Good doer? Poor doer? Not really sure doer?

Feeding in winter can be simple, or quite complicated, and as usual we ideally need to look at each individual pony or horse's needs to best establish a feeding routine which suits them. However, there are some generalities we can look to when first visiting this as a topic.

At this time of year there is very little nutritional value to grass. Many ponies and horses will need hay to supplement the forage portion of their diet, and all should have a balanced diet.

For good doers, allow the natural weight loss over winter to help you shift some of that excess weight. Aim for your pony/horse to head into the spring looking slim, tracking weight loss with a weigh tape so you know you're heading in the right direction. Remember to keep the diet balanced with a low calorie balancer.

For poor doers, ad-lib forage (grass/hay/haylage) is an important first step, supported by a conditioning chaff and feed balancer to promote top line and digestive health. Find a feed balancer that includes probiotics, quality digestible protein and antioxidants. This allows you to feed additional oils and/or
conditioning mashes (which likely contain oil) as an additional safe calorie source.

DID YOU KNOW?

Horses have evolved to lose weight in the winter, however modern horse
care practices can lead to halting this natural regulation.

Good doers can enter spring carrying more weight than needed, this should be a huge concern for owners, help us to share top tips on equine obesity.
Conversely poor doers can struggle to retain a healthy weight in the winter months, and finding ways to maintain weight can be hard.

In both cases acting now can positively affect your horse's long term health.

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