Advertisement featureUnderstanding a horses unique nutritional requirements is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. Just like humans, horses need a balanced diet to thrive.Horses have evolved as grazing animals, spending most of their days slowly nibbling on forage. However, modern horse care practices often limit access to ideal grazing conditions.Whether this is due to limited turnout space, seasonal changes, or inadequate forage quality, these deficiencies can lead to nutritional imbalances. This can manifest itself in various ways, impacting a horses health and performance.Addressing a dietary gapHorslyx Balancers offer a convenient and natural solution to address these dietary gaps.These palatable lickable blocks are formulated to mimic the natural grazing process, providing the horse with acontinuous supply of essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements.Benefits of feeding Horslyx balancersSupports optimal digestion Small but regular intakes of nutrients from Horslyx throughout the day and night promote saliva production that is crucial for proper food breakdown and gut health.Enhanced nutrient absorption Horslyx balancers are meticulously formulated to target common deficiencies in forage.Improved coat and hoof health Horslyx balancers are enriched with biotin, methionine, chelated zinc and linseed oil, contributing to strong hooves and a healthy skin and coat.Reduced stress and boredom Continuous access to Horslyx balancers provides a source of mental and physical stimulation, promoting calmer behaviour.Supports a healthy immune system Horslyx balancers, especially thosecontaining antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium, can help to support a horses immune system.A diverse range Horslyx offers balancers for respiratory support, joint care, gut support, appetite stimulation and even biting insect protection.Horslyx balancers provide essential vitamins, minerals and trace elementsTried and trusted by horse ownersHorslyx balancers have been trusted by horse owners around the world for decades, including Ellie, pictured below with her horse, Romeo.Horslyx provides a unique and innovative approach to ensuring that the modern horse receives an ideal supply of vitamins, micro minerals and trace elements.Committed to ethical sport, Horslyx is also rigorously tested to monitor for specified Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPS), proudly meeting the stringent standards of the BETA NOPS code, ensuring traceability and quality control.Ellie understands the benefits of giving her horse Romeo a Horslyx balancerAll about the Horslyx balancer rangeThere are six Horslyx balancers, all six containing the fundamental B vitamin biotin to promote and maintain the growth of healthy hooves.Horslyx Original Balancer for all-round healthThis contains linseed oil, which is rich in omega-3, helping to produce healthy skin and a glossy coat while supporting immune function.Horslyx Mobility Balancer for joint care This can help to maintain healthy joints for performance horses, or it can be used as an aid for older horses. It contains glucosamine HCI, MSM, omega-3 oils and a combination of powerful antioxidants.Horslyx Respiratory BalancerProvides a two-pronged approach to supporting a healthy respiratory system. Ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus and aniseed support the airways, while the balancer package helps to maintain immunity.Support for a horses respiratory systemHorslyx Digestion Balancer Supports the digestive system from the stomach to the hindgut. Ingredients include slippery elm and seaweed meal, along with yeast to maintain pH and promote fibre digestion.Horslyx Mint Balancer for fussy feeders Contains real peppermint oil. The aroma and taste of mint is an ideal appetite stimulant for fussy equines.Horslyx Garlic Balancer This natural fly deterrent contains pure garlic oil to provide an effective way of combating biting insects during the warmer months.Stockists and money off vouchersAt a Horslyx stockist, you can pick up a free guide to Horslyx balancers that is packed with advice and money off vouchers.Find your nearest stockist hereFor more information about Horslyx balancers and how they can help your horse, visit our website.The post Choose a Horslyx balancer to mimic the natural grazing process for a balanced diet *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.

