Simple System Horse Feeds

29/01/2025

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲... As Christmas has been and gone our limited edition Christmas Brix will be unavailable to purchase online after the end of January.

If your horse can't get enough of our lucerne, apple and cinnamon Brix please don't leave it too late.

Available as single Brix, boxes of 12 and bulk bags of 20 Brix. Please note the bulk bags are not individually packaged.

Buy yours here ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/products/feeds/74/Limited-Edition-Christmas-Range

28/01/2025

𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁... Timothy grass

Native to Europe, Timothy grass (Phleum pratensis) can grow over 1m tall and is distinctly characterised by its long flowerhead. It flowers from June until September, turning a purple colour as it matures.

Timothy grass has excellent nutritional value for horses and is commonly used to make hay. The Timothy used to make our HayCare is grown specifically for us. It is tested to ensure that sugar levels are suitably low and the feed value correct. Through careful management of harvesting date and time, our grower is able to achieve naturally low sugar and starch levels, making HayCare suitable for all horses, including those with metabolic issues.

Did you know? We offer 3 other straight Timothy grass feeds...

🌱MeadowBrix | Timothy grass blocks, ideal for easy day-to-day portioning or as an occasional treat.

🌱Timothy Chop | Straight Timothy grass, chopped and dried. Naturally low in sugar.

🌱 Blue Bag Grass Pellets | Medium energy Timothy grass pellet, offering nutrition levels likened to summer grazing.

27/01/2025

Q. Are Brix treats or can they be used every day?

A. Both! Some customers use Brix as an occasional treat, others use them as the daily portion of chop. They're also regularly used for enrichment purposes, often when horses need to be stabled more than usual, or when away at competitions. They make brilliant boredom busters.

Learn more about Brix by reading our other frequently asked questions ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/news/818/Forage-blocks-for-horses---FAQs

26/01/2025

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝘆𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀... we want to hear from you!

We're working on a little something, and whilst we can't say too much right now 🤫 we'd love to hear more about your horse's HayCare journey!

If you'd like to help us get to know more about your horse or pony, please follow the link below to submit your story⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/customersuccessstories/addgallery.asp

You'll need to include photos (please ensure you have permission to share any professional images), information about your horse or pony, how you use HayCare within the diet and, ideally, let us know how long you've been feeding HayCare for.

You never know, you may find us reaching out to you in the coming weeks with an exciting opportunity!

📸 Harry, owned by Juliette Bostock, enjoying his HayCare.

25/01/2025

Our recent post about soaking hay was quite the conversation starter, and it's no wonder! There's a great deal of conflicting information out there.

At Simple System, our knowledge base and feeding system is always evolving, working with equine vets, attending technical conferences and applying the latest industry research.

In our video Feed Line Advisor, Ellen Lincoln Bsc. (Hons), Msc., helps us to understand why we suggest soaking hay for a MAXIMUM of an hour.

24/01/2025

🌬 Despite the windy weather our horses still need feeding, and there's nothing more disheartening than watching your hay blow around the field!

If you're struggling to place hay out, consider Simple System Brix as an easier to handle alternative for those with good teeth for chewing. Each individual Brix weighs approximately 1kg, and so replaces 1kg of hay. Learn more about Brix by watching our video here ⤵
https://youtu.be/1KWM_541u9U

For those who are dentally challenged, consider placing large buckets of soaked HayCare out in the field as an alternative. Again, 1kg of HayCare (dry weight, before soaking) is the approximate equivalent to 1kg of hay.

Stay safe everyone!

23/01/2025

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀, 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗯𝗮𝗱, 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻? When the temperature decreases horses need more calories to keep warm so it is important to ensure our horses have enough food to sustain them. For good doers this may be as simple as placing hay out in the field, but poorer doers may need extra support.

