[Laddie roxs]

On Saturday morning i had the farrier out to do Splash's feet.

At the end he said that there wassome "heat" in his feet and that it would be because he was getting too much protein. he said that it was not a major problem but I should look into to avoid any problems down the track.

He is currently on 4 scoops of molomix (chaff mix) and 1 scoop of Calm Performer (pellets). About a third of his paddock has pleanty of grass while the rest has little, he is paddocked 24 hours 7 days a week. and is getting worked around 5 days a week.

On saturday if you put your hand on his feet they felt a little warm, (not boiling) on Sunday they were quite a bit cooler and yesterday they were cooler again. I will check again tonight and see what they're like.

He is no different to ride aswell.
Saturday was the first day that his feet were hot they were fine last week.
My instructor felt them and said that they weren't too bad.
Also is is almost spring down here in Australia so there is fresh grass starting to come through.
Maybe I'm just being over protective.

Does this happen to your horse(s)?

Any info would be great.

[Sue B]

When the feet are checked for heat...how do you do it? Is this checked several times/day or just a couple? Do you just check one...or compare all 4 feet or just the front 2? What do you use to check them with...your hand or a thermosensing device?

[DressageGirl]

By that diet alone I dont think he is getting excessive Protein, especially considering the amount of work he is doing.

For Sue B, and others, here is a link to the information on Calm Performer.

How much of the Molomix is Lucerne chaff? Lucerne is high in protein, but again the feed quantity is not great.

Calm Performer





Cool feed for horses and ponies at maintenance or in light to moderate work
Don’t risk having a horse or pony that is too 'hot' for its rider. While education plays an important role in developing tractable behaviour, feed can have a significant impact as well.
As many owners know, some horses get ‘hot’ at the very thought of food. Barastoc Calm Performer Pellets are formulated to provide the ideal source of balanced nutrition for potentially ‘hot’ horses and ponies in light to moderate work. Being free of oats, the corresponding low level of starch provides cooler energy, reducing the risk of tension and mental instability often associated with high grain diets.
Barastoc Calm Performer contains 11% protein, a level that suits a mature working horse or pony. Dolomite is also included to provide extra magnesium.
The pelleted formula ensures that every mouthful provides balanced nutrition and stops horses from sifting out important ingredients. It also contains molasses to keep them eating right to the bottom of the bin.
Key Features:

1. Pelleted formula - Every mouthful is balanced nutrition. Stops sifting out of important ingredients
2. Low level of starch for cooler energy.
3. Contains molasses to keep them eating to the bottom of the bin.

Feeding Directions:

CALM PERFORMERFeeding Rate (kilograms/day)Horse Weight(kilograms)Maintenance & Light WorkModerate Work3001.0 to 2.51.5 to 3.04001.5 to 3.02.0 to 4.05001.5 to 3.52.5 to 4.56002.0 to 4.03.0 to 5.0
The following recommendations are intended as a guide only. The amount fed will vary according to the horses condition and the quality of pasture and/or roughatge available. Barastoc Calm Performer should be used to supplement grazing and/or high quality roughage to not more than one half of the horses daily feed intake by weight. Introduce this product gradually over a 2 week period. Intakes less than the levels listed may require additional vitamin and mineral supplementation. Do not feed more than 2.5 kgs in a meal.
Other products in this range:

For a higher energy pellet alternative, consider Barastoc Sovereign.
Ingredients selected from the following:

Cereal grains, bran, pollard, vegetable protein meals, legumes, legume hulls, molasses, calcium carbonate, monodicalcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, dolomite, salt, bentonite, vitamin and trace mineral premix.
Feed displayed on this package is indicative only. Appearance of feed may vary as a result of natural variation in the raw materials that are used, but does not affect the nutrient value of the feed
Analysis (As-Fed)
Crude Protein (minimum)…11%
Crude Fat (minimum)..2.5%
Crude Fibre (maximum)..15%
Salt (minimum added)..0.75%
Salt (maximum added)…1%
Copper (added)…30mg/kg
Selenium (added)..0.5mg/kg
Calcium (minimum)…1%
Calcium (maximum)…1.25%
Phosphorus (minimum)...0.55%
Magnesium (minimum)...0.5%
Potassium (minimum)…0.5%
Digestible Energy (estimated)..11MJ/kg
Vitamin A (added)..5000IU/kg
Vitamin D (added)…1000IU/kg
Vitamin E (added)..20mg/kg
Thiamin (Vit B1) (added)..6mg/kg
Riboflavin (VitB2) (added)…5mg/kg
Pyridoxine (VitB6) (added)…2.5mg/kg
Folic Acid (added)..1mg/kg
Niacin (added)..10mg/kg
Calcium Pantothenate (added)…2.5mg/kg
Cobalt (added)...0.25mg/kg
Manganese (added)…75mg/kg
Ferrous Iron (added)…60mg/kg
Iodine (added)…1.25mg/kg
Zinc (added)…90mg/kg

The trace mineral and vitamin analysis listed above are only those amounts added. Total feed values may be higher. Full analysis available on request.

WARNING: This feed has been formulated specifically for animals as described on the package, or the label attached to the package, and must not be used for other species of animals. Unsuitable for human consumption. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility if this feed is used in quantities, conditions or in any way other than in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. The manufacturers recommendations for the use of this product may be obtained by contacting our Customer Service Centre or the Head Office of the company.

This product does not contain restricted animal material
NET WEIGHT: 20 KG
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: Product should be stored in a cool, dry place protected from Sunlight and below 30ºC

Best before 6 months from date of manufacture
Bag Dimensions: 790x380x100

[JBandRio]

Is the horse sore footed? Your diet doesn't sound high in protein at all.

If Spring grass is coming in, and there is increased heat in the feet (compared to what?) then you MIGHT be dealing with some mild laminitis from the high sugars in the grass.

But the "compared to what" in relation to heat in the feet is important to know, and whether he's tender or not.

[Laddie roxs]

I think it was just the spring grass they are getting better each day and were pretty much back to normal last night but I will keep an eye on it.
Thanks for all your help

[Blistering Winds]

Protein usually doesn't cause the laminitis heat the "farrier" is feeling.

Excess protein is urinated out.

Excess STARCH, anything that upsets those bugs, being feverish, etc can.



I'm with Sue....how exactly did he determine your horse's feet were "hot" vs any other reasons?


I saw you mentioned spring grass. That can definitly cause issues. Due to the sugar flushes that are occuring. Which can lead not only to the laminitis your horse may currently be experiencing, but to a full fledged Founder.