Slow feed hay nets can help reduce an obese horses hay intake while increasing his time spent eating. | IStockHorses have evolved over time to be trickle feeders, consuming small amounts of forage throughout the day with no prolonged fasting periods. However, feeding some groups of horses free-choice hay can lead to problems such as obesity when the hay is too rich for them.This has led to an increase in popularity of slow feeders to improve the management of horses. When the primary forage source is too high in caloric density, the forage intake must be limited, says Natalie Sullivan, MSc, equine nutritionist and owner of On Course Equine Nutrition, in Missoula, Montana. A slow-feed device attempts to increase the number of hours the horse spends chewing and salivating to prevent unwanted behaviors and gastric ulcers.When to Use Slow Hay Feeders for Your HorseIt is no secret that there is an epidemic of equine obesity, which is a serious welfare concern for horses. When a horse needs restricted forage intake it can be challenging for owners to avoid prolonged fasting periods. Limited forage intake for horses can have serious consequences, such as an increased risk of gastrointestinal upset as well as the development of stereotypiesrepetitive behaviors that have no apparent purpose. Therefore, owners should avoid fasting periods longer than four hours for their horses.When some horses have free-choice access to hay, they develop excess adiposity (fat tissue) and become obese, which can cause an increased risk of metabolic disorders and health issues such as hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis. Finding the right balance between forage access to prevent gastrointestinal issues and avoiding obesity is crucial to promoting good equine welfare.Owners must exercise caution when restricting overweight horses forage intake: 1.5% of the horses body weight in forage is the absolute minimum required to prevent torsions, twists, and other gastrointestinal tract problems, says Don Kapper, retired equine nutrition expert with more than 37 years of experience formulating products, researching, and teaching about equine nutrition.When restricting your horses forage, Kapper suggests starting by splitting your horses daily hay ration into four meals, though some horses might need five or six meals if they finish their hay quickly. Dividing the rationed forage over many feedings within a 24-hour period can help avoid the horse having prolonged periods without access to hay.How to Choose a Slow Hay Feeder for Your HorseAgain, slow-feeding devices can be extremely useful for making your horses hay last longer and help reduce the number of feedings. This might be especially helpful in a situation when four or more hay feedings are not practical. Owners have a variety of choices when shopping for a slow-feeding device. Some options include hay nets, hay balls, feeders made with plastic or metal grates, and automatic feeders. I always provide clients with multiple options when recommending slow feeders, says Sullivan. I have found that there is not one that everyone tends to really like. Labor, cost of the product, and the horses personal preference are all factors that should be taken into consideration.If your horse needs a slow feeder to maintain a healthy body condition, it might take some trial and error to find a good fit. The ideal size of the feeding holes for your horse depends on his individual needs. If you are using a slow-feeding device, time how long it takes your horse to empty it. There are horses that are more aggressive eaters than others, says Kapper. Even with the same amount of hay in the same hay net, horses will eat at different rates. Some situations warrant double-netting, which works, but note that it is very individual for what is best from horse to horse.Slow Hay Feeder Safety ConsiderationsAlways prioritize safety when selecting and setting up a slow feeder for your horse. Special precaution must be taken for horses with shoes, says Kapper, for which he recommends products with smaller holes.For shod horses, always hang hay nets at least one foot off the ground, Kapper adds. For horses without shoes, owners can make the net level with the ground, but the average hay net should never rest on the ground. Everything needs a breakaway, like a leather strap, or even a piece of baling twine, says Kapper, to ensure the horse can break free in the event of an emergency.RELATED CONTENT: Horse Slow Feeder Safety Sullivan says hanging hay nets too high can lead to poor respiratory health. It is recommended that feeding lower to the ground, when safety allows, facilitates drainage from the nasal passage, which can lower the risk of respiratory infection, she says.The majority of the time dental issues are not a concern, however, there are always exceptions, says Kapper. I have come across a hay net with plastic coated wire, and I would recommend staying away from those as that would increase susceptibility to dental and gum damage.Sullivan says she does not recommend slow feeders with metal grates for the same reason.Hay Quality and Slow FeedersWhen considering whether your horse can benefit from a slow feeder, carefully assess the quality of the hay. If you have an easy keeper, choose forage lower in caloric content so you wont have to restrict forage intake as much. When the primary forage matches the horses caloric needs, a slow-feeding device is not required, says Sullivan. If you are wanting to avoid hay waste when not using a slow-feeding device, simply use a product with larger holes (greater than 2 inches).If you have an easy keeper, having your hay tested can save you the frustration of restricting forage intake severelyknowing your hays caloric content and grade better equip you to make slow-feeding decisions. Grades 3 and 4 hay are termed utility hay and recommended for easy keepers, says Kapper. You can get hay that is so mature it can cause impaction colic. This would be Grade 5 hays, which are not recommended for feeding.When evaluating hay analysis results, look at the relative feed value (RVF), which can indicate the overall quality of that forage. Utility hay (Grades 3 and 4) is defined as having a RFV between 75 and 102, with higher quality forage being 103 or greater, and poorer quality forage falling below 74 RFV.Therefore, if you have control over the hay your horse eats, focus on finding a hay source with a lower caloric content before choosing the best slow feeder for your horse. From there, use trial and error to find a slow-feeding method that works for your horses unique needs. Remember to prioritize safety and try multiple products if the first one isnt a great match for you and your horse.

