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About Strangles

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About Strangles

What is Strangles?

Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi. It affects horses, donkeys and ponies of all ages, breed and sex.  The bacteria often infect the lymph nodes around the jaw, causing them to become swollen. In severe cases they can become so swollen that horses struggle to breathe properly, hence the name ‘Strangles’.

What are the signs of Strangles?

The signs of strangles can vary enormously between cases, with some horses only exhibiting very mild signs, such as mild nasal discharge, which can be mistaken for other less serious respiratory diseases. More typical signs of Strangles include the following:

  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite/ Difficulty eating
  • Raised temperature
  • Cough
  • Nasal discharge, often thick and yellow (purulent or pus like).
  • Swollen lymph nodes (glands)  around the throat
  • Drainage of pus from the lymph nodes around the jaw

The incubation period (the time between infection and clinical signs) is between 3 and 14 days and most horses will recover fully within 6 weeks. However, roughly 10% of horses will remain carriers of the disease at this point. This means that they will no longer show clinical signs but they still harbour the bacteria in their guttural pouches, meaning they can intermittently spread the disease to other horses.

Complications of Strangles

Occasionally (in about 1% of cases) abscesses will develop within other body organs, this is known as ‘bastard strangles’ and can be fatal.

Another rare, but also potentially life threatening, complication of Strangles is ‘Purpura haemorrhagica’. This condition causes bleeding from the capillaries and fluid accumulation (oedema) in and around the limbs and the head. This accumulation of fluid can become so severe that there is circulatory collapse and death.

Diagnosis of Strangles

Sometimes Strangles can be diagnosed on clinical signs alone but often your vet will take a nasopharyngeal swab for confirmation of the disease. This is taken from the throat by passing the swab up the horse’s nose. Alternatively your vet may take a blood test from your horse which can help to identify not only infected horses but also carriers and those that have previously been exposed.  Another method of diagnosis is guttural pouch endoscopy, during which the inside of the guttural pouch can be visualised and samples can be taken for testing. Your vet will advise you on the most appropriate method of diagnosis for your horse as this depends upon the individual case.

Treatment of Strangles

The mainstay of treatment for Strangles is supportive care. This involves treatment such as anti-inflammatory medication in order to treat the raised temperature and make horses feel well enough to eat. Feeding wet, sloppy food from the floor also makes it easier for infected horses to swallow and encourages the abscesses to drain. Hot compressing of the abscesses will also help to bring them to the surface, allowing them to rupture.

Very occasionally vets will treat infected horses with a course of antibiotics but this depends on the individual case.

Infected horses must be isolated, please see the article ‘Strangles Management’ for more information on this.

The treatment for carriers involves the removal of any chondroids (dried pus) from the guttural pouches via endoscopy and the use of topical antibiotics (usually penicillin) within the guttural pouches.

How does Strangles spread?

Strangles is a highly contagious disease which can spread quickly through a yard via direct horse to horse contact or indirectly through tack, shared drinking water and on clothing.

The bacteria can survive in water for up to four weeks.

Strangles within the UK

Strangles is endemic within the UK. This means that it is relatively common within the horse population. Outbreaks cause major economic problems, particularly on big yards, as affected yards should not allow horses to leave or enter the premises during this period. This means that horses are unable to go to competitions etc.

How can Strangles be prevented?

Prevention relies on good yard management and biosecurity, which will be discussed in the article ‘Strangles Management’.

There is also a vaccine available for at risk horses. It should be used in conjunction with good biosecurity.  Please contact your vet for more information on this.

