FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Optimal Cushing’s Management: Essential Tips
Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is the most common hormonal disorder in horses. While all horse breeds can be affected, native breeds may be more prone, as well as older horses.
The condition involves an overgrowth in the pituitary gland’s pars intermedia at the base of the brain. This region of the pituitary gland produces hormones that play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. This growth leads to an overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal gland to produce excessive amounts of cortisol. Symptoms include abnormal hair growth, chronic infections, laminitis, excessive sweating, increased drinking and urination, weight loss, lethargy, and muscle loss. Other signs may include abnormal fat deposits, reproductive issues in mares, abnormal mammary gland development, and ligament degeneration.
Key Highlights
Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), is a common endocrine disorder.
It primarily effects older horses over the age of 15, and is most commonly seen in native breeds such as Welsh and Dartmoor ponies.
Clinical signs include delayed sheeding, abnormal fat deposits and muscle loss.
Treatment options include medications and dietaty management.
Understanding Cushing’s
Cushing’s disease, or PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), occurs when part of the brain’s pituitary gland – the pars intermedia – stops working properly. This gland normally helps regulate hormones that control many of the body’s vital functions.
In horses with Cushing’s, the pars intermedia becomes overactive, usually due to a benign tumour or age-related degeneration. This causes the gland to release too much of a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH then overstimulates the adrenal glands, leading them to produce excessive cortisol – the hormone often referred to as the body’s natural “stress hormone”.
Chronically high cortisol levels can affect nearly every system in the horse’s body. Common signs include a long, curly coat that doesn’t shed properly, weight and muscle loss, increased drinking and urination, laminitis, lowered immunity, and recurring infections. Left unmanaged, these clinical signs can have a serious impact on the horse’s well-being.
Clinical Signs
Identifying the early warning signs and symptoms of Cushing’s disease is crucial for early detection and management of the condition. While the clinical signs can vary, there are several key indicators that horse owners should be aware of.
Physical Changes Seen with Cushing’s
Horses affected by PPID exhibit several distinct clinical features. Abnormal hair growth, known as hirsutism, is commonly seen along the crest of the neck, shoulders, and tail head. In advanced stages, Cushing’s can cause progressive muscle wastage and a loss of musculature along the topline, resulting in a pot-bellied appearance and reduced exercise tolerance. Laminitis, characterised by foot tenderness, lameness, and a characteristic stance, is a recurring issue in horses with PPID, complicating their management. Additionally, PPID compromises the immune system, making affected horses more susceptible to infections, delayed wound healing, and heightened vulnerability to parasitic infestations.
Behavioural Changes seen with Cushing’s
In addition to physical changes, horses with Cushing’s disease often show behavioural alterations that can significantly affect their quality of life and performance. These changes can be subtle but are important to recognise:
Horses may exhibit changes in temperament, becoming more irritable, lethargic, or showing mood swings. This can impact their interaction with handlers and overall behaviour.
Additionally, Cushing’s disease can lead to a decline in energy levels and athletic performance, affecting the horse’s ability to perform tasks or participate in activities as they normally would.
Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive drinking) are frequent signs, indicating disruptions in fluid and electrolyte balance due to hormonal imbalances.
Diagnosis of Cushing’s
Accurate diagnosis of Cushing’s disease in horses involves a combination of diagnostic approaches. These approaches help assess the horse’s hormone levels and detect any abnormalities associated with the condition.
Diagnostic testing for Cushing’s disease typically includes:
These diagnostic approaches provide valuable information for accurately diagnosing Cushing’s disease in horses and determining the most appropriate treatment strategies.
In addition to blood tests, imaging techniques can be used to confirm the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease in horses. These techniques help visualise the pituitary gland and detect any abnormalities associated with the condition.
One imaging technique commonly used is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provides detailed images of the pituitary gland, allowing veterinarians to identify any growth or abnormality in the region of the pituitary gland affected by Cushing’s disease.
Imaging techniques, combined with blood tests and other diagnostic approaches, provide a comprehensive evaluation of the horse’s condition. They help confirm the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease and guide veterinarians in developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Treating a Horse with Cushing’s
Treatment for Cushing’s disease in horses primarily involves medication aimed at regulating hormone levels.
