Feed balancers!

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noodle_

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*hands held up*

numpty post! :D

My ponies need something to supplement their diet.... they lack grass (they trashed it and thanks for the endless supply of rain)! :D they are very happy out, and have hay, hay chop and little one (babyhoss) has spillers youngstock mix

What feed balancers do you reccomend??

Ive been googling but feed is not my confident area of expertees!! :D

thanks :)
 
oopss sorry - told you i was daft with feed! :D

ones is a good do-er normally but now livin gout and dropped a bit of weight - which is good however she could do with maintaining what she has (wouldnt hurt to put a tiny bit more on)!... shes 6

Baby is 2, looks a good weight but slight rib seeing - she was in poor condition when i got her and could still do with putting a bit more on - but not tons as i much prefer babies lean than fat!

both resting and not in work, hayed (not haylege as one has/had ulcers) - generally they eat it far too quick though and end up with nothing (i cant express how greedy my ponies are :o ) :)

thanks :)
 
Think about what you are balancing to.

The bulk of the diet is the forage the horse is eating.

So the balancer should (IMO) compliment this and work with the forage, not in separation or even competition of it.

I used to balance minerals by hand, but now I feed Pro Balance + as it suits my forage and is more convenient for me.

I also feed linseed to provide omega oils that will dwindle in the grass during the winter.
 
thank you oberon :)

i was just concerned they arnt getting what they need from just hay! :)

(i worry too much... :D )


My older one does look really good though - her coats gleaming (as shes really happy being out 24/7)! she was so dull before when she lived in

youngster's coat is also fantastic (and clean due to rugs )!

both rugged up as they have grow naff all in regards to coat!
 
I fed Baileys Lo-Cal for years until I found Horse and Pony Direct... they are literally like for like and my horse has gone from this

photo-1.jpg


To this...
6E948715-72BC-49BF-8D49-43E9AFD4319D-6952-00000692429DB6B4.jpg


In 3 months, much cheaper and does just as fabulous a job imo!
 
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noodle_ said:
thank you oberon :)

i was just concerned they arnt getting what they need from just hay! :)

(i worry too much... :D )


My older one does look really good though - her coats gleaming (as shes really happy being out 24/7)! she was so dull before when she lived in

youngster's coat is also fantastic (and clean due to rugs )!

both rugged up as they have grow naff all in regards to coat!
Click to expand...

You are quite correct, they don't get enough from just hay - the omega oils, Vitamin E and Vitamin A are dissipated in dried forms of forage.

If you are in a completely grass free environment - then def linseed for the omega oils plus (if the horse is OK with carrots) 5 carrots per day to add the Vitamin A.

The balancer you choose should have plenty of vitamin E - or you can add separately.

My old boy needs additional vitamin E. I feed the 1000mg via the Pro Balance +, but I also squeeze a 1000iu gel cap into the feed - to make the Vitamin E up to 2000iu per day (recommended dose).
 
no sadly - one can have carrots one cant (ulcers)!

I know some feeds have sugars in them but they do definately need something....

Biggun is also on red cell too :)
 
noodle_ said:
no sadly - one can have carrots one cant (ulcers)!

I know some feeds have sugars in them but they do definately need something....

Biggun is also on red cell too :)
Click to expand...

Ah well - as long as they get a bit of green stuff, they manage fine.

I would run 100 miles from Red Cell :eek:

Iron is the enemy and too high in most forage as it is. Excess iron messes with immunity, insulin production and control and absorption of zinc. Plus the horse can't excrete it easily at all.

Why on earth would you want to add more :confused:
 
add more what?

my vet seemed happy with red cell?

im open to suggestions!....i researched/asked people and most said it was the best one...?
 
I feed Dodson & Horrell Suregrow to my 2year old & 8 year old. Basically just a low intake minerial balancer. Both look fantastic on it. I spoke to guy at D&H stand at Bramham told him all about them both & he suggested that. Been brill & its only £15 a bag. Bonus.
 
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