People often think that free hay is the most optimal solution for the horse, but nature and – after research – also science have proven that frequent hay feeding is the best option for the horse’s digestion. Read from here what the vets keeps saying about this.
The optimal feeding interval is 3 to 4 hours
In nature, the horse is used to roaming around looking for food, and its stomach is designed to handle small amounts of food frequently. No wonder that the feeding intervals set by humans are causing health problems for horses. The Heinätin® hay feeder enables a natural feeding rhythm for the horse and prevents illnesses that weaken performance.
Anne Sjöholm, a vet specialized in horse illnesses purchased Heinätin® hay feeders for her own horses, because in her work she has seen so many horses suffering from stomach ulcers and stables where the evening hay may be distributed at five in the afternoon, with the next feeding coming at seven in the morning.
”Since the optimal interval in horse feeding is 3 to 4 hours, an interval of up to fourteen hours is wreaking havoc on the horse’s digestion. Without constant protection provided by saliva and food, gastric acids can burn the stomach linings, ultimately leading to ulcers and bleeding”, Anne says.
Sufficiently short intervals – also by night
Nine out of ten show horses have some type of stomach ulcer, the symptoms of which are not always visible. Regular straw feeding ensures the well-being of the horse’s stomach and increases the performance of e.g. riding horses and trotters.
The performance of show and racing horses can be hindered by even the slightest pains, heartburn, or discomfort. For instance, a riding horse suffering from stomach problems cannot carry itself properly. A trotter’s performance is weakened and speed decreases if stomach pains are affecting the horse’s breathing and muscles.
“With the Heinätin hay feeders, the horses’ feeding times can be set at sufficiently short intervals even at night”, Anne says. “Frequent feeding intervals are the most effective way to prevent and treat horses’ stomach problems and support their overall well-being”, Anne continues.
Anne Sjöholm, equine disease specialist
Ypäjä