Methionine for horses is being discussed more often in equine nutrition because it sits at the meeting point of protein quality, hoof health, muscle health and forage quality. It is not a fashionable “magic” nutrient. It is one of the building blocks the body needs, regularly supplied through the diet, for normal muscle function, keratin […]
KPU (Kryptopyrroluria) and HPU (Haemopyrrollactamuria) have become increasingly discussed within some equine nutrition and complementary health circles over recent years. The theory is often presented as an explanation for a wide range of chronic issues, including poor hoof quality, sweet itch, behavioural sensitivity, weak topline, recurrent laminitis, inflammation and poor performance. In some cases, owners […]
If you have owned horses for any length of time, you will have seen feeding advice change. What was once considered essential is later questioned. Practices that were widely recommended gradually fall out of favour. New approaches emerge, often based on better data and improved understanding of how the horse actually works. This is not […]
The real problem: insulin, not fructan Over the last two decades, our understanding of laminitis has changed significantly. The question does fructan cause laminitis in horses is still asked because the majority of cases seen in everyday practice are now recognised as endocrinopathic laminitis. This is a form of the disease driven by hormonal dysfunction, […]
Straw is a cheap, abundant by-product of cereal farming, which makes it tempting to feed as forage, especially to horses that need weight management or fewer calories. At first glance, this seems logical. Straw is lower in energy than hay, takes longer to chew, and helps extend foraging time. But look closer at its nutritional […]
Not all oils are equal. The source, processing method, and fatty acid profile all influence how that oil functions within the diet and whether it supports or distorts overall nutritional balance. Horses evolved consuming a forage-based diet naturally low in fat, typically in the region of 2–4% on a dry matter basis. This diet was […]
Discover how positive reinforcement and bit free riding can help you create a calm, willing and responsive horse using ethical, science-backed methods grounded in modern welfare research. This is a welcoming community for horse owners who want to train with trust instead of force, understanding instead of pressure, and horse welfare at the heart of […]
Wheat bran for horses is a subject of ongoing discussion among horse owners and equine nutritionists. This article provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of wheat bran for horses, explicitly covering its benefits, risks, and practical feeding guidelines. The target audience includes horse owners seeking to optimise their horses’ diets and equine nutritionists aiming for precision […]
Every horse owner eventually asks the same question: does my horse actually need a vitamin supplement, or is their forage already doing the job? The honest answer is that most vitamins your horse needs are already provided by good-quality grass, hay or haylage, and adding more on top rarely helps. But a small handful of […]
In this series of episodes of Talk Horse To Me, Sarah delves into one of the most powerful frameworks shaping modern equine welfare: the Five Domains model, first introduced by animal welfare scientist Professor David J. Mellor. This concept shifts how we understand welfare, moving beyond the old “Five Freedoms” and focusing on how horses […]
Addressing mud fever in horses requires tackling a bacterial skin condition that can worsen if not promptly managed. Our comprehensive article simplifies the intricacies of this disease, providing crucial insights into recognising the signs, implementing immediate treatment, and employing preventative measures to protect your horse’s health effectively and efficiently. Quick Summary Mud fever is manageable, […]
When it comes to feeding horses, few topics spark as much discussion as chaff. For some owners, it’s a staple in every feed bucket, believed to aid digestion, slow eating, or protect the stomach before exercise. For others, it’s an unnecessary expense, offering little more than what a good-quality haynet already provides. So why is […]
In this article, we are going to look at the various types and forms of oats for horses and which we feel is the best to feed to your horse or pony. We will be looking into the nutritional values, along with some of the pros and cons of the different types of oats and […]
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the ins and outs on how to soak horse hay effectively. We will explore the benefits and the problems, both known and unknown of soaking hay. We will provide you with all the necessary information and step-by-step instructions to ensure the proper soaking of hay for your beloved […]
Understanding Overweight Horses Managing your horse’s weight is crucial for its overall health and well-being. This guide provides essential tips for identifying obesity in horses, understanding the associated health risks, and implementing effective weight management strategies. By focusing on proper diet, regular exercise, and monitoring techniques, you can help your horse achieve and maintain a […]
In the world of equine health, the role of probiotics and prebiotics is increasingly gaining recognition. Our article, “Probiotics for Horses”, delves into the fascinating realm of these beneficial microorganisms, exploring their definitions, the advantages they confer, and the circumstances that necessitate their supplementation. We will also shed light on the specific situations that may […]
How do you control horse weight so that your horse maintains a healthy body weight? Horse weight can increase at a fast rate, so owners rightly worry about weight gain. This article will help you with the numerical aspect of the management and control of horse weight. Recent research found that rates of obesity in […]
Many old horses are loved members of the family. They grow old and create a lifetime of memories with us. Find powerful feeding tips in this article to make sure your old horse maintains body condition and health. Keep your equine family friend happily galloping with you for many years. 1. What happens to old […]
Our top tip for having a calm, relaxed, well-muscled and athletic horse, capable of performing in any discipline and staying sound is to check out the work and equine training of Klaus Schoeniech. For over 25 years the Schoeneichs have taught their system of functional horse training at the Centre for Anatomically Correct Horsemanship in Germany. Klaus […]
Support mobility, comfort and long-term joint health with the right nutritional approach. Joint supplements play a crucial role in maintaining the health and mobility of horses. Shop Joint Plus In this article, we will explore the benefits of joint supplements for horses, highlighting their importance in enhancing performance and ensuring the well-being of these magnificent […]
Understanding horse posture is crucial to long-term soundness. Specifically, this relates to the manifestations of laterality seen in horses. Understanding this topic will help to start the journey in correcting the crooked horse.
Choosing the right wormer for your horse is an important part of good health care, but with so many products on the shelf, each targeting different parasites, the decision can feel overwhelming. The key is to make it an informed one, based on what your horse actually needs rather than on habit. Your horse’s age, […]
Why selenium for horses causes so much confusion Selenium is essential for horses, but it sits in that uncomfortable category of nutrients where the required amount is tiny, and the safety window is narrower than most other minerals. It contributes to antioxidant defences (including selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase systems) and is involved in thyroid hormone metabolism, […]
Forageplus discusses how to understand what levels of electrolytes/minerals you need to feed to horses. Electrolytes for horses are important when a horse sweats or eats forage that is short of electrolyte minerals. Poor levels and imbalance of electrolytes for horses can cause a range of issues, which can be detrimental to health and performance.
Why Forageplus balancers are formulated without added iron or manganese, and why this matters for modern horse diets. Most horses already receive plenty of iron from forage, soil, water and feed ingredients. Our balancers are designed to support the minerals commonly low in forage, without adding unnecessary iron. Shop Ultra-Low Iron Balancers Forage-focused horse feed […]
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