While we specialise in horse bedding here at P.H Winterton, we also often get quizzed about horse feeding habits; especially when the weather heats up. For this blog, we will focus on answering all of your burning questions. Expert advice about horse feeding from horse bedding specialists Horses out at grass may require hay over the summer but it depends on the quality of the pasture, the weather conditions plus the horse’s condition. If the pasture is of poor quality, the horses on the pasture do not appear to be thriving, including a mare supporting a foal, non-native breeds, equines in hard work, or the weather is poor, then they may need hay throughout the summer. If the horse has free access to grass, they usually won’t need to forage as hay will be provided. What are the telltale signs you should be feeding hay? Signs that hay supplementation is needed include horses on the pasture losing weight that drops below an acceptable body condition score. In some instances, if the pasture is poor and the weather is poor, extra hay keeps the horses warm. How do owners decide how much hay to feed stabled horses? If your horse is stabled part of the time, you can decide by determining how the horse is maintaining their weight. If they are overweight then they will only need a small amount of hay and fed no more than 1.5% of their body weight per day; especially if this is their sole dietary intake. If the horse is turned out on grass during the day, the majority of the hay ration can be removed from the diet. Contact us for further advice If you need further advice about feeding your horse, please do not hesitate to get in touch now. P.H Winterton is also the leading supplier of horse bedding and biomass fuel for clients all over the...
Read Moreabout Can I feed my horse hay in the summer?Keeping your horses’ hooves clean is an essential part of their daily care routine, and while it may be second nature to many it could be less familiar to new owners. This is why we have put together this handy how-to guide, full of tips and useful advice. 10 steps to cleaning your horse’s hooves The process for removing dirt and debris from the inside of your horse’s hooves is known as ‘picking out’ the feet, using a hoof pick. Some of the finest hoofs picks will have a small stiff brush attached, which can be used to brush away loose dust and dirt once most of the mud or dirt has been removed. Here is our simple 10-step guide to ensuring your horse’s hooves are thoroughly clean – Start by facing your horse’s tail. Run your hand nearest the horse down the back of its leg, then gently squeeze just above the fetlock to signal to the horse to lift its hoof. If the horse does not respond, try adding a small amount of extra pressure using your thumbnail. Hold the hoof with the hand closest to the horse then use a hoof pick in the other hand and start scraping away any dirt. If this is a hind foot, ensure your arm is positioned in front of the leg , so if the horse kicks out backwards your arm won’t be in danger. For the horse’s front foot your arm needs to be behind the leg. Start where the horseshoe ends, besides the bulbs of the heel and scrape any debris out, moving the hoof pick away from you towards the toe of the hoof. Scrape firmly over the sole and along the inside of the hoof wall and shoe line until the remaining dirt, rocks and debris are gone. Take extra care when removing dirt from the triangular frog (including the central cleft). The frog is a softer tissue than the sole and will be firm without any discharge. Now check there are no foreign bodies penetrating the frog or the sole of the hoof. If there is a nail or something similar in the hoof, do not pull it out. This is a potential emergency...
Read Moreabout Your Cleaning Guide for Horses HoovesMany horse owners, whether their horses have allergies or not, are moving from traditional bedding materials such as straw and turning to alternatives such as shavings from P.H Winterton. For this blog, we will explain why our equine bedding is the best choice for horses who suffer from allergies. Natural Equine Bedding is the best choice If your horse suffers from allergies or respiratory issues then choosing one of our equine bedding products will be the best choice to keep them healthy. We understand that bedding with little or no dust at all is best for allergy-prone horses, but you should always opt for a natural material such as shavings. The reason for this is that many natural materials have antibacterial properties that will help to maintain the stall’s hygiene and cleanliness. While some manufacturers use additives in their natural products, this is still the purest bedding you will get. The fewer components it has the better it will be for your horse. The Power of Three with PH Winterton Here at PH Winterton, we offer three different types of horse bedding, which can suit any budget or specific requirement. Cheshire Choice bedding is our premium supply made from 100% softwood shavings and boasting excellent absorbency levels. As the name suggests, our Economy Bale bedding is our budget range with a unique mix of hardwood and softwood. Our newest range of bedding is Zebra Fibre, which also boasts excellent absorbency levels and is available in 48-60 bales per pallet. Contact Us With Any Questions If you have any questions about PH Winterton’s range of equine bedding please do not hesitate to get in touch now. Our team of specialists will be more than happy to help. Considering a new renewable energy source? We also offer biomass fuel wood pellets, sourced from our nationwide sawmill waste collection...
