KEEP HIS WEIGHT IN CHECK

Keeping your horse at a healthy weight is the key to reducing the risk of a number of diseases, particularly laminitis. Follow Dengie’s four-point plan to watch your horse’s weight. Choose low sugar and starch feeds to maintain normal metabolic function. Dengie have a range of feeds with no added sugar, such as Healthy Hooves Molasses Free or Hi-Fi Molasses Free or, for those in work or needing more condition, Alfa-A Molasses Free. Look for feeds independently approved by The Laminitis Trust. Monitor your horse’s weight – weightape and condition score regularly so you spot changes early. If you notice your horse’s weight going up, restrict grazing using a muzzle, bare paddock or track system and make sure you weigh how much hay/haylage you’re feeding. Soaking hay helps to reduce sugar content but doesn’t change the calorie content much so consider getting it analysed to know exactly what your horse is consuming. Ensure a balanced diet – feed a low-calorie balancer or broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. This is important if your horse is on reduced rations as he’ll get less from his forage.