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Strangles Management

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Good yard management and biosecurity provide the mainstay of Strangles prevention. Several measures can be taken to minimise the risk of Strangles on a yard, these include:

  • Ensuring that the yard is not overcrowded.
  • Avoid sharing tack or equipment from horses of an unknown health status.
  • At shows/when away from the yard do not allow your horse to touch horses of an unknown health status. Take your own buckets, water and equipment and do not allow horses to share.
  • Ensure that new arrivals to the yard are quarantined for at least 2 weeks.  The isolation facility should be at least 10 m away (ideally 25 m) from the other horses and all equipment should be kept separately.
  • A Strangles vaccination policy could be implemented on the yard. Please talk to your vet about this if it is something you are considering.
  • Some yards will insist that new horses are blood tested for Strangles before arrival on the yard. This is advantageous as it will identify any carriers who could potentially infect the yard. Best practice is to blood test before arrival and then at the end of the isolation period.

Management during an outbreak:

Even if all of the above steps are taken there is still a risk of Strangles on your yard. With this in mind it is important to have a yard protocol of what to do should an outbreak occur. Please speak to your vet about creating this. Below is an outline of the steps to take once a case of Strangles has been identified.

It is essential to isolate affected horses.
It is essential to isolate affected horses.
  1. Firstly the affected horse needs to be isolated from all other horses. This facility should be at least 10m away from the yard (ideally 25m) with all of its own equipment. It also should have its own water source. Staff should not move between the infected horse and normal horses. 
  2. Contact your vet to discuss appropriate management, treatment and testing. 
  3. The yard should be closed to prevent horses from entering or leaving the yard (even if they appear healthy). 
  4. Horses should be divided into three groups which do not mix:

    a.    Red group- horses with clinical signs of Strangles or a raised temperature
    b.    Orange group- horses which were in contact with horses from the red group, even if it was only in-direct (sharing water troughs etc.).
    c.    Green group- no known contact with horses in either the red or orange group 

  5. All healthy horses should have their rectal temperature monitored twice daily and any horses showing a raised temperature or clinical signs should be moved to the red group. 
  6. Foot dips and separate clothing/equipment should be available for each group of horses. Ideally separate staff should look after each group but if this is not possible then staff should always move from the lowest risk to the highest risk horses (green to orange to red) thus touching the infected horses last. 
  7. Notify all owners on yard. 
  8. No horse should be allowed to leave the red area until 3 consecutive negative nasopharyngeal swabs or a single negative guttural pouch wash is taken. Each sample should be tested for both culture and PCR. 
  9. Horses in the green and amber groups should be blood tested to check for evidence of infection or carrier status.
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Fitting the correct Bomber Bit for your horse or pony

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How to find the right bit for your horse…

In this latest article, we look at how to measure, fit and find the correct Bomber Bit for you and your Horse. Here is a comprehensive guide you should follow to find the right bit for your horse’s mouth.

Firstly, you need to make sure your horse has no existing back, neck or mouth pain. Ask an EDT, vet, saddler or physical therapist to assess your horse and eliminate any issues – even the correct bit for your horse will not help behavioural issues linked to pain or discomfort caused by a physical problem.

What mouthpiece do I need?

The second step is knowing what mouthpiece you need. Bombers, having in excess of 20,000 bits on offer, gives you such a wide selection of bits that choosing can be difficult! Here are a few signs that can help you get on the right path:

  • If the horse sticks its nose up in the air the moment the reins are taken up, this could be the horse telling you that it is experiencing pain in its mouth. If using a single break snaffle, you could to change to a three-piece bit such as a Control Plate or an elliptical.

Loose Ring Control Plate 45Elliptical Loose Ring

  • The horse shaking its head probably means that it does not want or accept tongue pressure very well. From the snaffle or control plate, you could go softer to the Happy Tongue, designed specifically to take pressure off the tongue. We stock a wide range of Happy Tongue mouthpieces in our stock, as they are becoming increasingly popular.

Happy Tongue 2.5 RingLoose Ring Happy Tongue

  • A horse bringing its chin up to its chest in an effort to evade the bit is a sure sign of ‘too much bit for the horse’. Subsequently, this means they are trying to relieve the pressure. The solution is to either ride on a looser rein, or use a softer bit. From the Snaffle one could use the Lock Up or even an Ultra Comfy Lock up.

