Magnesium is one of the most commonly used supplements in horses, which when used appropriately, can be significantly beneficial. Yet often little consideration is given to important specifics around the use of this mineral. These generally overlooked nuances can help to determine how effective the magnesium is and if it is actually helpful or harmful to give your horse.

Magnesium plays many vital roles in the body. It is needed for over 300 enzymatic processes. From helping ‘wired’, reactive or anxious horses to reducing inflammation, supporting fertility, promoting bone health, metabolic function, and insulin regulation, magnesium has a wide range of applications.

Because magnesium is a naturally occurring nutrient, it is frequently assumed to be completely safe and free from side effects. Yet in reality, it isn’t quite this simple. Like many other supplements and nutrients, there are many factors which determine the safety and effectiveness of magnesium: how and what it is used for, the quantity of magnesium a horse is given, the duration of supplementation, the form of magnesium used, a horse’s overall diet and intake of other specific nutrients, exercise and activity levels, breed, sweat rate, any health conditions a horse may have, the state of its gastrointestinal health and any medications a horse is on. 

If you’re already supplementing or considering using magnesium for your horse, here are some key things worth considering.

Not all magnesiums are created equal

Magnesium comes in a variety of forms, depending on what it’s bound to. This refers to the chemical structure of the magnesium, not just whether it is in liquid or powdered form. The most commonly used forms of magnesium (which also tend to be the cheapest forms of magnesium) in equine supplements include:

• Magnesium oxide
• Magnesium chloride
• Magnesium sulphate

Each of these forms differs in terms of absorption, bioavailability, and how they interact with the digestive system. Yet they are generally not the most clinically effective forms of magnesium to use.

This matters more than many people realise.

Magnesium can irritate the gut

Some forms of magnesium, particularly at higher doses can irritate the digestive tract.

Clinically, this may present in our horses as:

• loose and/or more frequent manure
• gassiness/excessive passing of wind
• changes in gut comfort and/or signs of mild colic
• worsening of existing digestive sensitivity

This is often dismissed or overlooked, especially if magnesium is being used for behavioural reasons.

Over-supplementation can disrupt the gut microbiome

High doses, poorly absorbed forms of magnesium or long-term over-supplementation may contribute to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria). This can have wider consequences, including:

Magnesium can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce gastrointestinal-associated inflammation, but more is not always better.

• negative impacts on immune function
• altered nervous system function
• changes in neurotransmitter production and function

Our horses’ digestive systems can play a significant role in their behaviour, anxiety levels and learning capacity, thanks to the role of the gut-brain axis. Ironically, this means that excessive magnesium use may actually make some horses more reactive or sensitive, not less.

Magnesium can interfere with other essential nutrients, causing relative nutrient deficiencies

Magnesium doesn’t work in isolation. It interacts closely with other minerals including:

• calcium
• phosphorus
• zinc

Excess magnesium can interfere with the absorption and utilisation of these nutrients, which are critical for:

• bone strength and development
• proper neuromuscular function
• healthy immune function
• healthy nervous system function
• reducing oxidation and inflammation 
• muscle, tendon and ligament health

Calcium and zinc in particular, play key roles in the synthesis and function of neurotransmitters such as:

• Dopamine
• Serotonin
• GABA

Imbalances in these neurotransmitters can directly influence behaviour, sensitivity, pain perception, reactivity, learning ability and response to training.

Magnesium and behaviour: not always a simple fix

Magnesium is often used to help calm or relax our horses, and in some cases, when used appropriately it can be most beneficial. When magnesium doesn’t help to address the underlying cause(s) of anxious or excitable behaviour however, the effects of supplementation will be minimal.

The effectiveness of magnesium supplementation will also be minimal and may compound behavioural issues if the delicate balances of other minerals are disrupted, magnesium is overused, poorly bioavailable forms of magnesium are employed, or the gut microbiome is negatively impacted. In these cases behavioural issues may actually worsen rather than improve.

It is important to remember that many things can contribute to adverse behaviour in our horses, and in the vast majority of cases, there are multiple causes at any one time, not just one single factor. Whilst diet, nutrient deficiencies and gut microbiome all play an important part, it would be remiss to overlooked issues such as pain, learned conditioning, side effects of other medications used (if applicable) and other underlying health issues. Supplemental magnesium will be of very limited benefit if the issues causing a horse’s poor behaviour are not properly addressed.

