Luomara Grass and Track Livery

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

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23/05/2026

Sunny evenings with the horses 🥰

20/05/2026

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14/05/2026

Mini Study Coming Soon
We’ll also be running a small movement study to measure how much our track system actually increases roaming and daily steps for domesticated horses.

We already see the difference every day — but soon, we’ll be able to prove it with data.

Movement matters.
Choice matters.
And at Luomara, we’re committed to giving horses both.

13/05/2026

🐴 SandyHoof Is Coming to Luomara — And Our Track Liveries Will Benefit Every Single Day

One of the biggest challenges in horse care is knowing what’s really happening when we’re not standing in the field with them.
That’s why we’re excited to share that all horses on our full track livery service will be able to use SandyHoof, the intelligent movement‑tracking system designed specifically for horses.

With SandyHoof, I can finally see what I’ve always wanted to understand:

How much each individual horse moves throughout the day

Where they choose to spend their time — their favourite hang‑out spots, rest areas, and social zones

Whether everyone is getting enough rest, not just assuming they are

How the herd uses the track, so I can keep adjusting and improving it

This brings huge reassurance — not just for me as the yard owner, but for every owner who wants to know their horse is thriving, not just “turned out”.

And the best part?
It means I can adapt the track in real time to give the horses exactly what they need: more movement, more interest, more comfort, more choice.

10/05/2026

🦠 Thrush in Horses: Why It Matters, How to Recognise It, and the Long‑Term Damage It Can Cause
Thrush is far more than a smelly black discharge in the frog — it is a bacterial and fungal infection that can compromise the entire back of the hoof. Scientific studies show that thrush is primarily caused by anaerobic bacteria, especially Fusobacterium necrophorum, which thrive in wet, dirty, oxygen‑poor environments. Left untreated, thrush can cause pain, structural damage, and long‑term biomechanical issues that affect the whole horse.

⚠️ Why Thrush Is Dangerous (Science‑Backed)
Veterinary pathology research shows that thrush can:

invade the frog sulci and destroy soft keratin

weaken the digital cushion and shock‑absorbing structures

cause significant heel pain

alter hoof biomechanics

predispose the horse to navicular‑type strain

delay frog development in young or barefoot horses

Thrush is not “just cosmetic.” It is a pathological infection that directly affects hoof function.

🔍 How to Recognise Thrush
Common clinical signs described in veterinary literature include:

black, tar‑like discharge

strong foul odour

soft, crumbly frog tissue

deep central sulcus crack

pain when the frog or heel bulbs are pressed

toe‑first landing to avoid heel pain

contracted or under‑run heels in chronic cases

A deep central sulcus infection is particularly serious — it can split the heel bulbs and allow bacteria to track deeper into sensitive tissues.

🦴 The Long‑Term Effects of Toe‑First Landing
When the frog is painful, horses instinctively avoid loading the back of the foot and begin to land toe‑first.
This is not a harmless compensation — it is a major biomechanical red flag.

Scientific studies (Clayton, Hood, Bowker, O’Grady) show that chronic toe‑first landing can cause:

1. Digital Cushion Atrophy
The digital cushion develops through pressure and movement.
Without heel loading, it becomes:

weaker

less fibrous

less shock‑absorbing

Bowker’s research shows that once fibrocartilage density is lost, full regeneration is unlikely.

2. Collapsed or Contracted Heels
Toe‑first landing reduces stimulation to the back of the foot, leading to:

narrowing of the heel bulbs

deepening of the central sulcus

reduced frog contact

increased thrush risk

This creates a self‑reinforcing cycle:
Thrush → pain → toe‑first landing → weaker heels → deeper sulcus → more thrush.

3. Navicular Apparatus Strain
Toe‑first landing increases mechanical stress on:

the navicular bone

the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT)

the impar ligament

This increases the risk of chronic heel pain and navicular‑type pathology.

4. Tendon and Suspensory Overload
Because the caudal hoof isn’t absorbing impact, the limb absorbs more concussion, leading to:

suspensory strain

fetlock overload

increased risk of soft‑tissue injury

Toe‑first landing is a whole‑body problem, not just a hoof issue.

🧬 Long‑Term Effects of Chronic Thrush (Irreversible Damage)
Advanced thrush can permanently damage structures that do not fully regenerate.

1. Frog Corium Damage
If infection reaches the frog corium, it can cause:

permanent scarring

reduced elasticity

impaired shock absorption

The frog can regrow keratin, but deep corium damage is permanent.

