Our GutzBusta Slow Feed Hay Nets reduce hay wastage by up to 46%. Simulate grazing and foraging and reduce the incidence of colic, choke, and stable vices.
(1)
Great for laminitic or IR horses and ponies.
🤩 Sue is a long-time customer of GutzBusta. She now has 28 horses using our nets, so we REALLY value her lovely comment below on our Knotless Small - 2 & 3cm / 3/4" & 1 1/4" GutzBusta Hay Nets! 🤩
"We have 28 horses and each one has two of your hay nets - they are fantastic - sturdy and easy to fill. We love them 🥰"
Sue M - a member of the GutzBusta Community
- Australia
Thanks Sue, we REALLY appreciate you taking the time to comment! 🥰
🐎 Anyone who has tried our hay nets knows just how beneficial they can be in the management of your horses, ponies, and livestock. 🐎 There are numerous advantages to adopting a slow-feeding approach. However, have you contemplated the sheer multitude of these benefits?
We have identified at least 13 major benefits to slow feeding, some of which you might not be aware of! Please subscribe to our emails to follow our our 5-part series on the benefits of slow feeding.
Please let us know if you have discovered other benefits that we don't have listed here. 😉
🐎 Benefit #1:
• Simulates grazing for physical and mental health - horses are supposed to eat 16-20 hours a day.
Most of us know that horses are supposed to eat 16 to 20 hours a day for both their physical and mental well-being. Access to fibre is just so critical for their digestive health, whether it be a horse, cow, sheep or any livestock.
🐴 There are so many negative health effects from not eating enough fibre and using slow-feed hay nets enables you to provide access to fibre for whatever period you would like. 🐴 Be that 24/7 such as when you are using our Round Bale or Large Export Square (8x3x4 / 8x4x4) hay nets, or even our Extra Large (two small bales) or Large (one full small bale) hay nets that take a full small bale. Or if you want to provide shorter periods of hay access and a more constant feeding schedule, then you can use our Extra Small, Small, and Medium hay nets.
Starvation is one of the worst things to do when managing any laminitic, EMS, IR or any metabolic suffering horse. Constant stress causes cortisol to be constantly released which inhibits the coffin bone/hoof wall connection and therefore delays healing in the hoof. 🐎
🐎 Using a GutzBusta guarantees that you'll save hay, prolong the lifespan of each feed, and ensure that your horses are happy and healthy. 🐴 They'll always have hay available to eat, making them feel content! 🥰
😍 At GutzBusta, we offer an extensive variety of sizes to cater to your needs. Whether you prefer feeding out a single biscuit/flake of hay, half a small bale, a full bale, or even if you use round bales, we have the perfect size to meet your requirements.🐎🐎
This link is a great discussion of our sizes: https://support.gutzbusta.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/4416102212121-What-size-net-do-I-need 🐎🐎
Over Grazing
As I keep mentioning, anything that stresses a plant raises its sugar content levels.Overgrazing will certainly do that.
This is very important to realize for at-risk horses and ponies as they are often locked up in a small yard or paddock that seemingly has little to graze on. However, that short stressed grass that they are picking that is growing at ground level can be VERY high in sugar and starch and although well-meaning, may keep these horses in a laminitic state and not aid their return to soundness.
Dirt is the best place for these horses and ponies in a laminitic state, with low sugar hay that has an ESC and Starch content of less than 10%.
New shoots of grass are also higher in sugar and starch which will be seen in an overgrazing situation.
Another important consideration is that most of the sugar in grasses tends to be in the bottom 3 to 4 inches of the plants. While it might be tempting to think that a very short, overgrazed pasture is safe because there’s “nothing much there,” such pastures present several risks—grasses are very stressed and only the lower inches of the plant are available, meaning these pastures can be very high in sugar. Add a frost to this and this short, stressed grass can be diabolically high in sugar.
To read this information in it's entirety, please click here:
https://gutzbusta.com.au/blogs/gutzbusta-hay-nets-blog/autumn-pasture-cautions
Kaye F recently reviewed our Knotless 3cm and 2cm Medium GutzBusta Hay Nets, and this is what she said....
"Greedy pony
Love the Gutz Busta slow feed medium hay nets I purchased for our pony. I got two knotless medium nets . One has 3 cm holes the other 2 cm holes.