This is why a blanket approach to supplement with magnesium doesn’t always deliver consistent results.

Where magnesium can be highly beneficial

When used appropriately, magnesium can be valuable, particularly in horses with:

Metabolic Challenges

Magnesium plays a role in regulating blood glucose and insulin levels. It can be especially supportive in horses with:

• insulin resistance (IR) or insulin dysregulation (ID)
• equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
• laminitis or at risk of laminitis

Increased Physical Demand

Horses lose magnesium through sweat, and in the case of broodmares, through their milk. Requirements may increase in:

• horses in intense workloads
• hot and/or humid climates
• lactating mares
• during travel

In these cases, intake may increase in the range of 1.5 to 2 times maintenance levels.

Diet still matters: natural sources of magnesium

Like many minerals, magnesium naturally occurs in feeds commonly given to our horses. Lucerne (alfalfa) hay is a useful natural source of magnesium. Fortified concentrate and balancer feeds have varying levels of magnesium.

However, it is not always quite as simple as relying on feed alone (or even, relying on nutritional information on a feed bag or product label).

Feeds or supplements which contain high levels of calcium (such as lucerne/alfalfa) can inhibit magnesium absorption to some degree. This highlights the importance of looking at the whole diet, not just individual nutrients or feed components, nor relying on feed programs or calculators alone.

Medications can change magnesium requirements

Many commonly used medications in horses can alter magnesium absorption, metabolism, or excretion, meaning their requirements may shift.

These include:

• corticosteroids
• proton pump inhibitors (the include the most commonly used ulcer medications which contain omeprazole)
• antibiotics
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• antihistamines
• clenbuterol  (β2-agonists, which are often sold under names such as Claire Gel, Broncopulmin, Airway Gel, Ventipulmin, Equipulmin, etc).

If your horse is on medication, magnesium supplementation should always be considered more carefully. Dose, form, timing and duration of magnesium supplementation is crucial to take into account.

In summary: use magnesium strategically, not automatically

Magnesium is a powerful and valuable tool in equine nutrition and medicine, but it’s not without its limitations.

Used well, it can support:

• metabolic health
• muscle function
• nervous system balance and in turn, behaviour 
• skeletal health
• fertility
• gastrointestinal (‘gut’) health

Used poorly, it can:

• disrupt gut health
• create mineral imbalances and relative nutrient deficiencies
• contribute to ongoing behavioural issues
• interfere with normal bone development and health

The key is not just whether your horse is supplemented with magnesium, but what their actual requirements for it are. The form of magnesium used to supplement, the reasons to supplement it, the duration of supplementation, factors which increase requirements or interfere with magnesium absorption and metabolism should all be taken into consideration.

Take home message

Good equine nutrition is never about using a single supplement in isolation. Assessing the unique needs of the individual horse in front of you is crucial.

Before supplementing magnesium, it’s always worth asking:

• does my horse actually need it? And if so, how much?
• is the diet balanced overall? And what role would supplemental magnesium potentially play in this?
• could there be deeper underlying causes contributing to the reasons which are prompting me to supplement magnesium?

The safest, most effective and sustainable results come from a thoughtful, tailored approach.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Depending on the herb (or combination of herbs used) and their application, they can help to:

• reduce inflammation
• modulate immune function
• aid healing and tissue repair
• assist recovery from infections
• prevent and/or manage equine asthma
• soothe the gut lining and promote healing of both gastric and colonic ulcers
• reduce colic 
• support digestion
• assist fertility
• help regulate hormone levels
• calm nervous horses
• provide gentle pain relief
• promote healthy hoof growth and integrity
• help to reduce the severity of osteoarthritis and maintain joint health
• Aid in blood glucose control and assist in the treatment of insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome and laminitis

Whilst herbal medicines are incredibly versatile, they’re not magic. And they can’t replace a poorly balanced diet….

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that herbs can fully meet a horse’s nutritional needs or correct nutritional deficiencies on their own. 

This is simply not true. 

The vast majority of herbs (with few exceptions) do not provide sufficient quantities of key minerals and vitamins our horses need for optimal health and functioning.

Take the calcium rich herb nettle (Urtica diocia) for example….

