Why I Don’t Think You Should “Do Your Own Research” for Horse Nutrition
By Annie Emery, Independent Equine Nutrition Professional
There’s a trend in the horse world right now: everyone wants to “do their own research.”
It sounds like a good idea—after all, we live in an age where information is just a click away. Social media groups, webinars, online gurus—there’s endless content about horse nutrition. And it’s great to be an engaged, informed horse owner!
But here’s the thing: while being informed is essential, “doing your own research” in the deep, technical sense of nutrition balancing can actually do more harm than good. Let me explain why, and why owners should not be expected to do their own diets.
The Challenge with Online Content
We’re surrounded by a flood of information. So many WORDS! In equine nutrition especially, there are thousands of posts online every day about feeds, supplements, and new “miracle cures.” While some of it is helpful, a lot of it is incomplete or downright misleading.
As someone who’s worked with hundreds of horse owners across the U.S. and Canada, I hear the same story over and over: people feel overwhelmed. They’re spending hours online, reading conflicting opinions, and ending up more confused than when they started.
Social media has a place—I believe in community conversations and love sharing ideas in my Facebook group which is one of the largest groups. But it can’t replace real, evidence-based nutrition expertise from legit professionals. Posts often lack context and nuance, and it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest trend. The biggest problem is people piling on supplements and forgetting the basics.
The Limits
I compare it to saddle fitting. I ride regularly myself, and I rely on a professional saddle fitter for that work. Sure, I could watch webinars and learn some basics, but I don’t need to be an expert in tree points, billets, or saddle bridging. My job as the horse owner is to notice when something seems off and then call in the professional who has the expertise and training to fix it.
Equine nutrition is exactly the same. Owners don’t need to be able to balance a diet down to the last mineral. That’s what professionals like me are here for. People really “don’t know what they don’t know” and a little info can be well intentioned but misguided. Also, what works for one “thin horse” may not be right for another thin horse- horses have different needs. That is why copying diets is not the best way to get real results.
Why It’s Worth Trusting Professionals
Here’s what I see time and again: when owners trust qualified professionals, they get better results and far less stress. Yes, it takes time and money to do it right. But in the long run, it saves you hours of confusion and countless dollars spent chasing the wrong supplements or feed changes.
It also takes the weight off your shoulders. You don’t have to figure out every single detail—your job is to communicate with your horse, pay attention to how they’re doing, and build a team of trusted experts to support them.
The Role of the Owner
This doesn’t mean owners shouldn’t learn anything! In fact, there are basics every horse owner should understand based on my opinion:
✅ The six kinds of nutrients and where each are digested in the horse
✅ How to body condition score a horse and know if they are “fat, thin or a healthy weight”
✅ Hydration basics including use of salt, electrolytes and water.
These are the foundations of good horse care. But putting together a fully balanced diet that meets your horse’s needs based on forage testing and work level? That’s a specialized skill that requires a careful hand. Also don’t ignore the nuance that is gained from seeing hundreds of horses.
Finding the Right Fit
I know that some people have been burned by professionals before in different areas. It’s hard to trust people sometimes! It’s okay to be cautious—get second opinions if needed. But don’t let past experiences stop you from seeking help altogether. There are qualified, independent professionals out there who can support you and your horse. You may also want to ask for proof of insurance and an LLC.
When you work with someone who truly knows their craft, it’s an investment that pays back in spades. Your horse will feel better, you’ll have peace of mind, and you’ll save money in the long run by avoiding the guesswork.
My Final Thoughts
I don’t think horse owners need to be experts in diet balancing. I don’t think you should spend hours every week falling down internet rabbit holes, only to feel more lost than before.
Instead, build a foundation of good horse care knowledge. Learn the essentials. Then, trust the professionals to do what they do best. That’s what I do with my saddle fitter, my farrier, and my vet—and it’s what I do every day with my own nutrition clients.
You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. That’s what I’m here for. If you’d like to talk about your horse’s diet, you can always reach out to me. Let’s take the stress out of feeding your horse, together.
— Annie Emery
Revolution Equine Nutrition