Snaffle Loose RingLoose Ring Ultra Comfy Lock up

  • The horse that pokes its nose forward, trying to pull the reins out of the rider’s hands in an effort to relieve the pressure of the bit; once again the solution being to use a softer bit. The Ultra Comfy Lock up is always popular!

How do I accurately measure my horses mouth?

Furthermore, a crucial aspect in finding the correct bit is knowing what size you need. Using a bit measure or straight rod, put it in the horse’s mouth and lift it to the correct place in the mouth, and mark the bar on both sides just outside the lip crease. You then measure the distance and see how many millimetres between the marks on the bar. If you are struggling to find something to measure with, we always recommend the wooden spoon!

Beth and Coxon-Gilliatt and RupertThe bit size will differ depending on the type of mouth piece required. The majority of  horses are fitted with bits that are too tight and this just adds more pressure points. With a fixed mouth piece, bit the size required is the measured size; with the single and double break bits, this should be the measured size, plus 10 mm, to take into account the way the bits move and fit. In addition to this add 5mm if the bit has a loose ring cheek piece. Nothing additional needs to be added for fixed cheek pieces.

Once you have established the mouthpiece and the width, then you have to establish which cheek piece would be suitable. This is dictated by various aspects, including the discipline the rider is participating in, and the skill level of the rider.

Small horse bits that measure 105mm to 120mm, we actually consider these to be pony bits. This means that they include pony rings and a smaller thickness (B12). From 125mm to 150mm, they include normal rings with a slightly bigger thickness (B14).

However, we do offer a service where you can customise your Bomber Bit, with an average lead time of just 4-6 weeks! 

Get in touch today if what you’re looking for is not on-site, and is something you require HERE, or give us a call.

If you need some help picking the cheek piece, read below…

What cheek piece should I be using?

We have put together the actions on the majority of cheek pieces that we stock.

Loose Ring

Loose Ring Colin MilesThe most popular – the loose ring has much more movement and play than a fixed butt, or cheek. It discourages fixing, blocking and leaning, and encourages mouthing.

It allows the mouthpiece more movement, so that it may follow the angle of the tongue, because the angle of the poll and the horse’s overall outline changes through different work etc.

A quality loose ring, correctly fitted, should not cause any nips or rubs. (The Loose Ring Colin Miles is pictured).

 

 

 

Eggbutt

The Eggbutt is a fixed cheek. Everything remains more still in the mouth, and if a horse is lacking in the confidence to stretch into the contact, this may prove extremely beneficial.

Full Cheek (Fulmer)

Fulmer Lock UpThe Fulmer is designed to reinforce the turning aids and gives a more snug fit. If the upper cheek is fixed to the bridle cheekpiece with fulmer keepers, this will fix the mouthpiece in the mouth and also give some poll pressure.

The full cheek is very useful for starting young horses, especially if you do not have access to a safe / enclosed working environment, such as an indoor or outdoor school.

(The Fulmer Lock Up is pictured.)

 

2.5 Ring (Universal)

Happy Tongue 2.5 RingAny extension above the mouthpiece will cause poll pressure (head lowering), any extension below the mouthpiece will give leverage (head raising). Combining the two is generally referred to as a gag action.

The Universal is widely used here in the UK.

The gag action is not excessive, and even strong horses generally appreciate this, and respond, as opposed to fighting it.

(The Happy Tongue 2.5 Ring is pictured).

 

 

Pelham

The Pelham is a compromise between the Bradoon (Snaffle) and Weymouth (Double Bridle) Curb Bit.  The Pelham bit has been used successfully with one rein (employing roundings) over many years. Children and novice riders may have great difficulty riding with two reins.

Polo Pelham 75 Bomber BlueThe Pelham exerts pressure on the poll, the curb groove and the mouth. It is available in a variety of mouthpieces. The Pelham should always be employed with two reins for the show ring. Some horses will not jump with a curb action.

