Melissa Emson advises the following when it comes to feeding…
■ Young horses who are turned out 24/7 have considerably better wear patterns ■ Horses are designed to eat from the floor and will wear their teeth significantly better if you feed from there. ■ Undertake research to find out what feed is appropriate for your horse, and whether it is really essential to buy all those supplements and sugary treats. ■ Source a finer meadow hay for older horses and provide hay replacers, such as fibre nuts/alfalfa nuts soaked in a trug bucket alongside hay as an alternative. ■ If your horse has diastemas, ensure that his feed doesn't contain chaff which can lodge in the gaps. ■ Listen and follow instructions after any dental examination. However, be realistic when it comes to management changes and discuss what works for you and your horse. ■ General health is also important and I like my older clients to be regularly tested for Cushing's, or monitored if on treatment. ■ If you are able to brush your horse’s incisors and canines with a soft toothbrush (), I recommend that you do so in order to remove any calculus or feed that may be lodged.