Added extras

Even if your pony has plenty of energy, a forage-based diet means that the chances are he’s missing some essential nutrients. And if your pony has any additional health concerns, he can benefit from a boost to help him stay on top form. There’s a whole variety of balancers and supplements designed to help ponies stay healthy – read on to find out whether your pony could benefit. 

Did you know?

Balancers usually contain protein, which helps to keep your pony’s hooves, bones, muscles and coat in great condition.

Balancing act

Feed balancers are a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals that provide your pony with essential daily nutrients.

There are lots of kinds of feed balancers available, such as those designed for older ponies, ones suitable for ponies in hard work, or light balancers for those needing a restricted diet and for ponies in light work. 

Top tip

Always read the label carefully so you can be sure you’re giving the right amount of a feedstuff. 

What supp?

While a balanced diet is often all ponies need to stay healthy, some might require extra help, and that’s where supplements come in. 

If you think your pony might benefit from having a supplement added to his diet, it’s important you talk to your vet or an equine nutritionist first. That way you’ll ensure that your pony’s getting what he needs and avoid doubling up on ingredients, which could save you money.

Did you know?

Some supplements take a few months before you’ll notice a difference, so don’t expect instant results!

Top tip

Always buy from a reputable company, so you know ingredients are of the highest standards. 

Spoilt for choice

Want to know more? Here are some of the most common kinds of feed supplement…

Respiratory

Designed for ponies who need extra support with their airways, for example if they’re sensitive to dust or stabled a lot.

General 

This kind contains the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals that a pony needs to stay healthy. They come in lots of different forms – powder or pellets that are added to feed and even licks!

Hooves

Your farrier might suggest a supplement to help your pony grow strong, healthy horn. Look for ones containing biotin, which is proven to help improve hoof quality. However, remember it takes up to a year for new hoof growth to reach the bottom of your pony’s foot, so a hoof supplement is a long-term commitment.

Calmers

Does your pony get excitable or get stressed in certain situations? If so, he may benefit from a calmer. Look for ingredients such as magnesium, tryptophan and B vitamins. You can buy calmers to feed long-term or as one-offs to help your pony cope with an exciting or stressful situation, such as travelling or moving home.

Joints

If your pony works hard, or as he gets older, he may benefit from a supplement to help keep his joints mobile. They often contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid.

Digestive

These fall into two main groups – supplements designed to help the foregut, which need to be fed long-term, and those designed for hindgut health, which can be fed long-term or around stressful situations, such as competing or moving yards. Speak to your vet about what kind your pony may benefit from most.