100 g dried nettle leaf (~4–5 cups) provides approximately 300–500 mg calcium.

For a 500 kg (1100 pound) horse, calcium requirements typically fall in the range of 20–40 g/day (depending on life stage, workload, and physiological status).

This means:

• 100 g nettle provides roughly 0.3–0.5 g calcium
• This equates to approximately 1/40 to 1/133 of daily calcium requirements

To meet calcium needs via nettle alone would require:

• 4–5 cups × 40–133 = ~160–665 cups per day

This is neither practical nor appropriate.

Whilst strategically employed herbal medicines can help to restore optimal gastrointestinal health and function in our horses (including digestion, absorption and metabolism)- which in turn, can aid in better nutritional status, herbs in and of themselves don’t provide enough levels of nutrients our horses needs to meet daily nutrient requirements.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Why Broodmare Body Condition Matters

It’s common practice to maintain broodmares in what is considered “good condition.” In reality, this often means mares are kept overweight, based on the belief that heavier mares are more fertile.

But research and field experience suggest otherwise. Excess body fat in broodmares is associated with an increased risk of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) in their offspring, including:

• Osteochondrosis (OC)
• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
• Angular limb deformities
• Flexural limb deformities

These conditions can significantly impact sale value, veterinary expenses, training timelines, and long-term soundness and performance outcomes.

The Hidden Problem: “Good Doers” & Nutritional Imbalance

When it comes to health and nutrition of broodmares, some of the most common issues I see in practice are:

• Misjudged body condition
• Underestimated nutrient requirements
• Over-reliance on pasture alone as a sole or primary feed source
• Haphazard or uninformed supplement use
• Feeding based solely on body weight and condition, not nutrient requirements

This is especially true for “good doing” mares. In an effort to control weight, many broodmares are not feed sufficient quantities of a suitably fortified feed or mineral balancer, meaning they:

• Lack key minerals needed for fertility, immune function and foetal growth and development (e.g. copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iodine)
• Receive inadequate micronutrient support
• May not consume sufficient amounts of essential amino acids such as lysine
• Still consume excess energy

This results is a mare that is overweight but undernourished. The implications of these don’t just impact her immediate health, but reproductive outcomes.

At the same time, supplemental feed, vitamin or minerals are often added without a clear understanding of:

• What the mare actually requires
• How her nutrient needs change from preconception, during the different stages of pregnancy, through to lactation
• Correct dosages
• How nutrients interact
• How any medications the mare may be receiving impact nutrient requirements 
• What is already being supplied through pasture and current diet

This can lead to:

• Nutrient imbalances
• Shortfalls in key nutrients required for optimal reproductive health and sound orthopaedic development of the mare’s offspring
• Excesses of nutrients that interfere with absorption of other minerals
• A false sense of “covering all bases”

More supplements generally don’t equate to better nutrition: precision matters. And when it comes to the healthy development of young horses, this is an area which you cannot afford to overlook.

Nutrition & Orthopaedic Development Are Linked

When managing DOD risk in young horses, nutrition and body condition cannot be separated.

All of the following may increase DOD risk:

• Overfeeding energy
• Poor gut microbial health (in both the mare and/or foal)
• Underfeeding essential nutrients
• Feeding certain minerals in excess
• Mineral imbalances
• Inconsistent feeding practices
• Sudden changes in feed
• Feeding in ways that promote high insulin levels

A foal’s orthopaedic health doesn’t start at birth: it starts with how the mare is managed before conception and throughout pregnancy.

The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong

Many developmental issues don’t appear immediately. Instead, they show up later as:

• Swelling, stiffness, lameness (sometimes only subtly)
• Radiograph (x-ray) findings
• Inconsistent performance
• Reduced athletic potential

By that point, the financial and reputational costs are significantly higher.

How to Get It Right

Optimising broodmare nutrition isn’t about feeding less or more, it’s about feeding in a way that promotes health and fertility in the broodmare and sound orthopaedic development in her offspring.

That means:

• Maintaining an appropriate body condition score (not overweight)
• Providing balanced minerals and trace elements in forms which the mare can readily digest, absorb and metabolise
• Adjusting feeding based on pasture, environmental conditions, and reproductive stage
• Ensuring energy (calorie) intake is appropriate given the mare’s unique requirements
• Taking a mare’s reproductive history into account and addressing specific nutrient requirements in relation to this
• Monitoring condition consistently and objectively
• Assessing and addressing the nutritional and metabolic impact of any medications a mare may be receiving 
• Feeding to promote optimal gastrointestinal health

Need Help Assessing Your Broodmare Program?

