Feeding the good doer correctly can be a lot more challenging than feeding a poor doer.
Two things that are vitally important for our horses are having access to plenty of bulk, provided by fibre from forage; and protein which is the building block not only of muscle but is highly involved in a wide range of bodily functions. The overweight horse needs a low “calorie” or digestible energy intake but does still need plenty of bulk fibre and quality protein.
Helping your horse to feel full by supplying a high fibre diet will avoid the stress associated with hunger and will satisfy their need to eat. Horses can start to feel hungry after an hour or so without food, after two hours the build up of acid starts to become uncomfortable, increasing the risk of stress and ulcers. Going longer than four hours without food greatly increases the risk of ulcers and may negatively impact gut health and compromise the gut microbes.
We suggest that the total daily forage intake should not be less than 2% of their target or “ideal” body weight. For example, a 'should be' 550kg horse needs to consume 11kg of forage per day – this will be made up of their grazing and hay but also their forage feeds if they are fed a Simple System diet.
If you can find hay that was a first cut from mid-July onwards, it should naturally be higher in fibre and will take longer to eat and digest as the plant itself will have become tougher and more fibrous. This will help them feel fuller for longer. Physically, more mature hays often look quite coarse and stemmy as opposed to an earlier cut that will look finer, leafier and “softer”. The only way to know for sure though is to conduct a Analysis Kit - Nutrient - Hay/Haylage.
Many people will use nets or even double nets to slow down intake but remember nets tied too high can negatively impact your horse's detention and posture. If possible, tie nets behind boards across the corner of the stable so that feeding is from a more natural, lower level but you are not risking them getting caught up. You can tie hay nets inside a hay bar as an alternative.
Dividing the hay into multiple nets hung at various heights and points around the stable will extend eating time and allow for more natural browsing and selecting behaviours, improving enrichment. In the field, space hay further apart in smaller piles to encourage movement.
You can use a high fibre, low digestible energy chop such as Organic Lucie Stalks or Timothy Chop to replace some of the hay and add variety. Although it has low feed value, we do not recommend feeding straw as it is prone to fungal infections, may have agrochemical residues and many horses show sensitivity to cereal straws.
A forage feed of some well damped Organic Lucie Stalks or soaked Lucie Fibre Cubes, given directly before work, will line the stomach with a fibre mat that can protect against ulcers. This will also minimise hunger pangs during work which can improve willingness and concentration.
Low sugar Lucie Fibre Cubes can also be offered in a feeding or treat ball to encourage the horse to exercise as they eat.
Moving on to protein; even when “calorie” or sugar requirements are low, quality protein intake is vital so that the horse can lose fat, but build muscle, maintain good hoof integrity and health status in general.
Using legumes, such as lucerne, can ensure sugar levels are kept low, but quality protein intake is high – even when the feeds themselves are “low” in protein. Please see our FAQ on protein quality for further reading on why protein source matters. If you are soaking their hay, it is even more important to supply adequate protein intake as soaking hay strips out not only sugar but also protein and minerals. Read more about this here.
For the overweight horse, a balancer is even more important in providing essential omega 3 and a top up of minerals, trace elements and vitamins as their access to fresh pasture may be limited. The inclusion of yeast helps ensure healthy gut microbes. As it is fed in small amounts, Total Eclipse is ideal for those on very strict diets. If things have gone “wrong” and laminitis is a worry or the risk of it has increased – then use MetaSlim. Make sure all horses have free access to a plain salt lick such as our Salt Lick Tub.
Avoid any foods with significant levels of sugar or starch – read ingredient lists very carefully and avoid molasses, wheatfeed, soya, peas and so on, even if the wording on the bag suggests that it is suitable.
Apples, carrots, parsnips, polos and sugar lumps as well as most treats are also on the forbidden list if you are a frequent treat feeder. Your horse could have an extra handful of hay rather than a sugary treat, although celery or cucumber can offer a crunchy, low feed value option.
To further advice or suggestions for filling up your good doer, contact Simple System's Feed Line on 01728 604 008 or complete our online form for a free comprehensive Feed Plan.