ASK THE EXPERT – HOW TO READ A HAY ANALYSIS

When it comes to feeding performance horses, forage isn’t just filler; it’s fuel. Any information about the quality of hay we are feeding is thus invaluable and can tell us about the true nutritional value of what our horses are eating and how balanced their overall diet is. This kind of information requires a hay analysis,…

BylizzieDecember 22, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

LUCERNE

Super forage or overrated? Lucerne (also known as alfalfa) has long enjoyed a reputation as a high-quality forage for performance horses. Rich in protein, energy, and calcium, it’s a favourite of many competitive yards and stud farms. But is lucerne really the super forage it's made out to be—or is it sometimes too much of…

BylizzieJuly 17, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: LUCERNE AS THE MAIN FORAGE SOURCE

Q: Can I feed lucerne as the main forage in my horse’s diet? A: Lucerne is a highly nutritious legume hay, rich in protein, calcium, and digestible energy. It’s a great option for performance horses, growing youngsters, lactating mares, or horses needing condition. However, its richness can be problematic for easy keepers or horses prone…

BylizzieJune 16, 20250Comments

Horse Health

HORSES AND HAY

Text: Rhiannon Cecil We all know horses eat grass, right? Feeding horses is a complex process, and each horse must be approached as an individual to find the correct balance. The different types of grass are suitable for different horses, each with their own requirements in terms of work and temperament. The basics Horses are hindgut fermenters…

BylizzieMay 19, 20250Comments

Horse Health

MAKE IT LAST – HOW TO MAXIMISE HAY USAGE AND AVOID WASTAGE

Text: Hannah Botha, MSc How can you stretch your hay further, and what options are there to reduce waste? Hannah Botha from Epol talks us through her top tips for lowering forage wastage. Tip 1: Ensure you are feeding the correct amount Forage should be the foundation of every horse's ration, and ensuring that it is provided…

BylizzieFebruary 14, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: SQUAMOUS GASTRIC ULCER

Q: My horse has just been diagnosed with gastric ulcers in the squamous part of his stomach. He is in light work and has been fed a balancer. Do I need to change this? First and foremost, it is important to note that your treatment and management plan should be arranged in consultation with your vet.…

BylizzieNovember 30, 20240Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: MOULDY HAY

Q: How can I tell if my horse’s hay has gone off? A: The consequences for your horse’s gastrointestinal and respiratory health can be severe if forage quality, especially hygiene is poor. Changes in forage have a much bigger impact on gastrointestinal health than that of concentrate feeds. In particular the impact of forage on the…

BylizzieFebruary 16, 20210Comments

Horse Health Know How

GOOD GRASS: TYPES OF ROUGHAGE

There are various roughage options available for the South African horse. The main options include lucerne hay, teff, Eragrostis curvula, Rhodes grass and oat hay. Roughage should be chosen to best suit the horse’s nutrient requirements. AlphaAlfa explains the nutritional value of the different types of grasses in this month's issue. Legumes In comparison with grasses,…

BylizzieOctober 3, 20170Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

Winter feeding

"It's wise to follow nature's rules" when it comes to feeding With the onset of winter, you may need to adjust your horse’s feeding to keep him healthy and correctly nourished through the colder months. Winter energy requirements In colder weather, some horses may need to eat more to maintain their condition. This depends on many factors –…

BylizzieJune 27, 20160Comments

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