Making a PP 7

We have noticed a definite pattern in the performance of our horses hooves, particularly Fari. The months of December, January and February are Fari’s best months. Our theory is that this is when he is eating the most haylage and the least growing grass. Here in the UK because our daylight hours are so short grass either does not grow at all in these months or, if the temperature is sufficient to allow growth, it is so little as to be negligible. As the spring advances, and the growth of grass, his hooves become affected and thus his performance.

The other horses are less affected but there is still evidence in the shape of their hooves of a change for the worse. A track system allows us to keep the intake of grass to a minimum and feed the horses a constant supply of the same forage. Each year as spring advances we are lessening the amount of grass the horses have access to and each year this results in their hooves been more stable both in terms of performance and shape.

Our top Paddock Paradise tips:

·	Feeding horses from a number of feeders means that they have to move to feed. This movement means more natural behaviour and increased metabolic rates so reducing stress and keeping hooves tip top.

The feeders where possible should allow the horse to feed with their heads down, this aids the digestive system. They should also allow the opportunity to browse the forage as this is a natural behaviour which seems to relax horse. We have three sheep feeders which we have wrapped in industrial cling film to prevent waste and legs becoming trapped. We top up the feeders once per day.