Our pony is a Welsh who pigs her hay and then wants more. The hay nets have slowed her right down and she now has to take her time and eat smaller quantities for longer. It is almost like grazing in the paddock. Love the hay nets and would highly recommend them for greedy ponies. Regards Kaye F"
Thanks Kaye, we greatly appreciate your review!
The right hay is soooo important!
No matter if there is a short period of fasting or if you have ad-lib 24/7 grazing, the MOST important factor is the sugar and starch content of the hay. If your horse has 24/7 access to high sugar hay then you will never get on top of the laminitis and your horse will head on a downhill run to more severe laminitis or 'founder'.
I personally used to get my hay tested by Equi-Analytical/Dairy One in the USA. I now use Feed Central in Toowoomba (who send the sample there on your behalf). There is no way that you can look at hay and know its sugar levels, protein levels general mineral profile, or the quality of the hay. So if you are buying quantities large enough, then testing the hay to take the guesswork out or knowing you don't have to soak to reduce sugar levels, is well worth the extra small expense.
Ryegrass and Clover are among the biggest Equine no-no's of hay.
There are however many hays that are really good for horses such as Cocksfoot, Teff, Native grasses, Smooth Bromegrasses etc. Phalaris can be ok, under the right circumstances.
Every species has its pluses and minuses, so it is a good idea to research what species are in your area and are likely to be the best for your individual horses. The time of day that the hay is cut holds a BIG bearing on the sugar levels, so finding a farmer that cuts in the morning is a great asset to find.
Learning about endophytes and plant toxicity levels is also an important thing to consider when choosing a suitable hay variety. 💝
Seek Assistance
💖 None of the information contained in our emails is intended to be diagnostic or advice. EVERY animal, soil type and nutrient levels, management strategies, nutritional requirements, work levels (retried V's showjumper), and metabolic state are all DIFFERENT.
Please consult your local Veterinarian, Equine Nutritionist, or other professional to ask for advice for your specific animals, property, and their individual requirements relevant to your locality. 💖
Click here to read this Blog in its entirety!
https://gutzbusta.co.nz/blogs/news/autumn-pasture-cautions
EVERY horse and pony is capable of becoming Laminitic!
There are just those that are more prone than others. Some horses may spend a lot of their life in a sub-clinical state but due to seasonal variations, they may 'cope' ok. That is until too many cards become stacked against them and they succumb to this debilitating condition.
Laminitis isn't just a 'Pony' thing!
All horses and ponies are susceptible under the wrong/right conditions.
Management Plans:
• Do you have somewhere that you can safely lock up your horse or pony during higher-risk times or if they are already getting sore or showing signs of sub-clinical Laminitis?
• Have you checked your GutzBusta Hay Net supply to make sure you have them on hand if you do need to start locking your horse and pony up?
• Are you getting your equine's hooves regularly attended to? In Spring and Summer, they can tend to grow faster. 6 weeks is way too long in most cases. This applies to both shod and unshod hooves.
• Diet - Have you found 'safe' hay that is less than 10% in ESC and starch?
• Are you watching weather, growth rates and times of day and taking these into consideration for managing your horse or pony? See our last email for more information on this topic and post above.
• Exercise - even 20 minutes of hand walking 3 to 4 times a week can be helpful.
• Movement - Horses are meant to move. Having a buddy will increase this movement and keep them content.
• Reduce stress.
To read this Blog in it's entirety, please click here:
https://gutzbusta.co.nz/blogs/news/autumn-pasture-cautions
When is your pasture safest?
Higher levels of easily digestible carbohydrates in your pasture can pose a potential danger to all horses during the transition from a low-grass/hay-based diet in the summer to the abundance of feed in autumn. However, horses that are insulin resistant (IR), have Cushing's disease, or are overweight are even more susceptible to laminitis.
Therefore, it is crucial to determine whether or not your pasture is safe for them. The safety of your pasture can be assessed based on the temperature and sunlight affecting the plants. Here are some general guidelines:
1. When night temperatures drop below 5°C, the grass becomes high in sugar and starch due to the stress on the plants.
2. If the night temperatures remain above 5°C, the lowest levels of sugar and starch in the pasture plants are typically between 3am and 10am.
3. Any factors that stress the plants, such as drought, frost, or overgrazing, can increase the sugar levels.
4. On sunny days, the sugar and starch levels are highest in the afternoon and evening.
Overcast or cloudy days result in less sugar and starch production in the grass, making the pasture slightly safer. Unfortunately, some horses and ponies may not have the opportunity to graze in the pasture for more than an hour a day, or not at all during certain times of the year.
