Cooked foods and Appetisers-

Boiled barley (left), fed warm as a supplement to a regular feed, is nutritious, adds variety and is excellent for putting on condition, especially in winter. Cover the whole barley grains with boiling water, using up to 1lb (450g) per horse. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 4-6 hours. The grain will split and swell, becoming soft.

A bran mash is a mild laxative which may be given to sick or lame horses that are confined to stables. It is fed warm - not scalding hot! - and should be fed with gradually reduced quantities of the horse's normal diet added, to avoid the dangers of sudden change. A nourishing mash might be two parts bran to one part boiled barley, adding a handful of molasses, a few oats/ crushed barley, linseed, sliced carrots or apples, and a tablespoon of salt.

Linseed is very rich in oils. It must be boiled, to destroy poisonous enzymes and should be fed sparingly, as a jelly, mixed with the normal feed or mash. It is high in protein, and beneficial in winter.

Succulents such as Apples and Carrots are relished by horses. Most enjoy sugar, mints, or a few nuts as a reward or enticement, but titbits should be used only occasionally, to discourage biting.