To build a strong horse, you need a plan that will allow you to build a strong, healthy horse!
Being a horse owner and enjoying horseback riding is a beautiful experience. However, the only way to ensure your horse stays stronger is to care for them mentally, emotionally and physically.
It is easy when we talk about horses’ mental and emotional health. With small gestures, you can ensure they fit in both ways. Yet their physical health is a task; ensuring they get a proper diet and nutrients from that diet is complicated.
However, we tried to make caring for their physical health easier! We formulated supplements that are easy on their bodies while making health important to the body.
Be with us as we make a complete proof plan for your horse!
Supplements for Horse Health
Supplements can be a great way to bridge any nutritional gaps in your horse’s diet and promote its overall health and well-being.
How are supplements Bridging Nutritional Gaps?
Those modern hay and grains lack essential vitamins and minerals your horse needs for good and sound health. These supplements are formulated to provide specific vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients that may be missing in your horse’s diet.
These supplements can also be customised to address your horse’s individual needs. For example, a senior horse might benefit from additional calcium for bone health, while a performance horse might need more electrolytes to replenish those lost through sweat.
Benefits of Bridging these Nutritional Gaps:
Joints:
As horses age, cartilage in their joints naturally breaks down, leading to stiffness and pain. Intense activity levels can also put stress on joints.
Supplements like Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Hyaluronic Acid act as the building blocks for healthy cartilage.
- This can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, improving mobility.
- Hyaluronic acid acts like a lubricant, allowing for smoother joint movement.
- These supplements may help promote cartilage repair and regeneration.
Digestive System:
Horses have a sensitive digestive system that can be easily disrupted by stress, changes in diet, or certain medications. This can lead to digestive issues like colic, diarrhoea, or ulcers.
Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit gut health!
- This can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- A healthy gut microbiome helps fight harmful bacteria and keeps your horse healthy.
- Probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, alleviating discomfort.
Hooves & Coat:
Nutritional deficiencies can affect the health of your horse’s hooves and coat. Brittle hooves can crack or break, while a dull coat can indicate underlying health issues.
Biotin is a B vitamin essential for healthy hoof growth and a shiny coat.
- This can prevent cracks and breakages.
- Biotin can contribute to a thicker, shinier coat.
Performance:
Horses that compete or engage in intense activity levels lose electrolytes through sweat. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help regulate muscle and nerve function, hydration, and acid-base balance.
Electrolyte supplements replenish these lost minerals.
- Electrolytes are crucial for proper muscle contraction and prevent fatigue.
- Electrolytes help regulate water balance and prevent dehydration, which is critical during exercise.
- Replenishing electrolytes after exercise can aid in faster muscle recovery.
How do you know if your horse might need supplements?
As in humans, different parts of a horse’s body can communicate signs when they need to be looked after. Early detection is critical! If you notice any of these alarming signs, consult your veterinarian immediately.
General Signs:
- A typically playful or energetic horse suddenly becoming withdrawn or sluggish can be a cause for concern.
- Horses love to eat! If yours shows disinterest in food, especially for more than a day, it might indicate illness.
- While some weight fluctuation is normal, unexplained weight loss can point to underlying health issues.
- Use a rectal thermometer to check your horse’s temperature. A temperature above 101.5°F (38.6°C) in an adult horse is a cause for concern.
Alarming Signs by Body Part:
- Discharge, cloudiness, or squinting could indicate pain or infection.
- Excessive discharge, laboured breathing, or flared nostrils can signal respiratory problems.
- Ulcers, sores, or excessive bit chewing suggest dental issues, pain, or discomfort.
- Symptoms like pawing, kicking the belly, rolling, or sweating can indicate colic, a severe digestive issue requiring immediate veterinary attention.
- Lesions, rashes, or persistent itching could be signs of allergies, insect bites, or skin conditions.
- Changes in consistency, colour, or the presence of blood can indicate digestive problems.
- Difficulty urinating, discoloured urine, or straining could be signs of urinary tract issues.
Supplement to be used if you see these signs
It’s essential to understand that supplements typically aren’t the answer to address alarming signs in your horse. These signs often indicate underlying health issues that need proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Known why relying solely on supplements isn’t advisable:
Supplements might address some symptoms but won’t cure the root cause of the illness. Delaying veterinary attention can worsen the condition.
Giving unneeded supplements can disrupt the delicate balance of nutrients in your horse’s body and cause harm.
What to Do Instead?
See Your Veterinarian
If you notice any alarming signs in your horse, consult your veterinarian immediately. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate course of treatment, which might include medication, dietary changes, or other interventions.
Supplements as Part of a Treatment Plan:
Sometimes, your veterinarian might recommend specific supplements alongside proper treatment to address deficiencies or support healing. But this should be based on a diagnosis and their professional guidance.
Can You Give supplements as precautions to maintain the health of your healthy horse?
While some supplements will be beneficial for maintaining your healthy horse’s well-being, it’s essential to prioritise a balanced diet and consult your veterinarian before starting any supplementation.
You can use these supplements as a caution.
General Multivitamin/Mineral
If your horse’s diet lacks variety or you need more clarity about its nutrient profile, a multivitamin/mineral supplement formulated for horses can be a good option. However, it is best to discuss it with your vet.
Electrolytes
If your horse sweats a lot during hot weather or exercise, consider offering electrolytes after strenuous activity to replenish lost minerals. However, electrolytes may not be necessary for casual riding.
Joint Supplements
For older horses or those in intense training, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid might be helpful for joint health. But discuss the need with your vet based on your horse’s activity level.
What are some Natural Options?
They incorporate natural sources of nutrients into your horse’s diet. For example, flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, while chia seeds offer electrolytes and other minerals.
Remember that a healthy horse on a balanced diet might not necessarily need extra supplements. The best approach to maintaining your horse’s health is to have regular checkups with your veterinarian and address any specific concerns through targeted supplementation.
Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for ensuring your horse’s health and well-being. Never hesitate to seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
Selecting the best quality supplements is a must when introducing them to your horse. You can Visit our website for the best quality. We make sure our ingredients perform best like your horse.