If you’re unsure:

• Where your mare’s body condition currently sits
• Whether her diet is properly balanced
• Specific nutritional requirements of your broodmare
• How to reduce DOD risk in your youngstock
• Why you mare may struggle with fertility or reproductive challenges, despite extensive veterinary intervention

Now is the time to address it, before small issues become expensive problems.

I work with breeders to optimise broodmare nutrition and management, supporting both fertility and the long-term soundness of their youngstock.

If you’d like a clearer understanding of where your mares currently sit and how to improve outcomes heading into the breeding season, feel free to get in touch.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Automatic watering troughs can seem like a great idea- helping ensure our horses have water available 24/7. In reality, however, many horses that rely on automatic watering systems, particularly small ones commonly found in stables and yards, actually have a high risk of being dehydrated.

There are multiple reasons why horses may not consume enough water from automatic troughs:

• They tend to refill at a slower rate than most horses drink. Many horses won’t remain at the waterer long enough to consume adequate water
• The noise or sensation of them refilling can scare some horses
• Many automatic troughs require an unnatural position for a horse to consume water from
• The water temperature can become excessively cold or overly warm (depending on the weather), which can discourage some horses
• The small, shallow design of many troughs can make it difficult for them to drink from
• Automatic troughs can be susceptible to stray voltage, giving horses an ‘electric shock’
• If they’re not cleaned regularly enough, they can smell and accumulate spoiled feed, insects, debris, algae, etc.

Ensuring our horses and ponies are properly hydrated is essential for their gastrointestinal  (GI) health– one of the many natural ways to help prevent the development of gastric ulcers and colic. Adequate hydration is also essential for overall health, performance and recovery.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Yet one factor which is commonly overlooked is hydration in our horses. Even subtle dehydration may increase their chances of developing gastric ulcers. But why is this?

Dehydration leads to reduced saliva production in our horses and ponies. Saliva plays an important role in protecting the stomach. Saliva is alkaline and rich in bicarbonate ions. Bicarbonate helps to buffer gastric acid, especially in the squamous (non-glandular) region of the stomach.

Dehydration also results in reduced mucosal blood flow- that is, blood flow to the lining of the stomach.  Compromised blood flow weakens natural mucosal defence and repair mechanisms making the stomach more susceptible to inflammation and ulceration. It’s commonly believed that horses only become dehydrated in hot weather, yet this isn’t true. Dehydration is common in very cold weather: research has shown that horses may drink less water when it is very cold. This can be compounded by a reduction of fresh pasture intake, when grass is under ice, snow or  its availability is sparse.

Inadequate salt in the diet is a common cause of dehydration in our horses.  As is the reliance upon the use of automatic watering troughs. Studies have shown that horses may not consume enough water due to the slow refilling time, small trough size, fear of the device, stray voltage which can give them an electric ‘shock’ when they go to drink or the unnatural drinking posture it requires.

Whilst ensuring our horses are consuming adequate water is essential to help promote proper hydration, it is vital to be aware of factors which may increase their loss of water and hint..it’s not just hot weather and sweating!

A horse who has diarrhoea or regularly has loose manure, has an increased likelihood of being dehydrated- even when their water consumption seems adequate. Medications such as furosemide (Lasix/Salix), ‘Kidney Flush’ products for horses (which are sometimes promoted as ‘urinary buffers’) and ertugliflozin (a drug which is very commonly used in cases of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin resistance (IR) and laminitis) may also cause dehydration in our horses.

From a management perspective, travelling our horses (even when the weather isn’t overly hot) and over-rugging/blanketing our horses can lead to significant fluid losses. As can diets excessively high in protein.

Being mindful of hydration,  particularly in horses with loose manure or those receiving certain medications, may be another simple but important step in reducing ulcer risk. Is hydration part of your horse’s gastric health checklist?

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

The good news is there is a commonly fed treat that is suitable for the majority of horses and ponies and as a bonus, it is also widely available, cheap and has several health benefits. What is that treat?

CARROTS!

