FEED ADVICE – DISCIPLINES
Feeding Polo Horses: The Ultimate Guide
Feeding polo horses requires a precise balance of energy, stamina, and recovery support. Polo is an intense and fast-paced equestrian sport, where horses need to perform repeated sprints, sharp turns, and sudden stops over several chukkas (periods), often in hot weather. Their performance depends heavily on proper nutrition, which fuels explosive speed, sustained energy, and rapid recovery between chukkas. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for feeding polo horses to help them stay at the top of their game.
What is Polo?
Polo is a fast-paced team sport on horseback that demands speed, agility, and quick recovery across multiple short, high-intensity chukkas.
Horses need a balance of quick-release and slow-release energy to perform at their best throughout the game.
Electrolytes and quality protein help replace losses from sweating and aid muscle repair between chukkas.
A complete, fibre-based diet with added vitamins and minerals supports condition, performance, and overall wellbeing.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Polo Horses
Polo horses have unique nutritional requirements driven by the high-intensity nature of the sport. Their diet must provide:
Quick-Release Energy
Polo horses need bursts of speed for sprints, requiring easily accessible energy from carbohydrates.
Muscle Development and Recovery:
High-quality protein is essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and recovery between and after games.
Sustained Energy and Stamina:
The ability to maintain performance over multiple chukkas demands slow-release energy from fats and fibre.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance:
Given the fast pace and physical exertion, particularly in hot conditions, maintaining hydration and replenishing lost electrolytes is critical.
Metabolic Requirements of Polo Horses
Polo horses face high metabolic demands, as they are required to perform repeated short bursts of intense activity followed by brief recovery periods. To meet these demands, their diet should include:
Carbohydrates: For quick-release energy to fuel sprints and bursts of speed.
Fats: For slow-release energy, which supports sustained performance over several chukkas without causing excitability.
Proteins: For muscle repair and recovery, helping horses to maintain peak condition over multiple matches.
Key Components of a Polo Horse’s Diet
Forage
High-Quality Hay: Forage should form the bulk of the diet, providing slow-release energy and supporting digestive health. Timothy, meadow hay, or alfalfa can be excellent choices for polo ponies, offering a good balance of fibre and nutrients.
Grass: Access to fresh grass is ideal, but it should be balanced with supplementary feeding to ensure consistent nutrient intake, especially during competition seasons.
Hard feed
Performance Feeds: Polo horses benefit from feeds specifically designed for intense work. Performance feeds typically provide a mix of quick-release carbohydrates and slow-release fats to ensure energy is sustained throughout the match without causing spikes in energy or excitability.
Balancers: A feed balancer ensures that essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are supplied without adding excessive calories. This is crucial for maintaining muscle health and overall vitality – Did you know the Pure Feed complete range all include balancers so no need to add one!
Key Components of a Polo Horse’s Diet
Energy Sources
Carbohydrates: cereals like oats, barley, and corn provide the fast-release energy necessary for the explosive bursts of speed required during chukkas. However, these should be fed in moderation to avoid over-excitability.
Fats: Vegetable oils, such as linseed or soya oil, are excellent for providing slow-release energy. Fats help sustain energy over multiple chukkas without increasing the risk of sugar spikes or excitability.
Fibre: High-fibre feeds such as beet pulp or alfalfa are ideal for providing sustained energy while promoting digestive health and maintaining even energy levels.
Protein Sources
Alfalfa: A high-protein forage, alfalfa supports muscle health and endurance, helping the horse recover quickly after exertion.
Soybean Meal: Rich in essential amino acids, soybean meal helps maintain muscle mass and repair tissue after the physical demands of a polo match.
Linseed: Contains both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting muscle recovery and promoting a healthy coat – Did you know all of the Pure Feed complete range already contain linseed?
Key Components of a Polo Horse’s Diet
Supplements
Electrolytes: Essential for replacing salts lost through sweat during matches. Electrolytes should be supplemented before, during, and after games to ensure the horse remains hydrated and avoids fatigue or muscle cramps. Did you know normal electrolytes can be corrosive on the digestive system and often contain hidden sugar? Check out Pure ReFuel for the low sugar and starch, digestive friendly recovery mash!
Joint Supplements: Supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM can help support joint health, reducing wear and tear from the physical demands of the sport.
Digestive Aids: Probiotics and prebiotics support a healthy digestive system, particularly important when travelling to competitions or during periods of stress.