Spring and Autumn are usually the highest-risk periods. When dealing with cases of chronic and acute laminitis, it is crucial to seek help from a veterinarian, trimmer, farrier, or equine nutritionist.
Making informed decisions and receiving the correct advice can make a significant difference in the life or death of your horse or pony, as well as their overall well-being. For horses and ponies with these conditions, it is important to note that sunny afternoons are never safe for grazing.
To read this Blog in it's entirety, please click on the following:
https://gutzbusta.co.nz/blogs/news/autumn-pasture-cautions
Nikki here! Over the last 6 weeks, we have been sending out regular emails to remind you about the many things there are to consider at this time of year, particularly if you have a laminitic, IR/Cushings or any metabolic suffering horse or pony.
We have now made this into a Blog, so if you have missed any of these emails, or you would like a summary all in one place, then please click here!
I have added a few snippets as a reminder of this valuable information below 😉
https://gutzbusta.co.nz/blogs/news/autumn-pasture-cautions
🤩 Bethany Mac gave us a lovely review recently on our GutzBusta Knotless Large - 3cm / 1 1/4" Hay Nets! 😍
Perfect for all equines fed hay 🤩
These nets are awesome for slowing the ponies down, and keeping them a lot more content throughout the day. The durable knotless material has yet to show any wear - and all nets have been used everyday in the Tassie weather since their arrival. Combined with a good track system and management, all horses and ponies seem so much happier and healthier 🥰
Bethany Mac - a member of the GutzBusta Community - Australia
🐎 Anyone who has tried our hay nets knows just how beneficial they can be in the management of your horses, ponies, and livestock. 🐎 There are numerous advantages to adopting a slow-feeding approach. However, have you contemplated the sheer multitude of these benefits?
We have identified at least 13 major benefits to slow feeding, some of which you might not be aware of!
Please let us know if you have discovered other benefits that we don't have listed here. 😉
🐎 Benefit #1:
• Simulates grazing for physical and mental health - horses are supposed to eat 16-20 hours a day.
Most of us know that horses are supposed to eat 16 to 20 hours a day for both their physical and mental well-being. Access to fibre is just so critical for their digestive health, whether it be a horse, cow, sheep or any livestock.
🐴 There are so many negative health effects from not eating enough fibre and using slow-feed hay nets enables you to provide access to fibre for whatever period you would like. 🐴 Be that 24/7 such as when you are using our Round Bale or Large Export Square (8x3x4 / 8x4x4) hay nets, or even our Extra Large (two small bales) or Large (one full small bale) hay nets that take a full small bale. Or if you want to provide shorter periods of hay access and a more constant feeding schedule, then you can use our Extra Small, Small, and Medium hay nets.
Starvation is one of the worst things to do when managing any laminitic, EMS, IR or any metabolic suffering horse. Constant stress causes cortisol to be constantly released which inhibits the coffin bone/hoof wall connection and therefore delays healing in the hoof. 🐎
🌿 Grass is still the best! 🌿
Nothing can ever replicate grass in terms of its nutritive value to the horse. 🌿 There are vitamins and minerals that can't be replicated by any supplement or bag mix. 🌿
Horses have evolved to graze 16-20 hours a day eating high-fibre diets. A diet high in fibre is super important to aid in horses having a healthy and correctly functioning digestive tract. If grass isn't safe for a particular horse or pony, then finding a safe and good hay source is critically important for your horse or pony.
It is little wonder that horses fed high grain/low fibre diets are those horses with a higher incidence of colic, stomach ulcers and other forms of digestive upset such as diarrhoea. 🌾 Fibre is paramount for happy, healthy horses and ponies (and all grass-eating livestock).
Seek Assistance
💖 None of the information contained in our emails is intended to be diagnostic or advice. EVERY animal, soil type and nutrient levels, management strategies, nutritional requirements, work levels (retried V's showjumper), and metabolic state are all DIFFERENT.
Please consult your local Veterinarian, Equine Nutritionist, or other professional to ask for advice for your specific animals, property, and their individual requirements relevant to your locality. 💖
Kathleen F has sent us a lovely 💖 message to say:
"Excellent!
We love these nets, It helps so much with saving hay and keeping the horses occupied! Love it! Thank you!"
