With many events cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic many of us are left wondering what to do with our equine friends who were feeling primed ready for their first run of the season.  For some you might take this time to polish up on your training or you may turn to online competitions while you are under house arrest, but for others this may give you the opportunity to give your horse a well-deserved break. It is important to remember that if you do decide to reduce your horses’ level of work during these uncertain times, that you take into account their energy level and adjust the daily ration accordingly. When deciding on a balanced ration for your horse fibre should be the forefront of the diet to help ensure a healthy hind-gut.  Most horses, especially those whose work schedule has been reduced, will do well on a high fibre feed which will supply the low energy levels necessary for horses in light to moderate work. Rowen Barbary have designed two different types of feeds which will supply low energy levels, suitable for horses in light to moderate work - ReadyMash and Leisure Plus.

• ReadyMash is a fully balanced mash suitable for horses requiring a high fibre, low energy diet.  Taking just 5 minutes to soak, to expand into a very soft textured mash, this will help keep energy levels to a minimum and is suitable for feeding horses & ponies at all ages and activity levels.
• Leisure Plus is a high fibre feed designed to provide low energy levels through a balance of highly digestible fibre sources and cooked flaked cereals.  Containing an array of ingredients including Linseed and Soya Oil, Calcareous Marine Algae, Chamomile Flower, Spearmint and Nettle this will help keep your horse in tip top shape.

Bear in mind that we will soon be seeing a flush of grass growth as the temperature rises, so if a lot of grass is available this can cause a significant problem with horses prone to laminitis.  Consider strip grazing to help limit the horses grass intake as well as periods of turnout in a grazing muzzle. If you do have a horse susceptible to laminitis consider using low starch and sugar feeds such as Forage ‘n’ Fibre.  High in fibre, this will help provide you horse will all the daily nutrients in one bag while keeping energy and calories to a minimum. In case you are unable to attend to your horse you should consider writing down your horses normal routine and if stabled the amount of hay / haylage given and any additional feed or supplements.  .  If possible consider whether  your horse can be turned out 24/7 to help ease the burden if you are either can’t, or are not allowed to attend the yard. Please be assured that we are working with our distributors and stockist to ensure the continued supply of Rowen Barbary Horse Feeds to help keep your horses fed.