Forage feeding is ideal for all horses all year round, but it really comes into it's own in colder weather. The fibre in quality forage is broken down by microbes in the hindgut. This fermentation process generates heat, providing our horses with their own in-built central heating! Cereals and low-quality fibre, such as that obtained from straw, cannot be utilised in the same way. So when it comes to keeping warm, ensuring you provide plenty of quality forage (such as hay or buckets of soaked 𝗛𝗮𝘆𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲) is essential for horses when it is cold and grazing is in short supply.

For good doers this method of feeding (when complemented with a forage balancer to top up those vitamins and minerals, like 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 +), may be all they require to keep them healthy. As hay is typically less calorie dense than grazing, horses managed in this way are likely to lose some weight over the winter. This is natural and beneficial as it is thought to help protect against metabolic disease and the risk of laminitis.

Poor doers and harder working horses will require additional feeding to ensure they maintain a healthy condition, as they often struggle to consume enough calories from hay or haylage alone. For those who have done well on good grass previously or have very limited grass in winter, 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 are an obvious choice as they offer nutrition comparable to summer grazing.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/news/725/Winter-weight-loss,-good,-bad-or-something-in-between

22/01/2025

''It's the best Oakey has ever looked''

🌱 Oakey is fed a Simple System diet of Sainfoin Pellets and FlexiBalance. He also has Meadow Forage Pellets as treats.

Here's what Oakey's owner, Danielle, has to say...

''Having owned Oakey for 11 years feeding has always been difficult. Whether that was because he wouldn’t eat what he had been given, or he just wouldn’t hold weight, or I was having to feed him buckets and buckets!

I took Oakey barefoot just over 2 years ago, completely changing how I manage him. Feed was such a huge part of this journey we tried a few things before finding Simple System Horse Feeds. He instantly loved Sainfoin Pellets with his FlexiBalance! He also enjoys Meadow Forage Pellets which he has as treats.

Oakey lives out all year, he comes in for a few hours in the day to eat/rest. Along with his all round management and finding the correct natural feed, it’s the best he has ever looked on such a small daily feed! He never leaves anything in the bowl.

Thank you Simple System for everything.''

📞 If you'd like to discuss feeding your horse, our Feed Line team will be happy to help. Contact us on 01728 604 008 or complete our online form ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/askaquestion.asp

📸 Watermarked image shared with the kind permission of Carol Street Equine Photography.

21/01/2025

Should you soak your horse's hay, and how long should you soak it for?

Soaking hay is usually done in order to reduce sugar levels for overweight horses or those with metabolic issues such as laminitis, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) / Cushing's disease and insulin dysregulation (IR). Soaking hay is also carried out for horses with respiratory issues such as asthma, COPD and pollen related allergies.

The hay should be loosened from the bale and soaked in plenty of water. Using a hay net makes it easier, but do not have it tightly packed – the water needs to get in. There is no point in soaking hay if it is already low in sugar, so:

▪ Test the hay to ascertain how much sugar it has and if reducing it will be a benefit. Often, hay does not need to be soaked. Simple System offer a hay analysis service, which can be found on our website.

Sugar molecules are relatively small and will be extracted sooner than larger molecules. A significant reduction is achieved in less than an hour.

▪ To reduce sugar levels, do not soak for more than one hour and if the hay is already low sugar, 15 minutes may be sufficient.

Hay should be soaked for no more than one hour. Longer soaking removes further nutrition, including protein, a large proportion of minerals and vitamins, all of which are really important to the horse. Long soaking may reduce protein levels to the extent that there is no longer enough remaining to meet the horse’s minimum requirement for this vital nutrient, which is around 8% of total diet for a resting, adult horse in good condition.

▪ Do not risk your horse’s health by prolonged soaking of hay. If you are soaking hay, make sure that the protein and minerals are being topped up elsewhere in the diet, for example with high quality forage pellets and balancers.

Continue reading online ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/news/820/Should-I-soak-my-horse #39;s-hay

20/01/2025

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲 – 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 – 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗽 – 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲.

