Leading the industry with innovative and effective products
Upholding and maintaining a fair and consistent sport across all disciplines
Every great performance starts with a strong foundation — and for your horse, that means a balanced diet. Without the right balance of nutrients, your horse can’t truly thrive, no matter how much feed or how many supplements you add.
With so many options available, choosing the right one can be confusing — so our Head Nutritionist, Kate, is here to answer your key FAQs.
Flip to learn more!
There is no legal definition of what a 'balancer' is, really its a type of specialist supplement.
Balancers provide vitamins and microminerals that are likely to be deficient in your horses diet with most adding some gut support to maintain a healthy microbiome for optimal digestion.
Correct forage + Balancer = Balanced Diet
Shop BalancersThis depends on formulation - some are 100g per 100kg bodyweight where some are 100-150g day and they can can come in all different formulations.
The formulation will depend on if there are additional macronutrients that can be found in the wider diet while balancers like NAF Optimum, only contain the essential ingredients to complement a good fibre based diet.
We never want to overprovide unnecessary nutrients to the diet, as that is both economically and environmentally wasteful.
NAF Optimum BalancerFor the Good of Every Horse
1982
From Humble Beginnings
The Cleeve family had been involved in artillery regiments for generations. Brigadier John Cleeve was an instructor at the Army Equitation School in Leicestershire and a successful showjumper who represented Great Britain, narrowly missing out on Olympic selection during the 1930s.
In 1982, John's son Richard began manufacturing equine products to combat environmental stresses. One of his innovations was an advanced, dust-free hay that helped reduce coughing in his own horses. Friends and family were eager to try it and soon began discussing the many health challenges faced by modern horses daily.
1984 - 1988
First Product & Trials
In 1984 the first product 'Thrive' was manufactured, packed and stocked in tack shops and yards around the UK providing digestive clay to support the digestion process.
By 1988 Dr Nicolas Larkins, a clinician and veterinarian who carried out extensive research began working on trials for NAF, using natural products called nutraceuticals.
1990 - 1999
Pioneering Equine Research & Innovation
In 1990 NAF began its work with Farriers. Completing an independent study on hoof growth started the ongoing list of published works, developing new feeding approaches to support equine health and welfare.
By 1999 a paper was published on Free Radical Biology in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
2004 - 2008
A Royal Visit
In 2004 HRH Princess Anne visited the NAF Factory in Penrhos, fascinated by the different processes used to manufacture the products.
In 2008 NAF welcomes Princess Anne to the Monmouth factory for the grand opening and to meet the team.
2012
Feeding Olympic Teams
In 2012 NAF's association as Official Suppliers to the British Equestrian Team begins, and on home soil our British Showjumpers and Dressage riders bring home the gold!
2017 - 2019
BETA Awards
In 2017 NAF products begin to travel overseas and are recognised by the industry winning the BETA Export Award.
With the introduction of Five Star Magic and the trial with the Royal Agricultural college, NAF wins the BETA Innovation Award in 2019.
2020
BETA Lifetime Achievement
Richard Cleeve who founded the company dedicated over three decades to improving the health and wellbeing of horses around the world.
To recognise this achievement in 2020 Richard was awarded the prestigious BETA Lifetime Achievement Award.
2022
New Product & New Chapter
The achievements of multi-medal-winning dressage horse Valegro are honoured with the creation and launch of his favourite flavour treats, Blueberry & Banana. As NAF prepares for its next wave of new products, it also embarks on a new chapter following Richard’s retirement after a lifetime of dedication and excellence.
NAF joins AB Agri, the agricultural arm of Associated British Foods, as the first addition to their Global Supplements Division.
2024
Our Journey Continues
Honouring our heritage and driven by innovation with a passion for progress, we continue to grow and evolve while staying true to our core values.
We remain dedicated to leading our industry with ambition and a commitment to delivering pioneering products for the good of the horse.
Join us on the journey!
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Horse Advice & Expert Guidance
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Explore Our Five Star Supplements
Endorsed by top riders and official sponsors to British Equestrian Teams, we support the health, wellbeing and performance of every horse.