How do I know what mineral balancer is right for my horse?

Short answer

You don’t guess — you test.

The only way to know what mineral balance is appropriate for your horse is to start with a forage (hay or pasture) analysis and evaluate it against established nutrient requirements (NRC guidelines). From there, you adjust based on your horse’s workload, age, metabolic status, and overall health (NRC; Mad Barn; ECIR).

Mineral balance is not one-size-fits-all. It’s forage-dependent.

Real-Life Example

You notice brittle hooves and assume your horse needs a hoof supplement.

But if your hay is already high in iron and low in copper and zinc — adding a generic supplement may not fix the imbalance. It may even compound it.

Testing the hay first tells you what’s actually missing — and what isn’t.

Balance starts with data.

It Depends

Mineral needs vary based on:

• Hay mineral profile
• Region and soil content
• Metabolic conditions (EMS, IR, PPID)
• Workload
• Growth stage (young, pregnant, senior)
• Overall diet (concentrates, supplements, pasture access)

What works for one horse in one region may not work for another.

Context matters.

When to Seek Guidance

If your horse shows:

• Poor hoof quality
• Dull coat
• Unexplained weight changes
• Metabolic instability
• Recurrent laminitis concerns

Consult a veterinarian or qualified equine nutritionist to interpret forage results properly.

A hay report provides numbers — interpretation requires experience.

Sources:
National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Horses
Mad Barn – Mineral Balancing Guidance
ECIR Group – Forage-First Approach in Metabolic Horses