HP Forage (formerly Bonpard Forage)

HP Forage (formerly Bonpard Forage)

HP Forage by Health & Performance is a complementary feed for horses and ponies whose diets consist primarily of hay, haylage, or pasture, with little or no concentrate feed. It is specially formulated to supplement the daily diet with essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.

HP Forage was previously sold under the name Bonpard Forage. Following the transition from Bonpard to Health & Performance, the original formulation has been retained.

Forage forms the foundation of a healthy equine diet. For many horses, good-quality hay or pasture provides sufficient energy and protein to maintain an appropriate body condition. However, forage does not always provide adequate amounts of every vitamin and mineral required for optimal health.

Copper, zinc, and selenium are particularly important nutrients to consider. In addition, the vitamin E content of hay can decrease considerably during drying and storage. HP Forage has been developed to provide targeted supplementation of these nutrients without requiring large quantities of concentrate feed.

The small, palatable pellets can easily be incorporated into the daily feeding program. HP Forage is particularly suitable for recreational horses, ponies, and horses in light work whose diets consist mainly of forage.

Properties and benefits

HP Forage contains a combination of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that support normal physiological functions and the overall health of horses.

• Complements forage-based diets: provides essential nutrients that may not be supplied in sufficient amounts by hay, haylage, or pasture alone.
• Highly available copper and zinc: contains these trace elements in the form of specialized hydroxy minerals (IntelliBond®), designed to provide an effective mineral source.
• Selenium: supports antioxidant defense mechanisms, normal muscle function, and the immune system. The formula includes selenium in the form of L-selenomethionine.
• Vitamin E: an important antioxidant that helps protect muscle and nerve cells against oxidative damage. Additional vitamin E can be particularly beneficial for horses primarily fed conserved forage.
• Vitamin A: contributes to healthy mucous membranes, normal vision, and immune function.
• B vitamins: support various metabolic processes involved in energy metabolism and overall health.
• Low starch and sugar content: according to the manufacturer, the combined starch and sugar content is approximately 6%.
• Palatable pellets: easy to administer and suitable for horses receiving little or no concentrate feed.

HP Forage is a vitamin and mineral supplement rather than a traditional concentrate feed designed to supply substantial amounts of energy or protein. It therefore allows horses to receive essential micronutrients without unnecessarily increasing their daily calorie intake.

When to use HP Forage?

HP Forage is particularly suitable for horses that obtain most of their daily nutrition from forage, including:

• Horses fed exclusively on hay, haylage, or pasture.
• Horses receiving less than approximately 2 kg of concentrate feed daily, depending on the composition of that feed.
• Recreational horses and horses undergoing light training.
• Ponies and easy keepers that maintain their body weight readily and do not require large amounts of energy-rich concentrate feed.
• Horses requiring a fiber-rich diet with limited starch and sugar intake.
• Horses whose existing forage-based diet needs additional vitamins and minerals.

The vitamin and mineral content of forage depends on factors such as soil composition, grass species, harvesting conditions, and storage. Its nutritional value can therefore vary considerably between batches.

HP Forage helps supplement important vitamins and trace elements without requiring large quantities of concentrate feed. Combined with sufficient suitable forage, it can be part of a fully balanced diet for healthy horses used for recreational riding or light athletic activity.

Composition

Alfalfa, vitamin and mineral premix, molasses, and sunflower oil.

Added nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese.

Copper and zinc are supplied in part as hydroxy minerals (IntelliBond®). The formula also contains selenium, including L-selenomethionine.

According to the manufacturer, HP Forage contains approximately 25% crude fiber and a combined starch and sugar content of 6%.

Directions for use and dosage

HP Forage is administered daily alongside sufficient hay, haylage, or pasture. The pellets can be offered directly or mixed with the horse’s regular feed.

Manufacturer’s recommended dosage: 20 g per 100 kg of body weight daily.

This corresponds to:

• Pony weighing 250 kg (550 lb): 50 g daily.
• Horse weighing 350 kg (770 lb): 70 g daily.
• Horse weighing 450 kg (990 lb): 90 g daily.
• Horse weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb): 100 g daily.
• Horse weighing 600 kg (1,320 lb): 120 g daily.
• Horse weighing 700 kg (1,540 lb): 140 g daily.

One level measuring scoop contains approximately 50 g. A measuring scoop is included with the 5 kg package. According to the manufacturer, no measuring scoop is included with the 20 kg package.