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Job Vacancy - We are looking for someone experienced who can run and manage our busy riding school office and yard every weekend!

Stable View and Ram Tap kept Eventers busy on each coast this weekend, from Starter/Intro to Preliminary. Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with an extra special shout out to the winner of our...

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Phillip Dutton (@duttoneventing) Several U.S.-based athletes attended the weekends FEI Eventing Forum, held in Lausanne, Switzerland to discuss important matters within the sport of eventing. On...

There is no horse welfare without a healthy environment was one of the key messages at World Horse Welfares recent webinar on sustainable equestrianism, during which leading experts in the field shared things that every horse owner can do to improve their impact on the planet.The 80-minute webinar, which is part of the charitys Welfare Wednesday Webinars, took place last week and was entitled Sustainable equestrianism: making the management of our horses more environmentally friendly.The panel featured Ruth Dancer, director at White Griffin, and Jenny Fernando, World Horse Welfare director of finance and administration, and was chaired by the charitys chief executive Roly Owers. The trio discussed what owners can do to ensure their horses are living as environmentally sustainably as possible.Ruth stressed the importance of not taking the environment for granted and not relying on other people to take action.The greatest threat to this planet is the belief that someone else will save it, she said. Every individual has an impact and the cumulative impact is what provides and produces the result. How to do your bitYour Horse was invited to view the webinar, and these are the top 10 things it was suggested that all horse owners can do to make a positive impact on our horses environment and, in turn, the planet.Conserving energySwitch off yard and stable lights and other electrical appliances when they are not being used.Enhance natural light sources to reduce the need for electricity for example, adding a window into your horses stable.Use renewable energy sources. Lots of equestrians are switching to wind turbines or solar, which is great as you maintain more control over your energy, advised Ruth.ProductsConsider whether you really need to buy what you are intending to buy. If you do, could you buy it second hand? Make sure you buy the best quality so it will last and buy it from a local supplier where possible.Remember the three Rs: repair, reuse, recycle. The best way of reducing emissions is to use stuff we already have and not go through the manufacturing process, added Ruth.Land managementKnow your grass.Get to know your specific soil type. Do some really basic research, which is readily available on the internet, to understand what that means for you and what you can grow well there, said Ruth. What type of grass do you have? Can you diversify? Move away from this monoculture with muddy, boggy bits everywhere and a fence.Utilise manure.Are you paying for manure to be taken away? Are you storing it and harrowing it back into the ground? Can you use those nutrients? We want to follow natures example as much possible rather than putting chemicals back into the land, added Ruth.Speak to your vet about switching to faecal worm egg counts and avoid using dewormers, which not only impact horses but also impact the environment and are not helpful in the growing problem of resistance to wormers.Saving waterWater shortages lie ahead, so its important to value water and not waste it. Dont allow buckets to overflow, fix any leaks, and apply water limiters to hoses. Consider installing water butts to catch rain water and use this to fill up buckets and troughs. This is called rainwater harvesting and is not only better for the environment, but better on your pocket, too. There is a bit of investment involved [in setting this up] but I really believe it will provide us with much needed water for our horses and our sport, continued Ruth.The most important thing is to start somewhere and do something. Dont be overwhelmed and think you have to do it all.Focus on the things you can control, do the things you can do and dont think you have to do it all at once. Dont be afraid to make mistakes, concluded Ruth.Main image ShutterstockFurther readingHorse worming schedule and management adviceTraditional frequent worming is unnecessary, research showsUKs first plastic-free arena surface launched7 ways to enrich your horses environmentEquine carbon calculator launched to inspire environmental actionThe post Horse welfare and being environmentally friendly are intrinsically linked, say experts appeared first on Your Horse.

