Equestrian Life May 2018 Issue

etween 3 and 12 hours to
significantly reduce its sugar and
calorie content.
If the quantity of hay fed needs
to be restricted, it should be
reduced to no less than 1.5% of
bodyweight per day (e.g. 7.5kg as
fed for a 500kg horse). It is often
helpful in these circumstances
to use haynets with small
holes or ‘Trickle nets’ to slow
consumption.
HARD FEED
It is important to supplement
the diet of a good-doer with
vitamins, minerals and trace
elements, and it may be
beneficial to include certain
amino acids and yeast products.
A problem is that feeding
the recommended rate of a
compound feed will usually
oversupply calories, whilst
restricting the quantity fed
will reduce the micronutrients
provided.
For horses and ponies that have
not suffered from laminitis,
a top-specification ‘lite’ feed
balancer is the ideal solution and
will provide the micronutrients
needed to balance the diet,
whilst supplying very few
calories.
For older horses and ponies,
a top-specification ‘lite’ feed
balancer which also supplies
a joint supplement (10g
glucosamine per 500kg horse
per day) is an extremely costeffective
solution.
For those susceptible to, being
treated for and recovering from
laminitis, a top-specification
pelleted multi-supplement
will provide a higher and
more appropriate level of
micronutrient support.
A feed balancer or pelleted
multi-supplement can be fed
on its own. For those that may
bolt their feeds, or when using
a powdered multi-supplement,
it is advisable to mix in a low
calorie, unmolassed chop.
For horses and ponies working
hard enough to sweat, a salt lick
should be available 24/7 and
further salt and/or electrolytes
will also need to be added to the
feeds.
EXERCISE
As well as a low-calorie but
nutritious diet, an appropriate
exercise regime will help
considerably with weight
control. For overweight and/
or unfit horses and ponies, this
exercise should be increased
gradually.
If in any doubt it is best to speak
to an experienced nutritionist
to tailor this advice to your own
horse or pony’s requirements.
Article supplied by nutritionists
from the TopSpec Multiple Award-
Winning-Helpline. They can
be contacted, free of charge, on
01845-565030.
www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk 33