Spring is here! But the grass has not sprung…. When the horses do get on the grass, it may cause a bit of a tummy upset as they have been eating a lot dry food over the winter and lush grass is over 80% water. Start getting them accustomed to a higher water content by adding well-soaked PuraBeet to their feeds, or even offering a bucketful to replace a slice of hay. Be safe - if you leave a bucket in the stable, remove the handle. This amazing stuff soaks up 5 times its original volume of water, so a Stubbs scoopful makes up into a stable bucketful (15litres/3 gallons) Soak it overnight or all day and make sure there are no hard bits left. If you forget to put it in soak, use hot water and it will be ready in half an hour or so but make sure it is not too hot for your horse – give it a thorough stir through with your hand and if it feels too hot for you, it will certainly be too hot for your horse. PuraBeet is a good source of easily fermented fibre and is palatable. Its colour tells us it is not a great source of vitamins, but it has useful levels of calcium and the trace elements manganese, cobalt and selenium. PuraBeet contains no added molasses and is naturally low in sugar and starch so is considered a non-heating feed. If you would like to discuss your needs with one of our Feed Line team, please do get in touch on 01728 604008 or info@simplesystem.co.uk.
Rain fall can trigger growth akin to a spring flush, especially if temperatures are high. Even whilst true spring may be in the past, the risk for those prone to laminitis will rise.
For the second consecutive Sunday, presenter Adam Henson has discussed the use of sainfoin during Countryfile.
''Feed the mare to feed the foal'' - wise words from many an experienced breeder. With little grass due to the dry weather, grazing can be topped up in the feed bowl.