What is a young horse?

Actually, horses are late bloomers, all growth plates are only fully closed around the age of 6/8 years. Therefore, you can say that up to the age of 7 years, the horse can be considered young. Especially the first 5 years are important for the development of the physique. The horse then goes through many growth spurts, which challenges the skeleton. But even after this age, horses continue to grow. Many horses are only fully grown around their 7th year.

Movement, movement, and more movement

Nothing is more important than movement for a young horse (besides roughage). Unloaded, unrestricted movement on varied surfaces is always preferred. Movement not only stimulates blood circulation, but also strengthens tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints. Additionally, it promotes proper muscle development. Always ensure a solid surface. A harder ground is good for tendons and for the development of strong hooves.

Therefore, always make sure that your horse grows up with peers to play and frolic with, but also with older animals because they provide education. For a young horse, it is extremely important to grow up in a herd with plenty of free movement. This not only results in a stronger physique, but is also extremely important for the psychological well-being of the horse.

Suitable nutrition for young horses

Young horses need nutrients to grow and develop. Fresh grass is the most nutritious for the horse. It contains, among other things, vitamin E, vitamin C, omega-3, and proteins. All very important nutrients that influence the entire body. For young horses, it is therefore preferable that they receive fresh grass. In the Netherlands, this is not always possible in the autumn and winter. High-quality roughage is important in those times. Our preference is always for unpackaged hay. Packaged hay disrupts the acidity levels, making it harder for nutrients to be absorbed and causing disruption in the gut flora.

Nowadays, the soils in the Netherlands are becoming increasingly poor in nutrients. As a result, roughage (grass and hay) is also becoming poorer in minerals. This means that roughage alone is no longer sufficient to meet the recommended daily requirement for vitamins and minerals. Especially during periods when horses are not on grass, it is important to provide additional feed. Opt for a grain-free product with low sugar/starch content. For young horses, Vitalbix Breed&Grow, for example, is very suitable. Or a balancer/vitamin nugget from Metazoa, Vitalbix, Agrobs, or Equilin.

Silicon a crucial building material

If we had to name one building material that is extremely important for a stronger physique, we say: Silicon.

Silicon is a mineral that provides firmness to the body. It is an important building material for connective tissue and therefore influences: bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, hooves, skin, and coat. Additionally, silicon stimulates the production of endogenous glucosamine.

Research has even shown that when young horses are supplemented with silicon, they are less prone to injuries later in life. The introduction of silicon starts during pregnancy. Silicon is very suitable for pregnant and lactating mares because they pass it on to the foal. This allows the foal to start with sufficient silicon, enabling it to develop a stronger physique in the womb.

Silicon can be given to horses from a young age. Horses absorb what they can use, and the rest leaves the body through manure/urine. Therefore, we recommend silicon not only for horses that eat sand or for older horses, but also specifically for young horses that are still growing.