Most horses change feed without any problems, but the pace has to suit the horse. Switching too quickly in a sensitive horse can unsettle the gut and appetite, so here are the three routes, from a switch in one day to the gentle plan for the very sensitive horse.
Most horses can switch from one day to the next. If your horse is used to soaked feed such as fibre pellets, beet pellets or mash, and eats it happily, you can switch straight to Regulator Complete.
If it's a little hesitant, use 7 to 14 days. If it is very sensitive, you'll find the full daily plan further down.
How long will it take you?
The horse
How to do it
Time
Eats anything
Switch straight over
1 day
A little cautious
Mix a little of the new into the usual feed, and increase gradually
7‑14 days
Very sensitive
Step-by-step daily plan, see the leaflet
Day 1‑17, then 2 weeks of phasing out
If you're switching to Every Day Happy or Peak Performance, give half new and half old for the first few days.
Remember salt once the changeover is complete
Start with a small half teaspoon in the feed, and increase slowly over 14 days
Aim for 10 g per 100 kg of horse. Multiply by 5 for a 500 kg horse, i.e. 50 g
A salt lick isn't enough on its own. Give loose salt in the manger every day
Day 1: give the hard feed your horse is used to and mix in a handful of Every Day Happy or Peak Performance. Consider whether a very small handful is enough to start with. Ideally give it in the evening, when your horse is in the stable and can get to know the new feed in peace.
Day 2: if it went well, do exactly the same for the next 4 to 5 days. If there were problems, give just a teaspoon of the new feed on top of the usual.
Day 7: now also mix in a handful of +Fiber Mash or +Energy Fiber Mash. Repeat for the next 4 to 5 days.
Day 12: once your horse no longer reacts to the taste, it's time for the texture. Soak the handful of mash together with the handful of Every Day Happy or Peak Performance, and still serve it mixed into the old hard feed. Repeat for 4 to 5 days.
Day 17: once smell, taste and texture have all settled, phase out the old hard feed over the next 2 weeks while increasing Regulator Complete to the full dose.
The taste test from your hand, and what it tells you
Always introduce the new feed with a taster you hand-feed. Either your horse is curious and eats with relish, or it turns its head away. Go with your first impression. If it turns its head away, that doesn't mean the switch will be difficult, only that you need to give it a little more time.
For the vast majority of horses, switching to Regulator Complete is easy. Both fibre mashes are popular, and they are usually easy to switch to.
Change one thing at a time
Don't change every part of the diet at once. If your horse is used to soaked fibre, carry on with that. If not, give the new fibre dry, the way it usually has it.
If you want to change several elements, introduce them one at a time so you can see what the horse is reacting to.
Why your horse needs salt every day
Horses have no salt reserves they can draw on. That is why salt must be given daily in the feed.
Salts are important components of the horse's body fluids. They help maintain normal muscle and nerve function and a normal fluid balance.
For moderate work, give 15-17 g of salt and for demanding work 22-27 g per 100 kg on top of Every Day Happy or Peak Performance (with Supreme Minerals, 18-20 g and 25-30 g in total). Hot weather, pregnancy and lactation also increase the requirement.
When your horse isn't used to soaked feed
A horse that has never had soaked feed has to get used to two things at once: a new smell and taste, and a new texture. Split it up, as the daily plan does, and the switch becomes a positive experience for the horse rather than a break in routine.
If your horse is prone to choke, fibre mash must always be soaked, however fussy it is.