The curb action occurs when the horse is stretching out the neck prior to take off; contact is needed until one can ‘give’ the reins through the air. It is common practice to run the curb chain through a curb guard, in order to lessen the severity, as an alternative.

(The Polo Pelham 75 Bomber Blue is pictured – this longer length of shank is used for polo.)

 

Weymouth

It is not very often nowadays that we use a sliding cheek Weymouth. Better results are obtained from the fixed cheek Weymouth as it is stiller in the mouth, so the horse is more accepting and the aids through the rein more definitive. It’s often used in conjunction with a loose ring bradoon.

Alternatively, if you are having trouble deciding or want to get in touch about a custom bit, click here.

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Getting Gut Ready for Winter

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Horse stood against a black background

Knowing what to feed your horse and when can be a minefield. Ensuring that they have the right nutrition and amount is essential throughout the changing seasons, so Kate Hore, head nutritionist at NAF has detailed the essentials in this helpful guide for getting your horse’s gut ready for winter.
 

How to Get your horse’s gut ready for winter – Kate Hore. RNutr (Animal), R.Anim.Technol (Cert). Head Nutritionist at NAF

Dark days, cold weather and winter is upon us. Inevitably, this means changes for our horses, both in terms of diet and – often – routine too. As any change can disrupt the balance of the digestive tract microbiome, it is worth being aware and ensuring we take the right steps to keep our horse’s gut happy.
 
 
Horse eating hay

Forage changes – know what you’re feeding

Throughout the year, forage as long fibres should be the basis of the diet. For any horse general advice is to not drop below 1% of bodyweight (BW) as forage, as a minimum for gut health. Remember that guide is for dry matter (DM) forage, so it is important to weigh your forage and take into account its moisture content.

For example, a 500kg horse should have a minimum of 5kg DM forage, but that might mean up to 10kg of haylage in the net for a relatively wet haylage (50% moisture). Increasingly, we see much drier haylage produced, so check with your supplier and make sure you know what you are feeding. If feeding hay, around 90% DM is typical, so 5kg DM relates to 5.5kg as fed.

What winter forage lacks, whether stabled at night or wintering out, is much input from the grass. Grass growth stops when the soil temperature drops below 5°C, so very little nutrition is coming from their grazing, this results in a greater reliance on preserved forages. Grazing conditions may influence gut health through winter too. In very wet conditions, we find the intake of wet grass can disrupt the gut balance, which may be seen as a change in the consistency or number of your horse’s droppings, or water passed alongside normal faeces.

Horses in stables

Winter Stabling

For many, winter means longer time spent in the stable for our horses. Stabling can be an essential and practical part of winter management for some, but it does bring its own digestive challenges. The horse’s gut evolved to work most efficiently when grazing for around 16-18 hours per day – eating, walking, eating, walking – repeat. Therefore, even for horses on ad-lib forage the stable still challenges gut health by hugely reducing step count. We need to encourage horses to move in the box. Think about splitting forage, positioning feeders or nets across the box from each other, with water and salt lick in the other corners to encourage natural movement. Try to maintain turnout as much as possible where fields are in good condition, or if access to a turnout paddock is possible.

GastriAid for gut maintenance

Winter sees increasing challenges for the gut. Therefore, whether tucked up in a stable or wintering out, feeding NAF Five Star GastriAid daily is advised to help maintain a healthy digestive tract in all horses and ponies. NAF Five Star GastriAid combines herbs for mucosal health and natural rate of passage, with digestive ‘mopper-uppers’ like bentonite clay and NAF BioG – our unique combination of prebiotics, probiotic yeast and new postbiotics, working in synergy for total tract health.

