Balancers - yay or neigh?

[Greenbucket]

My horses are out 24/7 atm unless I need them in before an event. They look pretty good, they are all quite good doers. They are getting ad lib grass while out, and when in I feed them fast fibre and chaff (just so they've got something nice to eat really) as well as good hay.

One of them is a bit lacking in energy so I am investigating balancers, and I'm a bit worried that none of them are getting enough vits and mins although as I say they all look good. Another one's hooves aren't brilliant and another one has a slightly dull coat although I think thats just because his winter coat is coming in.

I was looking at the top spec comprehensive balancer or the baileys performance. I've never fed a balancer before.

Try Equinox - it's brilliant.

Get in touch with Dengie. I did no expensive balances just good old hi fi vits and mins and beet recommended for my two. Made a brill difference. Mine are still out 24/7.

I feed a top spec balancer. My horse looks great on it, and as a veteran it gives him various other things he needs. His does not give him energy.

I agree - contact some of the feed manufacturers. I think they're great, but I also think that if what you're feeding is working, there's no need to change.

Mine saw an equine podiatrist (who's also a trimmer) a few months ago. She reviewed my boy's diet and said the only thing she would change is the balancer. She recommended forageplus.

Forage Plus is very expensive for what it contains, however, it's best to get your grass/hay analysed to see what it's missing. A lot of other feed balancers have a little too much iron in them and contain soya. Equinox as I said earlier is very good and it lasts ages.

Forage plus, pro balance/ pro hoof, or equimins advance complete are the ones that apparently are best with uk grazing as they have higher levels of magnesium which is lacking in most areas and no iron which apparently is v high in most uk grazing. Otherwise it's a case of forage analysis and balancing what is lacking.. but i think the forage analysis is quite expensive and only relevant if your forage is from a consistent source.

I have recently swapped to equimins and so far so good.

Old yard I had to use pink powder to give her spark and biotin for feet. Since being on good grass a full turnout shes done well with just micronised linseed (50ml scoop), turmeric, chaff and fastfiber. Her feet and coat are great.

I'm a yay. I feed similar to you, with either a supplement or a balancer. I feed the smaller ponies NAF general purpose supplement with Alfa A oil and speed beet. I feed the bigger ponies a Blue Chip balancer - but only because I get it for free. The free supply is coming to an end in a month and I can't decide whether to continue with it or go back to the mins and vits supplement for all. They look well, but I'm not sure if that's just because they're nice and fit! People on the H&H forum all seem to rave about Top Spec.