The vast majority of commercial horse treats are processed and contain added sugars, fillers, grain by products and other ingredients which may not make them advisable or suitable to feed to many horses and ponies. Fresh carrots however, are low in energy and sugar and do not contain artificial ingredients which can have detrimental health effects on our horses and ponies.

From a nutritional perspective, carrots provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant that horses and ponies can convert to vitamin A, supportingimmune health, gastrointestinal health and eye function.

When feeding horses and ponies carrots it is important to take into consideration that they should be fed in moderation. For horses or ponies that eat quickly, have dental issues or are at risk of choke, carrots should be cut into small pieces or grated before feeding.

When used appropriately, carrots can be a simple, nutritious treat option that fits well within many feeding programs.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

These bacteria play essential functions in our horses and ponies: they help to digest fibre through fermentation, providing our horses and ponies with a valuable energy source.

Through this fermentation of fibre, these bacteria also produce substances which have immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, some of these substances help to strengthen gut wall integrity and help prevent against the development of gastric and colonic ulcers. Additionally, these bacteria produce B group vitamins (including biotin) and vitamin K.

Fibre is a key component of our horses’ and ponies’ diets for their overall health, wellbeing and performance. Ensuring they are fed sufficient fibre is a dietary factor which is often overlooked, yet is arguably one of the most important feed related factors which influences every facet of their health.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

When feeding heavily pregnant mares, many focus primarily on providing increased calories to the mare. Unfortunately, the importance of trace minerals often gets overlooked. 

Zinc, selenium and copper in particular are low in mares milk. For a foal’s requirements of these minerals to be met, the pregnant mare must have received sufficient amounts of these during pregnancy (and as research continues to support, even prior to pregnancy). This allows the unborn foal’s liver to be fortified with these nutrients prior to birth. 

The foal draws upon the supplies of these minerals from the liver for the first couple of months of life. This is essential to support healthy skeletal growth. Insufficient stores of these trace minerals may predispose foals to growth disorders and conditions such as osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Research has demonstrated that during the last three to four months of pregnancy, the developing foetus will gain approximately 70-80% of its birth weight! To support this rapid foetal growth, a pregnant mare’s nutritional requirements greatly increase.

Without a mare receiving proper nutrition during this important phase of pregnancy, her foal’s long-term health and development may be compromised. Such nutritional implications are associated with a predisposition for skeletal growth disorders (such as osteochrondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans [OCDs]) in her offspring.

Appropriately feeding a mare during this phase can become challenging- especially when she is a ‘good-doer’ or has a tendency to get fat: research has demonstrated that another risk factor predisposing young horses to orthopaedic development disorders is being born to mares who carry excess body weight (and particularly body fat) during pregnancy. Keeping such mares at a healthy bodyweight is even more difficult in areas where there is abundant pasture. Unfortunately, however, pasture alone will not meet a mare  and her developing foetus’ nutritional requirements. Nor will the provision of a mineral salt lick/block.

There is a happy balance however, to support a mare and her developing foetus’ nutritional requirements, whilst also ensuring a mare is kept at a healthy body weight and condition. This helps to give a foal its best chance at life and healthy orthopaedic development and is one critical strategy to help prevent orthopaedic developmental disorders as the foal grows and matures. It is also one of the most important factors to assist a mare getting back in foal, should she be covered or inseminated again. 

The long-term health and athletic performance of our horses starts with conception (and even pre-conception). To learn more about how we can help your horses visit our services page.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Many factors can contribute to developing colic and we know that in many cases, diet plays a significant role. What and how you feed your horse or pony can significantly increase or decrease their risk of developing colic.

Research has shown that a diet high in concentrates (ie mueslis, grain-based feeds) increases the risk of colic. In one particular study, horses fed a diet ‘high’ in concentrates (where ‘high’ was considered more than 2.5kg day- which in reality, is a small amount compared to what many horses are fed) had a significant increase in the risk of developing colic.

The more concentrate/grain or ‘hard’ feed a horse receives (and the less roughage they consume) the higher their risk of colic episodes. For every 1kg increase in concentrated feed per 100kg of body weight, the risk of colic increased by more than three times.

On the flip side, for every 1 kg increase in roughage (forage/hay) per 100 kg bodyweight fed per day, the risk of colic dropped by more than three times!

