Balancers

[sherbet]

I have a full TB mare and my daughter has a section D. Both have done really well over the summer on chaff and carrots and are coming into winter carrying some weight.
I am thinking that they may be better on a balancer than “normal” feed. Can you tell me if you think they would cope on a balancer if so how to feed do you mix with chaff etc.
Also any good recommendations

 

[Oberon]

I've been feeding balanced minerals in Fast Fibre for the last month to my elderly Arab. His white line was a bit stretched before. A month on with the minerals and PING - the white line is just as tight and neat as can be and he looks fab.

I give him Speedibeet, micronised linseed and a handful of oats too - but that is because he needs it due to his age.

My other horse is a young, good doer and he'll just get Fast Fibre, micronised linseed and balanced minerals when he comes in for the winter.

If you don't have a forage analysis, then these are good products to use.
Pro Hoof http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....3407424&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_1466wt_905

or Equimins Advance Concentrate
http://www.equimins-online.com/acatalog/Equimins_Advance_Concentrate.html

 

[meesha]

I started my chap on topspec lite 6 weeks ago - you feed it on its own (or you can add chaff/speedibeet if want) it looks bit like pony nuts and both mine love it - non heating - non weight gaining - but my chap definately has more stamina out on rides and a bit more sparkle. £25 a bag feeds one 16h horse for a month (ask for measuring cup when buy it or phone topsec for one - my chap has one full cup morning and night). It also has full dose of vits/mins for feet too.

Only other thing you may want to put out is a salt lick if they are sweating alot.

Ring topsec for advice - they were v good.

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Second about using Top-spec mine are on the condtioning cubes and new one also on their normal balancer and older one on the senior balancer, both get lots of compliments, and look fab

 

[Chestnut mare]

I feed my mare blue chip lami lite (or spillers lite).
She does very well on it looks in very good condition.
I mix it with a handful of chaff and her cortaflex.
I have a lot of trouble feeding her as a lot of feeds make her spooky but this one does not affect her temperament. She holds her weight very well on this balancer.

 

[Selkie]

I feed equilibra 500, chaff and a bit of beet over the winter and all our horses have done really well on it

 

[superted1989]

My very good doer cob has been on Bailey's 14 (lo-cal) balancer (2 of their measures which is classed as a cup), half scoop of Fibergy and a handful of fast fibre (to moisten) since I've had him. He looks fabulous on it.
Once the winter hits, he'll go up to 4 measures of balancer, and I'll increase the fast fibre if he needs it, split over 2 feeds!
I've never used a balancer before and I'm really impressed. Very economical, I still have a third of a bag of Baileys that was bought in May!

 

[abitodd]

http://www.thepurefeedcompany.com/products/pure-balance

I use this. In summer they get a mug full on its own and in winter I use it as 'sprinklies' to liven up their boring looking fibre.

All the pure feed range contain the balancer,so if you are feeding enough of one of their mixes you won't need the balancer.
They are excellent products and worth the money IMO.

 

[Pale Rider]

So long as you use forage based fibre and something like Total Eclipse, you cannot go wrong. It has to be forage based fibre, nothing else though.

 

[Sarah1]

I used to feed my boy, who's a good doer, Lo-cal but swapped to Spillers Lite as it's cheaper. He's doing good on it would recommend it.

 

[Spyda]

A big vote for Bailey's Lo Cal balancer from me. Really does what is says on the bag. Highly recommend it.