Winter feeding

Experts reveal how to save on feed without skimping, plus our pick of fibre-based products

“IT is advisable to change your feeding regime gradually in the autumn to prevent weight loss in winter,” says Emma. “A horse weighing 500kg requires about 12.5kg of feed per day for weight gain. This could comprise of 3kg of a conditioning cube, adlib forage or 9.5kg of hay (12.5kg of haylage).”

“Forage should be offered on an ad-lib basis, ensuring that at least 1.5–2% of bodyweight is being eaten as fibre,” advises registered nutritionist Lizzie Drury of Saracen Horse Feeds.

In addition, the poor-doer will require a nutrient-dense bucket feed.

“We recommend a conditioning feed balancer topped up with a low sugar/ starch conditioning blend,” advises TopSpec nutrition director Nicola Tyler.

“Older horses often have poor dentition,” explains Dengie’s Katie Williams. “An easyto-chew, high-fibre diet in the form of soft grasses and alfalfa will help.”

Soaked fibre feeds can be fed alongside or instead of a chopped fibre feed – “they are also ideal for aiding hydration”, says Katie.

Blue Chip nutrition adviser Anna Franklin advises feeding probiotics to help your horse absorb the full nutritional profile of their diet.

“Poor-doers will also benefit from additional calories such as soya or linseed oil, but make sure you also feed antioxidants to combat the oxidative effect of feeding oil.”

VETERAN

COCO, a 21-year-old Hanoverian owned by Gemma Hobbs

Workload: schooled and hacked three or four times a week. Turned out daily.

Feed: one scoop Dengie Healthy Tummy chaff, one scoop Saracen Show Improver nuts, one cup Saracen Equi-Jewel twice a day, and ad-lib haylage.

Cost: £70 per month including treats.