As mentioned in my last blog, Equine Nutrition – The Basics here, I do love equine nutrition! Although im no expert, I love staying up to date with research and adjusting my feeds when necessary.
Previously, I have visited yards which blanket-feed their horses, blanket feeding refers to the practice of providing a general or uniform diet to a group of horses. Instead of tailoring individual diets based on specific nutritional needs, blanket feeding involves offering the same feed or ration to all horses within a given group.
Having experienced blanket feeding and the issues it can cause, I have always been careful to treat my horses as the individuals they are. If they are all happy on the same chaff, happy days! If not, I change to what’s suitable for that individual.
Interested to see what im feeding and why? Keep reading!
*Feed details accurate as of January 2024.
Daisy
Daisy is the most straightforward to feed out of my three. Despite having a bit of a play with her hard feed and supplements when I first got her, we have been on a consistent feed regime which seems to be working really well.
- TopSpec Lite Balancer
- TopSpec TopChop Zero
- Salt
Due to being an extremely good doer, Daisy is quite restricted when it comes to hard feed. The above feeds provide the essential vitamins and minerals she requires with minimal calories. As her workload increases in 2024, we will monitor her body condition score and reassess as necessary.
Currently, Daisy has no supplements. She has previously been on a calmer and hormone supplements but these aren’t needed right now. If she does have a bad season, I tend to pick up Oestress or Angus Castus.
Dippy
Dippy is prone to dropping weight in winter and in turn, I closely manage her rations and keep an eye on her body condition score. After consulting with a nutritionist from Allen & Page, I have had another recent edit of Dippy’s feed and Im very keen to see the results!
- Allen & Page Fast Fibre
- TopSpec TopChop Zero
- Salt
Again, Dippy has no supplements. She did have ulcers in her previous home so I do give her some forage before exercise and keep an eye out for any symptoms which could indicate they have returned. Because of her previous ulcer issues, I have a selection of ulcer supplements Im researching, ready for if the issue reoccurs, fingers are crossed we have no issues.
Bam Bam
Last but not least, Bam Bam. Due to being a bit of an older girl, I do monitor Bam’s portions closely. She is a good doer but does need to build her topline (achieved through a combination of a balanced diet and exercise), she also has poor feet which I have been providing supplements for. Im not 100% happy with the outcome of her diet yet so Im still making little tweaks.
- Allen & Page Fast Fibre
- TopSpec TopChop Zero
- Salt
- Omega Equine Angus Castus
- Omgea Equine Biotin
Until recently, Bam was on a lite balancer as opposed to Fast Fibre. After the vet informed up of her suspected EORTH I decided a soft mash would be a better option for her teeth. She can be extremely hormonal, so I introduced Angus Castus which appears to have made her more comfortable.
I hope this glimpse into my horses’ diets is useful, Im always open to recommendations and am keen to hear what you feed your horses! If you’re happy to share your feeding routine, please drop me an email on hannahehopkins@live.co.uk or contact me on my socials.
Pushing On Daisy 