How can I help my youngster with loose droppings after moving yards?

What can I do to help my horse's gut? She's barely 4, moved yards almost 2 months ago and got new hay at the move, plus another new batch of hay about 2 weeks ago. The feed changes were fairly sudden. She gets protein pellets and minerals daily. No changes in behaviour, normal appetite, but she sometimes sniffs the hay before she eats it. The droppings are formed into balls but on the wetter side, sometimes more and sometimes less loose. The vet says it isn't worrying as things stand, but I'd really like to help if I can!

Answers from HayHay's experts

Hello! It takes around three weeks for the microorganisms in the hindgut to adjust to a new feed. So it may simply be that more time is needed, since it has not been long since the move. That said, because the horse is reacting to the feed, it is worth smelling and inspecting it a little more closely to make sure the hygienic quality is not poor. It is also a good idea to calculate the ration based on the figures from your forage analysis.

Malin Connysson

Equine Nutritionist