Hydration
Fresh Water: Polo horses sweat heavily during games, so constant access to fresh, clean water is essential, especially during training and matches. Hydration is vital for maintaining performance and preventing heat exhaustion.
Feeding Tips for Polo Horses
Energy for Performance: Provide a balance of quick-release carbohydrates for speed and slow-release energy from fats and fibre to maintain stamina over multiple chukkas.
Pre-Game Feeding: Avoid large meals just before games to prevent digestive upset. Light meals, rich in fibre and low in starch, are ideal before matches to ensure sustained energy without making the horse sluggish.
Post-Game Recovery: After matches, focus on rehydration and muscle recovery. Offer easily digestible feeds with moderate carbohydrates and high protein content to support muscle repair and replenish energy stores.
Conclusion
Feeding polo horses is all about balancing quick-release energy for power with slow-release energy for sustained performance, while also supporting muscle recovery and joint health. A diet based on high-quality forage, balanced concentrates, and targeted supplements will help ensure your horse performs at its best, both in training and during matches. Tailoring the diet to the unique demands of polo—where speed, stamina, and rapid recovery are key—will help your horse stay at peak performance throughout the season.
Hear from the Expert – Sarah Hughes’s Approach to Polo Nutrition
Sarah Hughes is a seasoned polo player with over 19 years of experience, competing in mixed and ladies’ tournaments across the globe, from 0 to 18 goal. She has represented England in international matches, including at Guards Polo Club and in India, the birthplace of polo, where she played on traditional Manipuri ponies. As an elite polo player, Sarah understands the demands this intense sport places on her horses, and why their nutrition is so important.
Polo ponies, often retrained ex-racehorses, are asked to perform at high intensity—galloping at full speed, shutting down quickly, turning sharply, and accelerating again, all while managing the rigours of close-contact play. This high level of performance requires the right fuel, which is why Sarah trusts Pure Feed to keep her ponies in top condition.
Pure Feed’s low-sugar, low-starch formulas, high in oil and fibre, provide the slow-release energy her ponies need to maintain peak performance throughout the chukka without becoming too excitable. This balanced approach ensures that the ponies remain focused and steady, even in the heat of competition. The feed’s inclusion of a balancer also covers all their vitamin and mineral needs, promoting fitness, condition, and overall health.
To support recovery, Sarah uses Pure ReFuel after matches. Packed with electrolytes to replace those lost through sweat and limiting amino acids to aid muscle recovery, it helps her ponies bounce back quickly, ensuring they’re ready for the next game.
With the help of Pure Feed, Sarah ensures her ponies are fit, focused, and fully prepared for the demands of top-level polo, both in the UK and around the world.
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How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
How do I choose the right calorie level for my horse? 🤷
To get this right, it helps to look at the numbers.
Baseline energy needs ⚡️
An average 500 kg horse at rest needs around 65–70 MJ (megajoules) of digestible energy (DE) per day just to maintain bodyweight.
Add light work (e.g. hacking 3–4 times a week), and this rises to 75–85 MJ/day.
Moderate work (e.g. regular schooling, low-level eventing) pushes it to 90–100 MJ/day.
Harder workloads (e.g. advanced eventing, racing) can exceed 120 MJ/day.
Winter factor ❄️
Once temperatures dip below the horse’s lower critical temperature (around 0–5°C for a horse with a winter coat), requirements increase by ~2–2.5% for every degree drop. That means on a frosty night at –5°C, a horse may need an extra 15–20 MJ/day simply for staying warm.
What does that look like in feed?🐎
Grass (summer grazing): Good grass provides ~10 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. A horse can easily meet 80–100 MJ/day on grass alone.
Hay: Average meadow hay sits around 7–9 MJ DE per kg of dry matter. To meet 80 MJ, a horse would need 9–11 kg of hay (dry weight) daily, which is achievable but often limited by hay quality or feeding practices.
Why does this matter? 🤔
If the diet falls short, the horse mobilises fat (and eventually muscle) to make up the difference, which is why condition loss is so common in winter. On the other hand, oversupplying calories can lead to unwanted weight gain and metabolic strain in good doers.
How Pure Feed helps 🩵
Because our complete feeds combine fibre, oil, and a full balancer in every bag, they deliver calories in the same slow-release form the horse’s gut evolved to use. That means:
You can top up forage rations with controlled calories.
You know vitamins and minerals are always covered.
