Rachel, who has helped so many horses and their owners make the switch to complete forage feeding, has left us for a while. Her reasons are valid and unavoidable and came in the form of a lovely baby called Isobel Ruth. I am sure you will join with us in sending her our best wishes and congratulations. Isobel is now 3 weeks old and I apologise to you and her for not having spread the news earlier. There is no good time to lose the input of such a key person as Rachel and we look forward to her return in 2008. In the meantime we have been joined by Sarah who has been dropped in the deep end and is proving an able swimmer. Sarah will be helping us with the day to day needs of our customers and franchisees with the usual team backing up with feeding advice and other queries.
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.