In Autumn, levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) naturally increase to encourage longer coat growth and the storage of fat to prepare the horse for the cold winter ahead. In “normal” horses, the subsequent rise in circulating insulin is well tolerated, but in horses that are insulin dysregulated the increase may push them over the edge and make them more prone to laminitis.
Three decades ago, when Simple System was founded, feeding horses was often a matter of trusting that whatever came in a bag “just worked.” Fast forward to 2026 and the landscape could't be more different...
Grass that is not growing due to drought is still alive and making sugar in the sunshine and as the grass is unable to grow due to the lack of rain, sugar builds up in the base of the plant. This can be a problem for horses sensitive to sugars, especially those who are laminitis prone, have Insulin Resistance (IR), PPID/Cushing's Disease or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
We hear a lot nowadays about the importance of riders having a positive mindset, but what does this mean and how does it affect our horse?
We talk a lot about what goes into the feed bucket. But how often do we think about what happens next? Let's explore the journey ''From Bucket to Barrow''...
Simple System's story began long before its formal launch - through the lifelong passion and vision of Jane van Lennep...
It's our birthday! We can't quite believe how far we've come and we wish to thank all our loyal customers for choosing Simple System to provide the very best forage-based feeds.
The team at Simple System Horse Feeds are delighted to announce that we've been nominated for two British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Awards!
With brighter, sunnier days forecast, we need to keep a close eye on our overweight horses, those with fat pads or cresty necks, and those prone to laminitis.
All horse owners know that water is an essential nutrient and that horses need constant, free access to it. However, we may often overlook why this is and whether water alone is enough to achieve optimal hydration.
We're often told that more is better. More ingredients, more supplements, more complex formulations. When we hear “back to basics” it’s easy to assume it means we might be settling for something. But are we?
How can it be cost-effective to feed a forage balancer when they appear to be the most expensive part of the horse's diet?
Learn more here...
Spring and periods of rapid growth can significantly alter the nutrient profile of pasture. Here are some practical strategies to help manage the transition...
Protein, from the Greek proteos, which means “of primary importance”, is made up of a range of different amino acids.
Strictly speaking, any diet fed to an unshod horse could be termed a ‘barefoot diet’, but the term generally refers to a natural feeding approach that supports strong hooves.
Hay and forage management is a key topic for horse owners, especially when supplies are limited. Proper handling and feeding of hay, haylage, and other forage can help maintain gut health, reduce stress, and support the horse's overall wellbeing.
Digestion starts in the mouth. In order to eat efficiently, everything needs to line up correctly - the grinding surfaces need to align in order to chew and break down their feed and forage.
As another year draws to a close, we are able to catch our breath following the Christmas rush and reflect on 2025.
Management, including feeding, can be very helpful in giving your horse the best chance of a comfortable life. Whatever the root cause, it will be exacerbated by inhaling any small particles, such as dust or spores.
Protein is essential for maintaining health and sustaining life, however, pretty useless to the horse. It is the amino acids or the “building blocks” of protein that are the important part.
Horses are amazing – they have sleek summer coats and, in the winter, can grow a coat a bear would be proud of, but what is behind this incredible change?
In the wild, with unrestricted access to pasture, horses would spend the summer “stocking up” by eating nutritious grass - and plenty of it - to aid them in building a thick coat and laying down excess weight, even fat pads, to sustain them through the winter.
What do we mean by the term ‘equine microbiome’? Our horse’s digestive tract is home to a vast ecosystem made up of trillions of microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea and protozoa which we collectively refer to as the microbiome.
Fibre — and a good variety of it — is essential for all equines, especially donkeys, who have evolved in harsh, arid conditions with little lush vegetation.
As our growers shut down their dryers for winter, we’re able to review what has been another challenging year for forage production.
''Please hold their breakfast - I'll be riding this morning''
It is commonplace for many yards to see variations of this message daily due to the traditional rule of feeding horses...
A perhaps lesser-known product in our range is the humble Eclipse Recovery - a naturally concentrated tonic feed that provides a powerful support package for our horse’s digestive tract and immune system.
To rug, or not to rug? A question horse owners have been asking for many years! Here is some useful guidance to help you consider your horse's individual needs this winter.
Quidding is a term used to describe when a horse drops 'balls' of partially masticated (chewed) long stem forage, although they can also quid chops / chaffs and even feed.
Horses’ teeth change throughout their lives - they are continually growing and continually wearing, as they chew and grind their grazing and forage.
Grass has the potential to grow all year, which is different from many other plants. Certain things are necessary for this growth, but if they are not met, the grass will be dormant, waiting for conditions to improve.
In the equestrian world there may be no truer phrase than ‘‘no foot, no horse’’.
To help our horses stay foot sound this winter, we quizzed farrier, Kaine Seddon DipWCF.
Many livery yards make adjustments to their daily routines when the clocks change at the end of October, when those wintery nights really start to draw in. It is important for the horse's digestive health and their mental well-being that any changes are made gradually - over the course of a week or more.
Track systems are growing in popularity and are cited as one of the most commonly used alternative management systems of equines in the UK. We were lucky enough to be present at The British Equestrian Veterinary (BEVA) Congress 2025 to catch up on the latest research and opinion on their use.
Storm Amy made quite a mark over the weekend. We hope your horses stayed safe and well. Whilst there has been some obvious damage, please check your fields thoroughly if you haven't already as there may be a less obvious concern.
Every few years, nature produces an abundance of fruits, nuts and seeds. This is called a mast year and this year, 2025, is one.
Mares are seasonally polyoestrous which means that they have multiple reproductive cycles during spring and summer. Generally, mares will stop coming in season once the weather gets cooler, the grass declines and the days are shorter.
Introducing Stud Balance +, a specialist forage balancer providing optimal nutritional support for broodmares, stallions and growing youngstock.