Let’s get mashy

A mash is a horse feed that you soak in lukewarm water and give to your horse as a porridge. It is often given after exercise, as a supplement or to mix in supplements or medication, for example. When to give your horse a mash? How do you prepare the swill or mash? What mashes does Cavalor have? Read on to find out everything.

When to give mash to your horse?

Mashes are very versatile. You can feed them in many situations. Cavalor’s mashes are given to supplement the basic ration of water, roughage and concentrate. When to give your horse a mash? Here’s an overview:

• While traveling: Some horses have difficulty eating during transport or in a new location. Many horses love mashes. Give them a mash to get enough water and nutrients.
• For recovery after training: recovery is an important part of training. There is a reason why athletes take a shake after exercise. It works the same way for horses. You can support your horse’s recovery with a protein-rich mash.
• To maintain weight during the winter months: winter can be challenging for horses. Especially when it comes to maintaining weight. Although roughage plays the most important role in a horse’s ration, supplementing with a high-fibre mash in winter is definitely recommended if the horse is struggling to maintain its weight.
• In case of dental problems: a mash is ideal for horses with dental problems. It is soft and easy to digest.
• In case of illness: a sick horse is always a problem. Sometimes a horse needs supplements or medication to regain good health. Mix these with the mash to make sure your horse gets the supplements and medication it needs without experiencing much resistance. An easily digestible mash also helps with recovery after illness.
• As extra hydration: You prepare a mash with water. In this way it contributes to the daily fluid intake of a horse. It goes without saying that a mash alone is not enough and you should always have fresh drinking water available for your horse.
• As a treat: A mash is a great treat. Be careful though, feed as you need and do not give your horse more than necessary.

How do you prepare a mash?

You can give normal concentrates straight away, but for a mash you need to allow a bit more time.

1. Take the desired amount of mash. Do you ever weigh your feed scoop and its contents? Not every mash weighs the same, so to measure is to know. Do you want to know how much mash goes into a Cavalor feed scoop? You can read it here.
2. Put the mash in a trough or bucket. Slowly add the recommended amount of lukewarm water. The ratio of water to feed can vary per mash.
3. Soak the feed according to the directions for use, so that it becomes completely soft and has a porridge-like texture. These are the recommended soaking times of the Cavalor mashes:

4. Stir well! Make sure you mix everything evenly before feeding. This makes for a tasty meal for your horse.

Tip: Getting used to a mash

Many horses love mashes, but some take some time to get used to the new texture. Patience is the key to success. If your horse doesn’t like the mash the first time, don’t worry. Give your horse time to get used to it.

Cavalor’s mashes: something for every horse

** NEW ** Cavalor Sportmash is a high-protein mash for recovery after exercise. This mash is a source of high-quality proteins that are easily digestible and have a specific amino acid profile, making an optimal contribution to muscle recovery after training or competitions. Soaking the mash ensures that extra liquid will be absorbed. With electrolytes to replenish loss after sweating.

Cavalor Mash & Mix is a delicious-tasting mash, ideal for rehydration after exercise. It contains tasty, easily digestible ingredients, like flaked and puffed cereals, bran, linseed and dried vegetables. Soaking the mash makes it easy to chew. Ideal for mixing with electrolytes or as a light meal after competitions and training.

Cavalor Strucomash Beet is a high-fibre mash for good intestinal function.  It contains highly digestible fibre sources such as timothy, alfalfa and also 30% beet pulp flakes which have a beneficial effect on gut function. The mash is easy to chew and digest, making it suitable for horses that are older or have dental problems, or as a warm treat on cold winter days.

When to give which Cavalor mash?

Each horse is different. Every horse has different needs. Feed your horse based on his needs. Would you like to know more about a suitable mash for your horse? Then give our Consumerline a call on: +32(0)92202525.