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Horses are well-suited for winter for the most part, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have certain basic requirements. Here’s more information for horse guardians to ensure our horses stay comfortable and healthy during the coldest months of the year.

Forage

Securing quality hay should be a top priority for winter preparation. The minimum forage requirement is 1% of a horse’s body weight per day, but feeding around 2-3% better supports good digestive health. Not to mention, the process of digesting forage produces internal heat, making it the primary method of thermoregulation in cold weather. When temperatures get really cold, increase hay by 1.4% for each degree it drops below 18 degrees F. Another option is feeding hay free-choice.

Supplements

Good quality hay covers most dietary needs but still lacks some trace minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Therefore, it’s important to provide these in a supplement of some kind. 

Our Icelandic Organic Kelp contains 60 trace minerals, micro nutrients, and many natural vitamins, and Organic Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3’s. Whether horses are on hay or pasture, all need additional salt in their diet. Our Pure Unrefined Sea Salt is a great choice. 

Water

Horses need clean water year-round, of course, but in winter, when impaction colic is more common due to decreased water intake, it’s important to keep horses drinking. Adding a little extra salt into their feed bucket will encourage drinking but we should also ensure they have a non-frozen water source at all times. Using heated buckets or stock tank warmers can help keep water at a more preferable temperature as horses drink most readily when water is between 45-65 degrees F.

To Blanket or Not?

If allowed to do so, most horses grow an adequate winter coat which keeps them plenty warm. The hairs will actually “fluff up” during cold weather in a phenomenon known as piloerection. When we blanket horses with good winter coats, we’re actually flattening those hairs and preventing piloerection from occurring. Therefore, it’s usually best to leave horses without a blanket. The only exceptions would be for horses who don’t have a winter coat (such as one recently moved in from a warmer climate) or older, ill, or malnourished horses. 

Shelter

Though horses keep warm by eating hay and growing a good winter coat, having some type of shelter is still necessary, especially during windy or rainy conditions which can flatten the hair coat and cause the horse to lose body heat at an increased pace. While some horses may choose to be out in the elements, it’s always nice to have the option to get out of the weather!

Added Support for Seniors

Senior horses may need extra support in the form of pain relief, joint care, or digestive support during the winter months. Supplements we recommend include:

• Bjute (Herbal Pain Management)
• MSM Ultra Pure Powder
• Su-Per Glucosamine Powder or Su-Per Glucosamine Ultra Pure Powder
• Herbiflex Joint Support
• ProGuard Probiotics
• Vyrex (Herbal Immune Support)

Additionally, if their teeth are in poor condition, they may have trouble chewing hay and will need a commercial or homemade senior feed which is best fed softened or as a mash.

There’s no denying that horses are amazing athletes. Whether it’s running a clover-leaf pattern in sixteen seconds flat, jumping five foot fences, or competing in

50-mile endurance races, many of their feats are truly awe inspiring. But behind every successful performance horse is a successful feeding regimen. After all, the requirements of performance horses differ quite a bit from that of a pasture pony.

Roughage

No matter the horse’s job, roughage should always make up the majority of the diet. The minimum daily forage intake is 1% of their body weight, but feeding 2% or more of their body weight will better support digestive health. When traveling or while at competitions, it’s especially important to feed roughage beforehand to avoid the development of stomach ulcers.

Energy

Energy is provided in three main forms for horses: carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Though good-quality forage is a great source of energy (and the most natural form), carbohydrates and fats are the most concentrated and efficient energy sources. Carbohydrates are abundant in grains, green grass, and legume hays. Grass and grains also contain some fat, but adding a healthy oil or supplement such as ground flaxseed is also a good idea.

When it comes to protein, many people believe that more is better. However, protein will be the body’s last source of energy, only if carbohydrates, fats, and fiber are deficient or if there is excess protein in the diet. While protein is needed to build muscle and replace damaged tissue in hard-working horses, excess amounts can increase sweating and urinary water losses, causing dehydration or the risk of tying up.