You can choose the right calorie level across our range, from Pure Easy for good doers to Pure Condition Mix for horses needing more support. With no hidden ingredients, preservatives or molasses, there`s a Pure Feed for your horse.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinenutrition
Why do so many horses drop weight in winter? ❄️ Let us tell you why ...
🔥 Colder temps = more calories needed
Once it’s below 0–5°C, your horse needs extra energy just to stay warm. If their diet doesn’t cover it, they’ll burn fat reserves instead.
🌾 Forage isn’t as rich as summer grass
Hay and haylage have less energy & fewer vitamins than fresh grass, even if the net looks full.
🦠 Gut microbes have to adapt
Switching from grass to hay changes the gut bacteria, meaning they might get less usable energy from the same amount of forage.
💨 Energy goes to heat, not weight
More calories are spent on staying warm, especially if they’re still in work.
🏠 Routine changes matter
Less turnout, more stabling, and longer gaps between meals can all affect digestion & condition.
What helps?
✔️ Ad-lib forage to keep the gut working & generating heat
✔️ Slow-release calories from unmolassed beet, grass fibres or oil
✔️ Vitamin & mineral balance to make up for forage shortfalls
✔️ Check body condition every 2–3 weeks
Our complete feeds are designed to tackle exactly these winter challenges. Each one provides:
✅ Fibre for gut support and heat generation
✅ Oil for steady, slow-release energy
✅ A full balancer with vitamins and minerals (no extra bucket needed!)
So even when winter forage is variable, you know your horse’s diet is still balanced — and their condition is supported right through to spring.
To find the right feed for your horse, head on over to www.purefeed.com to claim your FREE personalised diet plan, created by our nutrition team 🩵
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
Why do so many horses drop weight in winter? ❄️ Let us tell you why ...
🔥 Colder temps = more calories needed
Once it’s below 0–5°C, your horse needs extra energy just to stay warm. If their diet doesn’t cover it, they’ll burn fat reserves instead.
🌾 Forage isn’t as rich as summer grass
Hay and haylage have less energy & fewer vitamins than fresh grass, even if the net looks full.
🦠 Gut microbes have to adapt
Switching from grass to hay changes the gut bacteria, meaning they might get less usable energy from the same amount of forage.
💨 Energy goes to heat, not weight
More calories are spent on staying warm, especially if they’re still in work.
🏠 Routine changes matter
Less turnout, more stabling, and longer gaps between meals can all affect digestion & condition.
What helps?
✔️ Ad-lib forage to keep the gut working & generating heat
✔️ Slow-release calories from unmolassed beet, grass fibres or oil
✔️ Vitamin & mineral balance to make up for forage shortfalls
✔️ Check body condition every 2–3 weeks
Our complete feeds are designed to tackle exactly these winter challenges. Each one provides:
✅ Fibre for gut support and heat generation
✅ Oil for steady, slow-release energy
✅ A full balancer with vitamins and minerals (no extra bucket needed!)
So even when winter forage is variable, you know your horse’s diet is still balanced — and their condition is supported right through to spring.
To find the right feed for your horse, head on over to www.purefeed.com to claim your FREE personalised diet plan, created by our nutrition team 🩵
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
🚫 STOP FEEDING SUPERMARKET OILS ‼️
Adding vegetable oil for extra condition or coat shine might seem harmless — but the fatty acid balance is all wrong for horses.
🔸 Horses need both omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) — but the ratio is what matters.
Here’s how common oils stack up against grass 👇
🌿 Grass ≈ 3–4:1 (omega-3:omega-6)
🌱 Linseed ≈ 4:1
🥥 Coconut ≈ 1:2
🌰 Soya ≈ 1:7
🌽 Corn ≈ 1:50
🌻 Sunflower ≈ 1:200
An excess of omega-6 can:
❌ Increase pro-inflammatory compounds
❌ Slow recovery after exercise
❌ Exacerbate gut sensitivity
❌ Add strain to joints
✨ Linseed is naturally rich in omega-3, helping restore balance in hay- and cereal-based diets. It supports anti-inflammatory pathways, a glossy coat, healthy skin, and cell function.
💜 Pure Linseed is 100% micronised linseed — highly digestible, naturally high in oil for slow-release energy, a great fibre source, and close to the horse’s natural omega ratio.
👉 Head to our website to learn more about Pure Linseed.
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purelinseed
🚫 STOP FEEDING SUPERMARKET OILS ‼️
Adding vegetable oil for extra condition or coat shine might seem harmless — but the fatty acid balance is all wrong for horses.
