In todayās horse world, feeding has become a trendābags with glossy labels, exotic ingredients, and promises of performance. But through all the noise, Iāve found something different: feeding by feel.
Not by charts or rules, but by watching, listening, and trusting what the horse tells me.
Iāve worked with horses in many places and now care for mine here in the UAE, where the climate, feed options, and management style all demand a balance of tradition and awareness. Hereās what Iāve learnedāand continue to practice daily.
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š¾ The Foundation: Forage First, But Keep It Light
My horses always have access to hay in uae i like omani hay, I prefer straw-type hay with low sugar and low protein. It keeps their stomachs active all day without sending them over the top.
All kind of hay is available, and luckily in the UAE, we can get many types of forageābut I stick to what keeps them grounded, not fired up.
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š„£ Feed with Purpose, Not Fashion
Yes, we have access to fancy brands and mixes. But I often go back to basics:
Barley ā helps put on weight
Oats ā gives energy, sometimes too much!
Bran ā supports digestion and makes the most delicious soup
(Im mixing bran with apples and carrotsāa treat and a digestive tonic.)
Alfalfa pellets and Hay for some ā added for protein and steady energy
These are simple, time-tested feeds. We used to go to the farm and get exactly what we needed. It wasnāt complicatedāit was thoughtful.
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š§ Natural Boosts That Work
I mix in a few natural supplements that Iāve seen help over the years:
Himalayan Salt ā minerals and hydration support
Cayenne Pepper ā to boost blood flow
Turmeric ā anti-inflammatory, especially for older or sore horses
Magnesium ā but always the right kind, tailored to the horseās needs
Prebiotics ā especially for the bigger horses who seem to need a little extra help digesting
Itās not about how many supplements you giveāit's about why and when.
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š Feeding Schedule: Many Small Moments
I donāt feed by the clock, but I do feed by feel.
My horses eat many small meals throughout the day, always with wet food to ensure hydration.
Horses can go off track quickly from one simple thing: not enough water.
A dry gut, combined with heat or stress, is a recipe for colic. So I:
Wet every meal
Watch their water intake
Avoid feeding anything dry, especially in the heat
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š At the Show: Flexibility with a Strong Base
When I go to shows, my horses always have hay.
The feeding schedule isnāt always perfect, but I make sure they get many small amounts of the food theyāre used to. If thereās a little longer gap than usual, itās not a problemābecause they always have forage.
I understand not everyone can keep the exact feeding times I doāpeople have jobs, school, or other responsibilities.
But if you ask me what matters most, itās this:
> Hay full-time is more important than anything else.
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š Movement Is Medicine
One of the most important things Iāve learned:
> Never let a horse stay still for too long.
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Even resting horses, even injured horsesāthey move, even just 5 minutes i also let the small jumps a few times over kavaletties.
Itās not about exercise, itās about gut movement. The intestines need to work to stay healthy. Let them rest too long, and youāre inviting problems.
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š” Donāt Underestimate Weather
Letting a horse stay out too long in hot or cold weather can create issues that show up hours or days later.
Iāve seen itātightness, colic, dullness. Horses are sensitive. A paddock should be a break, not a stress.
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š§ā My Belief
Every horse is different, and thereās no perfect plan.
You feed a horse by watching, feeling, and adjusting. And sometimes, that means going back to what we did before: whole ingredients, clean water, and daily movement.
If I could sum up my feeding philosophy in one sentence, it would be:
> Let the horse tell you what it needsāthen listen.
Ā Best reg Anita