The horse�s natural diet of grazing on the treeless plains and steppes is generally quite low in nutrition and also low in oil � around 2-3%. That oil on which the horse has successfully evolved has 4 times as much omega 3 as omega 6, so I do not think we are wrong in assuming that is the balance on which horses will best thrive. Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory and so also aids healing. It is an important component of cell membranes. Omega 6 is pro-inflammatory and as such, will initiate the healing response, but not actually facilitate it. It just so happens that linseed has the same balance of omega oils as does natural grazing. Before Simple System was founded, Jane was on a mission to find a suitable feed to balance the lucerne she was feeding her horses and trialled some cooked linseed meal. Results were spectacular with horses moving better, their coats looking amazing and it also seemed their general health was better. A call to Sue and Tim, and Simple System was founded and Instant Linseed and Sun Dried Lucerne were our first two products. We were the first feed company to market a ready to use linseed meal for horses and we are still amazed by its benefits to horse health, using it in all Simple System forage balancers today.
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...
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.Â