News | 9 December 2024

Dodson & Horrell: Winter Ready Seniors

Dr. Stephanie Wood
(Ph.D., PgDip., BSc (Hons), RNutr (Animal), R. Anim. Tech)
Head of Nutrition, Dodson & Horrell

 Winter can be particularly challenging for many older horses and ponies as they are affected more by the cold wet weather, hard ground, and changes in management and feeding. Providing the right nutrition support can help them cope with these challenges and thrive.

Winter weather increases the amount of energy horses use to keep warm, with cold, wet and windy weather being the most demanding. Feeding plenty of fibre helps to keep them warm by supplying lots of energy and by producing heat during its fermentation in the horse’s hindgut. Many older horses also benefit from being fed other sources of energy alongside fibre, which is why Dodson & Horrell Sixteen Plus Mix and Sixteen Plus Cubes are the ideal feeds. Both Sixteen Plus feeds supply easily digestible energy sources to help maintain weight and quality protein sources to support muscle tone. Optimum levels of vitamins and minerals are included to balance the diet and support immune function.

Supporting immunity is a key focus of Sixteen Plus Mix and Sixteen Plus Cubes, as many horses are exposed to increasing levels of dust and germs due to being stabled next to each other. Vitamins A, C and E, and antioxidant herbs work with the horse’s natural immune responses to keep them healthy, with MSM providing further immune support that is particularly suited to the skin, joints, and respiratory system. To support optimum digestion and help horses get the most out of their diet, probiotic live yeast is included.

The flexible feeding rate of both Sixteen Plus feeds allows you to adjust your horse’s energy intake to cope with the ever-changing winter weather, without having to change feed. This consistency promotes digestive stability and overall wellbeing.

To provide immune support to all horses, young and old, Dodson & Horrell Health Mash is the mash of choice. Health Mash is extremely palatable due to its fusion of Echinacea, Cinnamon, Fennel, Fenugreek and Mint that provide natural immune support alongside pre and probiotics and a variety of fibre sources. Health Mash should be fed in addition to the normal diet to stimulate appetite, promote hydration and provide that inner glow.