Expert Mare Feed Insights

Yes, timothy hay can be excellent horse feed for many horses. It is one of the most widely used forage choices because it usually offers solid fiber, solid palatability, and a consistent energy source without an overload of starch or sugar. For horses that do well on a forage-based diet, timothy hay often promotes digestive health, supports a healthy body condition, and fits naturally into a balanced ration. That said, timothy hay is not automatically the complete soluti

What Cushing’s Disease Means for Feeding Horses Cushing’s disease, also called PPID , alters how a horse’s body manages hormones, energy use, and appetite. That matters because a horse with PPID is often more susceptible to insulin resistance , weight changes, and a slower metabolism . The result is that feeding has to be more intentional than simply choosing any horse feed off the shelf. For horses with PPID, the goal is not just to provide calories. The goal i

What does for horse feeding? Light work often means a horse is doing regular but modest exercise, such as hacking, schooling a few times a week, or gentle riding. When it comes to feeding, the aim is not to “fuel” hard performance, but to support health, maintain bodyweight , and keep the digestive system working well. This is why horse feed advice uk often starts with a forage-first approach rather than reaching straight for a bucket feed. The key horse

What low starch horse feed means Low-starch nutrition is a feeding method that maintains starch and sugar low while still delivering enough fibre , forage , and helpful energy for the horse’s workload. In simple terms, the best horse feed for this type of equine diet is usually formulated around high fibre ingredients rather than cereal-heavy blends. Carbohydrate starch is a fast energy source, but too much can affect gut health , cause a stronger

What should you give a horse before exercise? The best horse feed before exercise is a feed that supports steady energy , protects digestive comfort , and matches the horse’s workload . In most cases, that means a forage-first approach built around forage , such as hay or haylage , with a carefully chosen bucket feed only if extra energy is needed. A complete horse feed can be a practical solution because it combines nutrients in a balanced ration

Short answer: when to soak and when dry feeding is okay The right choice depends on the horse feed you are using, your horse’s age, dentition , workload, and how quickly the horse eats. In a lot of situations, dry feed is entirely suitable, especially if it is a properly balanced product that can be fed as directed. In certain cases, soaked feed is helpful for improving palatability, supporting hydration , or making feeding safer for horses that struggle wit

Reasons why horses prone to colic horses require a thoughtful feeding strategy This condition is not one condition, but a broad term for abdominal pain in horses. Because the equine digestive system is so precisely balanced, even small feeding mistakes can affect digestion and increase risk of colic . A horse that is already sensitive may react to sudden changes in ration , meal timing, forage quality, or concentrate choice much more quickly than a hardy horse.

What Alters in an Senior Horse's Digestion and Dental Health? An ageing horse often benefits from a modified feeding strategy because the body does not process nutrients as efficiently as it once did. Two of the biggest changes are reduced digestive efficiency and worsening teeth wear . Together, these can affect how well a horse breaks down food, digests, and maintains condition. As teeth become aged, loose, or uneven, the horse may find it hard with chewin