Noticing ribs and sunken hips? Before you buy a high-fat supplement for your horse out of desperation, hit pause. Weight loss in horses is a symptom, not a diagnosis—and throwing calories at the problem without knowing the cause is a waste of money (and possibly risky). What to look out for first: Rule Out Medical … Read more
Alfalfa is one of the most debated forages in the horse world. Some swear by it for performance. Others claim it causes “hot” behavior, laminitis, or colic. So what’s the truth? This guide will walk you through the nutritional science, risks, benefits, and best practices of feeding alfalfa — so you can make the right … Read more
What Is An “Easy Keeper”? Easy keepers are horses that maintain or gain weight easily—sometimes too easily. While that may sound like a blessing, it can be a real challenge to keep these horses healthy without overfeeding them. Improper feeding can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, laminitis, and other metabolic problems. Research shows that up … Read more
We have all had that horse that makes you feel that no matter how much it eats, it doesn’t seem to put on any weight. Let me help you with the most important things every horse owner should know when having a hard keeper. What Is a Hard Keeper? A “hard keeper,” also called a … Read more
What Are Ration Balancers? A ration balancer is a highly concentrated, protein-rich vitamin and mineral supplement in pelleted form, designed to balance forage-based diets—not provide extra calories. Let’s be clear: A ration balancer is not a complete feed. It’s not a performance feed. And it’s definitely not meant to be fed free-choice or by the … Read more
Analyzing your horse’s forage is one of the smartest things you can do to improve their nutrition and add or avoid adding supplements. Here’s a reliable, step-by-step breakdown. Why Analyze Hay? Even if it “looks nice” Horses are designed to live on forage. Hay and pasture should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet … Read more
If you’ve ever owned or cared for a horse, chances are you’ve heard about beet pulp. Maybe a barn mate swears by it, or you’ve seen all the buzz online. But is it actually worth feeding? And more importantly—is it right for your horse? Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of horses: … Read more
I’ve spent years caring for horses with stiff joints or those just starting to feel their age. The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for equine joint health are more than just hype— Research has demonstrated that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation markers in arthritic horses, supporting their role in joint health (Manhart et al., … Read more
Horse supplements are everywhere — from joint support and calming aids to shiny coat boosters and immune enhancers. But does your horse actually need all of them? This guide breaks down the science, helping you decide when to supplement — and when not to. 1. Start with Forage — Then Fill the Gaps The foundation … Read more
Feeding a horse isn’t just about offering hay and grain — it’s about meeting the horse’s biological needs in a way that supports health, performance, and welfare. This guide walks you through the essentials of daily feeding, how to avoid common mistakes like over-supplementing, and how to balance your horse’s diet confidently. 1. Start with … Read more