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.

PPID (Cushings) is one of the most common hormonal issues we see in older horses, but Australian data shows many cases are still slipping past owners. With around one in five horses over 15 affected, it’s far more widespread than most people realise. The challenge is that PPID doesn’t show up all at once, you need to keep a close eye on symptoms of problems with insulin and metabolic health to catch it early and keep these horses safe.

Here’s a look at the horse health topics you have wanted to know about most.

If you were using an online feed balancing calculator based only on hard feed and ignoring pasture, that would be like trying to balance your human diet by focusing super hard on the biscuit you had at morning tea, and ignoring everything else you ate in that day. If we don’t know what’s in the largest part of the diet, we can’t perfectly balance minerals on paper. So instead of chasing perfect numbers, here at Sound Advice we teach owners something far more practical.

Soaking feeds is one of those topics that sparks endless debate in horse groups, but the truth is far more balanced than the arguments suggest. This week, we’re breaking down the advantages, the drawbacks, and the actual research behind soaked vs. dry feeds.

While no single mineral “creates” dapples, certain nutrients are essential for coat health and pigmentation

Scours, or diarrhea, can be a common issue among horses that causes dehydration and discomfort. It isn’t just a messy inconvenience. It’s a red flag that something’s gone awry in the gut, and in adult horses, it often signals hindgut dysfunction, particularly in the caecum and colon where fluid reabsorption normally occurs.

Most owners of horses with metabolic dysfunction know that they should avoid feeds that are high in sugar, but here are the reasons you also should consider limiting starch.

Now is also the time to start preparing for Itch season. If your horse typically suffers from Itch, giving them the building blocks for a robust immune function will set them up for less suffering when summer comes.

A study released in August this year in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science into contaminants in horse feeds has found that “99 % (n = 107) of the samples tested positive for fungal metabolites, particularly Fusarium metabolites, unspecific metabolites, and pesticide residues."

Salt is a cornerstone of equine health. What does it do in the body? What forms are best and how much should you supply?

Can summer coats be maintained longer by stabling your horse under lights?

Ensuring that your horse gets enough iodine in the diet is critical to supporting thyroid function and producing thyroid hormones that regulate almost every cell of the body

Horses don’t chew cud like ruminants but instead rely on microbial fermentation in the cecum and colon (hindgut) to break down cellulose and produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) for energy.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for muscle development, tissue repair, enzyme production, and overall equine health.

Performance horses are often successful because they are curious, bold, and thrive on challenges and novelty. Even though their joints and muscles might keep them from the arena, that doesn’t mean we can’t stimulate their minds.

There are various types of dewormers available in the market, each designed to target specific parasites and provide effective protection for your horse's health.

A sample diet for a mid-sized pony

Understanding the intricacies of horse vision can provide valuable insights into their behavior and wellbeing.

Oils are a valuable source of energy, promoting a glossy coat, supporting joint health, and aiding with digestion.  Significant oil...