2. Digital Cushion Degeneration
Chronic infection + toe‑first landing leads to:

fatty infiltration

loss of fibrocartilage

long‑term weakening

Once degraded, the digital cushion rarely returns to full function.

3. Permanent Central Sulcus Deformity
Long‑standing thrush can create a deep, narrow sulcus that:

splits the heel bulbs

destabilises the back of the foot

predisposes the horse to lifelong heel sensitivity

4. Frog Atrophy and Loss of Function
Severe thrush can destroy frog tissue to the point where:

the frog becomes narrow and weak

ground contact is lost

proprioception (ground feel) is reduced

the horse becomes more prone to tripping and imbalance

The frog may regrow, but shape and function may never fully return if underlying structures were damaged.

🐴 How to Prevent Thrush (What Studies Recommend)
1. Keep the environment dry and clean
Thrush bacteria thrive in wet, manure‑rich bedding.

2. Encourage movement
Movement increases blood flow and stimulates frog development.

3. Maintain a healthy frog shape
A wide, robust frog with an open sulcus is naturally resistant to infection.

4. Improve drainage and footing
Gravel yards, dry standing areas, and track systems reduce bacterial load.

5. Use targeted topical treatments
Evidence supports antimicrobial, zinc‑based, copper‑based, and oxygen‑releasing products.

6. Regular, balanced trimming
Correct hoof balance prevents deep sulci and contracted heels.

📚 Scientific References (summarised)
Floyd & Mansmann – Equine Podiatry (frog pathology, thrush progression)

O’Grady & Poupard (2003) – thrush as an anaerobic infection involving Fusobacterium necrophorum

Bowker (2003–2010) – digital cushion development, frog function, effects of under‑stimulation

Clayton & Hood – biomechanics of heel‑first vs toe‑first landing

Turner (1992–2005) – frog mechanics and caudal hoof loading

Kane et al. – environmental risk factors for hoof infections

UK Equine Hygiene Studies – links between wet bedding, manure, and bacterial load

07/05/2026

🌾 How Do We Decide How Much Hay to Feed? (Science‑Backed, Welfare‑First)
Horses evolved to forage for 16–18 hours per day, moving continuously and eating small amounts of fibre at a time. Modern research confirms that their digestive system, gut microbiome, and mental wellbeing depend on constant access to forage, not meal‑based feeding. But “constant access” doesn’t mean a horse should park itself at one hay net and binge. At Luomara, our approach is based on two principles:

1️⃣ Horses must never run out of forage
Studies show that horses naturally consume 1.5–3% of their bodyweight in dry matter per day, depending on forage quality and movement levels. A 500 kg horse typically eats 7.5–15 kg of hay/day.

Allowing forage to run out increases stomach acidity, stress hormones, and the risk of gastric ulcers — even when “ad lib” hay is technically available.

2️⃣ Forage must be offered in a way that encourages movement, not static eating
Research shows that horses eat 63% of their daily intake during the day, and naturally slow down at night — but only if forage is spread out and requires movement.

When hay is restricted or offered in one place, horses:

eat faster

show reduced satiety

move less

experience higher stress

🐴 Why We Use Multiple Hay Stations (and Slow‑Feeders)
Scientific studies show that haynets, slow‑feeders, and varied presentation increase chewing time and reduce gorging. Smaller‑mesh nets increase intake time by 5–10 minutes per kg, supporting natural foraging behaviour.

Using multiple stations across a track system:

increases movement

prevents resource guarding

mimics natural grazing patterns

reduces the risk of one horse monopolising a single net

This aligns with research showing that unrestricted, movement‑based foraging supports gut health and behavioural wellbeing.

🌱 Why “Ad‑Lib” Doesn’t Mean Unlimited Calories
Not all hay is equal. Ryegrass hay can be calorie‑dense, while late‑cut meadow hay is lower in energy. Some horses (especially natives) are genetically adapted to survive on very little.

This is why we:

choose lower‑energy forage

spread it out

use slow‑feeders

encourage movement

monitor body condition, not just hay weight

The goal is constant access without constant overeating.

🧠 Our Feeding Philosophy at Luomara
✔ Horses never run out of hay
✔ Forage is spread across multiple stations
✔ Slow‑feeders mimic natural grazing
✔ Movement is built into the environment
✔ Forage quality is matched to the horse
✔ We monitor what they eat, not just what we offer

This approach is fully aligned with current equine nutrition science: forage first, movement always, and feeding systems that honour the horse’s natural biology.