🔸 Horses need both omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (LA) — but the ratio is what matters.
Here’s how common oils stack up against grass 👇
🌿 Grass ≈ 3–4:1 (omega-3:omega-6)
🌱 Linseed ≈ 4:1
🥥 Coconut ≈ 1:2
🌰 Soya ≈ 1:7
🌽 Corn ≈ 1:50
🌻 Sunflower ≈ 1:200
An excess of omega-6 can:
❌ Increase pro-inflammatory compounds
❌ Slow recovery after exercise
❌ Exacerbate gut sensitivity
❌ Add strain to joints
✨ Linseed is naturally rich in omega-3, helping restore balance in hay- and cereal-based diets. It supports anti-inflammatory pathways, a glossy coat, healthy skin, and cell function.
💜 Pure Linseed is 100% micronised linseed — highly digestible, naturally high in oil for slow-release energy, a great fibre source, and close to the horse’s natural omega ratio.
👉 Head to our website to learn more about Pure Linseed.
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purelinseed
Feeding Rates of Pure Sud explained ... Swipe to see how much Stud your horse should be eating ➡️
Why Pure Stud:
🩷 Supports sound bone development.🩷 Low starch content encourages positive behaviour.
🩷 Great value way of giving young and breeding horses everything they need nutritionally.
🩷 High in fibre for excellent digestive health.
🩷 A tasty choice – horses love it
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
You can also request a personalised diet plan for free. Our team of expert nutritionists will carefully evaluate your horse, assess their unique nutritional needs, and provide the best feeding recommendations to help them look and feel their best. Available on our website!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purestud #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Feeding Rates of Pure Sud explained ... Swipe to see how much Stud your horse should be eating ➡️
Why Pure Stud:
🩷 Supports sound bone development.🩷 Low starch content encourages positive behaviour.
🩷 Great value way of giving young and breeding horses everything they need nutritionally.
🩷 High in fibre for excellent digestive health.
🩷 A tasty choice – horses love it
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
You can also request a personalised diet plan for free. Our team of expert nutritionists will carefully evaluate your horse, assess their unique nutritional needs, and provide the best feeding recommendations to help them look and feel their best. Available on our website!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #purestud #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
All-in-one feed = less clutter, fewer feed bins and less time in the feed room 🩵
We were delighted to hear from Bronnen about her love for Pure Easy 💚
"I have used your feed for about the last 10 years with all the horses and ponies I’ve had. I have an event mare that we have been struggling with soundness issues for the last 2 years so has barely been in work. We never made it out of walk in the last 2 years, yet this is her this morning, fed on pure easy, looking absolutely incredible, like she hasn’t seen a day out of work in her life! Love your feeds so much, thank you! I always recommend you to anyone who asks. I have a young Connie too who is just starting her ridden career and they are both on pure easy. So simple and easy to use and I trust it to support muscle development without any extra energy than they need. Big fan!"
Have you had a Pure Feed success story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us in the comments or tag us in your posts - your horse could be featured next!
Thank you Bronnen for taking the time to get in touch 🙌 @bronnen_equestrian
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #poweredbypurefeed
We were delighted to hear from Bronnen about her love for Pure Easy 💚
"I have used your feed for about the last 10 years with all the horses and ponies I’ve had. I have an event mare that we have been struggling with soundness issues for the last 2 years so has barely been in work. We never made it out of walk in the last 2 years, yet this is her this morning, fed on pure easy, looking absolutely incredible, like she hasn’t seen a day out of work in her life! Love your feeds so much, thank you! I always recommend you to anyone who asks. I have a young Connie too who is just starting her ridden career and they are both on pure easy. So simple and easy to use and I trust it to support muscle development without any extra energy than they need. Big fan!"
Have you had a Pure Feed success story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us in the comments or tag us in your posts - your horse could be featured next!
Thank you Bronnen for taking the time to get in touch 🙌 @bronnen_equestrian
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #poweredbypurefeed
Worried about Winter fizz, but your horse needs to gain weight?
It’s a situation we hear all the time, especially in winter when horses need more calories to maintain condition, but no one wants a fizzy, unrideable horse.
Fast-release energy mainly comes from starch and sugars (found in cereals like oats, barley, maize). These are broken down in the small intestine into glucose, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Result? A quick burst of energy, often linked with sharper behaviour or “fizz”.
Slow-release energy comes from fibre and oil. Fibre is fermented in the hindgut by microbes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while oil is broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine. Both provide a steady, sustained fuel source without the glucose spikes. Result? More stamina, better weight maintenance, and a calmer, more consistent way of providing calories.
