Saddlepoint Farms

Happy 250th birthday America! We hope everyone enjoys your special day with family and friends!

Tis the season…

Excellent information!

Midges may be tiny, but they can cause major discomfort for horses—especially during the warm months. Excessive tail swishing, itching, rubbing, and irritated skin can all be signs that biting midges are becoming a problem.

A few simple management practices, such as reducing standing water, using fly protection, and providing good airflow, can help keep your horse more comfortable throughout the season.

Knowledge is one of the best tools we have for keeping our horses healthy, happy, and thriving.

If you believe that horses need grain in their diet to meet their nutritional needs, you are not alone. However, horses should get most of their nutrients from a good quality forage source such as grass, hay, hay pellets, or a complete feed.

Horses generally eat between 1.5-2% of their body weight each day, so an average size 1,000 lbs horse should eat 15- 20 lbs of hay daily. To help fill any nutrient gaps such as essential vitamins or minerals, a ration balancer may be beneficial. Depending on breed, body condition, and exercise level, concentrates may be added in to provide additional energy but are often not needed.

When deciding on what to feed your horse, it is best to invest in high quality forages as the foundation of your feeding plan. You can even have your hay tested to see exactly what nutrients it is providing.

Please consult with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist about your horse's diet before making any major changes, and remember that any changes should be made gradually over time to avoid GI upset.

Thank you to the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information.

Summer care isn’t just comfort—it’s essential.
Protecting your horse from heat stress starts with knowing the signs and providing thoughtful, consistent care.

Did You Know?
Laminitis is one of the most serious and painful conditions a horse can develop and it can happen fast. It’s inflammation inside the hoof that can affect how the bone is supported. Often linked to rich grass, grain overload, or metabolic issues.
Early signs include:
Warm hooves
Reluctance to move
Leaning back to take weight off front feet
Quick action matters early care can make a huge difference