Key Points Description Rescue and Rehabilitation Joy Fulfillment in rehabilitating a rescue pony through perseverance and affection, as seen in Samantha Sansevere's experience with Gru. Bond Building The bond created during rehabilitation surpasses training, leading to trust and mutual understanding. Adoption Challenges Adoption entails trials, including frustrations with rescue organizations and the need for thorough vetting. Human-Pony Bond Importance of patience and consistency to forge a strong connection, enabling mutual healing and growth. New Adventures The strong bond sets the stage for new accomplishments, as shown by ponies like Lloyd and Graham. Community and Support Significance of supportive networks like World Horse Welfare in enhancing the rescue pony experience. Equestrian Supplies A variety of essentials, from horse riding gear to vitamins, are available at Just Horse Riders. Treats and Protection Reward your pony with treats and protect them with appropriate gear ensuring a joyful experience. Conclusion Rescue pony journey is enriching yet challenging, requiring a nurturing environment, patience, and resources. Exploring the Joys and Challenges of Sharing a Rescue Pony for Magical AdventuresRescue ponies often arrive with a history as rich and intricate as the most gripping tales. Choosing to share your life with such a pony means embarking on a journey filled with profound joys and challenges. This blog will offer a deep dive into the heartwarming experiences and potential hurdles, spotlighting the enchanting adventures that await.Understanding the Rescue and Rehabilitation JoyThere is significant fulfillment in the rehabilitation process of a rescue pony. Its a journey of transformation marked by perseverance and affection. Samantha Sanseveres heartfelt narrative of her experience with Gru, a pony she rescued from dire circumstances, encapsulates this beautifully. Gru transitioned from a skittish pony into a dependable camp and lesson horse, as chronicled at Enchanted Hollow Stables [2].The bond built during the rehabilitation process goes beyond simple trainingit's about trust and mutual understanding. These incredible animals have so much wisdom to impart, if were just willing to listen and learn from them.The Challenges Inherent in AdoptionAdopting a rescue pony is not without its trials. Recounted by Horses & Heels, the potential frustrations in dealing with rescue organizations can be overwhelming, with stories of unexplained rejections despite having ample equine experience and a welcoming environment [1]. It underscores the need for thorough vetting of organizations before committing.This perplexing element of adoption stresses ensuring the chosen organization genuinely prioritizes the horses' welfare as their primary mission.Fostering a Strong Human-Pony BondCreating a powerful connection with your rescue pony is crucial. Through patience and consistency, as observed in Samantha's relationship with Gru, a bond is forged that withstands many challenges. Samantha had to overcome injuries and rebuild her own confidence alongside her equine friends, underlining the mutual healing capabilities [2].Setting the Stage for New AdventuresThe formation of this bond lays the groundwork for countless new adventures. Despite past challenges, rescue ponies like Lloyd, who triumphed in The Royal Cheshire County Show, showcase their potential to excel and delight [3].Another moving example is Graham, transformed into a driving star, evidence of the unbounded potential within these incredible animals.The Importance of Community and SupportHaving a supportive network can significantly enhance the rescue pony experience. Communities and organizations like World Horse Welfare and Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch provide vital resources and support systems. Kim Meeders work highlights how significant these relationships are, both for the pony and its new companions [4].Discovering Equestrian Supplies at Just Horse RidersEmbarking on this journey means equipping yourself and your pony with quality gear. Jodhpur Collection and Horse Riding Boot Collection are excellent starting points for riding essentials that blend comfort and style.Quality Apparel for Every RideTo fully enjoy horse riding, proper attire such as Horse Riding Gloves and Horse Riding Socks is essential for ensuring comfort and safety during every adventure.Nutrition and Well-beingEnsuring the well-being of your pony is crucial, with Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements playing an essential role in their health and vitality.A Cozy and Functional EnvironmentCreate a warm, inviting setting with Stable Rugs and Turnout Rugs, promoting their comfort and protection all year round.The Delight of Treats and GiftsRewarding your pony with Horse Treats And Gifts fosters trust and love, making both everyday interactions and special occasions delightful for you both.Protection Against Nature's ElementsThwart nuisances effectively with Horse Fly Protection, ensuring your pony remains focused and unfazed during outdoor activities.Conclusion: A Journey Worth Every StepSharing your life with a rescue pony is undoubtedly a journey filled with enriching experiences alongside some challenges. By committing to offering a nurturing environment and maintaining patience, alongside the right resources such as those available at Just Horse Riders, you open a world of opportunities for both you and your pony.Embrace the powerful bond and magical adventures that lie ahead, and remember, these remarkable creatures have much to offer, just waiting for the chance.```html```