Why does this matter in winter?
Many horses lose condition as the cold increases calorie demand. Owners worry about upping feed in case it makes their horse hot, but if the calories come from slow-release sources, they can safely support condition without unwanted fizz.
Our Condition Mix is built on fibre, oil, and unmolassed beet, not high-starch cereals. That means it delivers the extra calories your horse needs for condition in a controlled, slow-release form. Energy for weight maintenance and work, without the behaviour spike.
💬 Want us to create a tailored winter feeding plan for your horse? Comment “DIET PLAN” below and we’ll be in touch!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
📸 @joelsebhart @ruthpotterpr
Worried about Winter fizz, but your horse needs to gain weight?
It’s a situation we hear all the time, especially in winter when horses need more calories to maintain condition, but no one wants a fizzy, unrideable horse.
Fast-release energy mainly comes from starch and sugars (found in cereals like oats, barley, maize). These are broken down in the small intestine into glucose, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Result? A quick burst of energy, often linked with sharper behaviour or “fizz”.
Slow-release energy comes from fibre and oil. Fibre is fermented in the hindgut by microbes into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), while oil is broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine. Both provide a steady, sustained fuel source without the glucose spikes. Result? More stamina, better weight maintenance, and a calmer, more consistent way of providing calories.
Why does this matter in winter?
Many horses lose condition as the cold increases calorie demand. Owners worry about upping feed in case it makes their horse hot, but if the calories come from slow-release sources, they can safely support condition without unwanted fizz.
Our Condition Mix is built on fibre, oil, and unmolassed beet, not high-starch cereals. That means it delivers the extra calories your horse needs for condition in a controlled, slow-release form. Energy for weight maintenance and work, without the behaviour spike.
💬 Want us to create a tailored winter feeding plan for your horse? Comment “DIET PLAN” below and we’ll be in touch!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
📸 @joelsebhart @ruthpotterpr
Looking for Pure Feed in Rugby?
Or ready to switch to a simpler, more natural way of feeding?
We’re thrilled to announce that Tower Farm Saddlery is now stocking Pure Feed 🎉
Our complete feeds combine fibre, balancer, and oil in one convenient bag, giving your horse everything they need while saving you time and effort.
📍 Head to our Stockist Map to find Tower Farm and your nearest stockist: https://www.purefeed.com/stockists/
Looking for Pure Feed in Rugby?
Or ready to switch to a simpler, more natural way of feeding?
We’re thrilled to announce that Tower Farm Saddlery is now stocking Pure Feed 🎉
Our complete feeds combine fibre, balancer, and oil in one convenient bag, giving your horse everything they need while saving you time and effort.
📍 Head to our Stockist Map to find Tower Farm and your nearest stockist: https://www.purefeed.com/stockists/
We had a fantastic time at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🐴
Our giveaway winner, Abi, joined us for the day looking incredibly smart in her Pure Feed merchandise! 🩵
Together, the event raised an amazing £10,252 for charity! 🤩
Thank you to Pony Tales for letting us be part of such a special day, and we hope Abi & Dilly had a wonderful time!
@ponytalesdorset @horsecharity
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #worldhorsewelfare #ponytalesdorset #charityday #fundraiser
We had a fantastic time at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🐴
Our giveaway winner, Abi, joined us for the day looking incredibly smart in her Pure Feed merchandise! 🩵
Together, the event raised an amazing £10,252 for charity! 🤩
Thank you to Pony Tales for letting us be part of such a special day, and we hope Abi & Dilly had a wonderful time!
@ponytalesdorset @horsecharity
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #worldhorsewelfare #ponytalesdorset #charityday #fundraiser
What’s really going on when your horse has Cushing’s? 🐴
Cushing’s (properly called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction – PPID) is a progressive condition affecting the pituitary gland in your horse’s brain.
In a normal horse, this gland helps control hormones like ACTH, which regulate cortisol (the stress hormone).
When a horse has PPID, the pituitary gland control system breaks down, and too much ACTH is released, resulting in high cortisol levels (aka high stress levels!)
This can affect:
🩵 Metabolism
🩵 Immune system
🩵 Tissue repair
📌 Key facts:
Most common in horses 15+ but can appear earlier
Not curable, but can be managed with the right vet care, diet & management
Spotting early signs like subtle coat or behaviour changes is important
A simple ACTH blood test via your vet can confirm 💡
With the right support, horses with PPID can still live active, happy lives for many years.
