Recent content by Stripy

You could try plain straw, as long as you're balancing for nutrients elsewhere. And you can chop it yourself to required length

I've been looking into this whole feed supplements just lately, and it seems that we can easily upset the balance of nutrients that our horse needs by feeding too much of one and not enough of another. The best advice I've found so far is to have a really good look at what you are already...

I would definitely say not to use collars or any device to stop the behaviour, as someone else has said, it doesn't solve the problem or her need to do it. I imagine she collapsed because she couldn't breathe properly, her nerves were a bit squashed or her blood supply was restricted. Like...

What's the difference in protein between the two? I've just been reading that low levels of protein in the diet can cause symptoms like your mare showed before you put her on forage plus. And generally, more is not necessarily better, as too much of minerals or vitamins or anything can cause...

Thanks for that :)

It springs to mind that as you are obviously really concerned, you should talk to a vet and then a nutritionist. I know these things cost money, but surely it's better to know you are doing the right thing than just guessing? As for a supplement, I would personally hold fire until you've had...

Mm, fair point, tallyho. Perhaps just more info to be required on the packaging, such as how much would be needed to make a difference for each 100 kg of weight, for example, and any possible contraindications, like are required for medicines. I know you can contact the manufacturers for info...

I think the ulcers may only be a problem with racing TB's because they are often on a very low forage feeding regime, which means there is little in their insides to stop gastric juices splashing where they shouldn't and causing ulcers. Now your chap is on ad lib forage, may not be a problem at...

I think it is easy to rely on the products around us and to forget about good, solid, sensible horse care, such as working out what is lacking from forage and hard feed and like someone said, using the horse itself as a health barometer. I had a really good look in the feed merchants the other...

Thank you for the ideas. The article was very interesting and has set my mind at rest, amandap, many thanks. I'm looking into the other sites you've mentioned JillA and Lucinda and will have a proper look at what I'm already feeding. :)

Just had some great advice on someone else's thread re salt. What is the best way to feed it? I'm very surprised at the amount needed and a bit concerned that it may harm my Welshy if I overdo it. I haven't yet checked what is in the feed she's already having, though. There is a salt block...

I'm surprised at the amount of salt required. Makes sense, though to check how much salt & mag I'm feeding already and look into getting the hay analysed re magnesium. Thank you :)

Try asking a nutritionist at some of the feed companies. I've found them very helpful, even if you have to sift through the info a bit to find the answer (as they can only advise you on their own products, obviously).

Hi. I believe it is better to keep activity ahead of nutrition, so to up the feed to conditioning nuts or something once the amount of exercise and training is increased. This helps to prevent the system from being overloaded with nutrients that it doesn't need and can't use. Good luck :)

I've been looking into magnesium, but reading some of the info above, I'm a bit worried now about the amount to feed. If the container doesn't say the correct amount, how would I best find out the quantity to use? Through a vet/nutritionist? And is the salt additive linked with it then? I...