I truly appreciate you taking the time to review our products, thanks Kathleen 💖
🌱 Balanced Soils 🌱
It makes sense that if the soils are not balanced and are nutritionally depleted, then you can only expect the plants growing on these soils will also be the same. This of course adds more stress to the plant and is another factor to take into consideration.
You can easily do a soil test yourself. 🪴 Over-fertilization is also not a good thing and can lead to nutrients being 'locked up' and not available for the plants.
Regenerative farming techniques can lead to healthier soils without high fertilizer input costs.
What is regenerative farming? 🌾
🌿 Regenerative farming is a way of working with nature’s own perfect cycles and processes, cultivating biodiversity and letting the circle of life flow as it should.
🌿 This differs from large-scale, conventional farming, which focuses on efficiencies at the cost of a life well-lived for the animal, and respect for the ecosystem surrounding the farm. This may involve planting lots of trees, and visiting and moving animals every day. 🌾
🌿 Regenerative farming combines ancient knowledge, constant observation, and the mimicking of nature’s own processes to raise animals in a way that actually improves the land, the soil, and the overall ecosystem. 🌾
Frosts 🥶 and High Temperatures 🥵
One of the general rules of assessing whether your pasture is ‘safe’ or not is determined by both temperature and sunlight on the plant:
When the night temperatures are below 5°C 🥶, the grass is too high in sugar and starch due to the stress on the grass. At this temperature and below, the plant’s growth rate is slow, which means stored sugars aren’t used up. As such, they’ll still be high in the early morning. In this situation, potentially at-risk horses should not have pasture access.
Once it gets above 5° C at night, the lowest plant sugar and starch level is before sunrise
🥵 However, once temperatures are heading over 32 to 40°C (depending if the plant is a C3 or C4 species), the plant is also stressed and its sugar levels are raised. 🥵
🌿 Over Grazing 🌿
As I keep mentioning, anything that stresses a plant raises its sugar content levels. Overgrazing will certainly do that. 🌿
This is very important to realize for at-risk horses and ponies as they are often locked up in a small yard or paddock that seemingly has little to graze on. However, that short stressed grass that they are picking that is growing at ground level can be VERY high in sugar and starch and although well-meaning, may keep these horses in a laminitic state and not aid their return to soundness. 🌿
Dirt is the best place for these horses and ponies in a laminitic state, with low sugar hay that has an ESC and Starch content of less than 10%.
🌿 New shoots of grass are also higher in sugar and starch which will be seen in an overgrazing situation. 🌿
Another important consideration is that most of the sugar in grasses tends to be in the bottom 3 to 4 inches of the plants. While it might be tempting to think that a very short, overgrazed pasture is safe because there’s “nothing much there,” such pastures present several risks—grasses are very stressed and only the lower inches of the plant are available, meaning these pastures can be very high in sugar. Add a frost 🥶 to this and this short, stressed grass can be diabolically high in sugar.
Mowing your Pasture! 🌿
I often hear advice given to people to mow their pastures to reduce the amount of feed and make it 'safer' for their horses and ponies to graze. 🐎
This unfortunately has quite the opposite effect on pasture sugar levels. Anything that stresses a plant, raises the sugar levels. Mowing stresses the plants, so although there may be less volume, what is now available is now fully loaded with sugar.
🌿 Taller, mature pastures, after the seed head has matured are safer than short, stressed pastures.
Although there may be some merit to mowing to keep the seed head from forming in the pasture species as the sugar content is greatest while the seed head is forming and maturing, this needs to be individually evaluated for your particular paddock and plant species. It is said that the pastures remain higher in sugar levels for 2 to 4 weeks after mowing, so mowing may just not work as by the time the pasture is 'safer' to graze after the stress of moving, it will by then have seed heads up and growing again. 🌿
This is such an individual situation and all species of grass have their own way of dealing with being mowed, rate of seed head production etc. The more species you have, the more you have to take into consideration. 🐎
🤩 Sophie C recently sent us a lovely review our Knotless Medium - 2cm / 3/4" GutzBusta Hay Net! 🤩
She said "Great quality haynet. The best I have found!"
We thank Sophie very much for taking the time to review our hay net. 🥰
The right hay is soooo important!