07/05/2026

🧪 Processed Feeds: Herbicides, By‑Products, and Additives — What the Evidence Shows
Another reason to approach processed horse feeds with caution is the quality and origin of the raw materials used. Many commercial horse feeds — especially lower‑grade or “animal‑grade” products — are made from by‑products of the human food industry, combined with binding agents, preservatives, and ingredients grown with herbicides. This does not mean they are unsafe by default, but it does mean owners should understand what they are feeding.

1. Many processed feeds use by‑products from human food manufacturing
This is scientifically documented and openly acknowledged in equine nutrition literature.

Common examples include:

wheat middlings (a milling by‑product)

soybean hulls (oil extraction by‑product)

distillers grains (ethanol production by‑product)

rice bran (milling by‑product)

molasses (sugar refining by‑product)

These ingredients are not inherently harmful — some are useful fibre sources — but they are not what horses evolved to eat, and their nutrient profiles can vary widely depending on processing.

Peer‑reviewed reviews note that by‑products often contain:

higher levels of residual starch

variable sugar content

inconsistent mineral profiles

potential mycotoxin contamination depending on storage

This variability can challenge metabolic stability in sensitive horses.

2. Herbicide residues are common in cereal crops used for animal feed
This is a scientifically supported fact.

Studies analysing feed grains (wheat, barley, oats, soy) frequently detect residues of:

glyphosate

2,4‑D

dicamba

atrazine (in some regions)

These residues are typically below legal limits, but the key point is this:

Animal‑grade ingredients are held to different standards than human‑grade ingredients.

Human‑grade crops undergo stricter testing and rejection thresholds.
Animal‑grade crops may include:

lower‑quality batches

crops with cosmetic damage

grains with higher residue levels (still within legal limits)

older or downgraded stock

Again — this does not mean they are unsafe, but it does mean the purity and consistency differ from human‑grade food.

For metabolically sensitive horses, even small variations in starch, sugar, or contaminants can matter.

3. Binding agents and processing aids are used in pelleted feeds
Pelleted and extruded feeds require binders and processing aids to hold their shape and survive transport.

Common binders include:

lignosulfonates

bentonite clays

starch-based binders

molasses (also used for palatability)

These substances are approved for animal feed, but they are not part of a natural equine diet, and some (like molasses) add additional sugar load.

Extrusion and pelleting also change the glycaemic index of the feed — making starch more rapidly digestible, which increases insulin response.

This is well documented in equine glycaemic studies.

4. Why this matters for metabolic health
For horses with EMS, PPID, laminitis history, or “good doer” genetics, the combination of:

by‑product variability

herbicide residues

binders

heat‑processing

added molasses

cereal‑based ingredients

creates a metabolic burden that their evolutionary biology is not designed to handle.

These horses thrive on:

forage

movement

minerals

low‑NSC fibre sources

—not on industrially processed calories.

📚 Scientific References (summarised)
These sources support the claims above:

NRC (Nutrient Requirements of Horses) — documents common use of by‑products (wheat middlings, soybean hulls, distillers grains) in commercial feeds.

Durham et al. (2019) — metabolic horses have significantly reduced tolerance for starch/sugar.

Treiber et al. (2006–2009) — insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk increase with high‑NSC feeds.

Longland & Byrd (2006) — variability in NSC content of feed ingredients and pasture.

EFSA & FDA feed safety reports — confirm herbicide residues are commonly detected in animal‑grade grains.

Equine glycaemic response studies — show pelleting/extrusion increases starch digestibility and insulin response.

Mycotoxin and residue monitoring studies — document higher variability in animal‑grade vs human‑grade grain batches.

06/05/2026

🌾 Why We Should Be Cautious With Horse‑Feed Advertising
(and what it really means for the horse’s metabolism)
Horse‑feed adverts are designed to sell a product, not to protect a horse’s metabolic health — and that’s exactly why discretion is essential. Many processed feeds are marketed with emotional language like “energy,” “conditioning,” “shine,” “performance,” or “balanced nutrition,” but these terms often hide the real issue: a horse’s metabolism was never designed for concentrated, rapidly digestible calories.

Horses evolved to eat low‑calorie, high‑fibre forage almost continuously throughout the day. Their digestive system and insulin response are built for slow, steady trickle‑feeding — not for starch spikes, molasses, cereal grains, or heat‑processed pellets. When a feed advert promises quick results, it usually means one thing metabolically: fast sugar delivery, which can overwhelm the horse’s natural insulin system.

