Pasture is a key part of the equine diet, but its nutritional value changes with season, weather, and plant maturity. Levels of water-soluble carbohydrates, fibre, and protein can vary widely, influencing energy intake, hindgut health, and laminitis risk. Careful pasture and feeding management help ensure horses receive adequate nutrients without excess calories, particularly in native breeds, good-doers, and horses prone to weight gain.
Equine obesity is now one of the most common welfare concerns in UK horses and ponies, increasing the risk of serious health conditions such as laminitis and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. This article explores why excess body fat is more than a cosmetic issue and provides practical, science-based strategies for managing weight through grazing control, nutrition, exercise and regular monitoring.
Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS) can sometimes lead to accidental doping in competition horses. This article explains what NOPS are, where they are commonly found, and the practical steps riders can take to reduce the risk of contamination and stay compliant with Clean Sport rules.
Learn how to body condition score your horse using the 0–5 system and why proactive weight management is essential for preventing laminitis, supporting metabolic health and promoting long-term soundness.
If you are looking to add some enrichment to your horse's routine or diet, whilst also encouraging microbial diversity, try planting some of these herbs and plants in and around your yard and stables.
The circulatory system is extremely complex and works alongside most of the other systems in the horse’s body. Our Nutritionist breaks the circulatory system down into its main components and explains what you can do to support your horse’s cardiovascular health…
Salt isn’t just for hot weather; horses require sodium and chloride every day to support hydration, digestion, nerve function, and performance. This article explains why deficiencies are common, outlines daily requirements based on body weight, and provides practical guidance on supplementing with salt or electrolytes year-round.
Free Faecal Water Syndrome can be triggered by subtle changes in forage, fibre, and management. Discover how diet, stress, and gut health interact — and what you can do to help.
Soya for horses explained: why it’s used in horse feed, different forms of soy, and the facts behind concerns about hormones, behaviour, and inflammation.
As horses live longer, deciding when to introduce a veteran feed is less about age and more about individual needs. Changes in teeth, weight, digestion, and muscle can happen at very different stages, meaning some horses benefit from veteran-style nutrition earlier, while others never need it at all. This article looks at the key signs to watch for and how to choose the right feed based on what your horse can chew, digest, and utilise - rather than the number on their passport.
This time of year has seen a large increase in colics due to drastic changes in the weather. If your horse is suffering from winter colic or you want some ideas on how to prevent them from dehydrating or getting a chill this winter, have a read...
Taking time at the beginning of the year to evaluate your horse's nutrition is a great way to start the year off right. The link between training and nutrition is the first building block of progress. This week, we explore and explain the connection and why it's important for your horse.