No matter if there is a short period of fasting or if you have ad-lib 24/7 grazing, the MOST important factor is the sugar and starch content of the hay. If your horse has 24/7 access to high sugar hay then you will never get on top of the laminitis and your horse will head on a downhill run to more severe laminitis or 'founder'.
I personally used to get my hay tested by Equi-Analytical/Dairy One in the USA. I now use Feed Central in Toowoomba (who send the sample there on your behalf). There is no way that you can look at hay and know its sugar levels, protein levels general mineral profile, or the quality of the hay. So if you are buying quantities large enough, then testing the hay to take the guesswork out or knowing you don't have to soak to reduce sugar levels, is well worth the extra small expense.
Ryegrass and Clover are among the biggest Equine no-no's of hay. There are however many hays that are really good for horses such as Cocksfoot, Teff, Native grasses, Smooth Bromegrasses etc. Phalaris can be ok, under the right circumstances.
Every species has its pluses and minuses, so it is a good idea to research what species are in your area and are likely to be the best for your individual horses. The time of day that the hay is cut holds a BIG bearing on the sugar levels, so finding a farmer that cuts in the morning is a great asset to find.
Learning about endophytes and plant toxicity levels is also an important thing to consider when choosing a suitable hay variety. 💝
Seek Assistance
💖 None of the information contained in our emails is intended to be diagnostic or advice. EVERY animal, soil type and nutrient levels, management strategies, nutritional requirements, work levels (retried V's showjumper), and metabolic state are all DIFFERENT.
Please consult your local Veterinarian, Equine Nutritionist, or other professional to ask for advice for your specific animals, property, and their individual requirements relevant to your locality. 💖
WSC, NSC, and ESC - what are these?
What are WSC, NSC, and ESC? These are terms for various carbohydrate fractions in forage or feeds.
🐎 Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) are carbohydrates solubilized and extracted in water. Includes monosaccharides, disaccharides and some polysaccharides — mainly fructan.
🐎 Fructan is a major storage carbohydrate in grasses.
🐎 Non-Structural Carbohydrate (NSC) is calculated by adding Water Soluble Carbohydrate (WSC) and Starch.
🐎 Ethanol Soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) are simple sugars. Only ESC and Starch will cause glucose spikes and insulin spikes.
It is the ESC and Starch levels added together that give the percentage of carbohydrates in the hay. For laminitic, IR/Cushings, or any obese or metabolically challenged horse or pony, this should be under 10%, with the starch portion being 4% or lower.
🐎 How much should a horse be fed? 🐎🐎
As a feeding guide, a horse should receive approximately 1.5 – 2.5% of its body weight in forage. Therefore on average, a 500kg horse in maintenance up to moderate work should be getting 7.5 to 12.5 Kg of forage (hay/grass from grazing) per day, depending on its condition score.
If your horse is overweight, then aiming for 1.5% is ideal and if underweight then heading for 2.5% would be ideal. If your horse needs to lose weight, feeding 1.5% of its current body weight, or 2.0% of its ideal body weight (whichever is more) is recommended.
Purchasing a handheld weigher or scales is a great way to help owners weigh their hay and feed to know exactly what weight they are feeding.
Horses should never be fed per biscuit but by weight. For example; a biscuit of Lucerne compared to a biscuit of pasture hay can be very different and the horse might be getting too much or too little.
This is where a slow feeder comes in handy as it can be loaded up with hay and the horse can get the amount of forage it requires in the speed and quantity needed for optimum health.
🤩 You may have come across our recent emails and might find yourself perplexed or uncertain about certain terminologies. On the other hand, some individuals may have attained expert knowledge by closely monitoring their horse or pony's struggle with laminitis.
What is the difference between laminitis and founder?
These 2 terms are often used interchangeably, however, the following gives a little more insight into their definitions.
⭐ Laminitis: Weakening of the laminae hoof wall connection - the tissue that connects the coffin bone to the hoof wall inside the foot. Horses and ponies, like us humans are experiencing more and more metabolic issues often from too much feed/inappropriate feed and not enough exercise. The first sign of PPID/Cushing's or IR can often be laminitis. Laminitis can be sub-clinical or low-grade and in our previous email, we discussed these signs. Left unchecked, or unresolved, laminitis can progress to what some call 'founder'. This commonly occurs in cresty-necked, or obese horses and is a great reason why horses should exit winter more on the lean side. There are many varying degrees of laminitis - mild or low grade to severe (founder).
