The British Horse Society (BHS) is warning horse owners that further increases in the price of horse feed are likely in the coming months.

The price of feed has risen due to an increase in the price of grain, caused by the poor weather this summer and a increase in the amount of grain being bought for use as biofuel.

The BHS is warning horse owners to plan ahead and be prepared for further possible price increases.

BHS welfare senior executive Lee Hackett said: "We are not talking about huge increases in price and there is certainly no need to be overly concerned.

"Those people with only a couple of horses to feed will not notice a great deal of difference, but it will have an impact on bigger yards which buy in large quantities of feed."

The BHS suggests that horse owners consider the needs of their horses and whether or not cereal-based feeds are appropriate.

Many horses do not need cereals and benefit more from calories provided in forage form. Most feed companies have helplines where they can assist owners with feeding queries.

Mr Hackett added: "Now may be an opportunity for owners to re-assess the diets they are feeding and check they are appropriate to meet their horses' needs.

"We are increasingly seeing reports of equine obesity as a welfare issue and careful dietary management can help to prevent this.

"Any changes to a horse's diet should be made gradually and we would advise horse owners not to cut corners when buying feed. Even though it may cost more, buying from a reputable manufacturer ensures that you know what you are feeding and the horse is getting the nutrients it needs."

The BHS welfare department can provide advice and assistance to anyone who would like to discuss best feeding practice. Contact welfare@bhs.org.uk or telephone 01926 707804.

2:11pm Wednesday 10th October 2007

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