Read Moreabout Why shavings are the ideal horse beddingHere at PH Winterton and Son, we believe wood pellets are the future of wood heating. We supply wood fuel pellets as biomass fuel for a number of our customers looking for a renewable energy source. Because of their consistent size, energy content and moisture content they can be used in automated stoves and boilers. Wood pellet stoves and boilers light themselves when needed, typically using a small electric ignitor that comes on for a short space of time. The oxygen supply can be well controlled which means that pellet stoves and boilers are highly efficient and burn with low emissions. They are typically 80-90% efficient and produce very little ash so when it comes time to sweep your chimney you will barely notice the difference. The pellets are fairly easy to move mechanically using an auger, which feeds the fire as needed. This allows the pellet stove to regulate its own heat output. How are Wood Pellets Made? Wood pellets consist of compressed sawdust or wood dust produced by sawmills. PH Winterton sources our biomass fuel pellets as part of our sawmill waste collection service. The pellets are held together by the natural lignin in the wood. Lignin makes up roughly a quarter of dry wood, which strengthens the wood’s waterproofing properties. Their low moisture content makes them a good source of energy because very little of the energy in the pellets is used to evaporate moisture. The wood is first made into the dust of a consistent size using a hammer-milling machine with the sawdust compressed under great pressure and forced through holes. This is a hot process and the natural lignin in the sawdust melts and binds the dust together. This holds the pellet in shape and gives it the characteristic sheen on the outside. Need More Information on Biomass Fuel? Contact Us Now If you need any more information about wood fuel pellets or have any questions about biomass fuel in general, please do not hesitate to get in touch with PH Winterton today. For over 60 years we have been the leading provider of horse and poultry bedding for clients all over the...
Read Moreabout What are Wood Fuel Pellets?Investing in the finest quality of equine bedding is one of the best ways to prepare for the upcoming Royal Windsor Show. With COVID-19 restrictions set to ease further in May, the 2021 show between 1st and 4th July could welcome up to 4000 spectators a day. PH Winterton and Son are proud to be a sponsor of the Royal Windsor Show plus the Olympia horse show. For our latest blog, we will tell you more about the Royal Windsor event plus all the information you need to know about our horse bedding products. More Information about Royal Windsor Show Five-star showjumping is set to return at the illustrious event, featuring a total prize fund of £430,000 plus the finishing Rolex Grand Prix on 4th July. Organisers have said they will allow 4000 spectators on each of the four days, adhering to the Government COVID-19 guidelines set to come into play on 17th May. Show director Simon Brooks-Ward commented, “We are delighted that we have been able to reschedule Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2021 and are looking forward to the return of what has become known as one of the best international horse shows in the world,” “The show is set to be a spectacle for the whole family, with the highest calibre of the competition alongside remarkable entertainment acts.” Choose PH Winterton for Equine Bedding PH Winterton and Son offer three different types of equine bedding to suit any budget or specification. Our Cheshire Choice bedding is our premium brand, with our Economy Bale bedding is for clients working to a budget. Zebra Fibre bedding is our newest addition, which boasts excellent absorbency levels and helps to prevent abrasions. Contact Us Now with any Questions If you have any questions about horse bedding, please do not hesitate to get in touch with PH Winterton...
Read Moreabout Preparing for Royal Windsor Show with Equine BeddingBiomass fuel will play a large role in net zero emissions targets set out by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). A document published by the BEIS includes a Biomass Strategy in 2022, with biomass being defined as any material of biological origin which is used as a fuel for bioenergy. This includes conventional combustion, gasification, energy from waste and low-carbon fuels like biofuels or hydrogen, or in products such as chemicals, bio-plastics and materials. New Biomass Strategy Explained A spokesperson for BEIS told industry press, “Biomass has played a prominent role in our efforts to decarbonise the economy and the context for its use has changed since our initial 2012 strategy. “We have launched a call for evidence to look at how and where sustainable biomass can best be used” “To reflect our ambitious target of eliminating our contribution to climate change by 2050, we have launched a call for evidence to look at how and where sustainable biomass can best be used.” According to recent statistics, a significant portion of the supply of biomass consists of wastes and residues (such as sawmill waste). Recognised Suppliers of Biomass Fuel PH Winterton and Son are part of the UK government’s recognised Biomass Supplier List, which allows persons who have signed up for the Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) to receive a discount on heating bills. Being part of this scheme reaffirms us as a trusted supplier of a renewable heating source for customers right across the country. Get in Touch With Any Questions If you have any questions about biomass fuel from P.H Winterton, please do not hesitate to contact us now. As a family-run business, with over 60 years of experience, you are guaranteed friendly and expert advice which will help you choose the best product for you. Accompanying our helpful and insightful advice is our incredibly high standards when it comes to our...
Read Moreabout Biomass Fuel Helps with Net Zero Emissions Target