Another factor to consider is the type of work your horse does as that will help you determine the most effective energy source. If your horse participates in anaerobic exercise—short bursts of maximum effort (think racing, barrel racing, etc.)—this is best fueled by glycogen, the storage form of carbohydrates. However, if your horse participates in low to moderate intensity exercise lasting up to several hours (endurance racing, competitive trail, etc.), this is best fueled by fat. 

Minerals and Vitamins

All horses need sufficient minerals and vitamins in their diet, many of which are covered in grass and hay, but hard-working horses can often benefit from vitamin B and possibly vitamin C and E supplementation. 

To meet most supplemental mineral/vitamin needs, we recommend our Icelandic Organic Kelp which contains 60 trace minerals, micronutrients, and amino acids, as well as many natural vitamins including vitamins B2, B3 and vitamin C. Hard-working horses can also benefit from Immonuboost Powder which offers vitamins, minerals, and helps to keep the immune system strong. We also offer our organic herbal formula Vyrex for total immune system support.

Bee Pollen is a great source of whole food antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other nutrients which can aid in building muscle, improving condition and maintaining a healthy blood count. 

Sources:

Feeding Performance Horses

6 Ways to Feed Performance Horses for Greater Achievement

Performance Horse Nutrition and Notes on Conditioning

Myths and Facts About Protein

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a disease which often strikes fear in the hearts of horse owners, and not completely without reason. The disease can be difficult to diagnose and conventional treatments haven’t always proven successful. The good news is that several alternative treatments, including herbal remedies are showing promise for helping to restore the health of EPM horses. 

What is EPM?

Caused by Sarcocystis neurona or more rarely Neospora hughesi and carried by opossums (who pick up the protozoa by feeding on cat, raccoon, skunk or armadillo carcasses), EPM can develop in horses after they consume forage, feed, or water that has been contaminated by opossum feces containing infective sporocysts.

Once the sporocysts enter the horse’s digestive system, they move into the bloodstream where they can cross the blood/brain barrier and attack the horse’s central nervous system, causing a wide array of symptoms.

It’s been estimated that 50% or more horses have been exposed to the sporocysts that cause EPM, but only a very small percentage actually develop the disease. This is because immune function plays a critical role in the development of EPM. Unsurprisingly, horses with weakened immune systems are most at risk of developing the disease.

Some holistic practitioners believe the rising number of EPM cases is not due to an overabundance of opossums, but rather the fact that many of our horses’ immune systems are being overburdened by vaccines, chemical dewormers, antibiotics, and NSAID’s. 

Diagnosing EPM

One reason why EPM can be difficult to diagnose is because it often mimics other conditions. To add to the confusion, diagnostic tests performed by veterinarians can  also produce false negatives or positives. Diagnosis often involves a multi-pronged approach: ruling out other conditions, performing a neurological examination, and conducting laboratory tests. However, some horses are treated on symptoms alone.

Symptoms of EPM range from mild to severe and may include the following:

• droopy lip
• facial twitch
• trouble swallowing
• head tilt
• drooping ears
• uncoordinated movement in rear feet, often worse on one side
• intermittent lameness which often switches sides
• gait changes
• lethargy
• hind end weakness
• problems balancing when one hoof is picked up
• muscle atrophy often over rump or shoulders
• dragging a foot, especially when turning
• sore back
• unusual sweating patterns
• carrying tail to one side or away from the body

Treating EPM

EPM has traditionally been treated with three drugs: Marquis, Protazil, or Re-Balance which have around a 60-70% success rate. These drugs won’t kill 100% of the protozoa, but reduce numbers so hopefully the horse’s immune system can finish the job. Unfortunately, not every horse has a strong enough immune system to take care of the rest.

This is where herbs can help. Many people use herbal products in combination with conventional treatments, while others have had success using herbs alone. The Holistic Horse has a new product designed by a leading equine veterinarian specializing in endocrinology, herbs and nutrition: ProtoEase contains a number of organic herbs known for their anti-parisitic, immune-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Pau d‘Arco Bark
• Eleuthero Root
• Lemon Balm Leaf
• White Willow Bark
• Dandelion Leaf
• Milk Thistle Seed
• Cleavers Herb
• Calendula Flower
• Anise
• Stevia

We’re currently offering ProtoEase at a special introductory price. If you’d like to learn more about this product, click here. 

Sources:

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

EPM Testing, Treatment Options Reviewed

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) by Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine

Most of us understand what a vital role bees play in our environment. Not only are they prolific pollinators, but they also provide honey, which contains both nutritional and medicinal properties. However, another lesser known byproduct of bees is bee pollen, which contains many benefits for both our animals and us. 

What is Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax, and bee secretions; it’s essentially what honeybees pick up, bring back to their hive, and use as a food source for the colony. It’s also the richest source of vitamins contained in a single food! Though the nutritional content changes depending on the plant source and season, bee pollen is typically loaded with amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and over 250 active substances.

 The following are some of bee pollen’s most beneficial properties:

Antioxidants

Due to their ability to protect the body from harmful molecules known as free radicals (which are linked with several chronic diseases), antioxidants play a valuable role in health. Bee pollen contains a variety of antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, and glutathione, which all help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

Detoxification

Another benefit of bee pollen is its detoxifying and liver-protecting properties. In older animals, bee pollen has been shown to boost the liver’s antioxidant defense and remove waste products from the blood. One study even led researchers to conclude that bee pollen promotes healing of liver damage caused by toxicity. 

Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Microbial

A natural anti-inflammatory, bee pollen has been compared to drugs such as naproxen, analgin, phenylbutazone (bute), and indomethacin. Because of this property, bee pollen may be helpful both in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

In addition to internal use, bee pollen can also be used topically to speed healing, especially in the case of burns. The pollen contains the antioxidant, kaempferol, which inhibits the activity of enzymes after a burn and decreases inflammatory reactions and swelling. Bee pollen’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve pain while its antimicrobial activity helps to prevent infection. 

Immune-Boosting

It’s no secret that the immune system plays a critical role in the development of allergies, and studies have also shown that bee pollen contains anti-allergic properties because of its ability to inhibit the activation of mast cells (which contribute to allergic reactions)

Nutrient Utilization

Another study in which horses were fed a bee pollen supplement for 42 days resulted in more efficient digestion and decreased excretion of phosphorus, leading researchers to conclude that bee pollen supplementation improves feed intake and nutrient retention. This is especially important in animals who might need help maintaining or gaining weight. 

If you’re interested in providing some of the many benefits of bee pollen to your own animals, The Holistic Horse offers products for dogs, cats, and horses.

Sources

Top 11 Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

The Health Benefits of Bee Pollen Are Actually Pretty Surprising

Top 8 Bee Pollen Benefits

Nutrition Notes: Bee Pollen

You’ve likely heard the saying, No hoof, No horse, which is quite accurate. But the same could also be said of lungs: No lungs, No horse. Exercise-induced cough, allergies, and RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction) are all common conditions unfortunately, so it’s important we do everything we can to support our horse’s respiratory health.

Environment

Environment can be one of the biggest contributors to poor respiratory health. Horses kept indoors full or even part-time are more at risk for respiratory problems, simply because of exposure to dust and ammonia (from urine). Keeping horses outdoors is best, but in some boarding situations, you may not have much of a choice. 

If horses must be kept indoors, make sure stalls are well ventilated and install fans to keep air circulating. Select stall bedding such as hemp, peat moss, synthetic material, or even shredded newspaper as opposed to shavings or straw, which are dustier. Using stall mats can decrease the need for deep bedding.

It’s important to keep stalls clean and use products to reduce ammonia, but avoid mucking stalls, sweeping aisles, or cleaning the barn while horses are indoors. It’s also a good idea to house horses away from where hay is stored.

Diet

Hay can be a problem for some horses with impaired lung function, mainly because it harbors dust and mold particles. Choosing the highest quality hay you can find is important for all horses, but especially for those with lung conditions. Wetting, soaking, or steaming flakes before feeding can also help reduce dust. 

