As horse owners adjust their plans for the season, based on a red traffic light setting, most large-scale shows have been forced to cancel. As well as being hugely disappointing for hard working event organisers, these changes can disrupt competition season too. Particularly for the North Island with the cancellation of so many shows last […]

A broodmare’s nutritional requirements change throughout the stages of reproduction and it is important to adopt a flexible feeding programme to ensure nutrient requirements are being met at each phase. Reproduction can be separated into early pregnancy, which is first and second trimester or 0 to 7 months gestation; late pregnancy, which is third trimester […]

While forage is the most important part of any equine diet, the increased calorie needs of performing and breeding horses often means that pasture and hay alone probably will not provide enough energy for work and weight maintenance. Typically, this energy deficit is met through the inclusion of grains. Grains provide starch and are a […]

Shorter days and colder temperatures mean now is the perfect time to think about your horse’s daily nutritional requirements over winter. Colder weather puts extra demands on metabolism, meaning more energy is required for daily activities and most horses will need additional calories to maintain optimum condition. Making dietary adjustments now and altering the diet […]

The settled weather of summer means that for most horse owners it is their busiest time, with the daylight hours giving more time for riding and most equestrian disciplines having full event calendars. While New Zealand summer temperatures are milder than in some parts of the world, they can reach significant heights in some areas […]

Stud Groom of the Year was an awesome opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of equine nutrition and see first-hand some of the amazing research that’s being done around the world by Kentucky Equine Research. When I got the call about winning, I couldn’t believe it. I had heard the calibre of the entrants […]

Preparing a yearling for sale is an important event in the stud calendar for both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds and involves a carefully tailored balance between the correct nutrition, conditioning, growth and fitness. Properly prepared yearlings will be fit, sound and well-grown, with shiny coats and little body fat. When preparing a yearling for sale it […]

Equine Cushing’s disease, or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), is common in older horses and is suspected when a horse shows the classic signs of a long, thick hair coat that refuses to shed. Horses with Cushing’s disease may also have abnormal fat deposits, increased thirst and urination, a lowered resistance to disease and a […]

Thoroughbred racing and breeding is the largest equine industry in New Zealand, and along with the Standardbred industry, contributes significantly to the country’s economy. However, around half of all Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses bred don’t make it to a race. While this is mainly due to voluntary trainer decisions associated with poor performance, many are […]

The later summer months of February and March are a common time for equine breeders to begin the process of separating foals from their dams – and correct nutrition is essential for what can be a stressful time. Planning is required and strategies for weaning will differ according to facilities available, as well as procedures […]