MYTH OR FACT
A HORSE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO EAT UNLIMITED AMOUNTS OF FORAGE Myth
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In the past, horses grazed almost all day and all night: they would have spent up to 16 hours a day chewing on grass and herbs which were low in nutrients. Although grazing like this meant that the horse consumed a lot of fibre, this forage was low in sugars and proteins. There were also a lot of different herbs and grasses, providing the horse with all the vitamins and minerals it needed. The life of a ‘modern’ horse looks very different to how it looked years ago, but its digestive system has remained exactly the same. If a horse goes for too long without access to forage, there is a risk of health problems. Unlike people, horses only produce saliva when they chew, which promotes digestion and keeps the production of stomach acid under control. If saliva production stops for too long, it can cause digestive problems such as ulcers, choke and colic. Today’s forage is much richer in energy and proteins than it was in the past. If your horse has unlimited access to forage, there is a chance that it might consume more energy than it actually needs. This is often coupled with health risks such as laminitis and obesity. Forage tailored to your horse’s energy needs, in the smallest possible portion. That’s the advice for a well-functioning digestive system and a happy athlete.
12 valor, Forage first. But not forage only
