May 2026 Issue

May 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 26 Pasture grass is a major source of sugar in the horse’s diet, but carbohydrate content varies with soil type, climate, hours of sunlight, species, season, and time of day. Access to pasture should be carefully restricted for horses with insulin resistance. Species lower in sugars that allow for longer grazing times include timothy, brome orchardgrass, bermudagrass, and teff. Avoid ryegrasses, meadow fescue, and cereal hay, such as wheat and oats. Alfalfa is a good source of both protein and less-digestible fiber and can meet or exceed horses’ calcium and protein requirements. Cool season grasses accumulate more starches, sugars, and fructans and are higher in total energy content. Although alfalfa hay is higher in total energy content than grass hays, most of the energy is fromprotein and fiber. Avoid grazing any pasture grasses that are growing rapidly or going through a dynamic phase – like after a summer rain, or entering dormancy in late fall. Horses should be limited to 2 percent of their body weight in feed. Hay should be fed before animals are released onto pasture – one good scenario is to feedhay all night before turning animals out early in themorning, when sugar levels are lower. Given a choice, horses will consume lush pasture grasses before hay every time. Soaking hay in coldwater for 30minutes lowers the sugar content. Keep horses off weedy pastures, since weeds can have a greater concentration of iron than forage grasses, potentially leading to elevated insulin and can be higher in sugar. In spring, when grass is lush and growing rapidly, horses will want to consume more. Muzzles can also be used to limit intake. Frost can greatly increase fructans in the plants within a few hours. And, hay can run the risk of higher sugar content if it is cut in bright sun. Feeding the Insulin Resistant Horse For over 20 years, Equi-lete® has deliveredpremiumequine nutritionbuilt on a proactive philosophy; supporting your horse’s health before problems arise. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention isworth a pound of cure.” At Equi-lete®, we believe optimal health and peak performance begin from within. Every horse deserves high-quality nutrition to reach its full genetic potential and perform as the athlete it was designed to be. Our products are carefully formulated to support the development of strong, resilient horses capable of meeting the demands of training, breeding, and competition. Our innovative approach to equine nutrition focuses on long-term wellness, not just short-term results. Each formula is developed using scientifically researched ingredients selected for their proven benefits to equine health and performance. Research continues to highlight the importance of gastric health in supporting performance, immune function, and overall comfort. At Equi-lete®, we recognize that a healthy digestive system is foundational to the health of the entire horse. That’s why our products are designed to support gastric integrity, promote efficient nutrient absorption, and helpmaintain total-bodywellness. We offer a comprehensive line of products to meet a wide range of needs, including supplements, a ration balancer, and a controlled starch feed. Our specialty products include Rhythm,agastricandhindguthealthsupplement,naturalvitaminE,probiotics,electrolytes, andmore. Each product is formulated to support your horse fromthe inside out. No matter what your discipline, Equi-lete® provides the nutritional foundation to help maintain your horse’s health, performance, and longevity, so they are always ready for the demands ahead. Be Proactive. Be Innovative. Be theDifference…For the Love of theHorse! To learnmore, purchase products, or find a dealer near you, visit www.equi-lete.comor call 888-336-7878. Equi-lete®: A Proactive Approach to Equine Nutrition Equine Healthcare, Nutrition, Therapy Special Advertising Section