For horses with EMS, PPID, laminitis history, or even just “good doer” genetics, these feeds can trigger:

sharp insulin spikes

fat storage and regional adiposity

laminitic risk

hindgut disruption from starch overflow

chronic low‑grade inflammation

Even feeds labelled “low sugar,” “laminitis safe,” or “high fibre” can still contain ingredients that challenge metabolic stability — such as alfalfa, soya hulls, cereal by‑products, or hidden molasses.

Advertising rarely explains:

how the feed affects insulin

how quickly the starch is digested

whether the horse actually needs the added calories

whether the ingredients suit a grazing herbivore’s evolutionary diet

This is why discretion matters. A shiny bag and clever wording don’t change the biological reality: most domestic horses do not need processed feeds, and many are harmed by them. Their metabolism thrives on forage, movement, minerals, and consistency — not on manufactured calories.

🧪 What the Science Actually Shows
Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that:

High‑NSC feeds (sugar + starch) cause rapid post‑meal glucose and insulin spikes.

When starch exceeds the small intestine’s capacity, it spills into the hindgut, causing acidosis, microbiome disruption, colic, and laminitis.

Horses with insulin dysregulation have a much lower tolerance for starch and sugar than healthy horses.

Many leisure horses already meet or exceed their calorie needs on forage alone — meaning processed feeds often add unnecessary metabolic load.

This is why owners must be vigilant and do their own research, not rely on marketing language.

🎯 Marketing Tactics to Be Aware Of
Feed companies often use subtle psychological strategies to make products appear essential:

Health‑washed language: “cool energy,” “low sugar,” “high fibre,” “laminitis friendly” — often without disclosing actual NSC%.

Appearance‑based promises: “shine,” “topline,” “condition” — appealing to owners’ emotions rather than metabolic safety.

Cherry‑picking nutrients: Highlighting added biotin or omega‑3 to distract from cereal-heavy formulas.

Vague comparisons: “Lower sugar” than what? Without numbers, it’s marketing, not science.

Complexity as a selling tool: Long ingredient lists and scientific jargon create the illusion of necessity.

This is why owners must stay vigilant and read the numbers, not the adjectives.

🧠 Encouraging Owners to Be Vigilant
A simple rule of thumb:

Feed bags don’t know your horse. You do.
Always check the NSC%, the ingredients, and whether your horse actually needs the calories.

Look for:

NSC% (sugar + starch)

ingredient sources (cereals vs. fibre)

whether the feed suits the horse’s metabolic status

whether forage + minerals would meet the same need more safely

Independent nutritionists, peer‑reviewed studies, and forage analysis are far more reliable than brand marketing.

🐴 Where Concentrates Do Have a Valid Role (Evidence‑Based)
It’s important — and more credible — to acknowledge that concentrates are not inherently “bad.” They simply need to be used for the right horse, for the right reason, in the right amount.

Scientific evidence supports the use of concentrates for:

1. High‑performance horses
Horses in intense work may require more rapidly available energy than forage alone can provide. When fed in controlled amounts, starch can support glycogen replenishment and performance in metabolically normal horses.

2. Low‑intake vitamin–mineral balancers
Research shows forage‑only diets often lack key micronutrients. A low‑NSC balancer can safely meet nutritional needs without adding significant calories.

3. Horses with poor dentition or special needs
Senior horses or those unable to chew long‑stem forage may require fibre‑based mashes or cubes to maintain weight and gut health.

4. Clinical cases under veterinary guidance
Certain medical conditions (ulcers, severe weight loss, recovery from illness) may require carefully formulated, fibre‑based concentrates.

So the balanced, science‑aligned message is:

Concentrates are tools — not essentials.
Used thoughtfully, they have a place.
Used by default, they can quietly undermine metabolic health.

📚 References (summarised)
These are scientific sources and peer‑reviewed findings that support the statements above:

Treiber et al. (2006–2009). Research on insulin dysregulation, laminitis risk, and starch/sugar thresholds in ponies.

Johnson et al. (2004). Starch overflow into the hindgut and its role in acidosis and laminitis.

Harris et al. (Equine Applied Nutrition). Reviews on NSC, metabolic syndrome, and safe feeding practices.

Durham et al. (2019). Management of EMS and PPID, including dietary starch/sugar restrictions.

Pagan & Harris (Kentucky Equine Research). Studies on glycogen replenishment and the role of starch in high‑performance horses.

NRC (National Research Council) — Nutrient Requirements of Horses (forage nutrient gaps & balancer justification).

Longland & Byrd (2006). NSC levels in pasture grasses and their metabolic implications.

Equine Grass Sward Studies (UK) — documenting high fructan and NSC levels in ryegrass‑dominant pasture.