fbpx

Supplements vs. Balancers

by | Jun 12, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Supplements for Horses

www.theeverydayequestrian.co.uk

I know an awful lot of horse owners who add things to their horse’s feed. In my experience, there seems to be a trend for feeding horses a mixture of chaff, nuts and an array of supplements. Now don’t get me wrong, there are horses which require additional supplementation for specific issues, and who benefit from a specific product, but does every horse and pony really need additional supplements? The answer is far from simple!  Before we discuss this, it’s important to be super clear about the different types of additional supplements & their use.

What is classed as a ‘supplement’?

Technically a supplement is defined as “a thing added to something else in order to complete or enhance it” (Google Dictionary, 2017). In terms of horses, supplements can be loosely grouped as follows:

  • Broad spectrum vitamin & mineral supplements
  • Herbal supplements
  • Joint supplements
  • Calming supplements
  • Gastric or Digestive supplements
  • Hoof supplements
  • Veterinary supplements (prescription only)
  • Others

 

Let’s get this out of the way first; if you are feeding the recommended feeding levels of a good quality feed produced in the UK, you should not need to add a general vitamin & mineral supplement.This is because when fed at recommended levels, most feed manufacturers state that their product is nutritionally balanced, so you shouldn’t add anything as your will then be disrupting the balance of nutrients.

The trouble is that in my experience, most horse owners do not feed the recommended quantities of a feed. So they are right in believing that their horse is not necessarily receiving optimal levels of key nutrients. However, the average horse owner has no means of working out which nutrients are lacking and how these will be specifically provided by a supplement. This confusion means that owners often keep adding different products in an attempt to correct perceived or real issues with their horse’s diet.

So should you feed a general purpose vitamin & mineral supplement? Yes. But only if one of the following points apply:

  • You’re not feeding recommended levels of a compound feed, i.e. mix, nuts
  • If you horse is only receiving hay/haylage and/or pasture, but not receiving any compound feed
  • If your vet/independent nutritionist has identified a specific imbalance in your horse’s diet

 

 

So what about the other types of supplement?

Yes they can absolutely be of benefit to your horse, depending on the issue you are trying to manage. However, pleaseget some independent advice on what you should feed your horse, when, how much and why. There are many independent equine nutritionists out there who can help; think of it as a long-term investment in the health of your horse.

So, does every horse and pony need a supplement? The answer has to be No. If you’re unsure, get some professional advice & don’t get distracted or influenced anyone else!

 

Ready to learn more?

FREE Rider Confidence Guide

I’ve created a FREE downloadable guide, packed with some of my most effective techniques, to help YOU become more positive and excited about riding again.

Everything you need to become a confident rider

  • Overcome your nerves, anxiety and those pesky ‘what ifs’ around riding your horse
  • Manage your mindset and your emotions, so you can be the rider your horse needs and wants
  • Follow a step-by-step proven framework to grow your confidence, whatever your starting point
  • Tailor your learning experience to meet your specific needs in your situation
  • Join an incredible community of riders who build each other up and share our successes along the way

The Rider's Guide to Managing Your Inner Voice

🐴 Are you really hard on yourself as a rider? Beat yourself up for every mistake? Hold yourself to unrealistic standards and struggle with perfectionism?

➡️ Break free from your ‘Negative Nelly’ inner voice and discover a more enjoyable way to ride with confidence! 

Dive into our exclusive Ebook, “Rider’s Guide to Managing Your Inner Voice,” and reignite your love for riding. 

✅ Conquer those nagging thoughts of ‘shoulds’ and self-sabotage

✅ Let go of perfectionism and avoidance tactics

✅ Transform your mindset and start making the best memories together with your horse

👉 Don’t let excuses hold you back any longer. Grab your copy now and start riding with confidence! 🚀🐎

 

Related Articles: