Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an important water-soluble vitamin for horses. It works together with vitamin E and selenium to provide antioxidant protection against cell damage. Vitamin C has additional roles in the equine body including...
Heat stress occurs when the horse’s internal cooling mechanisms stop working efficiently and the ability to maintain a normal body temperature is affected. This is common and in hot and humid conditions, or following vigorous exercise. Without intervention, heat stress...
External shine is a reflection of internal health. So if you want your horse to have a gleaming, glossy coat, you'll have to start from the inside out. Quality grooming and care have a significant impact on coat health. But...
Impaction colic in horses is a painful condition caused by an obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. The term colic describes abdominal pain or discomfort in horses. Cases of colic are generally...
Rice bran oil (RBO) is an increasingly popular fat supplement fed to horses for weight management, cool energy, and coat quality. The oil is derived from the germ and bran of brown rice grains and contains essential fatty acids and...
Water is the most vital component of the equine diet, but it is often overlooked when considering your horse's nutritional needs. Hydration influences several aspects of horse health, including exercise tolerance, digestion, and temperature regulation. Not only do you need...
Stringhalt, or equine reflex hypertonia, is a neuromuscular condition that causes abnormal hindlimb movement in the horse. Horses with stringhalt have excessive and prolonged flexion of the pelvic limbs while in forward movement, showing signs of the condition at most...
Also known as linseed, flaxseed is produced from the flax plant and can be used to provide fat, protein, and fibre in the equine diet. Flax products are cost-effective, calorie-dense and commonly fed to horses for weight gain or to...
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most common ingredients found in equine joint products. These natural supplements are purported to promote mobility and joint comfort in hard-working performance horses and aging seniors. But despite their commercial success, there...
Nutritional myodegeneration (NMD), more commonly known as white muscle disease, is a disorder that affects various animals, including horses. In equids, the condition primarily occurs in newborn foals, although adult horses can also develop it. The condition results in degeneration...
Your vet has just confirmed that your mare is pregnant, and you can’t wait for that healthy foal to arrive! When should you be changing her feed? How much weight does she need to gain? What additional nutrients does she...
Soy is a common ingredient in many equine feeds. Different parts of the soybean can be used to provide protein, energy, and fiber in your horse's diet. Soybeans are popular because of their versatility and affordability. Soy oil is a...
Developmental orthopedic diseases (DODs) refer to a range of non-infectious conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system of growing horses. These conditions arise from an interruption in the normal development of cartilage, bone, or soft tissue (joint capsule, tendon, or ligament)....
Unexplained weight loss in your horse is a cause for concern for any horse owner but is often straightforward to diagnose and address. If your horse is losing body condition, it could indicate an undiagnosed health problem or it may...
Adding fats and oils to your horse’s diet is a great way to increase calorie supply without relying on grains and high-NSC feeds. Fats can be added to the diets of underweight horses as weight gain supplements. Oils also provide...
Is your horse getting what she needs in her current diet? Does she have health concerns that could be improved through feeding practices? If you own or care for horses, chances are you have asked yourself these questions at some...
Swayback, or equine lordosis, is characterized by a large dip in the spine of a horse, often resulting in a high wither and severe downwards curve to their topline. Swayback is more common in older horses and broodmares who have...
Dehydration is a serious problem in competing and working horses, especially during hot weather. Horses competing in endurance racing or engaging in sustained or strenuous activities are at the highest risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when a horse loses excessive...
Electrolytes are minerals that play a key role in cellular function and regulate fluid balance in the body. Electrolytes carry an electric charge when dissolved in fluids such as blood or fluid in and around cells. These are critical for...
The hind fetlock is a high-motion joint that undergoes significant compression and force absorption when the horse is moving. This joint is highly susceptible to soft-tissue injuries and bone disorders. Horses with hind fetlock lameness often show signs of heat...
A strong topline is one of the most important indicators of a well-conditioned horse. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and supporting performance, a good topline can protect your working horse from strain and injury.
Lameness in the horse's hock joint is one of the most common causes of altered hind end gait. Hock lameness is characterized by shortened gait, weight shifting, stiffness when your horse picks their hind legs up, and reduced springiness off...
Your horse’s coat quality and color reflect his or her inner health. Coat color is primarily determined by genetics, although diet and care can also significantly impact coloration.
Producing high-quality milk for the foal requires a lot from your mare. Lactation puts higher energy demands on a mare’s body than any other stage of her life. To keep up with the milk requirements of a growing foal while...
Equine anemia is a condition that significantly impacts the health and performance of horses. It is a reduced number of red blood cells in circulation. Horses with anemia typically experience low energy levels, elevated heart rate, poor coat quality, depression...
Colostrum is the first milk that a mare produces after foaling. It is particularly rich in antibodies, which provide immunity for newborn foals. Foals are born without a fully developed immune system and rely on a passive transfer of antibodies...
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a medicinal plant that is frequently used to soothe skin irritations. The gel of the inner leaf is also commonly fed to reduce or prevent gastric irritations and ulcers in horses. Aloe vera gel contains...
Do you struggle with your horse’s stress levels? Horses are creatures of habit and are uneasy when in new environments, changing social groups, or when their routine is disrupted. Stress and anxiety can also be caused by boredom or a...
Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSH) - also known as Big Head Disease - is an uncommon problem in horses that stems from a mineral imbalance. This skeletal condition develops due to a calcium deficiency or an imbalanced ratio of dietary calcium...
Gastric ulcers are lesions in the horse's stomach that can cause pain, recurrent colic, poor exercise tolerance, weight loss and behavioural changes in your horse. Ulcers in the squamous (upper) region of the stomach form when gastric acids come into...