NAF GastriAid

 

NAF GastriAID for total gut health

  • Saliva support
  • Maintain a healthy pH balance
  • Muscoal integrity
  • Promote nutrient uptake
  • Digestive binder

Remember, digestion is a continual process in horses and their gut is always designed to be working actively. Particularly true during the day, as they and their gut do rest more at night. Therefore, it is recommended to split NAF Five Star GastriAid into multiple feeds through the day, as practical.

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What is Laminitis in Horses?

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Grey horse stood in a field

Laminitis is an extremely painful condition that affects many horses and ponies each year. It can cause permanent damage to the hooves and, in severe cases, may even be fatal, making it a serious welfare concern for horse owners.

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is a painful and serious condition that affects the sensitive laminae, a type of tissue found in a horse’s hoof. When blood flow to the hoof is disrupted, the laminae are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation and swelling. Over time, this weakens and damages the laminae, causing them to stretch and deteriorate.

If not promptly treated, the tissue can begin to die, which may cause the pedal bone to rotate or even sink through the sole of the hoof, resulting in intense pain. Laminitis can affect any of the horse’s feet, though it most commonly occurs in the front feet. The condition can strike horses, ponies, donkeys and hybrids at any time of the year.

What causes laminitis in horses?

Laminitis in horse can have several causes, often linked to specific triggers or conditions:

  1. Inflammatory laminitis: Consuming large quantities of concentrates (like grain) in a single feeding can overwhelm the horse’s digestive system. Undigested sugar and starch pass into the hindgut, where they ferment rapidly, leading to gut damage. This damage allows toxins to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger laminitis. Other potential causes of inflammatory laminitis include colic, diarrhoea, severe pneumonia or a retained placenta in mares.
  2. Hormonal laminitis: Two hormonal disorders, equine Cushing’s disease (PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), are strongly associated with laminitis. These conditions result in elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream, a factor known to cause laminitis.
  3. Supporting limb laminitis: This type occurs when a horse with an injury or condition affecting one leg is forced to bear excessive weight on the opposite leg.  The strain on the supporting leg can lead to laminitis in that hoof due to abnormal weight distribution.
  4. Mechanical laminitis: Mechanical issues, such as poor hoof care or excessive strain, can also cause laminitis. Contributing factors include over-trimming, improper shoeing, fast or intense exercise on hard surfaces, an overly long toe or injuries like fractures or joint infections that cause uneven weight-bearing.
  5. Stress-induced laminitis: Various forms of stress can lead to laminitis. Sudden changes in the horse’s environment, diet or routine, frequent travel or overwork can all trigger the condition. Overweight horses and mares who have recently foaled are especially vulnerable.
Three horses stood in a field

How to treat laminitis in horses

If you think your horse has laminitis, contact your vet immediately and restrict your horse’s movement. Laminitis is always an emergency, as the condition is very painful and can cause further damage to the laminae if not treated quickly.

If your horse can still walk, gently move them to a nearby stable or sheltered area. If possible, create a deep bed of shavings to provide extra support and cushioning for your horse when they stand. Common veterinary treatments for laminitis include:

  • Medication: Pain relief is vital in treating laminitis and your vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or, in severe cases, stronger painkillers like morphine or pethidine. If laminitis is caused by an underlying issue such as an endocrine disorder, that condition will need to be treated as part of the overall plan.
  • Hoof support and care: Supporting the hooves is essential to prevent further damage. This can be achieved with a deep bed that covers the entire stable floor, frog supports attached to the feet and extended box rest (typically around one month) on a soft, cushioned bed. Therapeutic trimming or shoeing may be necessary depending on how much the pedal bone has rotated.
  • Dietary changes: Horses with laminitis should be removed from grass and fed low-quality hay instead. Concentrates (such as grain) should be eliminated or greatly reduced. Be careful when selecting commercial feeds marketed as safe for laminitic horses, as they may still contain too many soluble carbohydrates when combined with other feed sources.
Horse grazing in the field

How to prevent laminitis in horses

A balanced, low-calorie diet tailored to your horse’s type, age and activity level is essential for preventing laminitis. Feed small, frequent meals to support healthy digestion and limit access to lush pasture, particularly during the wet spring and summer months when grass sugar content is highest. Regular hoof care is important – schedule routine visits with a reputable farrier and check your horse’s feet daily for signs of heat or an increased digital pulse, both of which can indicate early stages of laminitis.

