A foal needs a balanced diet in order to develop healthily and to avoid growth spurts.  They need a smooth, even growth pattern so they do not grow too fast. It is necessary to provide the right levels of vitamins and minerals and good quality protein in order for him to grow and develop properly.  In the first 18 months, a foal achieves approximately 90% of both his height and weight and develops the muscles, tendons, organs and bones that he will require for a lifetime of work. Inappropriate feeding can lead to problems, mostly orthopaedic ones. The foal also needs energy but not an excessive amount.   The following ingredients may be found in their feed:

• Good quality protein – The foal needs this to grow and develop correctly.
• Calcium and Phosphorus - These minerals aid in proper bone growth.
• Zinc  - This is required so that nutrients can be absorbed into the foal’s bones.
• Copper and Iron  - Needed for healthy cartilage formation.
• Vitamin E - Vitamin E is necessary for healthy muscle development.
• Lysine - This helps ensure that protein is utilised appropriately and is thus important for growth.
• Amino Acids – They support the development of the muscles.
• Prebiotics/Probiotcs – These aid digestive health.
  
  If in doubt about what to feed your foal, discuss with your vet.
  
   

We have all come across molasses in horse feeds and treats, and anyone who has ever tried to feed their horse something new or unpalatable (in their horse’s eyes) will know about the benefits of being able to mix in a little of the black stuff to make even a fussy mare eat.

Molasses was eaten like honey by the Greeks and can also be used as a soil additive, a glue additive and even made into rum!

It comes in several different forms (cane and beet being the main ones) and is a great feed supplement to help keep the weight on your animals in the winter and keep them interested in their feed or disguise any new drug or supplement you might need to add.

Molasses is added to many animal feeds in differing amounts depending on the application, or it can be added as a supplement to almost anything. Be aware that as with people, some animals can be intolerant to molasses and should be monitored especially when first being introduced to it. Equally, for horses on low sugar diets, molasses may not be the best addition to your horse’s feed bowl. If you’re in any doubt about this, it’s best to speak to a vet or a nutritionist.

It is widely available for human consumption and there are plenty of tasty looking recipes out there to let you try this sweet treats for yourself.

Fast releasing energy, such as starchy cereal, produces an instant hit of sparkle.  However, slow release energy, the kind that comes from oil and fibre, does the exact opposite. 

Oils and fats are broken down into fatty acids and the horse’s body finds these more difficult to break down than sugary starch. Digesting and metabolising oil takes more time so this is why it is called ‘slow-release’. The fatty acids that are produced provide more energy than sugar. Oil is also referred to as a calmer and safer energy source; it is easily digested and absorbed so helps support a morelevel-headed horse. Oil can produce an improvement in stamina and also has metabolic advantages.

Fibre is a complex material to break down as a horse’s large and small colon is filled with a bacteria population that processes the fibre.   These micro-organisms break down the fibre and also produce ‘volatile fatty acids’ (VFAs). These fatty acids are then absorbed into the blood stream to be used as energy. 

Slow release energy is less likely to produce excitable behaviour or ‘fizziness’ in horses. It can improve their temperament and promote positive, level headed and calm behaviour.  It is useful for keeping up stamina levels so may be used for eventers and horses whose work requires endurance and stamina.  It can also help to improve the condition of a horse.