Top tips for managing Good Doers in the winter

• Feed forage first - 1.5% of bodyweight daily e.g. a 500kg horse would be fed 7.5kg dry forage/day
• Feeding forage maintains a healthy digestive system and reduces boredom, promoting improved physical and mental health for you pony/horse
• Both the forage itself and the saliva created by chewing help to settle the stomach and reduce feelings of stress, particularly useful if your horse is stabled in winter
• Feeding late cut hay and/or soaking hay is beneficial to reduce calorie intake without the need to limit their intake
• Hay (especially late cut) is usually a preferred option to haylage, due to being lower in calories
• Good doers should not be left without hay for any prolonged period of time as this can increase the risk of colic
• Feeding a low calorie balancer from a treat ball can provide interest for stabled horses
• Feeding a functional feed balancer (one with supplements included) saves you money
• Look for low calorie feed balancers that support healthy weight loss and/or your horse's needs
• Feeding quality ingredients at a lower recommended feeding rate is always better than feeding poorer quality feeds in smaller quantities as this will lead to nutrient deficiencies

Product In focus

Feed a low calorie balancer to ensure your pony/horse continues to receive the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and quality protein they need to maintain long term good health. For example Blue Chip Low Calorie actively supports healthy weight loss through the inclusion of cinnamon and l-carnitine, coupled with the fact it is 4 times lower in non-structural carbohydrates then many other similar products!

 

This Blog was brought to you in partnership with Blue Chip Feed Ltd.  See all their products available from Chestnut Mill Using this link Blue Chip Feed