All of the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with his condition (excluding Pure Performance). For an in-depth guide to feeding your horse, apply for a free personalised diet plan today on our website.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #ppid #cushingsdisease #ppidsupport
What’s really going on when your horse has Cushing’s? 🐴
Cushing’s (properly called Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction – PPID) is a progressive condition affecting the pituitary gland in your horse’s brain.
In a normal horse, this gland helps control hormones like ACTH, which regulate cortisol (the stress hormone).
When a horse has PPID, the pituitary gland control system breaks down, and too much ACTH is released, resulting in high cortisol levels (aka high stress levels!)
This can affect:
🩵 Metabolism
🩵 Immune system
🩵 Tissue repair
📌 Key facts:
Most common in horses 15+ but can appear earlier
Not curable, but can be managed with the right vet care, diet & management
Spotting early signs like subtle coat or behaviour changes is important
A simple ACTH blood test via your vet can confirm 💡
With the right support, horses with PPID can still live active, happy lives for many years.
All of the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with his condition (excluding Pure Performance). For an in-depth guide to feeding your horse, apply for a free personalised diet plan today on our website.
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #equinenutrition #ppid #cushingsdisease #ppidsupport
Are you worried about hay shortages, quality or price?
This year, we’re hearing the same thing from yards across the country:
🔹 Lower hay yields
🔹 Skyrocketing prices
🔹 Bales arriving late or not at all
🔹 And when they do? Inconsistent quality and unpredictable sugar levels
All of this makes it harder to manage your horse’s diet especially if they’re sensitive, on soaked forage, or prone to weight loss.
That’s where Pure Meadow Mash steps in.
🌿 Made from super fibres, it provides a highly digestible, low-sugar source of fibre, calories and hydration, no surprises, no stress.
Unlike hay, which can vary in protein, sugar, and digestibility depending on the cut, weather and storage, Pure Meadow Mash delivers consistent, controlled nutrition in every bowl.
Why choose it?
✔️ A reliable forage replacer; perfect if hay is in short supply or poor quality
✔️ Very low sugar and starch; suitable for laminitics, PPID and EMS
✔️ Soft, soaked fibre; ideal for older horses, dental issues or fussy eaters
✔️ Supports digestion and hydration; especially valuable in cold weather when horses drink less
It’s everything we wish hay could be this year: consistent, balanced, and ready when you need it.
Learn more about Pure Feed Meadow Mash on our website (link in bio 💻)
#purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #meadowmash
Are you worried about hay shortages, quality or price?
This year, we’re hearing the same thing from yards across the country:
🔹 Lower hay yields
🔹 Skyrocketing prices
🔹 Bales arriving late or not at all
🔹 And when they do? Inconsistent quality and unpredictable sugar levels
All of this makes it harder to manage your horse’s diet especially if they’re sensitive, on soaked forage, or prone to weight loss.
That’s where Pure Meadow Mash steps in.
🌿 Made from super fibres, it provides a highly digestible, low-sugar source of fibre, calories and hydration, no surprises, no stress.
Unlike hay, which can vary in protein, sugar, and digestibility depending on the cut, weather and storage, Pure Meadow Mash delivers consistent, controlled nutrition in every bowl.
Why choose it?
✔️ A reliable forage replacer; perfect if hay is in short supply or poor quality
✔️ Very low sugar and starch; suitable for laminitics, PPID and EMS
✔️ Soft, soaked fibre; ideal for older horses, dental issues or fussy eaters
✔️ Supports digestion and hydration; especially valuable in cold weather when horses drink less
It’s everything we wish hay could be this year: consistent, balanced, and ready when you need it.
Learn more about Pure Feed Meadow Mash on our website (link in bio 💻)
#purefeed #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove #meadowmash
✨ GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨
We’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate Pure Feed look - our always popular, highly sought-after kit! 🐴💛
The Prize includes:
• The legendary Pure Feed branded Stormtech gilet
• Exclusive money-can’t-buy Pure Feed branded Le Mieux saddle pad (in cc or dr)
• £20 Pure Feed voucher towards your horse’s favourite feed
How to enter:
1️⃣ Make sure you’re following @thepurefeedcompany
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments (each new comment with a tag counts as an entry!)
📅 The winner will be announced on the 30th September
🏆 The winner will be picked at random and contacted directly by us
🇬🇧 UK entries only
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or Meta.