One of the most prescribed medications is pergolide. Pergolide works by suppressing the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. Typically administered orally in tablet form of varying strengths, pergolide requires careful monitoring of hormone levels and clinical signs to gauge its effectiveness. Vets often recommend periodic retesting of ACTH levels after initiating treatment and at regular intervals thereafter to assess the horse’s response and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This monitoring ensures optimal management of the condition and supports the horse’s ongoing health.
Dietary Managment for Cushings Disease
Dietary management and environmental adjustments play a crucial role in managing Cushing’s disease in horses. These strategies help support the horse’s overall health and well-being and minimise the impact of the condition.
A low-starch, high-fibre diet is essential, as it helps prevent glucose spikes and reduces the likelihood of insulin dysregulation and laminitis. High-quality forage forms the cornerstone of their nutrition, providing vital nutrients while promoting gastrointestinal health and supporting optimal metabolic function. Supplementing with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium addresses common deficiencies in PPID-affected horses, supporting overall health and immune function. Hydration management is also vital, ensuring PPID horses, especially those prone to polyuria and dehydration, have continuous access to clean, fresh water. These dietary and management practices are integral to maintaining the well-being and quality of life of horses with PPID.
Did you know the majority of the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with Cushings? We specialise in low sugar and starch, high fibre feeds, fortified with vitamins and minerals to help address the common deficiencies.
Consider limiting field access during periods of high sugar content. These sugars are naturally present in grasses and can vary depending on factors such as species, time of day, weather conditions, and growth stage.
During certain periods like spring, grass tends to accumulate higher levels of sugar due to factors such as cooler temperatures and increased sunlight. This rapid growth phase, often seen in lush, young grass shoots, can lead to higher concentrations of sugars. In some cases, particularly in certain grass species or under specific environmental conditions, the accumulation of sugars can exceed what is normal for horses to efficiently process. Ideally during this period, horses should have restricted grazing time, or wear a muzzle to limit grass intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cushing’s disease presents a significant challenge in health management. This hormonal disorder impacts horses of various breeds, particularly older individuals, and manifests through a range of clinical signs. Early detection, regular vet checkups, medication and correct diet can help horses with Cushing’s disease live a normal life. Due to the prevalence of Cushing’s, there is continual research and advancement in treatment options offer a more optimistic outlook for horses.
What we recommend for horses with Cushings
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In the UK, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 horses will experience a laminitis episode every year; that’s around 96,000 cases annually.
And right now, in April, we’re entering one of the highest-risk periods of the year.
As grass growth accelerates with longer days and fluctuating temperatures, levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), particularly sugars like fructans, can rise significantly. Cool nights followed by bright, sunny days are the perfect conditions for these sugar levels to spike, increasing the risk for horses, especially those with underlying insulin dysregulation.
Laminitis is now widely recognised as a complex, endocrine-driven disease, where elevated insulin levels can directly compromise the lamellar structures within the hoof. This weakens the bond between the hoof wall and pedal bone, and once damage begins, it can progress quickly, leading to chronic pain, mechanical failure, and in severe cases, irreversible collapse.
It’s for this reason that laminitis remains one of the leading causes of death in horses in the UK, with many cases ending in euthanasia on welfare grounds.
From a nutritional perspective, prevention at this time of year is critical. It’s not just about restricting grazing, but about taking a proactive, whole-diet approach:
• Managing total NSC intake across forage and feed
• Supporting hindgut function and fibre digestion
• Avoiding sudden dietary changes
• Maintaining a normal body condition and metabolic balance
At Pure Feed, we’re proud that our feeds are formulated to be suitable for horses with laminitis; carefully designed to be low in sugar and starch, high in fibre, and supportive of normal metabolic function, helping you manage risk without compromising on nutrition.
If you’re unsure whether your horse’s diet is appropriate for this time of year, our team is always here to help; comment below, DM us or give our team a call on 01458 333333 🩵
In the UK, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 horses will experience a laminitis episode every year; that’s around 96,000 cases annually.
And right now, in April, we’re entering one of the highest-risk periods of the year.
As grass growth accelerates with longer days and fluctuating temperatures, levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), particularly sugars like fructans, can rise significantly. Cool nights followed by bright, sunny days are the perfect conditions for these sugar levels to spike, increasing the risk for horses, especially those with underlying insulin dysregulation.
Laminitis is now widely recognised as a complex, endocrine-driven disease, where elevated insulin levels can directly compromise the lamellar structures within the hoof. This weakens the bond between the hoof wall and pedal bone, and once damage begins, it can progress quickly, leading to chronic pain, mechanical failure, and in severe cases, irreversible collapse.