There are many likely mechanisms for the significantly increased/decreased risk of colic with the associated dietary changes.

The most important take-home question from the above is that what we feed our horses matters- not only for their performance, growth, body condition and health- but also in terms of increasing or decreasing their risk of colic.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

It occurs in susceptible horses and ponies when phototoxic or photoactive substances accumulate in the skin and interact with sunlight. This can result in severe itchy, crusty and often painful dermatitis. It generally occurs in non-pigmented (i.e. white) skin and skin with little hair cover (such as the muzzle, eyelids, ears and coronary bands).

Equine photosensitivity may be caused by the ingestion of plant or fungal products, chlorophyll metabolites, or other chemicals. It can also occur in conjunction with the use of some medications.

Effects of ingestion of the offending substance may be cumulative and a horse may not develop signs of photodermatitis immediately.

Using lucerne/alfalfa or clover as an example, horses may not develop any clinical signs of photosensitisation until weeks after initially consuming the hay, chaff or pasture which is causing the reaction. We can be feeding our horses this feedstuff for quite some time without any issues, before seemingly all of a sudden, photodermatitis occurs. This can be difficult and confusing, as we often expect clinical signs to appear immediately or very soon after consumption of the offending feed. This can lead to constantly changing our horse’s feed, in attempt to identify the culprit. As a result, this may significantly increase a horse’s risk of developing colic or laminitis.

Other recognised potential causes of photosensitisation include gluten sensitivity; reactions to drugs such as tetracycline antibiotics and phenothiazine tranquillisers; exposure to certain chemicals; and consumption of pastures rich in phosphorus fertilisers.

These are commonly overlooked, but in the author’s experience, generally contribute to photosensitivity reactions more commonly than consumption of lucerne/alfalfa and clover alone, which are often thought to be culprits.

Photosensitisation may also occur as a result of impaired liver function in a horse (known as secondary photosensitivity/photosensitisation).

For these reasons, the effective prevention and treatment of photosensitisation should involve thorough analysis of diet, management, pasture, supplement and medication use in susceptible horses. In many cases, there may be more than one factor contributing to photosensitisation.

The complexity of the condition can also help to explain why simply applying topical creams or lotions and/or simply removing lucerne/alfalfa from the diet or adding a mycotoxin binder to our horse or pony’s feed often doesn’t provide a long-term or effective solution.  Removing certain feeds from a diet can also contribute to nutritional insufficiencies or deficiencies, which can sometimes further compound the problem.

It is critically important to address the underlying cause(s) of the photosensitivity if we want treatment to be effective and to prevent recurrence.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Salt (sodium chloride) is absolutely essential for our horses and ponies. Salt helps to promote: thirst response (so our equines remain adequately hydrated); fluid balance; healthy blood pressure; and normal muscle and nerve function; and is needed for healthy digestion and gastrointestinal (GI) function.

Salt toxicity is extremely rare in horses, provided they have access to unlimited clean water. 

Research conducted in other animal species and humans has shown that excessive intakes of salt, however, can cause dysbiosis (adverse changes in GI microflora). 

Although currently there is no equine specific research on the topic, it does pose the question ‘can we give our horses too much salt?’  

Whilst this is unlikely, it is possible: an example may be where multiple and/or high dose electrolyte supplements are used, particularly in relatively inactive horses and/or those who don’t sweat much.

In clinical practice, I rarely see horses who have excessively high salt intakes: it is very common however, that I see horses who do not receive sufficient salt in their diets.

Furthermore, horses who are receiving ulcer medications (those containing omeprazole, in either oral or injectable form) can have changes in sodium chloride levels. These drugs interfere with salt absorption- meaning our horses aren’t able to utilise all the salt we are feeding them. This can have repercussions in terms of both health and performance.

Ensuring our horses receive adequate salt relative to their individual requirements and taking into account factors such as medication use is crucial for their wellbeing and performance.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

But do probiotics for horses provide any benefit? Do they actually work? And what do we need to be aware of?….

The current research regarding probiotic supplementation in equines is quite limited. Studies have shown mixed results about their use: some probiotics may be beneficial in some cases; some may have adverse effects on the health of our horses. A good example of this is some cases of diarrhoea may be worsened with the use of some types of probiotics.

Yet there are currently so many gaps in our knowledge of the equine gastrointestinal microbiome and so many variables which can influence the effects which probiotics may have in our horses and ponies.

