Horse eating mud - deficient in what?

My horse was doing this - in the spring when stabled a lot due to sodden weather and when taken out for a pick of grass she would eat great lumps like it was ice cream! As I had just started feeding Blue Chip I emailed them. Their nutritionist was very helpful but did not actually specify any particular deficiency. Just advised time to let the BC have effect. That was on land with clay soil and I have since moved, so don't know if that had anything to do with it.
 
Get the soil analysed? Yes, it is not cheap, so the next best thing is to ask local farmers. Cereal farmers are usually up to speed on this, but also livestock farmers.

Around here, the land is deficient in copper and cobalt -- easily fixed by offering salt blocks (Red Rockies for cattle in my case, but your mileage may vary). DO NOT assume your soil will be the same!

On the other hand, it might not be a deficiency at all. With all the rain we've been having, the grass may be too "soft" and the horse merely needs something to make it feel full. So long as it is fit and healthy and has access to a salt lick, I wouldn't worry too much.
 
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