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February blues: The toughest time of year for our horses
We are approaching the end of winter, which poses a huge challenge for our horses. Although the weather conditions could be quite favorable, from a feeding perspective this period is truly tough: there’s no pasture yet, and the hay is already several months old. What can we do?
Yes, February is indeed one of the most challenging times of the year from a horse feeding perspective. Pastures are still unavailable, as the grass has not yet regrown, while the hay on hand has been harvested months ago, resulting in reduced nutritional value and vitamin content. Additionally, cold weather increases the horses’ energy requirements, making proper feeding even more difficult. This is why it is especially important during this period to supplement their diet with oils, herbal feeds, and vitamins to ensure horses don’t suffer from any deficiencies until the spring grazing season begins.
High-quality hay should continue to form the basis of the diet. Be sure it is free from mold or mildew, as these can cause respiratory issues. If problems have already occurred, using products like Resp Elixir can help alleviate coughing and respiratory difficulties, while Equi Detox can mitigate the harmful effects of any toxins.
As time progresses, the vitamin and mineral content of hay steadily decreases, so it’s advisable to complement the diet with a comprehensive feed and multivitamins — such as our Top Condition feed or Multihorse.
Feeding challenges are further complicated as many owners begin bringing their horses out of winter rest and gradually resume work, including training or competition preparation, which increases energy demands. To compensate, it’s a good idea to supplement their diet with linseed oil or sugar beetpulp pellets. These are gentle on the digestive system, contain minimal starch and sugar (less than 5%), and provide slowly absorbed carbohydrates. For even more complex digestive support, our Extra Care gastric-friendly feed is an excellent option, especially beneficial for horses prone to colic, gastric ulcers, or other digestive issues.
Our cover photo features a pair who have chosen Meglio products for both winter and summer seasons. The horse consumes Xion Top Condition feed, along with additional supplements such as joint support, hoof care, and multivitamins.
So, it’s not an unattainable dream for your horse to be in wonderful condition even during the most nutritionally challenging time of the year. With the right care and attention, the results will not disappoint!