Horse feeding and the discipline you ride

There is no single, universal way to feed a horse – nutritional needs depend on many things, and one of the most important is the discipline. A horse jumping fences needs entirely different energy support from a dressage horse, and a racehorse has different requirements again. In this post we look at how to match the diet to a particular kind of work, so as to support health and sporting results.

Co przemawia za stosowaniem gotowych mieszanek paszowych?

Feeding horses properly is central to their health, condition and sporting results. Many people wonder, though, whether it is better to build a diet yourself or to use ready-made compound feeds. In many yards, hay and oats come with the livery fee. Unfortunately a diet of farm-produced feeds often leads to deficiencies, so the second option is the safer choice. Here are a few arguments in favour of ready-made feeds for horses.

Common respiratory problems – how to help prevent them

Some horses are prone to respiratory conditions that cause not only real discomfort, but also poorer performance and a shorter working life. They are among the most common health problems in horses – second only to digestive disorders, and more precisely to colic – so it is worth knowing the respiratory problems seen most often, and what helps to prevent them.

Cereals in horse feeding – which to choose

Forage is the foundation of horse feeding, yet it only covers maintenance needs: the basic nutrients a horse requires to live without imposed physical work. To meet the higher needs of horses in work, above all for energy, concentrates have to come into the ration. Cereals are exactly that source of readily available energy. Although they cause more and more unease because of their high starch content, they can be a valuable part of the diet. It is enough to choose cereals that have been properly processed, and not to overdo the amount…

How to feed horses of special breeds

Special breeds, such as Friesians, Tinkers and primitive horses, stand out for their unique conformation and temperament. What makes them unusual is not only how they look – they also need the right approach to feeding. The key is a diet matched to their genetic makeup and their level of work. Properly balanced, it will not only keep them in good condition, but also help avoid many of the health problems to which they are naturally prone. How do you feed special breeds correctly?

Plant oils in horse feeding – which to choose

Vegetable oils are being used more and more often in horse feeding, especially when we want more energy in the ration without more starch. As we know, too much starch is bad for the equine digestive system, because it lowers the pH and disturbs the microflora. Vegetable oils are not only a source of energy. They also have numerous therapeutic properties. What is worth knowing when you add vegetable oil to a horse's diet?

How to feed an older horse

The most common problem in older horses is weight loss. There are several possible causes, but the diet still needs to be properly balanced and matched to the individual. By the age of 16 a horse's metabolic rate is already slowing, so the diet should above all be easily digested. It is worth learning more about feeding older horses, so that retirement for your four-hooved companion does not have to mean a loss of body condition.

Laminitis – causes and feeding to help prevent it

Laminitis is without doubt the dread of many horse owners. Although it shows itself as a problem in the hooves, it is in fact a disease of the whole body: it disrupts the internal organs and leads to changes in the muscles and in the digestive, urinary and vascular systems. Given the serious consequences, the severe pain and the demanding treatment, it is worth knowing the causes of laminitis and how to prevent it effectively…

The truth about haylage

Haylage, like hay, counts as forage. Although it is very palatable, free of dust, economical to feed and higher in feed value than hay, using it can cause poisoning and a range of health problems, especially in horses with a sensitive digestive system. Everything depends on the hygiene of its preparation and on how well the bale is sealed, and those decide the quality of this feed. Haylage therefore has plenty of advantages, but given the risks it is worth knowing the basics…

Knowledge zone

Hello, my name is Anna Porożyńska and I am Grassland's equine nutrition specialist.