Getting the Shine - Feeding

There are so many types of hard feeds and supplements or balancers on the market at the moment, its easy to become confused. We use just four types of feed, keeping it simple but managing to feed all categories of show horse quite happily. Its best to consult a nutritionist that can help and advise on your horse’s individual needs.

In my experience, pelleted feed balancers have more advanced formulations than the broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. Although hard feed should contain all necessary components, you may have to give more of the feed than your horse actually needs to provide a full complement. A balancer fed at the appropriate rate is a great way of adding the nutrients without adding unwanted calories. Feeding Chaff with a good oil content is a good form of slow-release energy and is also good for coats, providing a simpler and less messy way of adding extra oils.

Advice -

Speak to a nutritionist or a feed company representative. These people are trained to design effective diets for all horses. They can troubleshoot diets that don’t work or advise a change in management if necessary.