Importance Of Feeding Fibre

There have been many articles written about the importance of feeding fibre to horses. It is important to remember that the horse’s natural diet is one of ad-lib forage. However, having horses stabled and turning them out in muddy fields makes this virtually impossible. It is therefore imperative to feed and manage the horse in a way that mimics nature as closely as possible.

Forage

Horses can get bored when stabled for long periods and so it is important that they have forage continually available. They may otherwise start looking for other forms of entertainment such as wood chewing and wind sucking. Studies have shown that horses like a variety of forage and will choose between different types if given the option. This behaviour is similar to a grazing animal browsing in the field. With this in mind it is worth considering a forage option in the stable alongside the hay net.

Salt

Most forage diets offered are low in salt. This is one consideration often overlooked. Most horses do not have an adequate intake of salt in their diet and this can make a difference to performance. More often than not a horse is deficient in salt when it is in work and this deficiency will only grow worse in warm weather. The impact on performance may not necessarily show as a problem. It may be the odd pole down show jumping, or a lack of energy in a dressage test, but when it makes a difference to competition results it is a problem worth addressing. Supplementary salt should be provided daily in the ration and not just prior to or during competitions. Unfortunately palatability can often be a problem when adding salt to the feed, particularly in fussy horses. The Honeychop range overcomes both issues, containing salt at a rate of 25 grams per Kg in a highly palatable formula, which is the recommended amount for an average horse in light work in a moderate climate.

Not Getting Enough Fibre !

Horses evolved eating a high fibre diet and fibre is still the single most important component in your horse's diet aside from water. If your horse isn't getting enough fibre it can be facing serious consequences including colic, dehydration and diarrhoea. So be sure to feed enough, it will keep your horse healthier.

How Much Fibre To Feed

The minimum quantity of fibrous feeds you should offer your horse per day is 1% of its own bodyweight. This can be worked out easily as it equals 1kg of Fibre to every 100kg of bodyweight. So an average horse of 500kg should be fed 5kg of fibre per day. This however is the minimum amount; preferably a horse should be fed at least 2% of its bodyweight per day in fibrous feeds. This level will give the horse plenty of feed to chew on, keep their gut full and make them happy.