Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that plays an important role in muscle, immune and neurological support in horses. It is mainly supplied in the equine diet through green pasture. Horses are not very efficient at storing this fat-soluble vitamin and when access to green pasture is limited through management such as stabling, or due […]

Many aspects of equine health and nutrition require extra attention over the summer months. Hoof health is especially important to uphold when the weather is warm and the ground may be harder than other times of the year. The age old saying, “no hoof, no horse” is especially true and the following recommendations should be […]

Amanda (Muzi) Pottinger is a part time Business Analyst for BEL Group Dairy Farms and a professional Three Day Eventing rider, sponsored by NRM. She is looking forward to the upcoming eventing season, where she will be competing a team of 5-6 eventing horses, including the National Three Day CCI3* Eventing Champion “Just Kidding”, also […]

The significant nutritional requirements of a hardworking horse mean that designing a balanced diet that provides these in the correct amounts is vital. From the all-important energy required to perform, to essential amino acids, trace minerals and key vitamins, simple changes to the diet can mean the difference between a winning and a mediocre performance. […]

Nutritional requirements of broodmares 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 […]

The increased awareness of horse owners around aspects of general equine health, from nutrition to dental, hoof and parasite management, has resulted in the average horse living for longer. Although the natural lifespan of the horse has not changed, many are now surviving easily to 30 years of age or older, where previously this was […]

Obesity is recognised to be a significant problem for people in many countries. However, studies have shown that this condition can be just as prevalent in horses and cause similar secondary health issues in our equine companions. While avoiding obesity in horses and ponies through dietary management is paramount, in cases where exceptionally slow metabolisms […]

Keeping parasite levels in horses under control is highly important for maintaining overall health, and an effective parasite management programme is required to be an integral part of equine husbandry and care. Infestations of parasites usually aren’t fatal to horses, however can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn can cause diarrhoea or […]

Few things are more frustrating than having a horse with consistent skin and coat problems. Not only can they be uncomfortable and itchy for the horse but skin irritations can often prevent outings to shows and competitions due to their effect on the coat and how it looks. All horses are at risk of skin […]

A well-balanced diet is essential every day to ensure working horses receive all required nutrients for fitness, recovery and overall health. Plenty of forage and a well-formulated performance horse feed are a great start. Deciding which supplements to include can be challenging, given the large number of products on the market. Most of these supplements […]