SmartPak Barn Field Trip, Part 1: Exploring horse feed and nutrition

[@KJThiry]

SmartPak, your staff is wonderfully educated (their knowledge is evident when I call about products). Your commitment to your staff’s education is impressive!

[@kim_858]

Wow!!...Thank you sooo much for doing these barn visit videos!!..I am always trying to educate myself on all matters of horse nutrition. I have two OTTB's in there 20's and one is a hard keeper. I have learned so much in such a short time. 😊 ❤

[@caseyhasbrouck6688]

this video never got boring

[@eaglestar767]

I seriously wish Smartpak would open a place close to me. I am just soaking up this knowledge. The learning and training y'all provide is amazing.

[@cowgal58]

Great video! I only missed the Rice Bran one surprisingly. I knew more than I thought!

[@whitneybuxton6162]

You really do need to soak chia seeds though! They expand a lot when wet and it’s better to soak them, even if you “don’t have to” as far as nutrient absorption goes.

[@ashleybarr7932]

This video gave me the best idea ever!

[@lisac2766]

Can you feed horses raw beets? As a treat/snack or even part of a meal or is it too high in sugar? TY

[@channingpaine9243]

I have a pony that has Cushings she is about 600 pounds light riding we were giving her enrich plus. Any other feeds we could give her? She is 25-30 years old

[@Narlanas]

Wait? I was always thought you had to soak the beetbulp since it expands when wet and that could cause obstruction in the horses digestive system if eaten dry? But she (the vet?) says you dont have to? What am I missing?

[@smartpak]

+LuvHorsez First of all, thanks for watching this whole video! Beet pulp is the very last feedstuff I cover, so that means you sat through the whole thing! You can absolutely soak beet pulp before feeding (I do, as do most people) but one of the purposes of our Barn Field Trips is to address myths and misperceptions so I wanted to let the group know that you don’t HAVE to. Beet pulp does not constitute a choking hazard nor does it expand in the stomach or intestines and cause problems. But because one of the reasons we may give it is to get more liquid into the horse, it makes sense to cover it with water and let it sit a few minutes before offering it to your horse. Just know that if you don’t have access to water or it’s super cold or something it’s okay to give it dry; you’re not going to harm your horse. Remember that beet pulp forms the base for many of the commercial grains and complete feeds on the market, and most people don’t soak those. - Dr. Lydia Gray

[@Narlanas]

No, problem! I love videos like these! Always keen to learn more. :) Okay, that.s really interesting and good to know! Def. gonna bring it up with my teachers, since we soak the schools horse's beet pulp before feeding and I was taught it was because risk of it expanding and causing trouble. Thank you for the reply!

[@gotg1733]

LuvHorsez hi.

[@annahanlon2337]

I Want My Pony To Pick Up mOre Muscle And Weight. What Feed SHould I Use?

[@martinequenneville820]

How can I know the right quantity of flax or chia seeds to give to my horse? Is one better than the another? Thanks

[@whitneybuxton6162]

Martine Quenneville flax has better omega ratios than chia, and from experience I know chia does get stuck A LOT in horse teeth, I even eat the same brand I give my horse and it gets stuck in mine too. But when it comes down to it, they’re both pretty similar. I prefer flax just because it’s cheaper but you can give either.

[@brittpereira7429]

I give 2 scoops of flax seed and 2 1/4 scoop of chia seeds to my horse :) works well!