Barley as part of feed

[Mermaid2]

Been talking to a couple of people both of whom swear by Barley as part of horses diet Said it was great for condition and is one of the old fashioned ways of feeding.

Anyyone had any experience, plan on adding it to a basic chuff and seeing how we get on. Thanks

[Pixel]

We used to feed cooked flaked barley in the winter. The horses loved it if we put hot water on it and made a sort of porridgy warm feed if the weather was foul. And it smelled lovely.

I vaguely remember that we used the cooked flaked stuff because it was easier to digest if you wanted to just bung it in the feed without soaking first.

[Callisto]

Nothing wrong with feeding barley, but if you do make sure it is part of a balanced feed so add chaff, sugar beet, bran or whatever. I also would only feed it regularly to horses that are in work.

[Mermaid2]

Thanks ladies, was planning on giving it to my horse as part of his hard feed, so chaff, nuts etc. He has trouble keeping weight on in winter so hopefully this will help him. I probably ride/exercise him 3 times a week more if its not raining :)

[Spookyoldclothcatpuss]

Would barley make the horse/pony fizzy? My friends warmblood could do with a bit of help, but he is only in light work. Wouldn't send him out of his head!

[Mermaid2]

Barley is fine Spooky, its oats that send them fizzy, I know someone who uses oats for that very purpose. I suppose everything in moderation and what's right for your horse

[olderyetwider]

We were using barley to promote weight gain but the vet advised oil instead. We have gone over to Speedi-Beet and Bailey's Outshine and he is putting weight on nicely, without any fizz

[Mermaid2]

Have used oil in the past too, and speedi beet, just gonna give this a go.