⭐ Founder: Often used synonymously with laminitis, but often indicates disease progression if this term is used. Most people use the term founder to show a horse whose coffin bone has come separated from its hoof wall attachment and is displaced.
Not just limited to grass, Carbohydrate/Grain overload can also be a major cause of laminitis. Nutritionally induced laminitis through carbohydrate overload (grain, fruit, snacks, molasses) is another common cause. An excess of starch and sugars overflowing into the hindgut upsets the microflora (bacteria), which in turn, produces lactic acid, increasing the acidity of the hindgut. A toxic environment is created and toxins are released into the bloodstream via leaky hindgut epithelium.
Although laminitis is commonly caused by feed, grass, or grain overload, it is also important to realize that not EVERY case of laminitis is feed or metabolically related. There are other causes such as:
🐎 Snakebite.
🐎 Retained fetal membranes (placenta) after the birth of a foal.
🐎 Toxaemia - Many different causes, but horses that have high levels of toxins in the bloodstream are at high risk of laminitis. Bacterial, viral, plant, chemical and fungal toxins have all been implicated in causing laminitis. Keep an eye on horses that are suffering from fever, diarrhoea, colic (particularly after surgery), pneumonia, and pleurisy. Treatment of the initiating cause must be accomplished before improvement in laminitis can be expected.
🐎 Medications and Steroids - Although controversial, prolonged use or high doses of corticosteroids may contribute to the development of laminitis in some horses. Routine vaccinations have also been known to cause laminitis for some horses, therefore careful consideration needs to be given of the time of year they are given for metabolic-type horses and ponies.
🐎 Trauma - If a horse is injured and therefore is excessively weight-bearing on one leg. Fast or prolonged work on hard surfaces is another cause that has been associated with mechanical laminitis.
💞 Jenny made a recent post on Facebook telling us how happily her mares share from their GutzBusta and how happy she is with having constant, but controlled access to forage for her horses! 💖
Hurry, It’s the Final Hours of Our Sale! ⏳ Tick-tock, tick-tock... Shop before it's too late 👉️ www.gutzbusta.co.nz
🌟 Today is the FINAL DAY of our Mother's Day Sale 🌟 It's now or never to grab 10% off storewide and enjoy those savings!
Don't wait, visit 🛍️ www.gutzbusta.co.nz
⚡ Time is running out to shop our Mother’s Day Sale ⚡ Don’t miss the chance to grab a great deal with 10% off storewide.
Head over to www.gutzbusta.co.nz 🏇
Say goodbye to hay waste with Gutzbusta Hay Nets, prepare your horse’s meals in advance for a quick and easy feed. Perfect for the busy equestrian mama! 💕
This Mother’s Day, treat yourself to 10% off storewide and experience the convenience at- www.gutzbusta.co.nz ☀️🐎
Give your horse the best without breaking the bank! Enjoy 10% off storewide now with our Mother's day sale 🐴💚
Shop now at 🛍️ www.gutzbusta.co.nz
Less waste, more taste!! Gutzbusta Hay Nets minimise hay wastage, ensuring your horse enjoys every bit of their meal. With our Mother’s Day Sale, enjoy 10% off storewide 💖
Make the switch today at 🛒 www.gutzbusta.co.nz
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We all know the old saying of 'hay is as good as a rug', well that's certainly true for horses and ponies. Constant chewing of fibre in the form of hay keeps them warm from the inside out. 🥰 Keep your horses warm this winter by always having hay available.
