Where can I buy horse feed in the UK?
With so many options for buying horse feed available this blog aims to help you navigate where to get it, how to choose what’s right for your horse & who to trust for advice if you’re unsure. The internet can provide a minefield of information of varying credibility, practical advice and unhelpful clickbait too. The new BETA ENFAR (British Equestrian Trade Association – Equine Nutritionist & Feed Adviser Register) scheme is a useful starting guide as to who is and isn’t trained and trustworthy as we explain below.
Where can I buy horse feed in the UK?
The equestrian industry is a long-standing part of UK history, and you can find a ‘feed store’ or tack shop in or close to many local towns.
Did you know? Prior to the arrival of the motor engine the horse was heavily relied on for transport and roughly a third of a million horses worked in London alone used for everything from delivering the mail and beer to ploughing the fields. While the days of visiting the local corn merchant to literally fuel the workhorse may have dwindled, us horse owners still enjoy visiting the local feed store or saddlery to collect our horses’ feeds every few weeks.
For many of us it’s an excuse to have a browse of the latest innovations and treat ourselves and our horses to a new rug, pair of boots and replenish their treats. I mean, we all know it’s hard to walk out of store without grabbing them a bag of their favourite SPILLERS chunky treats!
Where can I buy SPILLERS horse feeds?
The SPILLERS website has a useful stockist locator to help you track down your nearest retail store or wholesaler. Our team work with store staff to make sure as many of your favourite products are on shelves in stock locally. With top sellers like SPILLERS Senior Super-Mash, Lite & Lean Balancer and HAPPY HOOF Molasses Free readily available countrywide, slightly more specialist products can easily be ordered in if not already in stock.
Quick links
What if I need help choosing my horses feed?
Most local horse feed stores are incredibly helpful and customer focused, it’s rare to find one who won’t order in exactly what you need for your horse. Many staff are horse owners or riders themselves and know just how important it is for owners to have what they need. We work closely with key stores and provide them with the training and tools to help advise you to make the right decisions for your horse - whatever their individual needs.
Simply ask at the till, call your local store or contact us direct if you’re looking for something you can’t find. We’re here whether you want more information about a product or would like help creating a detailed diet plan for your horse or pony.
How do I know if horse feed advisors or nutritionists are qualified?
BETA’s ENFAR register includes accredited Nutritionists, Feed Advisers and Retail Feed Advisers! From well-trained store staff to more experienced nutritionists, you’re now able to look up and see who’s registered near you. The main horse feed companies have several staff on the list, plus there are many independent people on it too, making it easier for you to know who’s credible and capable of giving you the level of support you need.
Can I buy horse feed online?
Absolutely! With time more precious, and travel a possible inconvenience, some horse owners opt to make use of online retailers. You can order from global giants such as Amazon or eBay, equine industry wholesalers and local feed stores. Many local feed stores who offer delivery also enable you to order online. Shipping large bags of horse feed around the countryside is an expensive business so expect prices online to be higher than collecting from in store.
In summary:
Thankfully, most horse owners are spoilt for choice, with a great selection of helpful stores to buy horse feed from knowledgeable staff. Through BETA, the industry itself is raising standards to help owners sift through the maze of information and find credible advice from approved advisors who are able to help you make the best decision for your horse when you need them. Our 3 take homes:
- Make friends with your local feed store to help you get what you need when you want it.
- Reach out and ask for advice when you need it via credible feed advisors and nutritionists.
- Don’t forget online shopping is a useful option too if you don’t have time to pop to your local feed store.
Author
Written by: Vanessa Allen
Equine Nutrition Advisor, SPILLERS
Vanessa Allen | LinkedIn
Author summary:
Vanessa has been part of the SPILLERS nutrition team for over a decade and writes evidence-based, practical feeding advice to help owners support their horses’ health, wellbeing and long-term condition.