What these breeds certainly have in common is a tendency to become overweight, because they use their feed extremely well. Because they are predisposed to certain conditions, horses of these breeds also have a higher requirement for minerals and vitamins. Shortages can lead to skin problems such as mud fever and mange, or make them worse, and they can also disturb hormonal balance or increase susceptibility to infection. Trace elements such as zinc, copper, selenium and manganese play an important role in reducing the risk of these conditions. If you decide to supplement them, it is worth choosing trace elements in organic form, that is chelates. They are better absorbed than inorganic trace elements.
The metabolism of primitive breeds is particularly efficient: ponies, Koniks, Huculs, Haflingers and Fjord horses. These are animals that adapted over centuries to harsh environmental conditions. They developed the ability to make use of sparse but high-fibre forage, so their needs are often met by forage alone, that is hay and grass. If you decide to introduce a concentrate, choose one low in starch and sugars, because primitive horses are very susceptible to metabolic disease (EMS, insulin resistance) and to obesity. Grass can also contain large amounts of sugars, especially after frost, so the right times of day for grazing should be chosen. In addition, the build of these horses (a stocky body, short legs and neck, a full mane and tail, a dense coat) helps them conserve energy and heat, which makes them hard to slim down. To prevent obesity, it is worth feeding hay in a small-mesh net, to slow down how quickly they eat. It can be soaked before feeding, because this reduces the fructan content. Access to hay should never be cut off, because the horse will then gorge itself for later and the weight problem will get worse. So that horses in the paddock are not occupied only with hay, you can put branches in it, which they very much like to nibble.
And what about Friesians and Tinkers? As with primitive horses, thin individuals are very rarely seen. When choosing a feed we should also watch the sugar content, because too much can lead to skin allergies. The same applies to too much protein, which can show up as dandruff. For that reason it is worth looking at the composition of the hay: a large share of legumes increases the risk of excess protein. Interestingly, in some Friesians the coat fades, which can be caused by a copper deficiency or an excess of iron. As Friesians and Tinkers are known for their full manes and feather, linseed oil and linseed make an excellent addition to their diet. They supply essential omega-3 fatty acids and look after the condition of the skin and coat. To help prevent mud fever, it is also worth thinking about herbs that support immunity, such as nettle or echinacea.
As you can see, horses of these special breeds do not need complicated feeding. The foundation is a high-fibre, low-starch diet based on hay, which also takes account of a higher requirement for minerals and vitamins. Simplicity in feeding these horses is the key to keeping them healthy and in good condition.