My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Wondering where to start when it comes to nutrition? Stateline Tack has an introductory guide on their website with some good basic advice . . . and many links to other resources: Guide to Proper Horse Nutrition. From my perspective, the most important elements of any feeding program are: Make forage the core of your […]
Read MoreMagnesium is one of the most common ingredients in calming supplements for horses. It’s used for two reasons. First, magnesium supports muscle relaxation. Second, magnesium is involved in nervous system function and can help reduce hypersensitivity. The question is, does magnesium work? Horses that are deficient in magnesium may have muscles spasms, tight muscles or […]
Read MoreAs I mentioned in my post yesterday, I’m tired. In fact, I was tired before going hunting. It has something to do with the beginning of high school and the necessity of waking up at 6:15 to make sure my daughter arrives at school on time. I am much more chipper if I can sleep […]
Read MoreFreedom is like one of your skinny friends who eats all the time but still complains about being too thin. While eating six quarts (6.5 lbs) of Triple Crown, two quarts of alfalfa pellets (2.5 lbs) and all the hay he wants per day, he was getting ribby. I know that Willow and Curly are […]
Read MoreI had a question this week about how to calculate the amount of fat that feeding flax seed will add to your horse’s diet. Horses tolerate fat very well, despite the fact that horses don’t have gall bladders, they digest fat very efficiently in their small intestines. Now with Freedom, I’ve never worried about feeding […]
Read MoreFor horses, consistency in their diet is key to good health. Horses develop a microbial population in their intestines that is specific to what they are being fed. Changing it can cause digestive upset that can lead to colic and, in extreme cases, laminitis. According to a recent SmartPak Webinar, 10 Guidelines for Smarter Feeding, […]
Read MoreFor the last couple of years I’ve bought my hay locally from the town farm. One of the advantages of buying from them was that they would hold several hundred bales for me and deliver them as needed. I liked having the hay “on tap” and appreciated that the horses were able to have the […]
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