At Simple System, we use the British term, lucerne, for this favoured forage. Others also use the American term, alfalfa. As our lucerne is entirely GM free and produced specifically for horses, we feel it has different properties from that grown in America.

American alfalfa can have a very different nutritional profile such as higher sugar levels and much contains genetically modified (GM) ingredients. Thus, we feel information from America about alfalfa does not fully tally with our experience of lucerne grown in the UK and Northern Europe.

When our lucerne crop is harvested, it is chopped and quickly dried. When it is packaged as it comes, it’s 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗽, so it is just as the original crop – leaves, stems, flowers. The leaves are the most nutritious part, but are very fragile and easily crushed, creating a fine, green meal, which may become airborne. Dampening with water overcomes this. For some people this creates an issue as it is less pleasant to handle. Some other companies add molasses or oil to retain these small leaf particles within the feed. At Simple System, we use fresh, cold pressed linseed oil, as this offers the same, unique, high level of essential omega 3 as natural pasture and adds valuable nutrition and calories. Look for 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲.

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀! So, for these horses and ponies, we use certified organic lucerne, remove much of the leaf material, reducing the amount of feed left by around 40%. This leaves a high quality, high fibre, low calorie feed – 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀. The leaf that has been separated is a valuable, high protein, high calorie feed which doesn't go to waste as it can be used in feeds for horses with high requirements, such as 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻.

To learn more about our lucerne feeds, please follow the link below ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/.../46/Lucerne

19/01/2025

Simple System feeds are formulated without cereals, pulses such as soya and peas, straw, molasses, additives and preservatives. Instead, we utilise ingredients found in the horse’s natural environment, which they have so perfectly evolved to digest. In return they are better nourished, more settled in their work and at less risk of developing many common health problems.

We pride ourselves not only on the quality of our feed products, but also on providing expert advice directly to our customers for the benefit of your horses. We are available to provide honest and responsible equine management suggestions, nutritional guidance and tailored feeding plans over the phone or online.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝟬𝟭𝟳𝟮𝟴 𝟲𝟬𝟰 𝟬𝟬𝟴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲'𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. Or, if you don't have time to chat, complete our online form for a comprehensive Feed Plan by email ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/askaquestion.asp

📸 Feed Line Advisor, Ellen Lincoln Bsc (Hons), Msc, with her own horse, Redwings Indigo

Our advice is (and always will be) free, so be sure to make good use of us this winter.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Horse feed with 100% natural ingredients to meet your horse's nutritional needs. Discover the best feed for your horse, delivered direct to your door.

18/01/2025

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻- 𝗳𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲? Now is the time to switch your balancer to Lunar Eclipse...

The growth of the unborn foal is very slow until the last three months of gestation, so your mare will not need additional feeding until this time. In the meantime she will need a good diet with protein and calcium as well as natural vitamins, but not in any greater amounts than she usually needs. A good chop is Build & Shine and a suitable forage balancer, Simple Balance +. If she needs additional feeding due to losing condition, cold weather and so on, Blue Bag Grass Pellets could be a good choice.

Once into the last three months any work should cease and she will need increasing amounts of good quality feed. Nature provides for this with good spring grass but if your mare is due to foal before the grass is delivering its bounty Red Bag Grass Pellets and / or Lucie Nuts will be an excellent substitute. Condition scoring gets challenging when a mare is obviously pregnant, so keep an eye on her neck as this will give a good guide to her overall condition. At this time you will need to switch your forage balancer to Lunar Eclipse.

Her needs can be great as foaling day looms and in the absence of the best grass, you could even find that over half of her daily intake is coming from her feed bowl - and it will be even more once her foal is born! Fortunately, on Simple System forage feeds, there is no limit to the amount you can safely feed. Always have good quality hay or haylage available and make the most of any grazing.