Our hay nets and Hay Play Balls are awesome in helping to keep your horses and ponies occupied and offer great enrichment tools 🥰
When is your pasture safest? Higher levels of easily digestible carbohydrates in your pasture can pose a potential danger to all horses during the transition from a low-grass/hay-based diet in the summer to the abundance of feed in autumn. However, horses that are insulin resistant (IR), have Cushing's disease, or are overweight are even more susceptible to laminitis. Therefore, it is crucial to determine whether or not your pasture is safe for them. The safety of your pasture can be assessed based on the temperature and sunlight affecting the plants. Here are some general guidelines: 1. When night temperatures drop below 5°C, the grass becomes high in sugar and starch due to the stress on the plants. 2. If the night temperatures remain above 5°C, the lowest levels of sugar and starch in the pasture plants are typically between 3am and 10am. 3. Any factors that stress the plants, such as drought, frost, or overgrazing, can increase the sugar levels. 4. On sunny days, the sugar and starch levels are highest in the afternoon and evening. Overcast or cloudy days result in less sugar and starch production in the grass, making the pasture slightly safer. Unfortunately, some horses and ponies may not have the opportunity to graze in the pasture for more than an hour a day, or not at all during certain times of the year. Spring and Autumn are usually the highest-risk periods. When dealing with cases of chronic and acute laminitis, it is crucial to seek help from a veterinarian, trimmer, farrier, or equine nutritionist. Making informed decisions and receiving the correct advice can make a significant difference in the life or death of your horse or pony, as well as their overall well-being. For horses and ponies with these conditions, it is important to note that sunny afternoons are never safe for grazing. To read this Blog in it's entirety, please click on the following: https://gutzbusta.co.nz/blogs/news/autumn-pasture-cautions
A rainy day here today, so happy to have a fresh round bale for the ponies 🥰 Here at GutzBusta, we have a large range of slow feeding options that help keep your horses happy, healthy and offer enrichment 🤩
Ponies enjoying some great nets for brunch 😍
Our Parallax Hay Play Balls are simply awesome 👌 A great snack and enrichment tool 🥰
just love this time of year... cool nights for better sleeping, warm sunny days for great photos ❤️😉🤣 Happy Ponies 🐴🐎
🌱 When is your pasture safest? 🌱 Higher levels of easily digestible carbohydrates in your pasture can pose a potential danger to all horses during the transition from a low-grass/hay-based diet in the summer to the abundance of feed in autumn. However, horses that are insulin resistant (IR), have Cushing's disease, or are overweight are even more susceptible to laminitis. 💕 Therefore, it is crucial to determine whether or not your pasture is safe for them. The safety of your pasture can be assessed based on the temperature and sunlight affecting the plants. Here are some general guidelines: * When night temperatures drop below 5°C, the grass becomes high in sugar and starch due to the stress on the plants. * If the night temperatures remain above 5°C, the lowest levels of sugar and starch in the pasture plants are typically between 3am and 10am. * Any factors that stress the plants, such as drought, frost, or overgrazing, can increase the sugar levels. * On sunny days, the sugar and starch levels are highest in the afternoon and evening. *Overcast or cloudy days result in less sugar and starch production in the grass, making the pasture slightly safer. Unfortunately, some horses and ponies may not have the opportunity to graze in the pasture for more than an hour a day, or not at all during certain times of the year. Spring and fall are usually the highest-risk periods. When dealing with cases of chronic and acute laminitis, it is crucial to seek help from a veterinarian, trimmer, farrier, or equine nutritionist. Making informed decisions and receiving the correct advice can make a significant difference in the life or death of your horse or pony, as well as their overall well-being. For horses and ponies with these conditions, it is important to note that sunny afternoons are never safe for grazing. 💕
Our side loading larges are simply awesome and easy to fill. Available in a large range of hay net hole sizes to suit your individual needs. Excellent for reducing feed times and making sure your horses, ponies or livestock have continual access to feed.
Thanks for your help Zoe 😅🤣😂
At GutzBusta, we have an enormous range of hay nets. 😀 we also have a huge range of hay net hole sizes starting at 2cm, 3cm, 4cm and 6cm. 🤩 Visit our store to see our range. Www.gutzbusta.co.nz
How to extend the length of your drawstring? Super easy!
If your horses 🐎 are getting a bit fussy and leaving some of the hay in their hay net, then a great way to help this is to add a biscuit of something really palatable like Lucerne (alfalfa). Here I just open up this medium 3cm knotted hay net, make a hole in the middle of the remaining hay, insert the more palatable biscuit, fluff up all hay inside and then re-hang the hay net back up. If there is nothing wrong with the hay in the hay net, it's just not as yummy anymore as they have eaten the best bits, this can be an excellent way to get them to eat ALL of the hay.
Love our hay nets, even if I do say so myself... LOL 😂 With a good few days of rain coming, I was able to fill everything up and now I only have to feed hard feeds each day and not worry about putting hay out in the rain. So thankful for my shelter ❤️
Cherry 🍒 eating from a 4cm large knotless GutzBusta Hay Net ❤️
Thank goodness for the 2cm hole sized hay nets. 😅 We made some some really palatable hay this year, and for the first time ever, I needed to use the 2cm nets with our ponies. 🐎🐎
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