As seen in Farm Weekly, 27/02/2025

With decades of experience in pasture seed development, Irwin Hunter & Co. is a trusted name in the agricultural industry.

Equi1st Mix allows horse owners to provide their horses with high-quality, nutritious grazing throughout the year, moisture dependant over summer.

The quality of the pasture available to horses directly influences the health of their digestive system, muscle development, hoof condition, and overall wellbeing.

Poor or imbalanced pasture can lead to deficiencies, metabolic disorders, and underperformance, making it essential to establish a well-structured, nutrient-rich forage system.

Horses, unlike many farm animals, are not ruminants and therefore not physiologically adapted to handle high sugar and protein intake, principally because they require a higher throughput of forage as their digestive system is less efficient.

An ideal pasture should offer a balanced composition, be relatively low in sugars and starch, moderate in protein and still highly palatable.

It should also provide consistent nutrition, adapt to seasonal changes, and promote sustainable grazing that benefits both the animal and the soil.

Irwin Hunter & Co's, Equi1st Mix is a well-designed and scientifically developed equine pasture mix capable of supplying year-round nutrition, provided there is sufficient moisture.

The blend of annual and perennial grasses with selected legumes offers consistent, high-quality forage, while improving soil fertility and pasture regeneration.

Highly digestible fibre supports gut health and reduces colic risk, while the natural balance of energy and protein aids muscle development, endurance and recovery.

These pastures also lower feed costs by reducing reliance on hay and grain.

Additionally, Equi1st is designed to tolerate animal traffic and grazing pressure, making it a durable, reliable and the No.1 choice for horse owners seeking a sustainable pasture solution.

Anne and Craig's experience with Irwin Hunter & Co.'s Equi1st equine pasture mix has been a rewarding success.

Their journey began with careful paddock preparation and seeding, and as luck would have it, everything aligned perfectly—just a day after planting, a well-timed soaking rain set the ideal conditions for growth.

The results were evident early on.

The first flush of green emerged beautifully, a promising sign of the mix's vitality.

As the pasture matured, it became a valuable resource for their horses.

One of their smaller paddocks, located near the stables and used primarily for controlled grazing, proved especially beneficial.

Anne's horse, Leo, has long battled multiple health conditions, including Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Cushing's and Shivers.

Historically, managing his diet meant keeping him confined during spring to avoid pasture-related complications.

However, thanks to the balanced nutritional profile of the Equi1st mix – and with the support of his medication – Leo can now graze without adverse effects.

This has been a game-changer for Anne after years of strict turnout restrictions.

All three horses have thrived on the new pasture and maintained healthier weights this season.

Additionally, Anne and Craig allowed their two larger paddocks to set seed this year, ensuring regeneration and future productivity.

These pastures will be used for 'standing' hay throughout summer and will be cut and baled next season.

Reflecting on the experience, Anne and Craig couldn't be happier with the results.

Equi1st has not only provided quality grazing but has also supported their horses' wellbeing while ensuring a sustainable pasture for the years ahead.

Enhancing horse health and farm sustainability, makes a high-quality pasture mix a valuable investment for equine management.

With Irwin Hunter & Co.'s innovative approach to pasture development, the future of equine nutrition is greener than ever and provides the high-quality nutrition your horse deserves.

Contact your local farm supplier or Irwin Hunter & Co. for more information regarding the extensive range of pasture seed and mixes.