Managing Grazing: The Spring Flush
Spring and periods of rapid growth can significantly alter the nutrient profile of pasture. Here are some practical strategies to help manage the transition...
How much lysine do horses need?
Protein, from the Greek proteos, which means “of primary importance”, is made up of a range of different amino acids.
What is a barefoot diet?
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.
Horse Hay Tips: Managing Forage, Soaking, and Gut Health
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.
Why do we recommend feeding horses from ground level?
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.
Simple System are to attend the National Equine Show
Join us for The National Equine Show on 28th February and 1st March at the NEC, Birmingham. Simple System Horse Feeds will be located opposite the Gin and Fizz bar at Stand E83.
A review of 2025 and a 'thank you' to our customers
As another year draws to a close, we are able to catch our breath following the Christmas rush and reflect on 2025.
Feeding horses with respiratory issues
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.
The importance of amino acids and where to find them in the equine diet
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.
Cover story...
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?
Working with Nature for Winter Weight Loss
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.
The Equine Hindgut Microbiome
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.
Browse for horses, ponies and donkeys
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.
Fibre, protein and sugar in Timothy grass
As our growers shut down their dryers for winter, we’re able to review what has been another challenging year for forage production.
Do you really need to hold their breakfast?
''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...
Eclipse Recovery - a powerful support package for 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.
Should I Rug my Horse?
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.
Simple System Christmas Opening Hours
Simple System Horse Feeds will be operating as usual for much of the festive season. This includes our van delivery service.
We will however be closed on the following dates...
What is quidding and what can we do about it?
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.
Equine dentition through the ages
Horses’ teeth change throughout their lives - they are continually growing and continually wearing, as they chew and grind their grazing and forage.
10 years of Simple System HayCare!
When HayCare was created it was designed to be a direct replacement for hay - with like for like nutritional qualities - for those who could no longer chew well. 10 years on, it's clear HayCare is so much more than just a hay replacer!
Can the grass still be growing in November?
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.
Winter Hoof Care - From a Farrier's Perspective
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.
Preparing Your Horse for the Winter Routine
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.
High winds and a higher risk of atypical myopathy
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.
Track systems for horses - what does the research say?
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.
Why are there so many acorns this year?
Every few years, nature produces an abundance of fruits, nuts and seeds. This is called a mast year and this year, 2025, is one.
Horses hormonal changes during autumn
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 +
Introducing Stud Balance +, a specialist forage balancer providing optimal nutritional support for broodmares, stallions and growing youngstock.
Notes from BEVA Congress 2025
At Simple System we are always keen to expand our knowledge so we last week we attended the 3 day BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association Congress in Birmingham.
Coping with a UK Hay Shortage
With forage yields reported to be down by up to 50% this year, hay may well be in short supply this winter.
Why is protein important in the horse's diet?
Protein. We should never underestimate the importance of this vital nutrient. It’s essential for muscle, skin, bones, internal organs, blood – just about any part of you or your horse needs protein!
Simple System Horse Feeds Nominated for Two Top Industry Awards
Simple System Horse Feeds are thrilled to be finalists two of the most coveted awards in the equestrian industry this year.
Analysis of 2025 hay
2025 has been a particularly challenging year for farmers and many of us are aware there is likely to be a hay shortage as yields have been markedly down due to the prolonged hot and dry summer.
Blackberry coats as Autumn approaches
With all the warm and dry weather we have had, it is hard to remember that we are fast approaching autumn. The horses are getting their “blackberry” coats.
Do horses have nutritional wisdom?
Nutritional wisdom could be summed up as knowing what you need to eat, and eating it. This might be the basic needs of nutrition in terms of calories, protein and so on, or it could be knowing what is needed to support good health.
Have you spotted Birdsfoot trefoil in your paddock?
This is common Birdsfoot trefoil, although it is sometimes referred to as 'eggs and bacon'. It's an attractive wildflower, native to the UK, and one that can be of benefit to horses...
Why are we so hard on ragwort?
We do bang on about ragwort! It is an excellent plant for pollinators and the main food source for the caterpillars of the cardinal moth. It has a long flowering period, which means it is supplies nectar for a lot of insects, for a long time. Although it is poisonous, it is not palatable, so why are horse owners so keen to get rid of it from their pastures?
We are what we eat...
We are increasingly aware that ultra processed food is bad for us and that we should eat seasonal, fresh and local food. But what about our horses? They too will have reduced health when they have ultra processed food.