Our experienced Feed Line will be happy to make appropriate feeding suggestions for your broodmare. Speak to us on 01728 604 008 or complete our online form (link below) to receive a detailed Feed Plan.
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/askaquestion.asp

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄? We have team members with a great deal of breeding experience. This includes our Director of Nutrition, Jane van Lennep, who breeds Arabians at her Heronstream Stud. Jane is a published author on the subject and is one of the team available to chat on our Feed Line.

17/01/2025

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄? We only include images of Simple System fed horses in our marketing material? This includes our website, brochures, feed bags, delivery vans, magazine and social media.

The images we choose are a combination of our customers horses, those belonging to our Simple System staff members and supported riders.

📸 This image is of the newest member of our supported rider team, Georgia Gardener, and the lovely Spud - whose favourite feeds are LucieChop and Calm Balance +.

For a chance for your horse to feature on in our marketing material, upload their story here https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/customersuccessstories/addgallery.asp

NB. Please ensure you have the photographers permission to share any photos that you haven't taken yourself.

16/01/2025

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀... With young, growing horses, it is important to keep sugar and starch levels low, as these can be associated with developmental issues in bones and joints. Plenty of protein and calcium are really important and forage sources will ensure good levels of quality fibre to support gut health.

Lucerne is an ideal forage for youngstock. It is naturally lower in sugar and starch, and has more calcium than any other forage to support muscles and bones.

Matilda, who features in the 'before and after' images, has been fed a lucerne based diet since arriving at her home with Simple System distributor, Sophie Radcliffe, nine months ago.

Matilda has LucieNuts as her pellet base, Build & Shine as her chop and Simple Balance + for a top-up of nutrients.

If you'd like advice about feeding your young horse, contact the Feed Line on 01728 604 008, or complete our online form ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/askaquestion.asp

To learn more about our range of lucerne horse feeds, follow the link below ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/products/feeds/46/Lucerne

16/01/2025

Q. Are Brix suitable for older horses?

A. We don't recommend Brix for older horses as they require good teeth for chewing. You may wish to consider soaked pellets as an alternative to Brix for your older horses. HayCare is ideal for replacing hay, Blue Bag Grass Pellets are an ideal top-up where grazing is lacking, and Sainfoin Pellets are excellent for adding variety to the diet.

Browse our range of forage pellets here ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/products/feeds/1/Pelleted-Forages

15/01/2025

Q. Can I feed Brix instead of hay?

A. Yes. Brix can be used as a full or partial hay replacer. We typically suggest MeadowBrix to replace hay, as nutritionally they are the most similar.

To find out which is best for your horse contact our Feed Line on 01728 604 008 or complete our online form ⤵
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/askaquestion.asp

13/01/2025

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲... As Christmas has been and gone our limited edition Christmas Brix will be unavailable to purchase online after the end of January.

If your horse can't get enough of our lucerne, apple and cinnamon Brix please don't leave it too late.

Available as single Brix, boxes of 12 and bulk bags of 20 Brix. Please note the bulk bags are not individually packaged.

12/01/2025

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄?... Simple System's entire range of feeds are all registered with The Vegan Society.

The horse is an obligate herbivore which means in human terms, it is Vegan. Sadly, not all the ingredients in many ranges of feed are all from plant sources but we have respect for the horse as an obligate herbivore and feel it is inappropriate to include animal remains of any sort in horse feeds.

The Vegan Society is very thorough in their processes to ensure that we adhere to their strict guidelines.

𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻; for instance, vitamin D3 added to some feeds is sourced from irradiated carcass fat from sheep. The Vegetarian version is from the oil in sheep fleeces. The sheep did not die to give up its fleece, so such an additive would qualify as Vegetarian, but is not Vegan as it came from an animal.

So far as we know, we are only the horse feed company whose entire range is approved by the Vegan Society, and we are very proud to display their logo on our feed bags and in our literature.

If you're looking for Vegan horse feed, or you'd like dietary advice for your horse, contact our Feed Line on 01728 604 008 or complete our online form.
https://www.simplesystemhorsefeeds.co.uk/askaquestion.asp?