Latest News

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.

No grass

The dry weather has seen most pasture grazed down to the ground. The grass has taken a pretty good caning. September usually brings us some rain, and this can be a good time to reseed very worn-out paddocks.

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.