THRIVE FEED BLOGS

Pasture is often described as the most natural feed a horse can have. People assume: “Grass is what horses are meant to eat, so it must always be safe.” Pasture can be wonderful. But the myth is that pasture is automatically harmless. In modern domestic conditions, pasture is often one of the most powerful dietary risk factors in the horse world. Why People Believe This Myth Horses evolved as grazing animals, so pasture feels instinctively correct. And in many cases, it is. B

Colic is one of the most feared words in horse ownership. And when it happens, people often say: “It was just bad luck.” Sometimes colic does occur despite excellent care. But the myth is that colic is random and unavoidable. In reality, many colic episodes are strongly linked to management and feeding factors. Why People Believe This Myth Colic feels sudden. A horse can seem normal one hour and in distress the next, so owners naturally assume it came out of nowhere. And beca

In recent years, horse owners have become far more aware of sugar and starch, especially with the rise of metabolic conditions and laminitis risk. That awareness is good. But it has created a new myth: “If the NSC number is low, the feed is safe, and if it is high, it is dangerous.” The truth is more nuanced. NSC matters, but it is not the only number that matters. Why People Believe This Myth NSC is simple. It is measurable. It gives owners a sense of control. And for insuli

For generations, a round horse was often seen as a well-kept horse. People would say: “He looks great, nice and fat.” But modern equine health has made one thing very clear. Fat is not the same as healthy. In many horses, excess condition is a warning sign, not a compliment. Why People Believe This Myth It comes from good intentions. A thin horse looks neglected, while a heavier horse looks “well fed,” safe, and cared for. So owners naturally associate weight with wellbeing.

It is one of the most common hopes in horse care: “My horse has lost topline, I just need the right supplement.” The feed store shelves are full of powders and pellets promising muscle, strength, and a better back. But here is the truth. Topline is not built by a scoop. Topline is built by biology, training, and time. Why People Believe This Myth Topline loss is emotional. Owners see the change and want a fast solution. And supplements are marketed as if muscle is something y

One of the most common assumptions in horse care is this: “My horse is eating it, so it must be fine.” It sounds reasonable. Horses have instincts. They know what they need. They will refuse what is harmful. But the truth is more complicated. A horse eating something does not guarantee it is safe. Why People Believe This Myth Horses do have strong instincts, especially on pasture. And many horses will refuse obviously spoiled feed or strongly mouldy hay. So owners naturally c

When a horse needs condition, many owners hear the same advice: “Just give more sweet feed.” It is common, it is traditional, and it sounds like the fastest solution. But here is the truth. Sweet feed is often one of the least intelligent and least safe ways to improve body condition, especially long-term. Why People Believe This Myth Sweet feed is calorie-dense, palatable, and horses usually eat it eagerly. So weight gain can happen quickly, and that reinforces the belief th

A very common belief in horse feeding is this: “Horses need grain for energy.” It sounds logical. Grain is calorie-dense, performance horses work hard, therefore grain must be the foundation. But the horse was not designed to run on grain. The foundation of equine energy is fiber, not starch. Why People Believe This Myth Grain produces fast, visible results. Add grain and a horse may show: Quick weight gain More “spark” under saddle Higher calorie intake in a small volume So

One of the most persistent beliefs in the horse world is this: “If a horse is too forward, spooky, or high-strung, the feed must have too much protein.” It is repeated so often that it has become accepted as fact. But biologically, it is not accurate. Protein does not make horses hot. Why People Believe This Myth The myth usually begins with coincidence. A horse is fed a richer ration, perhaps alfalfa or a higher quality performance feed, and the horse seems to have more ener

The Thrive Feed Myth-Busting Series Myth-Buster #1 “Dusty Hay Is Normal” One of the most common things horse owners hear is, “A little dust is just part of hay.” It is said casually, passed around barns, and often accepted as unavoidable. But here is the truth. Dusty hay is not normal, and it is not harmless. Why People Believe This Myth Hay is a natural product. It is dried, baled, stored, and handled repeatedly. So it makes sense that people assume dust is simply part of th