Choosing the correct type of feed is very important for your horse or pony to keep them in top condition. There are a number of types and brands to choose from allowing you to find the most suitable feed for your horse. It depends a great deal on the type and amount of riding you do, in addition to what type of breed your horse or pony is. There are a number of breeds that are more susceptible to becoming over weight and they need to be carefully monitored to ensure they do not get too fat as this may cause laminitis. Although the quantity may have to be reduced it is vital that a horse or pony still gets their vitamins, minerals and plenty of forage in order to maintain healthy gut function, there are many specific feeds ideal for this type of horse or pony. For example a feed Balancer contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals in just a couple of handfuls without feeding large quantities. There are also a number of low calorie feeds aimed at laminitis sufferers. Horses and ponies that are working hard also need special attention, they may need to be fed a competition feed to ensure they are getting enough energy to do their work, and also if they sweat excessively whilst competing they may need added salts to replace those lost in sweating. Many competition feeds include electrolytes to replace the salts lost, but a horse or pony who does not need competition feed may need electrolytes fed as a supplement.  Assessing your horses weight and condition on a regular basis will help you to decide how much feed he needs, a weigh band as well as a visual check will help.