The pony diet: balancing fibre, forage, and essential nutrients.

Sarah Kearney BSc (Hons), PGCert Head of Equine and Smallholder Nutrition at Allen & Page, discusses how to feed these pint-sized equines to ensure optimal health.

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Ponies are popular as companions, children's ponies or pets due to their lovable nature, cute appearance and often cheeky characters! So, how do we keep them in tip-top condition now that Spring has finally arrived?

A BRIEF HISTORY...

Most modern pony breeds descend from ancient horses living in harsh climates, adapting to glacial temperatures and low-quality forage in low quantities. This adaption took thousands of years, so it is no surprise that our chunky, dependable ponies have yet to adapt to our modern management methods, where grass is usually plentiful or the diet supplemented with rich hay and bucket feeds. As a result, they tend to gain weight easily (termed good-doers) as it is part of their genetic nature to do so.

This predisposition to weight gain also puts them at a higher risk of metabolic issues such as laminitis and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) due to insulin dysregulation. This is where their body produces excessive amounts of insulin in response to feed intake, or cells become resistant to insulin, leaving high levels of circulating blood glucose (sugar).

WITH HISTORY IN MIND....DO PONIES NEED A 'BUCKET FEED'?

You should always feed the pony in front of you, as they are all individuals. Ponies at maintenance that do not need additional help with their weight should be fed high-fibre, low-calorie feeds to avoid consuming excess energy. Although fibre may provide these good doers with enough calories, they still require additional vitamins and minerals that forage does not provide, especially if you are restricting grazing and/or soaking hay.