Why does summer require extra attention in the diet?

During the grazing season, feeding often seems simpler. The horse is out on grass, eats throughout the day and may receive less concentrated feed. Still, the diet in summer can actually be more variable than in winter.

Grass is a natural product. Its composition changes throughout the season, depending on the weather, soil, pasture and moment of grazing. The amount of grass your horse actually consumes can also vary from day to day.

In addition, many horses have a different routine in summer. Think of:

• More turnout
• Less concentrated feed
• Warmer weather
• More hacks
• Competitions or training
• Transport
• Temporary stay at another location
• Changes in roughage or routine

All these factors can influence the diet. That is why it is wise not only to look at how much your horse eats, but especially at the balance.

The basis of summer feeding: roughage, fibre and supplementation

A good horse diet always starts with sufficient roughage. Roughage provides fibre, stimulates chewing and contributes to the healthy functioning of the digestive system. Even when your horse spends a lot of time on grass, it remains important to look at the overall basis of the diet. Grass provides fibre and nutrients, but this does not automatically mean that all vitamins, minerals and trace elements are consumed in the right amounts.

That is why summer feeding is mainly about making conscious choices:

• Does my horse need a light, complete basis?
• Is my horse receiving enough vitamins and minerals?
• Does my horse need extra support for stomach and intestines?
• Do I want to add more fibre or structure?
• Do I need to prevent the diet from becoming too energy-rich?

With Hartog Essential, Hartog Comfort and Hartog Digest. you can make a suitable choice for each horse.

Hartog Essential: light, complete basis for easy keepers

Many horses and ponies quickly receive enough energy from grass in summer. Especially easy keepers or horses that gain weight easily usually do not need large amounts of concentrated feed. However, you still want them to receive enough vitamins, minerals and trace elements every day.

In that case, Hartog Essential is a practical choice. Hartog Essential is a concentrated balancer. You feed a relatively small amount, while your horse is still specifically supplemented with essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements. This makes Hartog Essential a good fit for horses that need a light, complete basis without making the diet unnecessarily heavy.

Hartog Essential is especially interesting for:

• Horses that gain weight easily
• Easy keepers and ponies
• Horses that need little concentrated feed
• Horses that need targeted supplementation
• Horses for which you want to keep the diet simple and clear

An important advantage of Hartog Essential is that it combines well with Hartog Digest. This allows you to combine a light basis with extra support for digestion. Want to know more about Hartog Essential? Read more here.

Hartog Digest: support for stomach and intestines during the grazing season

The grazing season often brings changes. More grass, different roughage, travelling, competitions, training or changes in routine can influence your horse’s digestion.

Hartog Digest is a roughage mix that has been specially developed to support the digestive system. The structure of the mix stimulates chewing and therefore saliva production. In addition, Hartog Digest contains fibre and additives aimed at supporting the stomach and intestines.

Hartog Digest is especially suitable when you:

• Want to add extra fibre or structure
• Want to support digestion
• Your horse reacts sensitively to changes
• Your horse travels, trains or goes to competitions
• Want to combine Digest with a balancer or concentrated feed

During the grazing season, Hartog Digest is easy to add to the diet. The product combines perfectly with Hartog Essential, but can also be used alongside an existing basis when you want to provide extra fibre and support. Want to know more about Hartog Digest? Read the article here!

Which combination suits your horse?

Every horse is different. That is why there is no single summer advice that applies to all horses. Look carefully at your horse’s condition, workload, grass intake and sensitivities.

My horse spends a lot of time on pasture and receives little concentrated feed

Then Hartog Comfort is a logical choice. Hartog Comfort helps provide sufficient vitamins, minerals and trace elements without immediately needing to add more energy-rich concentrated feed. Especially by feeding Hartog Comfort in the morning before your horse goes out to pasture, you help create a satisfied feeling for your horse and provide extra fibre intake.

Recommended direction: Hartog Comfort

My horse is sensitive in the stomach or digestion

Then the combination of Hartog Essential + Hartog Digest is interesting. Hartog Essential forms the light, complete basis and Hartog Digest adds fibre and support for stomach and intestines.

Recommended direction: Hartog Essential + Hartog Digest

My horse gains weight easily but does need daily supplementation

Then Hartog Essential is a good fit. You feed a small amount, while your horse is still specifically supplemented.

Recommended direction: Hartog Essential

I want to add more structure or fibre

Then Hartog Digest can easily be added to the diet. Hartog Digest is a practical choice when you want to combine fibre, structure and digestive support.

Recommended direction: Hartog Digest, possibly alongside Hartog Essential or an existing basis

5 practical tips for feeding in summer

1. Take a critical look at the amount of grass

More turnout does not automatically mean that the diet is complete. Pay attention to condition, energy level, manure and weight.

2. Continue supplementing vitamins and minerals

When you feed less concentrated feed, the supplementation of vitamins and minerals may also decrease. Therefore, choose a suitable basis such as Hartog Essential or Hartog Comfort.

3. Change the diet gradually

Is your horse going outside more, receiving different roughage or changing training routine? Give the digestive system time to adapt.

4. Add fibre where needed

Fibre supports natural eating behaviour and helps keep the diet calm and structured. Hartog Digest can be a practical addition here.

5. Tailor the feed to the individual horse

An easy keeper, sport horse, senior or sensitive horse does not all need the same. Look at the horse in front of you and adjust the diet accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about summer feeding for horses

Should my horse receive less feed in summer?

Not always. Many horses receive more energy from grass in summer, which can make reducing concentrated feed logical. But make sure your horse still receives enough vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Which feed suits a horse that spends a lot of time on pasture?

For horses that spend a lot of time on pasture and receive little concentrated feed, Hartog Comfort can be a good choice. Hartog Comfort helps supplement the daily basis of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

What should I feed a horse that gains weight easily?

For horses that gain weight easily, Hartog Essential is a suitable light basis. You feed a small amount, while your horse is still specifically supplemented.

When should I choose Hartog Digest?

Choose Hartog Digest when you want to add extra fibre, structure and digestive support. Hartog Digest is especially practical during the grazing season, with diet changes, training, travelling or horses that are sensitive in the stomach and intestines.

Can I combine Hartog Essential and Hartog Digest?

Yes, Hartog Essential and Hartog Digest combine perfectly. Hartog Essential provides a light, complete basis and Hartog Digest adds fibre and support for stomach and intestines.

What is the difference between Hartog Essential and Hartog Comfort?

Hartog Essential is a concentrated balancer that you feed in a small amount. Hartog Comfort is a fibre-rich roughage mix including a balancer. Hartog Essential suits horses that need little, while Hartog Comfort is ideal for horses that spend a lot of time on roughage or grass and can benefit from a fibre-rich basic supplement.

Conclusion: feeding in summer is all about balance. Summer feeding does not automatically mean feeding more or less. It is about feeding appropriately. Look at grass intake, work, condition and your horse’s sensitivities.