Ryleigh Semanchik, MS - Equine Nutrition Consultant

06/14/2026

Let's Decode Carbohydrates

Non Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) describe the starch and sugar content.
• % Starch + % WSC = % NSC

Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) contain both sugar and fructans.
• Sugar is digested in the small intestine
• Fructans are digested in the large intestine
• % WSC - % ESC = % Fructans

Because of the limitations of NSC, most nutritionists are moving away from this value and are instead evaluating feeds based on the starch, water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and ethanol
soluble carbohydrate (ESC). ESC’s are a subset of water soluble carbohydrates that do not include fructans. Ultimately, these three fractions can be used to compare feeds for horses with
different carbohydrate-related problems.

For horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease, or EPSM/PSSM—all of which can’t tolerate large swings in blood sugar, you should select feeds that are low in starch and ESC. This implies there will be less carbohydrate digested and absorbed from the small intestine, which results in less of a glycemic response.

For horses with a history of diet-related laminitis, you should select feeds that are low in starch and WSC. The less starch and fructans reaching the hindgut should mean less opportunity for excessive fermentation and large intestinal disturbances that could trigger laminitis.

Did you know that Bluebonnet has just released a feed that is transparent on the tag with BOTH ESC and WSC Values??

06/12/2026

Why the Intensify Technology?

A truly effective feed does more than provide calories, it should support digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall health.

That's why we often look beyond protein, fat, and fiber and ask:
🔹 Does it support the hindgut microbiome with probiotics, prebiotics, and yeast cultures?
🔹 Does it include digestive enzymes to help break down and utilize nutrients more efficiently?
🔹 Does it provide highly available minerals, such as chelated minerals and organic selenium, that horses can actually absorb and use?
🔹 Are calories coming from safe energy sources like fat and digestible fiber instead of relying heavily on starch and sugar?
🔹 Does it contain ingredients like flax, fish oil, and omega-3 fatty acids that support normal inflammatory responses, skin, coat, and overall wellness?
🔹 Does it provide support for the immune system through ingredients such as beta glucans, vitamins, and trace minerals?

The digestive tract is the foundation of the horse's health. When the gut is functioning properly, horses are better able to utilize nutrients, maintain body condition, support immune function, and perform at their best.

Nutrition isn't just about what goes into the bucket, it's about what the horse can actually digest, absorb, and utilize.

06/10/2026

You got us to Runner-Up. Can you get us to #1?

Last year, thanks to horse owners like you, Bluebonnet finished as the Runner-Up for Best Horse Feed in the Western Horseman Best of Awards. This year, we're back and hoping to take the top spot.

We've been nominated in the For the Horse – Feed category for the 2026 Best of Western Horseman Awards, and we're incredibly grateful for the support that got us here.

If Bluebonnet has earned a place in your barn, your feeding program, or the list of products you trust, we'd appreciate your vote. You can vote once a day through July 1.

We'll keep showing up for the horses. You just click here 👉 bit.ly/VoteBluebonnet

06/09/2026

Can you name a better trio??😍😍

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Lanham and the Brown Family!
💙

Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan) are your 2026 World’s Greatest Non Pro champions!🏆

This team earned a composite of 1091 (R: 218.5/H: 216/C: 218.5/S: 225/FF: 213)

Thank you to this year’s presenting sponsor, Gastrobim™, for their support!

📸 Primo Morales Photography

06/06/2026

Spend the day with me supporting the Santa Fe Dressage Association with the Bluebonnet Feeds Hydrations Station💙💦🐴

06/06/2026

Cheering loud for this duo all the way from TX!

Congratulations to Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger) on their high score in the World's Greatest Non Pro presented by Gastrobim™ steer stopping!🔥

📸 Primo Morales Photography

06/06/2026

06/04/2026