Oakford Stockfeeds

04/06/2026

Horse welfare is about more than feed, water and shelter. It is about looking at the whole horse — their body, mind, environment, movement, social needs and daily care.

Our latest article looks at the key things horse owners should consider when keeping a horse, including forage, turnout, social contact, hydration, hoof care, dental care, pain signs, training, enrichment and more.

We also reference recent research on the “friends, forage and freedom” approach, which highlights how management choices can influence horse welfare outcomes.

Whether you own a paddock companion, performance horse, senior horse or good doer, this is a helpful read for anyone wanting to support healthier, happier horses.

👉 Read the full article on our website (link in the bio/comments).

02/06/2026

28/05/2026

26/05/2026

Tip Tuesday: Rugging Horses in Winter 🐴🌧️

As the weather cools down, it can be tempting to rug every horse — but not every horse needs the same level of protection.

Horses have a thermoneutral zone, which is generally considered to be around 5°C to 25°C for adult horses. This means many healthy, unclipped horses can naturally regulate their body temperature within this range, especially if they have good body condition, access to forage and shelter from wind and rain.

However, rugging may be needed when:

🐴 Your horse is clipped
Clipped horses lose much of their natural insulation, so they often need extra protection from cold, wind and rain.

🌧️ There is rain or wind chill
A wet coat loses its ability to trap warm air. Cold rain, strong wind and no shelter can make horses much colder than the temperature suggests.

🏡 Shelter is limited
Horses with access to trees, sheds or windbreaks may cope better than horses exposed in open paddocks.

⚖️ Your horse is older, finer, underweight or harder to keep condition on
Some horses need extra support to maintain warmth and body condition through winter.

A good rule of thumb: check your horse, not just the weather app. Feel under the rug, monitor their weight, and watch for sweating, rubbing or signs they are cold.

Need help choosing the right rug or winter care products? Pop in and chat with the team - we have a great selection of Zilco rugs available in-store and online!

19/05/2026

Upgrade your ride with the Flexible Fit Equestrian Neck Strap Bundle ❤️

Designed to provide extra security, stability and comfort in the saddle, this bundle is a handy addition for riders who want added support without compromising on feel.

The bundle includes:
✔️ Neck strap
✔️ Adapter
✔️ Clips

Available in sizes:
🐴 Pony
🐴 Cob
🐴 Full

A neck strap can be useful for giving riders an extra point of balance, supporting confidence in the saddle, and offering a practical handle when needed — especially for young riders, green horses, jumping, trail riding or everyday schooling.

👀 Looking for something specific? We stock the full Flexible Fit Equestrian range at Oakford Stockfeeds, so contact us and we can order it in for you!

Available in-store and online.