness #FFF26 #ResponsibleFeeding
A big thank you to the team at @redmillshorse for these essential insights into broodmare nutrition! 🤰🐴
Supporting A Lifetime of Nutrition starts before the foal even hits the ground! 🌟
Don’t miss out on more expert advice! Follow #BFFF26 for daily tips, live webinars, and your chance to win some incredible prizes throughout Feed Fact Fortnight. 🏆🌾
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With the tricky weather conditions we had over the summer, followed by a very wet winter, many yards are now facing the very real possibility of forage being in short supply. If your forage stack isn’t looking as healthy as you’d like, forage extenders can make a huge difference.
They help you keep fibre levels up, support gut health and maintain a steady diet even when you’re stretching out your forage. They are ideal for topping up or supplementing rations, making sure your horse still gets enough fibre without relying solely on traditional forage. 🌿💚
They’re easy to introduce and a practical way to help your forage supplies last longer.
Thank you, @horsehageandmollichaff
As workload and travel increase during competition season, so does sweat loss. Equine sweat contains significant amounts of sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium - minerals essential for maintaining fluid balance, thermoregulation, nerve function and muscle contraction.
Electrolyte depletion does not begin at the first competition though; it accumulates as intensity and frequency of work increase. Waiting until a horse shows signs of fatigue or dehydration, means that electrolyte deficiency has already occurred.
Preloading electrolytes in the lead-up to a busy period, alongside free access to clean water and appropriate forage intake, supports normal hydration mechanisms and helps maintain electrolyte balance before demands peak.
Planning ahead allows horses to enter the season physiologically prepared for increased sweat losses, transport stress and consecutive days of work.
As always, supplementation should be appropriate to workload, climate and the individual horse.
Bonus tip – optimal electrolyte uptake occurs in the small intestine. But, electrolytes are often dissolved in the mouth and stomach before they make it there. Using micro-encapsulated electrolytes can help to increase uptake, as well as improving palatability and being gentle on the stomach.
Thank you, @science_supplements_uk !
Follow #FFF26 and #FeedFactFortnight. We’ve got daily expert tips, live webinars, and amazing prizes to help you master your horse’s nutrition from start to finish! 🏆🌾
#BETAFFF #EquineNutrition #HorseHealth#FFF26 #ResponsibleFeeding
Horses may require a forage alternative for many reasons: to provide higher energy or fewer calories, to avoid specific ingredients, or — in the case of older or dentally challenged horses — when chewing long-stem forage is no longer possible. Forage supplies are currently tighter than usual across many parts of the UK. A difficult growing season has resulted in lower yields and variable-quality hay, leaving many owners understandably concerned about both availability and consistency for the months ahead.
It is essential to choose an alternative that meets a strict nutritional profile that suits the horse’s individual needs.
Chopped forages or chaffs can be an effective way to replace part of the hay ration. Look for options that are high in fibre and nutritionally comparable to good-quality hay. Grass-based chops are often preferred, as they most closely resemble typical UK hay, but lucerne (alfalfa) and sainfoin can also be excellent choices, depending on the horse’s requirements.
For older horses or those with dental issues, chops and chaffs are generally unsuitable. Instead, a soaked mash/feed is required. Beet pulp can also replace part of the hay ration and is usually a cost-effective option. We would typically suggest mixing two-thirds straight grass, lucerne, or sainfoin pellets with one-third beet pulp. As always, the best choice depends on the horse’s specific nutritional needs.
Forage blocks/Brix offer another convenient alternative. As an approximate guide, a 1kg compressed forage block can replace 1kg of hay. These blocks can be fed whole and dry from the ground for the horse to gnaw upon. They take some chewing, so good dentition is essential. This alternative feeding method is ideal for slowing intake and providing enrichment. Placing a grass, lucerne, or sainfoin block over a stable door or in the field requires no preparation, making them especially popular with livery yard managers and owners of multiple horses.
Thank you, @simplesystemhorsefeeds
The Simple System Feed Line is available to discuss your horse’s diet on 01728 604 008 or by email to info@simplesystem.co.uk
#foragereplacer #hay #simplesystem
