Nutrition

When we know better, we do better.

Two horses eating from a black bucket outdoors, one white with a light mane and the other brown with a white patch, near a building.
Two horses eating from a black bucket outdoors, one white with a light mane and the other brown with a white patch, near a building.

Many commercial feeds contain heavily processed ingredients that can contribute to chronic inflammation, metabolic imbalances, and long-term health issues. Understanding and avoiding these triggers is key to supporting your horse’s well-being from the inside out.

Our philosophy centers on feeding horses like horses: emphasizing a biologically appropriate diet through high-quality forage, essential minerals, and healthy fats. At SBW, we believe that the best way to support balanced health starts with a forage-first, anti-inflammatory approach to nutrition, prioritizing natural, whole ingredients.

April Schaeffer standing on a grassy field holding with white horse with brown spots and with two other horses nearby, one brown and white and the other solid brown, on a lush green day.
April Schaeffer standing on a grassy field holding with white horse with brown spots and with two other horses nearby, one brown and white and the other solid brown, on a lush green day.

What kind of support can help improve your horses’ nutrition?

Basic Consultation that’s designed to evaluate your horse’s current feeding program and identify areas where we can reduce inflammatory triggers.

In the Basic Consult, I take a close look at what your horse is currently eating, and then offer practical, forage-based, species-appropriate suggestions to help move toward a more anti-inflammatory plan. The goal is always to support your horse’s health using whole-food principles that respect their natural digestive design.

It’s a great starting point for owners who are ready to take a more proactive and informed approach to equine nutrition. From there, we can build out a plan that fits your horse’s unique needs and your management style.

*This Consult DOES NOT replace veterinarian advice, treat or diagnose and health issues.

MMMT Hair Mineral Analysis

For those who want to dive deeper into their horse’s internal health, I offer an optional MMMT Hair Mineral Analysis. This test evaluates your horse’s mineral status and toxic metal levels, giving us a clear picture of what they may be deficient in—or carrying in excess.

It's a powerful tool because mineral imbalances or heavy metal accumulation can quietly affect everything from metabolism and digestion to behavior and soundness. By identifying those patterns, we can fine-tune your horse’s nutritional support even further.

*MMMT Hair Analysis DOES NOT replace veterinarian advice, treat or diagnose and health issues.
A white and brown paint horse grazing on green grass inside a barn.
A white and brown speckled horse grazing on grass inside a barn or stable.

Nutrition Focused Webinars

Equine Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Basics

Processed, concentrated and complete “food” products are full of ingredients that lead to chronic health issues with our horses. This course provides an overview on what how health issues can manifest and the ways and benefits to improve your horse’s diet.

Forage-First Anti Inflammatory Equine Diet

This Free Webinar provides an overview to understand how horse digestion works and what a balanced equine diet fully means for horses with varying exercise levels, including a breakdown of vitamins and minerals needed.

Forage Based Nutrition for Dummies

Building on the Free Anti-Inflammatory Diet webinar, this course covers the equine nutrition pyramid, the Forage-First ideology and its benefits, supplements, and potential downsides of commercial feeds in depth.

Intro to Track Living Systems

An informational introduction to track living systems that explains the basics of “Paddock Paradise” living, resources to plan your own, and interviews with professional and everyday track owners.

If you're ready to explore a more individualized, forage-based approach to your horse’s nutrition or want to learn more, please feel free to reach out or check out the Nutrition Webinar Courses!