Hardy breeds: efficient digesters

Hardy breeds: efficient digesters

Hardy breeds are horse and pony breeds that naturally require relatively little to survive. They can live outdoors year-round and need little to no additional feed. Breeds considered easy keepers include Haflingers, Friesians, Icelandics, Shetlands, Fjords, Tinkers, New Forest ponies, Welsh ponies, Dartmoor ponies, Exmoor ponies, and draft horses.

Forage consists mainly of fiber, and that is exactly what hardy breeds are designed for. They are able to digest forage more efficiently than other breeds, which allows them to extract sufficient energy from it. A high intake of starch, however, is difficult for easy keepers to process. This is partly due to the limited amount of digestive enzymes they naturally produce for breaking down starch.

Low-starch diet

It is advisable to avoid a starch-rich diet for hardy breeds. They generally gain weight more quickly and are therefore more prone to developing metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and laminitis. To prevent this, extra attention to their diet is essential. While hardy breeds may require less energy, their need for vitamins and minerals is virtually the same as that of any other breed.