Q: Why did you create Healthy Tummy?

Healthy Tummy was designed to support gut health, particularly as research shows that about 40 per cent of leisure horses, 60 per cent of competition horses and 90 per cent of racehorses could be affected by Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.

Fibre helps to protect the horse’s sensitive stomach lining from acid in two ways. It acts quite literally as a physical barrier once in the stomach, while chewing the fibre produces saliva which neutralises the acid.

I created Healthy Tummy using a base of alfalfa alongside the latest ingredients known to promote gastric health so that riders can enjoy spending time with their horses – doing all the fun, exciting stuff – without having to worry about compromising their wellbeing.

Q: What kind of horse is Healthy Tummy aimed at?

The feed is aimed at all horses and ponies whether they are involved in international competition or hacking round the fields at home. Stress involved in eventing or racing with its high intensity of work, is easy to appreciate, but sometimes less obvious causes of stress can cause problems. Horses in pain, or those that have lost a stable or paddock companion can all suffer varying amounts of stress, leading to problems such as gastric ulcers and loose droppings. As Healthy Tummy has been formulated to be sympathetic to the digestive system, it is ideal for horses in work or those at rest – even those on box rest.


Q: Is it a complete feed or is a balancer required?

Healthy Tummy is a nutritionally complete feed containing all the vitamins and minerals required by a horse or pony at rest or in light work. There is no need to add any mix, cubes or supplements when fed at the recommended levels.

Horses in moderate and hard work should be fed Healthy Tummy alongside feeds such as Alfa-Beet to meet the increased energy demands of harder work. Healthy Tummy can also be fed alongside mixes and cubes to counteract the effects of using cereal-based feeds.

Q: What are the key features of Healthy Tummy?

Healthy Tummy is made from alfalfa which is low in sugar and starch and is also a natural buffer to acidity. It includes Protexin In-Feed Formula combining prebiotics and live yeast to help promote a healthy microbial population vital for fibre digestion. A unique blend of herbs believed to be powerful antioxidants – including ginger, oregano and cinnamon – is added to enhance palatability.

It features a full range of B vitamins such as biotin, to promote great coat and hoof condition and additional levels of calcium and magnesium to maintain optimal levels of acidity in the gut.

Healthy Tummy is free from molasses, artificial flavourings and preservatives. It is given a light coating of soya oil, which provides slow-release energy and exceptional coat shine.

Q: Do you have any case studies?

Healthy Tummy is currently taking part in several Tried & Tested reviews organised by a number of equestrian magazines. We have also introduced Healthy Tummy to our own case studies, such as Ruby, a riding school horse with a tendency to be quite a stressy individual. She had previously been diagnosed with gastric ulcers and treated. Ruby’s owner agreed to feed Healthy Tummy to help avoid any recurrence and was so impressed with the horse’s improved behaviour that she has opted to make this her regular daily ration.

Fred and Rowena Cook of Equine Management & Training, have spent many years handling, training and rehabilitating horses, with a special emphasis on the retraining of racehorses. They now feed Healthy Tummy to horses in their care – many of whom arrive with gastric ulcers. “Healthy Tummy has really simplified our feeding regime,” says Rowena. “We see horses being given all sorts of supplements for digestive upsets, but this feed contains everything a horse needs and is perfect for our busy yard. Plus, the tasty herbs ensure that they always lick their feed bowls clean!”