Good luck 🍀
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinegiveaway
✨ GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨
We’re giving you the chance to win the ultimate Pure Feed look - our always popular, highly sought-after kit! 🐴💛
The Prize includes:
• The legendary Pure Feed branded Stormtech gilet
• Exclusive money-can’t-buy Pure Feed branded Le Mieux saddle pad (in cc or dr)
• £20 Pure Feed voucher towards your horse’s favourite feed
How to enter:
1️⃣ Make sure you’re following @thepurefeedcompany
2️⃣ Tag a friend in the comments (each new comment with a tag counts as an entry!)
📅 The winner will be announced on the 30th September
🏆 The winner will be picked at random and contacted directly by us
🇬🇧 UK entries only
This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or Meta.
Good luck 🍀
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #allyoufeedislove #equinegiveaway
We’re pleased to share that Horse & Hen are a Pure Feed stockist! 🛒
@horse_and_hen
📞 01629 55084
You can find Horse & Hen in Matlock, 📍 DE4 5ND
For more information have a look at their website www.horseandhen.co.uk 💻
We love supporting our stockists! If you supply Pure Feed and would like us to showcase your business, please reach out to marketing@purefeed.com for your own stockist spotlight post ⭐️
Alternatively if you`re a retailer interested in stocking Pure Feed, we’d love to hear from you!
#Proudtostockpurefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purefeed
We’re pleased to share that Horse & Hen are a Pure Feed stockist! 🛒
@horse_and_hen
📞 01629 55084
You can find Horse & Hen in Matlock, 📍 DE4 5ND
For more information have a look at their website www.horseandhen.co.uk 💻
We love supporting our stockists! If you supply Pure Feed and would like us to showcase your business, please reach out to marketing@purefeed.com for your own stockist spotlight post ⭐️
Alternatively if you`re a retailer interested in stocking Pure Feed, we’d love to hear from you!
#Proudtostockpurefeed #thepurefeedcompany #purefeed
🥣 Meadow Mash = box rest saviour!
Tara might wear more than she eats, but this simple feed was a real game changer for her. During a period of box rest she started refusing her normal hay, which made it tricky to keep her fibre intake and hydration levels up.
Enter Meadow Mash. Its soft, soaked fibre was easy for her to eat, helped her stay hydrated, and most importantly, kept her gut moving when she needed it most!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
🥣 Meadow Mash = box rest saviour!
Tara might wear more than she eats, but this simple feed was a real game changer for her. During a period of box rest she started refusing her normal hay, which made it tricky to keep her fibre intake and hydration levels up.
Enter Meadow Mash. Its soft, soaked fibre was easy for her to eat, helped her stay hydrated, and most importantly, kept her gut moving when she needed it most!
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
When Meadow Mash just tastes that good 👅
Did you know you can feed up to 1 kg per 100kg body weight of the horse per day!
Designed to mimic the nutritional value of hay, Pure Meadow Mash is suitable for a variety of horses, from older horses with poor dentition to competition horses needing extra fibre and hydration. It can be used as a partial hay replacer and soaks in just 5 minutes 🙌
📍to find your nearest stockist, head on over to our interactive map on our website.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
When Meadow Mash just tastes that good 👅
Did you know you can feed up to 1 kg per 100kg body weight of the horse per day!
Designed to mimic the nutritional value of hay, Pure Meadow Mash is suitable for a variety of horses, from older horses with poor dentition to competition horses needing extra fibre and hydration. It can be used as a partial hay replacer and soaks in just 5 minutes 🙌
📍to find your nearest stockist, head on over to our interactive map on our website.
#purefeed #allyoufeedislove #thepurefeedcompany #equinenutrition
Meadow Mash Feeding Rate 💙
Feeding your horse doesn`t have to be complicated. We`ve made it easy to determine the right amount of Meadow Mash to feed your horse.
👉 Low sugar and starch content- suitable for those needing a low starch diet due to laminitis
👉 Quick soaking
👉 Palatable- with added herbs and mint to tempt fussy eaters
👉 High fibre and with added pre and probiotics to support gut health
👉 Ideal for older horses or those with poor dentition
👉 Can be used as a low-dust alternative forage for hay
If you`re unsure of their nutritional requirements, our experts can provide a free diet plan and answer any questions you may have. Our team is here to help whenever you need through the phone, email or direct message!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #puremeadowmash #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
Meadow Mash Feeding Rate 💙
Feeding your horse doesn`t have to be complicated. We`ve made it easy to determine the right amount of Meadow Mash to feed your horse.