It’s for this reason that laminitis remains one of the leading causes of death in horses in the UK, with many cases ending in euthanasia on welfare grounds.
From a nutritional perspective, prevention at this time of year is critical. It’s not just about restricting grazing, but about taking a proactive, whole-diet approach:
• Managing total NSC intake across forage and feed
• Supporting hindgut function and fibre digestion
• Avoiding sudden dietary changes
• Maintaining a normal body condition and metabolic balance
At Pure Feed, we’re proud that our feeds are formulated to be suitable for horses with laminitis; carefully designed to be low in sugar and starch, high in fibre, and supportive of normal metabolic function, helping you manage risk without compromising on nutrition.
If you’re unsure whether your horse’s diet is appropriate for this time of year, our team is always here to help; comment below, DM us or give our team a call on 01458 333333 🩵
Did you know we use linseed in all of our feeds? Linseed is a powerhouse ingredient that brings multiple benefits to every feed. Here’s why we use it in all Pure Feed products:
1️⃣ Natural binder: Linseed contains mucilage, a sticky soluble fibre that binds feed pellets together naturally. This eliminates the need for molasses, so we can produce stable, consistent pellets without added sugar. For horses, this means better metabolic health and reduced risk of sugar-related issues.
2️⃣ Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Linseed provides essential fatty acids that support skin, coat, joint, and heart health, while also helping to maintain a normal inflammatory balance.
3️⃣ Gut-friendly fibre: The soluble fibre in linseed acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut microbes and improving nutrient absorption.
By using linseed instead of molasses, we combine function, nutrition, and safety, creating a feed that’s not only easier to handle and more palatable but also better for your horse’s long-term wellbeing!
Did you know we use linseed in all of our feeds? Linseed is a powerhouse ingredient that brings multiple benefits to every feed. Here’s why we use it in all Pure Feed products:
1️⃣ Natural binder: Linseed contains mucilage, a sticky soluble fibre that binds feed pellets together naturally. This eliminates the need for molasses, so we can produce stable, consistent pellets without added sugar. For horses, this means better metabolic health and reduced risk of sugar-related issues.
2️⃣ Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Linseed provides essential fatty acids that support skin, coat, joint, and heart health, while also helping to maintain a normal inflammatory balance.
3️⃣ Gut-friendly fibre: The soluble fibre in linseed acts as a prebiotic, supporting beneficial gut microbes and improving nutrient absorption.
By using linseed instead of molasses, we combine function, nutrition, and safety, creating a feed that’s not only easier to handle and more palatable but also better for your horse’s long-term wellbeing!
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a shopping list that never ends.
With many traditional feeding setups, you’re layering product after product: a base mix, a balancer, added oil, digestive support, biotin, muscle support… the list goes on. Not only is this way of feeding complicated, but it’s also easy to overdo or miss key nutrients.
We do things differently.
Pure Feed is designed to deliver everything your horse needs in one bag, combining high-quality fibre, essential vitamins and minerals, oils, and functional ingredients to support digestion, condition, and overall health.
That’s 6+ nutritional products, working together in a balanced way. No guesswork, no over-supplementing, no complicated routines.
Just a simpler, more effective way to feed.
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a shopping list that never ends.
With many traditional feeding setups, you’re layering product after product: a base mix, a balancer, added oil, digestive support, biotin, muscle support… the list goes on. Not only is this way of feeding complicated, but it’s also easy to overdo or miss key nutrients.
We do things differently.
Pure Feed is designed to deliver everything your horse needs in one bag, combining high-quality fibre, essential vitamins and minerals, oils, and functional ingredients to support digestion, condition, and overall health.
That’s 6+ nutritional products, working together in a balanced way. No guesswork, no over-supplementing, no complicated routines.
Just a simpler, more effective way to feed.
Ever wondered why a horse can seem fine on one day of spring grazing, but at risk the next? The answer lies in the grass itself.
In the early morning, grass sugar levels are at their lowest; the plant has used stored energy overnight. By the afternoon, sunlight drives photosynthesis, and sugar levels can spike dramatically. Young, lush spring grass is even trickier: rapid growth plus changing sunlight and rainfall means sugar levels can swing from low to dangerously high in a matter of hours.
For laminitis-prone horses, these swings matter. Sudden spikes in blood glucose trigger insulin surges, which can stress the sensitive tissues in the hoof and spark laminitis episodes. It’s not just about what your horse eats, but when and under what conditions the grass grows.
