From Basic to Thriving: Why “Enough” Isn’t Always Enough

Meeting the NRC’s minimum requirements is a good start—but it’s only the baseline for survival, not necessarily the recipe for optimal performance, comfort, or longevity.

Just as people feel the difference when they get truly adequate nutrition—stronger energy, better recovery, clearer focus—horses thrive when the “building blocks” of vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants are available at thriving levels, not just the bare minimum.

At Equine Balanced Support, we formulate with this mindset: giving horses what they need to not only survive, but to thrive. It’s a shift from “good enough” to “best possible”—and it makes all the difference in the long run.

1. Why Forage Should Be Your Horse’s Daily Bedrock

Forage Is Nature’s Design

Horses evolved as grazing herbivores—built to eat fiber continuously. Forage (grass or long-stem hay) requires chewing, keeps the digestive tract moving, and supports microbial health in the gut. It’s low in simple sugars, digests slowly, and forms the healthiest base for any diet.

Grass vs. Hay—What’s Best?

• Pasture grass: Ideal when of high quality, offering natural nutrients and encouraging movement for psychological well-being.
• Long-stem hay: Timothy, orchard, or meadow grass hay mimic grazing, foster chewing, and stimulate saliva that buffers stomach acid.

Other Useful Forage Forms

When traditional grass or hay isn’t enough—or to tailor meals—you can consider:

• Chaff / chopped hay: Smaller-cut forage for seniors or horses with dental issues.
• Hay cubes: Compressed, easy to store, great for portion control.
• Pellets: Densely packed, easy to measure, digestible.
• Beet pulp (soaked): Energy-rich, gentle calories for easy-keepers or horses with dental challenges.

These should complement, not replace, traditional forage whenever possible.

2. Scaling Up Calories for Horses That Need Extra

Not all horses are “easy keepers.” Working mounts, growing youngsters, seniors, or those rebuilding their health may require more calories. Healthy ways to boost without over-relying on grains include:

• Fat sources: Stabilized rice bran, flax oil, or fat supplements add calorie-dense energy safely.
• Beet pulp: Fiber-rich, soaked pulp supports steady energy.
• Full-fat rice bran: Adds calories and valuable fatty acids.

Always scale gradually—sudden richness can upset digestion.

3. Protein: Boosting Muscle and Recovery

Most forages cover maintenance protein, but performance horses, broodmares, and youngsters may need more:

• Alfalfa: High in protein and calcium; pairs well with grass hay.
• Soybean meal / legume cubes: Efficient protein sources when feeding pellets or chaff.
• Forage-based blends: Alfalfa pellets or cubes digest easily and mix well with other feeds.

Balance matters: protein without adequate minerals can stress your horse’s system.

4. Do Grains Still Have a Place?

Yes—but only in specific scenarios:

• Horses performing intense or prolonged work.
• Older horses with poor dentition who struggle with coarse hay.
• Show horses needing quick bursts of energy.

Grains (oats, barley, corn) should be modest portions, fed with enough fiber to slow digestion and minimize sugar spikes. Balanced mixed feeds can help optimize energy release safely.

5. Supplements: Base Support Before Specialty Support

Vitamin-mineral supplements cover forage gaps, especially when hay quality varies. The golden rule: foundation first.

Specialty supplements can’t compensate for missing basics.

6. How Seasons Change Your Horse’s Nutritional Needs: Vitamin E

Why Vitamin E Matters

A powerful antioxidant crucial for muscle, nerve, and immune health. Levels drop when horses don’t have access to fresh green pasture.

Seasonal Shifts

• Spring/Summer: Fresh pasture is rich in Vitamin E; grazing horses often exceed daily needs.
• Fall/Winter: Stored forages lose Vitamin E rapidly. Horses relying on hay alone may need supplementation.

What to Watch For

Signs like muscle stiffness, sluggishness, or poor recovery may hint at low Vitamin E. Blood tests provide the clearest picture; hay testing helps anticipate deficiencies.

7. Wrapping It All Together

• Forage first: Grass or hay = healthiest foundation.
• Calories: Use fats and beet pulp, not excessive grain.
• Protein: Support growth and recovery with alfalfa or legumes.
• Grains: Small, balanced role for high-energy needs.
• Supplements: Always cover base vitamins/minerals first.
• Seasons: Adjust for forage quality; Vitamin E is your prime example.