👉 Low sugar and starch content- suitable for those needing a low starch diet due to laminitis
👉 Quick soaking
👉 Palatable- with added herbs and mint to tempt fussy eaters
👉 High fibre and with added pre and probiotics to support gut health
👉 Ideal for older horses or those with poor dentition
👉 Can be used as a low-dust alternative forage for hay
If you`re unsure of their nutritional requirements, our experts can provide a free diet plan and answer any questions you may have. Our team is here to help whenever you need through the phone, email or direct message!
📞 01458 333 333
💻 www.purefeed.com
💬 Direct Message us
#thepurefeedcompany #puremeadowmash #feedingrates #allyoufeedislove #purefeed
#Throwback to an amazing day at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🩵
We were so proud to be part of an event that raised an incredible £10,252 for such an important cause! 🙌
A huge thank you to everyone who came along - we hope you all had a wonderful time.
@horsecharity @ponytalesdorset
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #ponytalesdorset #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
#Throwback to an amazing day at the Pony Tales Annual Charity Day in support of World Horse Welfare 🩵
We were so proud to be part of an event that raised an incredible £10,252 for such an important cause! 🙌
A huge thank you to everyone who came along - we hope you all had a wonderful time.
@horsecharity @ponytalesdorset
#purefeed #thepurefeedcompany #ponytalesdorset #equinenutrition #allyoufeedislove
Spotting the Signs of Cushing`s early? 👀
The clinical signs of PPID develop gradually, and in the early stages they can be easily overlooked. Understanding what to look for allows for earlier intervention, which improves long-term management.
Common clinical signs include:
🩵 Changes in coat – A longer, often curly coat that doesn’t shed fully in summer (hirsutism) is a hallmark sign, but early PPID can cause a subtle delay in shedding rather than a dramatic coat change.
🩵 Abnormal fat distribution – Fat pads may develop above the eyes, along the crest of the neck, or over the tailhead, while muscle loss occurs over the topline.
🩵 Lethargy and reduced performance – Horses may seem less willing to work or tire more quickly.
🩵 Increased thirst and urination – Linked to hormonal disruption affecting water balance.
🩵 Recurrent infections – Poor immune regulation means wounds heal more slowly and skin, respiratory, or hoof infections may occur more often.
🩵 Laminitis – One of the most serious complications. Even mild or recurring bouts warrant investigation for PPID, especially in older horses.
If you notice one or more of these signs, particularly in an older horse, speak to your vet about testing ACTH levels. Early diagnosis allows for medical treatment (such as pergolide) combined with dietary adjustments to better control symptoms.
As for diet, the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with PPID (excluding Performance). We have a feed for you. To find the right one, fill out a FREE Personalised diet plan today and our nutrition team will email you an in-depth diet plan for your horse - available on the Pure Feed website 💻
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
Spotting the Signs of Cushing`s early? 👀
The clinical signs of PPID develop gradually, and in the early stages they can be easily overlooked. Understanding what to look for allows for earlier intervention, which improves long-term management.
Common clinical signs include:
🩵 Changes in coat – A longer, often curly coat that doesn’t shed fully in summer (hirsutism) is a hallmark sign, but early PPID can cause a subtle delay in shedding rather than a dramatic coat change.
🩵 Abnormal fat distribution – Fat pads may develop above the eyes, along the crest of the neck, or over the tailhead, while muscle loss occurs over the topline.
🩵 Lethargy and reduced performance – Horses may seem less willing to work or tire more quickly.
🩵 Increased thirst and urination – Linked to hormonal disruption affecting water balance.
🩵 Recurrent infections – Poor immune regulation means wounds heal more slowly and skin, respiratory, or hoof infections may occur more often.
🩵 Laminitis – One of the most serious complications. Even mild or recurring bouts warrant investigation for PPID, especially in older horses.
If you notice one or more of these signs, particularly in an older horse, speak to your vet about testing ACTH levels. Early diagnosis allows for medical treatment (such as pergolide) combined with dietary adjustments to better control symptoms.
As for diet, the Pure Feed range is suitable for horses with PPID (excluding Performance). We have a feed for you. To find the right one, fill out a FREE Personalised diet plan today and our nutrition team will email you an in-depth diet plan for your horse - available on the Pure Feed website 💻
#thepurefeedcompany #purefeed #dietplan #equinenutrition
What people say about Pure Feed
