Managing a good doer shouldn’t feel like walking a tightrope, and it doesn’t require fear or extreme restriction. What it does require is predictability. These horses thrive on consistent access to low‑sugar fibre, daily salt, a mineral supplement that doesn’t add calories, and regular movement to improve insulin sensitivity.

When the forage is good (whether that’s pasture or hay, or a combination), everything else becomes easier: weight stays steadier, behaviour is calmer, digestion runs smoothly, and you’re not constantly chasing problems with extra feeds or supplements. But because hay varies so much between cuts, species, and even paddocks, choosing the right batch can feel like a moving target. That’s why a little knowledge goes a long way in helping you pick hay that truly suits your horse.