Disclaimer: our thoughts - possibly unwanted and unwarranted - feel free to stop reading now...

Disclaimer: I’m not a vet or equine nutritionist — these are simply my thoughts based on years of owning, riding and selling horses. Always seek professional advice.

Recently, two people contacted me wanting to sell their horses — one had actually purchased through Performance Horse Sales.

You’d think I’d be excited… new listings, potential commission. I wasn’t.

Why? Because I know how stressful buying and selling horses is. It’s a huge emotional, financial and time investment — and deciding to sell is often heartbreaking.

I also genuinely believe most horses are sold honestly to homes sellers believe suit them (especially through PHS because of how rigorous our process is).

And… I believe feeding and management plays a huge role in behaviour. Moving homes, changing routines and feeding programs can completely change a horse — sometimes causing behavioural issues or even ulcers.

So I said: take this or leave it… but it’s a cheap experiment compared to selling one horse and buying another.

My suggestions:

• Too looky, hot, strong or overly forward? Remove ALL hard feed for 4–6 weeks. If grass is limited, feed grassy/teff hay only. Free experiment.

• Cranky, tail swishy, kicking out or spooky? Scope for ulcers — or discuss preventative treatment like UlcerShield with your vet.

• Not quite thriving? Add a gut health supplement. We’re not sponsored — but B Complete by Banana Feeds has worked well in our stable.

• Still needs an edge taken off? Consider supplements like B Quiet or passionflower.

The outcome?

Both horses changed dramatically. They became calmer, happier and safer to ride. The unwanted behaviours stopped.

Neither horse is for sale anymore.

And the research?

Allen & Page discuss the link between sugar/starch and behaviour — higher sugar spikes can increase excitable behaviour.

Allen & Page feeding behaviour article

And ulcers can significantly impact behaviour too:

Penn State nutrition and ulcers article

Sometimes the issue isn’t the horse. Sometimes it’s management. And that’s a far cheaper problem to solve.

Again — I’m not a vet or equine nutritionist. These are simply my observations from owning, riding and selling horses.

After my last post, people asked what ingredients I think can cause issues?

Here’s what I watch closely:

• Soybean meal — found in many feeds marketed as “cool”, “grain free” or “laminitis safe” (including being listed as “bean” on some feeds like Mitavite Munga). Potential hormonal issues, inflammation and added energy.

• Lupins + faba beans — high protein often equals more energy… and that can show up in behaviour.

• Molasses — sugar. Sugar can absolutely affect behaviour.

• Millrun / millmix / pollard — commonly found in pellet feeds like Mitavite Munga and Mitavite EasiRide. It’s a grain by-product… while feeds are still marketed as “grain free.”

• Copra — can create calcium/phosphorus imbalance and added energy.

• Oils like linseed, canola, rice bran and some CEN Nutrition products — high fat can equal excess energy and may contribute to inflammation. Pain = behaviour issues. Excess energy = excess 'behaviour'.

And controversial one… chaff.

Yes, I said mix supplements in chaff — but only in tiny amounts.

Why? It’s often more expensive than hay, can irritate the stomach lining, may contribute to ulcers, and some are high in sugar. Hay is usually better for saliva production and ulcer prevention.

And finally… grass.

Grass sounds natural and harmless — but some grasses are very high in sugar. That can affect behaviour and ulcers too.

Sometimes the horse isn’t naughty. Sometimes the diet simply isn’t working.

Most owners want a safe, rideable horse. There’s no point having a shiny horse that feels awful — or dangerous — to ride.

Try a couple of weeks on low sugar grass or hay only. It’s a free experiment — and it might change everything.

Response to our blog: 

• Hi PHS, I just read your blog and really thought it was - of course - so good! So many people feed so much it is just crazy. Our event horses are on very little, but good quality hay. They look magic and healthy and shiny – we add what additives they need due to our lacking pasture and some extra electrolytes. It was just nice to read such good info!! Kind regards, Ali Gee 

• Hi Sally, loved your December blog. xxxx contacted me to say xxxx wasn’t working out and I was devastated as I really thought they’d be a match. Fast forward a couple of weeks and she has treated him for ulcers with great success. Thank you for giving her such wonderful advice! Chloe