Pferdeinternistin - Sophie Hug

19/05/2026

Zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit im Tierspital Zürich

12/05/2026

25/02/2026

The use of hay nets and slow feeders as feeding methods in horse management: A semi-systematic review

Background: Hay nets and slow feeders are designed to mimic natural grazing by prolonging forage intake, thereby supporting digestive health and reducing stress-related behaviours. Their design and use, however, can influence effectiveness and may introduce risks.

Aim: This semi-systematic review evaluated the use of hay nets and slow feeders in feeding horses, focusing on their impact on feeding time, behaviour, forage management and health management.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41478609/

09/02/2026

Producer & Director: Marlen KönigCamera & Cut: Lukas EllerbrockColorgrading: POP ProductionBook your own image film and check out our website:www.marlenkoeni...

09/02/2026

Philippe Karl, renowned rider and teacher of French classical riding, shares his passionate critiques of modern dressage riding, and discusses how we can tra...

19/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Hui8pe5HK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It’s a good idea to offer your horse forage before exercise or trailering. Here’s why:

A small amount of fiber can form a protective mat inside the stomach, helping to reduce acid splash. Without this buffer, stomach acid—unneutralized by saliva—can more easily come into contact with the sensitive stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastric irritation and ulceration.

Traveling in a trailer is more physically demanding than it might seem: horses have to continuously adjust their balance during transit, which engages their core muscles - this constant abdominal contraction can push stomach acid up and onto the non-glandular portion of the stomach, an area particularly vulnerable to ulceration.

How you can help: feed forage before exercise and before (and during) travel so that it can form a protective mat on top, minimizing stomach acid splash back.

Alfalfa, when appropriate, can be an especially useful buffer.

Here’s why:
1. Alfalfa is rich in calcium, a natural antacid that helps neutralize gastric acid in the horse’s stomach.
2. Compared to grass hay, alfalfa has more digestible protein and coarse fiber, which contributes to forming that protective fibrous mat in the stomach, reducing acid splash.
3. Horses chew more with long-stem alfalfa, which stimulates saliva production, and saliva contains bicarbonate, a natural buffer.

Best Use Practices:
* Offer 1–2 flakes of alfalfa 15–30 minutes before riding or hauling.
* Can be fed in combination with grass hay for balanced energy and gut support.
* Soaking alfalfa cubes or pellets is a good alternative for horses with dental issues.

Cautions:
* High calcium levels may not be ideal for horses prone to calcium-related kidney stones (rare).
* High protein content may be too rich for easy keepers or those with metabolic issues.
* Always balance alfalfa in the diet — too much can throw off the calcium:phosphorus ratio

https://koperequine.com/more-chew-time-less-time-on-an-empty-stomach/

11/08/2025

Wie man HUFREHE erkennt. Sehr gut und einfach erklärt und illustriert.

30/12/2024

Just because your horse has access to water does not guarantee he’s drinking enough to stay hydrated. Learn more about how to keep horses hydrated.

06/12/2024

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