What you can do: Monitor your field, watch the weather, and consider timing and duration of grazing. Understanding these natural sugar fluctuations is one of the most effective ways to protect hoof health!
Ever wondered why a horse can seem fine on one day of spring grazing, but at risk the next? The answer lies in the grass itself.
In the early morning, grass sugar levels are at their lowest; the plant has used stored energy overnight. By the afternoon, sunlight drives photosynthesis, and sugar levels can spike dramatically. Young, lush spring grass is even trickier: rapid growth plus changing sunlight and rainfall means sugar levels can swing from low to dangerously high in a matter of hours.
For laminitis-prone horses, these swings matter. Sudden spikes in blood glucose trigger insulin surges, which can stress the sensitive tissues in the hoof and spark laminitis episodes. It’s not just about what your horse eats, but when and under what conditions the grass grows.
What you can do: Monitor your field, watch the weather, and consider timing and duration of grazing. Understanding these natural sugar fluctuations is one of the most effective ways to protect hoof health!
We’ve seen a few posts lately saying straw shouldn’t be fed to horses… and it’s left a lot of people second-guessing what they’re doing.
But straw isn’t some new or risky trend; it’s actually been used for years, and for good reason.
Quite simply, straw is very low in calories but still provides fibre. That makes it really useful for horses that hold weight easily, need their intake controlled, or are on restricted diets. By adding straw into a forage ration, you can bulk it out without piling in extra energy and calories.
It also takes horses longer to chew. That means more time eating, more saliva production, and a more natural, trickle-feeding pattern, all of which support digestive health and help prevent long periods without forage.
That’s why you’ll often see straw used alongside hay or haylage, rather than instead of it. It helps slow things down and stretch the ration out.
Of course, it’s not for every horse. It needs to be good quality, introduced gradually, and fed appropriately. But when it’s used correctly, it’s a really practical add in to your horse`s diet.
If you’re not sure whether straw has a place in your horse’s diet, just ask 👇
We’ve seen a few posts lately saying straw shouldn’t be fed to horses… and it’s left a lot of people second-guessing what they’re doing.
But straw isn’t some new or risky trend; it’s actually been used for years, and for good reason.
Quite simply, straw is very low in calories but still provides fibre. That makes it really useful for horses that hold weight easily, need their intake controlled, or are on restricted diets. By adding straw into a forage ration, you can bulk it out without piling in extra energy and calories.
It also takes horses longer to chew. That means more time eating, more saliva production, and a more natural, trickle-feeding pattern, all of which support digestive health and help prevent long periods without forage.
That’s why you’ll often see straw used alongside hay or haylage, rather than instead of it. It helps slow things down and stretch the ration out.
Of course, it’s not for every horse. It needs to be good quality, introduced gradually, and fed appropriately. But when it’s used correctly, it’s a really practical add in to your horse`s diet.
If you’re not sure whether straw has a place in your horse’s diet, just ask 👇
Looking after a laminitis-prone horse? All of the Pure Feed range (except Pure Performance) are suitable, but these are the ones we love most:
✨ Balance – low-calorie, molasses and cereal-free balancer.
✨ Fibre Balance – delivers our balancer and low-calorie chaff in a smaller ration.
✨ Easy – low-calorie, slow-release energy ideal for horses in light to medium work.
✨ Herbal Treats – a tasty, natural way to reward your horse, free from molasses and cereal!
Keep your horse comfortable, happy, and supported with our laminitis-friendly favourites 🩵
Looking after a laminitis-prone horse? All of the Pure Feed range (except Pure Performance) are suitable, but these are the ones we love most:
✨ Balance – low-calorie, molasses and cereal-free balancer.
✨ Fibre Balance – delivers our balancer and low-calorie chaff in a smaller ration.
✨ Easy – low-calorie, slow-release energy ideal for horses in light to medium work.
✨ Herbal Treats – a tasty, natural way to reward your horse, free from molasses and cereal!
Keep your horse comfortable, happy, and supported with our laminitis-friendly favourites 🩵
✨ Switching to Pure Feed couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps to get your horse thriving on a gut-friendly, stress-free feeding plan 🐴💛
Step-by-Step Guide:
1️⃣ Fill out our diet plan to discover which Pure Feed product is perfect for your horse.
2️⃣ Use the stockist map to find your nearest retailer.
