Where women working in the horse industry connect!

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My name is Leslie Davis and after 30 years, I sold my Real Estate Company 4 years ago to pursue my real passion: helping horses.My husband and I have been supporters and a foster home for of 70 horses in the past 10 years.  Many horses have come to us through organized horse rescues.  I have specialized in equine hoof rehabilitation  for the past 8 years.Because many of the hoof issues are laminitis and founder issues, that has been my main focus.  90% of these cases are diet realated.  I could give you a whole book on the "why" our domestic horses have these diet issues, but to simplify the problem, I can tell you to remove sugar and starch from your horse's diet. This is very hard to do with a main diet of grass or cut grass hay.You can soak the hay (this removes a lot of sugars and starches) but it also removes some of the good stuff too, like vitamins and minerals.The ideal way to feed cut grass hay is to put it in haynets with small holes (less than 2" square)...this gives the horse some resistance (like grazing) which encourages more mastication which provides more saliva.  The saliva has enzymes that start breaking the cellolous down and preparing the hay for digestion.  With large amounts of hay stuffed in their mouth, this process with the saliva is compromised.  If the hay reaches the stomach unprepared for digestion, the whole digestive process is compromised and the horse does not receive all the nutrients from the hay.This research is now being coined as "slow feeding".  Because of this research and haynets, my life at the hoof rehab center has become much easier!  The most economical way to feed cut grass hay is to feed with large round bales and since there was no such thing as a haynet for a round bale, I had to create one....hence the birth of "Texas Haynet" company. No longer to horse owners have to cringe at the sight of one third of their $80 round bale laying on the ground outside the hay ring all soiled to the point the horses will not eat it.  The Texas Haynet reduces waste while it is providing a more healthy way for the horses to consume their hay.  It is a win, win situation.  Fat horses get thin, thin horses get fat, the herd is generally more laid back and calmer, less fighting and the horses have more energy and brighter eyes, etc. It is a bit like taking our small children off of sugar at bedtime and reducing sugar intake on adults with joint issues, etc.  We are all healthier without so much sugar!  You can find her under PRODUCTS in our member directory.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Leslie Davis - President- Texas Haynets