Keeping Equine's Waistline in Check this Autumn!

With the weather on the turn and autumn weather heightening the risk of laminitis The Saddlery Shop takes a look at keeping our equine's waistlines in check! Feeding horses and ponies that are prone to gaining weight can be a real puzzle for lots equine owners so how do we keep their waistline in check whilst providing all nutrients they need to live a healthy lifestyle? Some breeds, particularly native types are sensitive to grass which is high in starchy and sugary calories sometimes resulting in an expanding waistline. If you own a “good doer” and forage is the main part of their diet, for health reasons it may be wise to restrict their access to excessive grazing when it is especially lush. This can be achieved either by using restrictive fencing or a grazing muzzle available from The Saddlery Shop so that you don't have to limit your horse's turnout time. Your horse needs access to plenty of low calorie forage but some equines, if they are carrying a few unnecessary pounds, may need their concentrate feed to be reduced. However it is essential to remember when reducing calories in our equine’s diet that they may require supplementation of vitamins and minerals in their diet to maintain optimum health and wellbeing. This is because in order to be healthy our horses and ponies require a balanced diet which incorporates all the vital vitamins and minerals they need. Vitamins and minerals play a multitude of roles within the body including supporting the immune system, bone and teeth structure, benefitting eyesight and assisting nerve and muscle function. The Saddlery Shop offers a range of vitamin and mineral supplements in health and well being including brands such as; Clop, Equivite or Benevit. Don’t forget a healthy lifestyle should also include regular exercise too and any dietary changes should be implemented gradually.