3️⃣ Pick up your first bag of Pure Feed.
4️⃣ Transition slowly: gradually reduce your current feed while increasing Pure Feed over 7–10 days.
5️⃣ Watch your horse thrive on a diet that supports their gut and overall well-being!
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on their weight and behaviour during the transition
Ready to make feeding simple and stress-free? Tap the link in bio to start your horse’s Pure Feed journey today!
✨ Switching to Pure Feed couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps to get your horse thriving on a gut-friendly, stress-free feeding plan 🐴💛
Step-by-Step Guide:
1️⃣ Fill out our diet plan to discover which Pure Feed product is perfect for your horse.
2️⃣ Use the stockist map to find your nearest retailer.
3️⃣ Pick up your first bag of Pure Feed.
4️⃣ Transition slowly: gradually reduce your current feed while increasing Pure Feed over 7–10 days.
5️⃣ Watch your horse thrive on a diet that supports their gut and overall well-being!
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on their weight and behaviour during the transition
Ready to make feeding simple and stress-free? Tap the link in bio to start your horse’s Pure Feed journey today!
Meet the core of the Pure Feed range. Three feeds formulated to suit each calorie requirement.
💚 Pure Easy – Perfect for horses that maintain weight easily, this feed provides all the essential nutrients without excess energy. Ideal for horses in light work or those prone to weight gain.
💙 Pure Working – Designed for horses in regular work, this feed delivers steady energy and complete nutrition. With a balanced protein and fibre profile, it supports condition and sustained energy for consistent performance without overloading on calories.
💛 Pure Condition – Ideal for horses who need extra calorie support, this feed provides slow-release energy sources to support stamina, explosive power, and recovery. Perfect for competition horses, heavy work, or those needing to gain and maintain condition efficiently.
Together, these three cover most everyday feeding needs, making it easy to choose the right feed for your horse’s lifestyle 🐎
Meet the core of the Pure Feed range. Three feeds formulated to suit each calorie requirement.
💚 Pure Easy – Perfect for horses that maintain weight easily, this feed provides all the essential nutrients without excess energy. Ideal for horses in light work or those prone to weight gain.
💙 Pure Working – Designed for horses in regular work, this feed delivers steady energy and complete nutrition. With a balanced protein and fibre profile, it supports condition and sustained energy for consistent performance without overloading on calories.
💛 Pure Condition – Ideal for horses who need extra calorie support, this feed provides slow-release energy sources to support stamina, explosive power, and recovery. Perfect for competition horses, heavy work, or those needing to gain and maintain condition efficiently.
Together, these three cover most everyday feeding needs, making it easy to choose the right feed for your horse’s lifestyle 🐎
Myth: “Ulcers only affect racehorses or horses in heavy work.”
Fact: Gastric ulcers are very common, especially in performance horses. Studies show:
• Up to 80–100% of racehorses in training may have ulcers
• Around 40–60% of competition or performance horses
• Even some leisure horses are affected, around 30–40% in surveys
Ulcers often develop not just from workload, but from long gaps without forage, sudden diet changes, stress, and travel. Many horses show subtle signs rather than obvious discomfort, such as an inconsistent appetite, grumpiness, girth sensitivity, or changes in performance.
✨ Key takeaway: Ulcers are common, but not inevitable. Thoughtful feeding and management can reduce the risk and a support long-term normal gastric enviroment.
📩 If you’re unsure how to support your horse’s digestive health, our team can help build a feeding plan tailored to their needs
Myth: “Ulcers only affect racehorses or horses in heavy work.”
Fact: Gastric ulcers are very common, especially in performance horses. Studies show:
• Up to 80–100% of racehorses in training may have ulcers
• Around 40–60% of competition or performance horses
• Even some leisure horses are affected, around 30–40% in surveys
Ulcers often develop not just from workload, but from long gaps without forage, sudden diet changes, stress, and travel. Many horses show subtle signs rather than obvious discomfort, such as an inconsistent appetite, grumpiness, girth sensitivity, or changes in performance.
✨ Key takeaway: Ulcers are common, but not inevitable. Thoughtful feeding and management can reduce the risk and a support long-term normal gastric enviroment.
📩 If you’re unsure how to support your horse’s digestive health, our team can help build a feeding plan tailored to their needs
Power through every ride with Pure Working:
💙 Medium-calorie, naturally balanced feed designed for horses in regular work.