Additionally, be mindful of the surfaces your horse works on. Hard or uneven ground, such as roads or rocky terrain, can damage the hooves, so keep your horse at a steady walk on these surfaces. Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial to reduce mechanical strain on the feet. Lastly, seek immediate veterinary care if your mare has retained her placenta or if your horse shows signs of illness, as early intervention can prevent laminitis from developing.

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A Guide to Hay vs. Haylage for Horses

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Horse eating hay

During the winter months, hay and haylage are the primary forms of preserved forage given to horses. Though both are excellent sources of fibre, they each have distinct nutritional differences. Understanding these differences is integral to giving your horse the right food.

As such, we’ve put together this guide which goes over the specifics of hay and haylage for horses, giving you the essential details you need to keep your equine companion healthy and happy.

What is hay?

Hay is dried grass that is typically harvested from permanent pasture meadow grasses or sown seed leys, often featuring ryegrass. The grass is cut when it has developed seed heads but remains green, ensuring it contains a good balance of nutrients.

It is usually dried naturally in the field under the sun, although mechanical drying in barns is also an option. Having said this, in the UK, barn drying is less common due to the requirement for several consecutive days of warm weather to guarantee proper curing and storage.

Horse eating hay from a haynet

What is haylage for horses?

Haylage is partially dried grass with a moisture content typically ranging from 30% to 50%. After wilting, the grass is then compressed and wrapped in plastic film to create an airtight seal, allowing natural fermentation to happen.

This process preserves the optimal moisture level and nutrients, resulting in a high-energy, highly digestible feed. The grass for haylage is harvested earlier than hay, translating to higher nutrient retention. Production can occur from early June to September, offering a consistent and palatable forage option for horses, particularly beneficial in regions with unpredictable weather.

What’s the difference between hay and haylage?

Hay is harvested when grasses are more mature, usually between June and August. As a result, its moisture content is lower than haylage, averaging around 85-90% dry matter (DM) content.

The drying process causes some nutrient loss, making hay a lower-calorie forage. Due to its maturity and reduced nutrient density, hay is often less nutrient-dense but more fibrous, which can be beneficial for horses needing lower energy intake.

In contrast, haylage is harvested earlier and ensiled, leading to a lower DM content, typically around 50-70%, meaning it retains more moisture and nutrients. This necessitates a slightly higher weight to fulfil the desired fibre intake in a horse’s diet.

However, haylage has higher digestibility and a greater digestible energy (DE) content than hay. Consequently, horses often perform better on haylage, making it advantageous for those requiring higher energy intake but less suitable for overweight horses and those with metabolic or laminitic conditions due to its higher calorie content.

Haylage bale wrapped in plastic

What are the benefits of haylage for horses?

  • Dust-free: Haylage features a dust-free composition, reducing the risk of respiratory issues compared to traditional hay.
  • Respiratory health: Its moisture content helps absorb dust and mould spores, making it a safer choice for horses with allergies or compromised respiratory systems.
  • Suitable for various needs:
    • Ideal for horses in regular work or those with higher energy demands.
    • Beneficial for young horses requiring additional nutrition for growth.
    • Suitable for older horses, thanks to its easier digestibility.
  • Cost-effectiveness: While initially perceived as more expensive, haylage’s higher digestibility often results in less additional feed required, leading to long-term cost savings.
  • Potential for 100% forage diet: With proper management, haylage can support a 100% forage-based diet, especially for horses with higher energy requirements and adequate micronutrient intake.

