Feeds and forage with a high level of sugars, simple carbohydrates and imbalanced mineral ratios have been proven to be a major cause of laminitis and other hoof ailments; they are too rich for the horse’s digestive tract to utilize and metabolize properly. Most recreational adult horses require little more than good quality hay, water and a free-choice loose white salt supplement and possibly a mineral mix.

Of course, depending on the use, age, exercise level and temperament of the horse, it may be necessary to supplement the basic hay ration to ensure adequate digestible energy is provided and that appropriate vitamins and minerals are present in the proper ratio to each other. Many minerals work in synergistic pairs and can compete for absorption; they need to be carefully balanced for optimum absorption, as well as to avoid potential toxic and/or deficient levels.

A forage analysis provided by a certified laboratory will provide a solid baseline of what a particular horse is eating and should form the basis of any sound nutritional program. Many horse owners spend thousands of dollars a year on horse feed and supplements, most of which do little to address the inherent incorrect mineral ratio common in modern equine diets, but simply provide more of the imbalance!

We are passionate about natural equine nutrition and are becoming more formally educated as the years go by! As part of our commitment to our hoof care clients, we offer the following services:

Hay Test Analysis and basic consultation
We will come to your farm and take a proper core sample of your hay (as required for the most accurate results) and send the sample to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Then, if you wish, we can review the lab results with you and explain in layman terms how the figures relate to and affect your feeding program.

We will sit down with you and show you the basics of how to crunch the numbers to understand what exactly your horse is eating, and what they actually require. We’ll help explain how to read a feed tag, demystify the supplement labels and explain how to determine individual intake needs for your specific horses and their individual requirements.

Please note: we do not offer formal ration balancing services. However, we are dedicated to equine health and wellness and we’re obtaining continuous formal education in the subject of equine nutrition and how it relates to the overall health of the horse. We are happy to help the recreational horse owner understand the basics of what can often be an intimidating subject.

For formal or certified ration balancing assistance, please consult with your local veterinarian or a qualified Equine Nutritionist. Alternately, an excellent resource is , Dr. Eleanor Kellon, DVM, who for approximately $100 will do a consult/ration balance for you.