Feeding Horses

Warning: Grass Sugars are at the Highest Levels So Far This Year!

Recent data from GrassCheckGB shows that grass sugars are currently at their highest levels so far this year, reaching 11.10% for the week commencing 17th June. This poses potential risks to horses that are sensitive to these fluctuations. High levels of grass sugars can lead to health issues such as laminitis, insulin resistance, and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). To protect your horses, consider limiting grazing time, using a grazing muzzle, monitoring body condition, providing alternative forage, and using EquiNectar. Stay informed with the latest updates on grass sugar levels and equine health tips at EquiNectar.

Warning: Grass Sugars are at the Highest Levels So Far This Year! Read More »

Restricting grazing for overweight and grass affected horses

Access comprehensive strategies and practical advice on grazing management for horses. This guide provides detailed information on controlling forage intake and maintaining horse health through methods like grazing muzzles, hay feeding, and track systems. Tailored for horse owners, it includes expert insights on pasture management, forage control, and dietary supplementation to ensure the well-being of your horses.

Restricting grazing for overweight and grass affected horses Read More »

Understanding grass varieties: implications for horse digestibility and sugar content

When managing pastures for horses, the choice of grass species is crucial due to varying digestibility and sugar content, which can significantly impact equine health. This blog explores various European grass varieties, focusing particularly on the issues associated with rye grass, a common pasture choice which is far from ideal for horses.

Understanding grass varieties: implications for horse digestibility and sugar content Read More »

Spring Grass Alert: How to Safeguard Your Horse’s Digestive Health

As the season shifts, horse owners face the challenge of managing the fresh growth of spring grass, which can significantly impact a horse’s health. In a detailed Facebook post, Tom Beech, also known as the Osteopathic Vet, provides essential guidance on the potential effects of spring grass on equine well-being, particularly focusing on the hindgut.

Spring Grass Alert: How to Safeguard Your Horse’s Digestive Health Read More »

Harnessing the power of the equine gut microbiome for optimal health and performance

The gut microbiome, a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in the overall health and functionality of its host. In horses, understanding the gut microbiome has become a pivotal aspect of veterinary science, with research highlighting its influence not only on physical health but also on performance, behaviour, and emotional well-being. This blog aims to discuss the equine gut microbiome and provide practical insights for horse owners to optimise their management strategies.

Harnessing the power of the equine gut microbiome for optimal health and performance Read More »

Spring Fever in Horses: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Changes

Spring brings a mix of warm and cold days, often sprinkled with rain, lengthening the days and allowing more time for equestrian activities. However, this season can also introduce certain challenges, notably the phenomenon known as ‘spring fever’ in horses. Characterised by increased sprightliness, reactive, and anxious behaviours, this condition can make riding and handling horses more difficult, potentially affecting the confidence of horse owners and riders. This blog explores the underlying causes of spring fever in horses and offers strategies to manage these seasonal changes effectively.

Spring Fever in Horses: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Changes Read More »

Why February is ideal to add EquiNectar to your horse’s routine

Initiating EquiNectar supplementation in February is a strategic measure, rooted in the understanding that the equine gut microbiome requires a period of 4-6 weeks to optimally adjust to dietary changes. This adjustment period is crucial as it aligns with the anticipated arrival of spring grass, which is typically high in fructans.

Why February is ideal to add EquiNectar to your horse’s routine Read More »

Pros and cons of feeding haylage

Haylage for Horses: An In-Depth Guide

Haylage is a specially prepared forage with a high dry matter content of over 40%, making it a preferred choice for horses as well as various farm livestock. Its production focuses on achieving a minimal dry matter content to ensure a lower reliance on fermentation for preservation, thus minimising the risk of Clostridia contamination.

Haylage for Horses: An In-Depth Guide Read More »