The New Feeding: A practical handbook for better horse welfare

Many of today's equestrian businesses still use, in terms of management and training, methods based on insights from the last century. If we, as a profession, want to continue supporting equestrian sports in a positive way over the next decade, it is essential to revise these methods and provide horse owners with sufficient practical tools to do so.

The crucial role of proper rations

Nutrition plays a vital role within managing horse welfare; a proper ration is essential. Although a ration analysis provides insight into the composition, it does not reflect the quality of the feed. Additionally, it is crucial that the horse can properly digest the feed. Internal factors, such as the condition of the teeth, the age of the horse and any underlying health issues, play a major role in this process. External factors such as training, housing and group composition also affect digestion. Once these aspects are in harmony, only then can the need for supplements be considered.

As Hippocrates, the founder of Western medicine, said:

“Let food be Your medicine, and let medicine be Your food.”

When horses' and ponies' diets align their natural need for appropriate roughage, many health problems and stable vices are reduced. Furthermore, a deeper focus on nutrition shows that many veterinary problems are influenced or even caused by inappropriate diets.

Drs. Annette van Weezel Errens

Drs. Annette van Weezel Errens, a 2004 graduate with a liberal studies degree in veterinary medicine, continued to specialize in orthomolecular preventive medicine after completing her studies. In addition to writing the reference work "The Equinesports Veterinary Manual" and "The New Feeding", she founded Equilin. An organization aimed at making a positive contribution to horse well-being.