Simple System Horse Feeds

Simple System Horse Feeds: natural horse feeds since 1996

Simple System Horse Feeds is a British company based at Symonds Farm in Risby (Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk), dedicated to the manufacture of natural horse feeds. Founded in 1996, the company bases its approach on feeding adapted to the horse's digestive system, using forage ingredients instead of cereals, pulses or soya. Its catalogue is distributed directly to the home and through a network of local stockists.

A feeding philosophy based on forage

The company maintains that the horse's natural diet consists of grass, herbs and shrubs, and that starch-rich foods such as cereals, pulses and soya are not part of its digestive evolution. For this reason, all its formulations are free from cereals, pulses, soya, molasses, artificial additives and preservatives. The company states that its feeds ferment in the hindgut, just like grass and hay, which allows the horse to be fed right before and after exercise without the need to withdraw the feed. According to its approach, a quality forage diet does not require additional vitamin and mineral supplements, as the feed itself provides them naturally.

Four key ingredients

The range is built around four main raw materials, grown specifically for its feeds and harvested at the optimal time to achieve the desired nutritional profile:

• Alfalfa (lucerne): a deep-rooted legume, rich in natural vitamins and minerals, with highly digestible fibre and quality protein that contributes to muscle development and stamina. Its naturally low sugar levels make it suitable for most equines.
• Grass: a palatable source of high-quality fibre, protein and minerals. It is offered in different nutritional profiles to cover grazing needs throughout the year; its carbohydrate and iron levels make it suitable for horses in hard work.
• Sainfoin: an ancient forage legume, rich in minerals and trace elements, with condensed tannins that can aid protein digestion. It is presented as a premium alternative to grass and alfalfa, ideal for horses with higher nutritional demands. Its nectar is highly valued by bees.
• Linseed: cooked, whole and high in fat, it provides digestible energy with low levels of sugar and starch, as well as omega 3 for skin health, coat shine and hoof strength. It maintains an omega 3:6 ratio of 4:1, similar to that of natural grazing.

Product catalogue

The range includes forages, balancers, mashes and chops, organised by product type, by health issue (weight, laminitis, ulcers, older horses), by horse type (from good doers and veterans to hard-working horses) and by key ingredient. Among the products most requested by customers are:

• HayCare: high-fibre Timothy grass with quick soaking for horses and ponies unable to eat hay. 20 kg format.
• MalleMash: a comprehensive high-fibre mash, rich in omega 3 and natural vitamins and minerals, with dietary support for equines with dry or itchy skin. 15 kg format.
• MetaSlim: a forage balancer for horses and ponies prone to laminitis, overweight or with low sugar and starch requirements. 10 kg and 20 kg formats.
• Timothy Chop: a high-fibre Timothy grass chop, harvested at a mature stage for naturally low sugars. 15 kg format.
• Sainfoin Pellets: a premium forage alternative to alfalfa and grass, rich in natural minerals and trace elements. 20 kg format.
• Lucie Nuts: 12 mm alfalfa feed, naturally rich in calcium and protein to support muscles and bones. 20 kg format.
• Sainfoin Brix: sainfoin compressed into 1 kg blocks, rich in minerals and trace elements, to be fed whole and dry to mimic grazing. 1 kg and 20 kg formats.
• Organic Lucie Stalks: sieved alfalfa chop, ideal for all equines, especially those needing to lose weight. 12.5 kg format.

Nutritional advice and feeding plans

In addition to selling feeds, the company offers expert advice directly to its customers. Through its feeding helpline and its website, the team provides equine management suggestions, nutritional guidance and personalised feeding plans. The company also publishes advice articles and news on topics such as the hormonal changes of the autumn equinox and the risk of laminitis in horses with insulin dysregulation, or the horse's digestive process. It also has a body condition scoring guide and a section of testimonials from customers and sponsored riders.

Commitment to plant-based feeding

The company registers its entire range of feeds with The Vegan Society, as a sign of its commitment to a natural plant-based diet for horses. Its offering covers a broad spectrum of forages, with various plant sources, product formats and energy levels, with the aim of meeting the needs of all types of equines, from happy hackers to high-level competition horses.

Thirty years of history

In 2026 the company celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. Based in rural Suffolk, Simple System Horse Feeds continues its manufacturing and advisory activity, and distributes its products to the home and through a network of local stockists.

Location and contact

Symonds Farm, Newmarket Road, Risby, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6RE · Phone: 01284810043 · Email: sales@simplesystem.co.uk