If you have ever seen a horse in one of rodeo’s timed events, enjoyed a leisurely trail ride, watched a Western on the big or small screen or have just seen a group of horses grazing in a pasture, nine times out of 10, you have seen an American Quarter Horse.

These heavily muscled, compact horses were called Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses by English colonists in the 1600s because the horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than any other horse. Known for outrunning any horse at the quarter mile, the American Quarter Horse gained popularity. The quarter mile is still the most popular distance for racing American Quarter Horses, and the best blaze the 440 yards in 21 seconds or less.

Whether working cattle on a ranch, taking their owners for a trail ride on a Sunday afternoon or competing in a variety of disciplines, American Quarter Horses are known for their versatility and good temperament. The American Quarter Horse succeeds maneuvers required in reining, working cow horse, barrel racing, cutting, roping and other western events. The American Quarter Horse also excels in English disciplines, including dressage, driving and jumping.

Read more: Profiling the American Quarter Horse, A Very Versatile Breed

There’s an increasing variety of horse feeds available, but while choice is a good thing, selecting the right feed, or blend of feeds among the options available can be confusing.

This guide looks specifically at balancers to give you an insight into what they are, how to use them and their benefits, so that you can make an informed choice.

What are balancers?

Balancers are small, nutrient dense feeds (often pellets) formulated to provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and quality protein alongside a negligible level of energy (calories). Depending on the horse feed balancer you choose, they may also contain added functional ingredients such as probiotic live yeast or glucosamine.

Read more: Small but Mighty! See the Benefits of Feed Balancers