For an average horse weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb), the recommended daily amount is therefore 100 g, equivalent to two level measuring scoops.

The appropriate amount of forage depends on the horse’s body weight, body condition, workload, and forage quality. HP Forage supplements vitamin and mineral intake but does not replace an adequate, appropriately balanced basic diet.

Important: HP Forage contains selenium, copper, zinc, and vitamin A, among other nutrients. If your horse also receives fortified concentrate feed, another vitamin and mineral balancer, or additional supplements, it is advisable to evaluate the total intake of these nutrients.

Packaging and duration of use

HP Forage is available in two package sizes:

• 5 kg: a convenient package for ponies, individual horses, or an initial supplementation period. Includes a measuring scoop.
• 20 kg: a bulk package for long-term daily use or multiple horses. Measuring scoop not included.

The duration of use depends on the horse’s body weight and daily dosage.

5 kg package:

• 50 g daily: approximately 100 days.
• 70 g daily: approximately 71 days.
• 100 g daily: approximately 50 days.
• 120 g daily: approximately 42 days.

20 kg package:

• 50 g daily: approximately 400 days.
• 70 g daily: approximately 286 days.
• 100 g daily: approximately 200 days.
• 120 g daily: approximately 167 days.

Shelf life: according to the manufacturer, HP Forage has a maximum shelf life of 12 months from the manufacturing date. This does not mean 12 months from the date of purchase or from opening the package. Always check the expiration date printed on the packaging and select a package size that can be used within the remaining shelf life.

Store HP Forage tightly closed in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently asked questions about HP Forage

Is HP Forage the same as Bonpard Forage?

Yes. HP Forage was previously sold under the name Bonpard Forage. The Bonpard brand transitioned to Health & Performance. According to the manufacturer, the original formulation remained unchanged following this rebranding.

Can HP Forage replace concentrate feed?

HP Forage can supplement vitamin and mineral intake in horses that obtain sufficient energy and protein from their forage. Traditional concentrate feed is therefore not always necessary for some recreational horses and ponies. Horses with higher energy or protein requirements may still need additional feed.

Is HP Forage suitable for easy keepers?

Yes. HP Forage can be a suitable choice for easy keepers and ponies that do not require large amounts of energy-rich concentrate feed. The product provides essential vitamins and minerals in a relatively small daily serving.

Can HP Forage be combined with other concentrate feeds?

This depends on the type and quantity of concentrate feed provided. Many complete concentrate feeds already contain added vitamins and minerals. When less than the manufacturer’s recommended amount of concentrate is fed, HP Forage may help fill nutritional gaps. However, unnecessary overlap between supplements should be avoided.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Forage is the foundation of every healthy equine diet. For many recreational horses and horses undergoing light training, good-quality hay or pasture provides sufficient energy and protein. Additional concentrate feed is not always necessary.

However, forage-based diets frequently do not supply adequate amounts of certain vitamins and trace elements. Copper, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E deserve particular attention. HP Forage has been developed specifically to address these nutritional requirements.

I consider HP Forage a particularly practical supplement for horses receiving little or no concentrate feed. Instead of providing additional calories through large quantities of concentrate, essential vitamins and minerals can be supplied in a relatively small amount of pellets.

I also appreciate the choice of mineral sources. HP Forage contains copper and zinc in the form of specialized hydroxy minerals and provides selenium, including L-selenomethionine. These nutrients play important roles in normal muscle function, the immune system, skin health, and general metabolism.

HP Forage is especially useful for recreational horses, ponies, and easy keepers. These horses often do not need additional energy-rich concentrate feed, but their vitamin and mineral intake still requires attention.

When evaluating a horse’s diet, I focus not only on supplements but primarily on forage. Its quantity, quality, and nutritional value determine whether the horse receives sufficient energy, protein, and fiber. Body condition is also an important indicator of whether energy intake is appropriate.

My recommendation is to administer HP Forage daily according to the horse’s body weight, alongside sufficient suitable forage. For an average horse weighing 500 kg (1,100 lb), this corresponds to 100 g daily.

If the horse already receives fully fortified concentrate feed or another vitamin and mineral balancer, I recommend reviewing the complete diet. This helps avoid unnecessary overlap and ensures that the feeding program is tailored to the horse’s individual needs.

I consider HP Forage an excellent nutritional foundation for horses whose diets consist primarily of forage: practical to administer, focused on essential nutrients, and without the need for large amounts of concentrate feed.