A high percentage of the Feed Line calls this month have been regarding elderly horses. Many owners are concerned about their horses dropping weight over the winter. Older horses often need a little more help, especially when their grazing starts to deplete. Many will need a hay replacer as they are no longer able to eat enough hay to maintain their condition.
It can be hard to comprehend just how much soaked hay replacer an elderly dentally challenged horse may need. When using a hay replacer it can be fed in the same dry weight quantity as hay. It is fine to leave out large, soaked tubs of hay replacer which can be grazed upon. Elderly horses will need to be given ample time to eat their hay replacer.
HayCare can be used as a complete or partial hay replacer
HayCare is mature timothy grass pelleted. It is low in sugar and starch and high in fibre, so suitable for all horses. It is ideal for dentally challenged equines and those who suffer from COPD. It can be fed in the same dry weight quantity as hay and soaks up quickly. HayCare should be used as a hay replacer and fed alongside your usual Simple System bucket feed.
Soaked Lucie Nuts can work well as a manger feed for elderly horses.
Lucie Nuts are made from pure lucerne with nothing added, they are naturally low in sugar and starch. They are great for putting on muscle and top line and will not hot your horse up.
Many elderly horses will inevitably become stiff due to the aging process. As much turn out as possible is beneficial, feeding a good quality balancer and joint aid, such as FlexiBalance will also help.
FlexiBalance Is our complete forage balancer to complement all horses and ponies, including those whose joints need support. This is a feed that combines all the qualities of Total Eclipse with our hugely popular Joint Eclipse.