KEEPING YOUR HORSE CONTENT

Your Horse & Country Magazine

ow that your new horse, is no longer new. He will now be comfortable in showing you his many different personality traits. Is he mischievous, silly, naughty, or possibly you have a more serious horse on your hands. Whichever best describes your horse, there will be many methods to keep them happy, and ensure their personality continues to grow.

You should by now have got used to how your horse likes to

Nbe handled, tacked up and even fed. Some are fussy and some simple. There are many ways to feed your horse, depending on your horse’s workload and forage options you may chose to feed a hard feed, this could be offered by simply placing on the floor or in a bowl. However, if your horse is slightly more playful or you need to slow him down, why not try a treat ball. There are a variety of options ranging in difficulty. Not only will this provide you horse food but will also stimulate and eliminate boredom. If you find your horse does become idle in the stable, and can be self-destructive there are also many ways to keep him occupied. You can purchase boredom breakers such as balls, swinging licks and salt licks from many equestrian and country stores, alternatively many owners will hide carrots, hang swedes or a hand to mouth stretching exercise will give your horse hours of fun, and bonding time with their owner. Remember your horse is getting to know you, as much as you are him. Horses can be sensitive to sudden changes, always ease your horse into new activities, and even changes to diet to cause upset. Any sudden disturbance can cause digestive issues leading to an unhappy horse, initially it is recommended to introduce different feeds, supplements, and forage over a period of time in smaller amounts, once your horse is familiar this can then be increased if needed.

All horses’ routines will differ due to field quality, yard management, personal preference but also welfare of your horse. You may choose to have your horse stabled or turned out 24/7, depending on your grass and forage quality throughout the winter months, you may offer your horse hay or haylage in its paddock for added nutrition. 

 With winter being notorious for harsher, colder and sometimes even wetter weather conditions, you grass’ quality may suffer. If this is the case you may find that your horse’s weight, coat, or hooves may also suffer this could be noticed by visual observation, or you may notice the lack of nutrients in their behaviour. Tiredness, lack of wanting to work and grumpy behaviour could all be signs of they are not getting the nutrients they require. Supplementary feeding could help aid your horse during the more difficult months of the year, when the option to forage for their own nourishment to selfheal is not an option.

If your horse is stabled in the winter this again will be your decision on whether you feed hay or haylage. Speak with your veterinarian and ask what they best recommend. Some horses can become ‘fizzy’ being fed haylage, so hay may be the best option for you. Something else to mention to your vet would be if your horse needs his hay soaked, steamed or if he can be fed it dry. Many horses suffer from coughs and could be supported with wet hay. Next, how will you feed your forage?

Over the years many feeding options have been developed ranging from a simple haynet which is tied through a tie ring, haynets on the floor for barefoot horses, barrels, haybars and much more, in time you will find out what is best for your horse, but also yourself. Think about time saving, mucking out and cost. Make sure it is right for the both of you.

Winter is not always doom and gloom, this gives you the opportunity to prepare your fields for the spring. If you can, why not consider fertilising or seeding your fields when they are rested. Not only will this help with your grass growth but will help to encourage a better-quality forage when your horse is able to be turned out once again. Please do bear in mind, great quality grass can also come with its problems, horses tend to gorge and can overeat leading to more sinister issues. Consider creating smaller paddocks, strip grazing, grass management or if recommended by a professional, grazing muzzles to ensure your horse can enjoy its pasture to its fullest.

Thankfully the Winter months do not last forever, lighter, warmer and longer days are not too far ahead. Use this time to prepare for the spring, what are your plans for your horse this year, hacking, schooling, competing or training consider what changes you will need to make to offer additional support to your horses heightened or lowered workload in the months ahead, as before you know it your routine will change all over again!

Haynets From Elico

A jute haynet called the Crofton has been launched by Elico Equestrian.

The natural, rustic-coloured net is robust enough for the most enthusiastic equine eater, yet it’s completely biodegradable at the end of its life.

Just as jute or cotton bags win out over plastic carriers for shopping, now your customers can make an environmentally friendly choice about haynets too.

The Elico Crofton Jute Haynet is a conventional 40” long and has a standard mesh size.

Jute is widely considered to be a sustainable crop, grown with minimal use of fertilizers or pesticides.

On disposal, it decomposes within one to two years leaving no threat to the earth.

The Crofton Jute Haynet is made with no plastic, nylon or metal attachments – just jute. The degradation of jute is accelerated by wet conditions; therefore these haynets are best suited for long-term indoor use.