Avoid feeding large square or round bales, as horses tend to stick their noses inside as they eat, inhaling dust and mold particles. 

Oats and other grains contain dust, so opting for soaked hay pellets or other pelleted feeds (which can be wet down, if needed) might be a better idea for some horses. Additionally, avoid feeding directly from stall bedding, using a rubber tub or some other sort of ground feeder instead. 

Studies have shown that adding an Omega 3 source to your horse’s diet can also improve lung function. Our stone ground Organic Flaxseed is a great option. 

Herbal Support

A number of herbs also support healthy lung function in horses. Here are a few examples:

• Anise: natural expectorant and antispasmodic
• Astragalus: anti-inflammatory, immune-building, and antibacterial
• Cayenne: breaks up congested mucus
• Elecampane: soothes bronchial passages, expectorant for lung cleansing
• Lobelia: strong anti-spasmodic properties, expectorant with broncho-dilating effects
• Mullein: nourishes and strengthens the lungs
• Peppermint: anti-congestive, anti-spasmodic, and contains expectorant properties
• Stevia: anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and contained magnesium needed for lung function
• Thyme: expectorant, disinfectant, and antiseptic

The good news is that our Breezee Respiratory Support contains all of the above (organic) herbal ingredients. This product is also free of sugar and NSC’s, making it completely safe for horses with metabolic issues. 

As you can see, supporting our horses’ lung health often takes a multi-faceted approach, but many conditions can be successfully managed, allowing these horses to live long and happy lives. 

Sources

Feeding Horses with COPD

10 Ways to Help Horses with Heaves

8 Tips for Healthy Horse Lungs

Horses and horse shoes; the two go together like bread and butter, right? Not necessarily! Though shoes have long been the tradition, keeping your horse barefoot might actually be the better option. 

Of course, having a barefoot horse is not nearly as simple as just removing the shoes. Though you’ll likely save money in the long run, barefoot hooves still need regular maintenance, and strict attention should be paid to your horse’s diet. Environment and exercise also have a considerable effect on the overall health of the hooves and need to be taken into consideration. But the benefits of keeping your horse barefoot are well worth it. Here’s why:

Increased hoof circulation

Did you know that hooves are an important part of the horse’s circulatory system? It’s true! There are no muscles in the lower leg or hoof to help return blood

back to the heart, but each time the bottom of the hoof comes in contact with the ground (and bears weight), it pushes blood back up the leg. The frog acts as a vital part of this pumping mechanism. In fact, once shoes are removed, the frogs will often become fuller and larger within a matter of months (so long as the hooves are trimmed properly).

According blood flow studies performed by Dr. Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD, the horse’s foot gets at least twice as much circulation when barefoot on yielding terrain, compared to when wearing a metal shoe.

Increased shock absorption

Steel shoes don’t provide much (if anything) in the way of shock absorption, but barefoot hooves are quite capable as acting as natural shock absorbers. When horses are running or jumping (especially on hard ground), shock absorption becomes even more important because those concussive forces travel up the legs and into the body, affecting ligaments, tendons, and even bones. 

Better Grip

Have you ever had a shod horse slip on grass or pavement? It’s not uncommon. Properly trimmed barefoot hooves, however, have natural grip on nearly any surface. The back of the foot, with its leathery frog, bars that dig into the ground, and collateral grooves which gather material, can provide far more grip than any specialized shoe ever can. 

Proprioception

Big word, important meaning! Proprioception is the awareness of the position and movement of each part of your body. Recent research has shown that the hoof (specifically the back of the foot ) actually functions as a sensory organ, registering impact, temperature, vibration, and pain. Since shoes prevent the back of the foot from making contact with the ground, it makes sense that shod horses would have decreased proprioception, which can lead to stumbling or tripping.

Since barefoot hooves are trimmed and maintained differently than shod hooves, you’ll likely want to find a barefoot specialist to take over your horse’s hoof care. Or, with some education, training, and practice, you can even learn to do it! While trimming is still somewhat physically demanding, it’s not nearly as labor intensive as shoeing horses.