💙 Rapeseed oil and superfibres provide sustained energy
💙 High-quality protein and key amino acids support topline
💙 Pre- and probiotics promote a normal gut
💙 Biotin helps maintain strong hooves.
Want to see the difference Pure Working can make? Locate a stockist near you; 🔗 link in bio
Power through every ride with Pure Working:
💙 Medium-calorie, naturally balanced feed designed for horses in regular work.
💙 Rapeseed oil and superfibres provide sustained energy
💙 High-quality protein and key amino acids support topline
💙 Pre- and probiotics promote a normal gut
💙 Biotin helps maintain strong hooves.
Want to see the difference Pure Working can make? Locate a stockist near you; 🔗 link in bio
Horses don’t work at the same intensity every day, so why should their feed stay the same?
Every feed in the Pure Feed range is built on the same carefully selected ingredient base.
The difference? Energy and calorie level.
That means you can move up or down the range as workload changes, without changing ingredients, upsetting digestion, or starting again.
✔️ Same ingredients
✔️ Same micronutrition
✔️ Different levels to suit the day
From rest days to competition days, it’s one feed system that adapts to your horse’s week.
💡 Tap our bio for a personalised diet plan today!
Horses don’t work at the same intensity every day, so why should their feed stay the same?
Every feed in the Pure Feed range is built on the same carefully selected ingredient base.
The difference? Energy and calorie level.
That means you can move up or down the range as workload changes, without changing ingredients, upsetting digestion, or starting again.
✔️ Same ingredients
✔️ Same micronutrition
✔️ Different levels to suit the day
From rest days to competition days, it’s one feed system that adapts to your horse’s week.
💡 Tap our bio for a personalised diet plan today!
Some horses react when the girth is tightened, and it’s not just “being tricky.” The reason often comes down to stomach discomfort.
Horses produce stomach acid constantly, even when they’re not eating. Unlike humans, their stomachs aren’t designed to be empty for long periods. When a horse’s stomach is empty, or its gut is upset, the acid can irritate the stomach lining.
Tightening the girth puts pressure on the lower ribcage and stomach area, which can trigger discomfort or pain, causing the horse to squirm, nip at the girth, or resist being tacked up.
Supporting your horse with a fibre-rich diet, consistent feeding schedule, and careful tack fitting can help reduce this type of sensitivity, making tacking up a calmer, more comfortable experience.
💡 Have you noticed a difference when switching to Pure Feed? Let us know!
Some horses react when the girth is tightened, and it’s not just “being tricky.” The reason often comes down to stomach discomfort.
Horses produce stomach acid constantly, even when they’re not eating. Unlike humans, their stomachs aren’t designed to be empty for long periods. When a horse’s stomach is empty, or its gut is upset, the acid can irritate the stomach lining.
Tightening the girth puts pressure on the lower ribcage and stomach area, which can trigger discomfort or pain, causing the horse to squirm, nip at the girth, or resist being tacked up.
Supporting your horse with a fibre-rich diet, consistent feeding schedule, and careful tack fitting can help reduce this type of sensitivity, making tacking up a calmer, more comfortable experience.
💡 Have you noticed a difference when switching to Pure Feed? Let us know!
At Pure Feed, almost our entire complete feed range is cereal-free; from Pure Balance to Pure Condition Mix, giving you a low-starch, gut-friendly option✨
Only our Pure Performance contains cereals, as it`s designed for horses in heavy work who need extra energy.
Why does this matter? Because high-sugar, high-starch feeds can cause a whole host of problems:
🔥 Spikes in stomach acid → gut irritation
⚡ Fizzy, unpredictable behaviour
⚖ Weight gain or uneven condition
💥 Energy crashes mid-work
👉 Not sure where to start? Let our Pure Feed diet plan help you find the best feed for your horse’s gut
At Pure Feed, almost our entire complete feed range is cereal-free; from Pure Balance to Pure Condition Mix, giving you a low-starch, gut-friendly option✨
Only our Pure Performance contains cereals, as it`s designed for horses in heavy work who need extra energy.
Why does this matter? Because high-sugar, high-starch feeds can cause a whole host of problems:
🔥 Spikes in stomach acid → gut irritation
⚡ Fizzy, unpredictable behaviour
⚖ Weight gain or uneven condition
💥 Energy crashes mid-work
👉 Not sure where to start? Let our Pure Feed diet plan help you find the best feed for your horse’s gut
Riboflavin (B2) is your horse’s energy converter 👉 turning carbs, fats, and protein into fuel for work, growth, and recovery. It also supports:
• Skin, coat & hooves
• Tissue repair & cellular growth
• Antioxidant protection
Even if your horse looks fine, stress, work, travel, or seasonal changes can increase B2 requirements.