Types of haylage for horses

1. Ryegrass haylage

Ryegrass haylage is known for its high energy content, making it a preferred choice for horses undergoing strenuous activities like racing. With its rich calorie profile, it effectively fuels horses, enabling them to sustain demanding workloads.

2. Meadow haylage

Meadow haylage offers a balanced alternative with lower calorie content compared to ryegrass haylage. Its increased water content, relative to standard meadow hay, gives it an inherent level of hydration for horses. This variant is particularly appealing to selective eaters, older equines and those prone to laminitis.

3. High fibre haylage

High fibre haylage serves as an excellent choice for horses involved in moderate to light activities. Renowned for its soft texture and exceptional palatability, it appeals to picky eaters and horses with sluggish appetites. Providing a moderate energy level, this haylage type avoids the heating effects associated with other varieties, ensuring a balanced nutritional intake.

4. Timothy haylage

Timothy haylage stands out for its exceptional fibre content and naturally low sugar levels, making it a sought-after option for horses that have metabolic issues like insulin resistance or obesity. Its abundant fibre supports digestive health while its balanced nutritional profile ensures sustained energy levels for horses engaged in various activities.

Hay Bales

Choosing the right haylage to feed your horse depends on its distinct needs.

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Laminitis & EMS – feeding advice from Dengie

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Horse in a field

What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?

The European College of Equine Internal Medicine defines Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) as ‘a collection of risk factors for endocrinopathic laminitis.’ So what does this mean?

EMS is a syndrome which means there are known risk factors or symptoms but the direct cause is not always understood. The other key point is that they are risk factors, which means that not every horse or pony with one or more of these risk factors will go on to develop laminitis. Lastly, endocrinopathic laminitis is laminitis that occurs as a result of disruption to the endocrine (hormone) system in the body. There are other causes of laminitis by endocrinopathic causes and these are widely accepted to be the most common in equines in the UK.

What can you do to reduce the risk?

If your horse or pony is overweight, they are at risk and a weight-loss plan is essential. The main source of energy (calories) in most horses’ diets is grass and is often the final trigger for laminitis with some estimates suggesting it is responsible for up to 60% of cases. Limiting turnout time, using a grazing muzzle or strip grazing are ways to reduce grass intake. Use straw to replace up to 50% of the horse’s hay or haylage ration to provide increased chew time without as many calories. Make any changes to their diet gradually to help reduce the risk of colic and make sure your horse’s teeth are in good condition before introducing straw, as it can be more difficult to chew. Studies demonstrate that feeding cereals reduces insulin sensitivity, so try to avoid these and opt for a low-calorie, high-fibre alternative like Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free.

Pony grazing in the field

What does success look like – monitoring your horse’s weight and condition

When we see our horses every day, it can be hard to spot any subtle changes in their fat coverage. Start to monitor their weight and condition more objectively. Taking photos of your horse can also provide a useful visual comparison over time but be aware that it may take several weeks or even months to see a significant difference from a photo alone.

Weigh take every 2 weeks and fat score at least every month

Dengie has a great guide to help you learn how to weigh tape and fat score.

Dengie produce a range of low-calorie, high fibre feeds:

Healthy Hooves Molasses Free – Vitamins, MSM and biotin are included. Provides 8.5MJ/kg DE, contains no added sugar and just 2.5% naturally occurring sugar and 1.5% starch.

Hi-Fi Lite – Provides 7.5%MJ/kg DE with a light molasses coating, the sugar level of 7% is lower than typical grass hay. Can be used as a low-calorie total or partial hay replacer.

Meadow Lite with Herbs – Lowest calorie feed at just 5MJ/kg DE, contains 3% naturally occurring sugar and starch at 0.5%, includes tasty herbs and postbiotics.

Hi-Fi Molasses Free – Contains no added sugar, just 2.5% naturally occurring sugar and 1.5% starch; includes mint, fenugreek and pellets to tempt fussy eaters.

Dengie has lots of tips to learn more about managing good-doers and those at risk of laminitis.