✅ The simple solution: Pure Feed complete feeds, formulated to deliver consistent B2 and other essential nutrients every day.
Take the guesswork out of feeding 👉 use our Pure Feed diet plan to make sure your horse is getting exactly what it needs to thrive. 🔗 Link in bio
Riboflavin (B2) is your horse’s energy converter 👉 turning carbs, fats, and protein into fuel for work, growth, and recovery. It also supports:
• Skin, coat & hooves
• Tissue repair & cellular growth
• Antioxidant protection
Even if your horse looks fine, stress, work, travel, or seasonal changes can increase B2 requirements.
✅ The simple solution: Pure Feed complete feeds, formulated to deliver consistent B2 and other essential nutrients every day.
Take the guesswork out of feeding 👉 use our Pure Feed diet plan to make sure your horse is getting exactly what it needs to thrive. 🔗 Link in bio
What do they say - never work with animals 🫣
It`s our fault, really, for making Refuel so delicious that Aimee`s stunning horse Joey couldn`t resist trying to steal a bite 🍒 😂
What do they say - never work with animals 🫣
It`s our fault, really, for making Refuel so delicious that Aimee`s stunning horse Joey couldn`t resist trying to steal a bite 🍒 😂
Good nutrition is about the details. 🐎
That’s why all of our complete feeds contain biotin as part of their carefully balanced formulation.
Pure Feed complete feeds are designed to provide horses with the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need in one balanced ration, making feeding simple while supporting overall wellbeing.
Whether you’re feeding a good doer, a performance horse or a veteran, you can be confident they’re getting complete, balanced nutrition in every bag.
💬 Hands up if you love a feed that keeps things simple at feeding time.
Good nutrition is about the details. 🐎
That’s why all of our complete feeds contain biotin as part of their carefully balanced formulation.
Pure Feed complete feeds are designed to provide horses with the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need in one balanced ration, making feeding simple while supporting overall wellbeing.
Whether you’re feeding a good doer, a performance horse or a veteran, you can be confident they’re getting complete, balanced nutrition in every bag.
💬 Hands up if you love a feed that keeps things simple at feeding time.
Do you feed before riding? 🥕
Even a small amount of Pure Feed forms a light layer of fibre in your horse’s stomach. The chaff encourages chewing, which produces saliva 👉 a natural buffer against stomach acid. This “fibre mat” helps shield the sensitive upper stomach lining from acid splash during exercise.
Just a small feed 30–60 minutes before your ride can make your horse more comfortable, focused, and ready to perform 🐴✨
Do you feed before riding? 🥕
Even a small amount of Pure Feed forms a light layer of fibre in your horse’s stomach. The chaff encourages chewing, which produces saliva 👉 a natural buffer against stomach acid. This “fibre mat” helps shield the sensitive upper stomach lining from acid splash during exercise.
Just a small feed 30–60 minutes before your ride can make your horse more comfortable, focused, and ready to perform 🐴✨
Do you have a good doer who gains weight just by looking at food, but could do with a little extra oomph in the saddle? 🐎✨
We might have the perfect solution! Combine two of our feeds:
Pure Balance – our low-calorie, high-spec balancer, fed at the full recommended serving.
Pure Performance – add just half a scoop when you ride or whenever extra energy is needed.
The result? Fast-release energy from Pure Performance to get your horse moving, without tipping the calorie balance, plus all the vitamins, minerals and extra goodness from Pure Balance to keep them feeling great inside and out!
🙌 Hands up who else has a good doer that gains weight just by looking at food?
Do you have a good doer who gains weight just by looking at food, but could do with a little extra oomph in the saddle? 🐎✨
We might have the perfect solution! Combine two of our feeds:
Pure Balance – our low-calorie, high-spec balancer, fed at the full recommended serving.
Pure Performance – add just half a scoop when you ride or whenever extra energy is needed.
The result? Fast-release energy from Pure Performance to get your horse moving, without tipping the calorie balance, plus all the vitamins, minerals and extra goodness from Pure Balance to keep them feeling great inside and out!
🙌 Hands up who else has a good doer that gains weight just by looking at food?
What people say about Pure Feed