Before using probiotic containing feeds or supplements in our horses, the following points are worth considering.

Some common (yet rarely discussed) limitations/drawbacks of the addition of probiotics for horses in feeds and supplements are:

• Heat exposure. Many (but not all) probiotics for horses are only stable and remain viable within a certain temperature range. If a feed is produced using heat (as many processed feeds are) and the probiotic is exposed to heat during the cooking process, then the probiotic may not survive.

• Similar to the above, certain types of probiotics are incredibly sensitive to temperature. For these types of probiotics, if they are not kept in cool enough conditions (ie refrigeration), then the probiotics may not remain live or viable.

• Before we purchase the probiotic, how do we know the product has been kept in/stored in suitable conditions to allow that probiotic to remain live? Many feeds and supplements sit in warehouses, shipping containers, etc- which are often hot, and in turn, can compromise the integrity and efficacy of the product.

• Many strains of probiotics used in horse products fail to include strain identification. Different strains of probiotics have different therapeutic properties- and don’t necessarily correlate with human probiotic use and benefits.

• Many probiotic products don’t contain a sufficient number of probiotics (furthermore, it is quite common for horse feeds and supplements to not disclose individual counts of probiotics in their products). Without knowing the number of certain strains of probiotics in a product, we don’t have the information necessary to dose the product correctly to be clinically effective.

• Are the probiotics we’re using resistant to stomach acid and bile salts naturally produced by the horse? If not, they have little chance of reaching the hindgut and colonising it adequately.

• Are the probiotics in the formulation able to adhere to the intestinal wall to properly colonise and exert their effects long-term?

• Some probiotics for horses may have the potential to influence the efficacy of certain types of antibiotics.

Whilst probiotics may be beneficial in the prevention, management and/or treatment of specific health conditions in horses, careful consideration needs to be given before using them. Not all probiotics are created equally, and sometimes seemingly innocuous supplements can work against the desired health outcomes we are trying to achieve in our equines.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Foals and coprophagy

Foals will generally start consuming manure from about five days old. It is common for this to occur up until approximately three months of age, before gradually declining. By 19 weeks of age, the habit generally stops in most foals.

By consuming manure, foals are populating their digestive system with a variety of microbes: bacteria, protozoa, archea and fungi. This habit is thought to be an important part of healthy gastrointestinal and immune system development: foals are born with a relatively ‘immature’ microbiome which is influenced by multiple factors in their early stages of life. It is worth keeping in mind however, that if a foal is consuming manure from a horse with poor digestive health and/or a horse with a poor balance of microflora and/or a horse with a high parasite burden then this may potentially have adverse effects in the foal.

Inferred research from other animal models suggests that a mare’s faeces contains a pheromone which encourages the foal to consume the manure.  Deoxycholic acid is believed to be present in a mare’s manure: an important byproduct of intestinal bacteria which supports digestive system immunity (helping to protect against enteritis). Deoxycholic acid may also facilitate normal neurological development through promoting myelination of nerves.

Adult horses and coprophagy

The consumption of manure in horses and ponies older than foals is considered an abnormal behaviour. When it does occur, it is thought to be primarily diet and/or gastrointestinal (GI) health related.

A diet low in dry matter fibre (often referred to as ‘roughage’) is one of the most common reasons a horse may consume manure. It is a common misconception that pasture alone provides enough fibre for our horses and ponies, but grass is very low in dry matter fibre. Without feeding appropriate amounts of hay or alternative dry matter fibre sources, the vast majority of horses and ponies will fail to meet their requirements.

Other diet related factors which may contribute to coprophagy include:

• Diets high in starch: even when there is adequate dry matter fibre in the diet;
• Underfeeding and/or food scarcity;
• Long periods of time without access to feed (for example, going more than three hours without access to hay/pasture and/or hard feed);
• Poor gastrointestinal (GI) microflora populations (diet related);
• Specific nutrient insufficiencies and/or deficiencies: potentially vitamin K, selenium and/or zinc.

Dietary factors aside, anything that significantly disrupts a healthy GI microflora balance can contribute to coprophagy. This can include the use of many common medications (such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; corticosteroids, gastric ulcer medications); stress in all of its many forms (!); dehydration; travel, etc.

Other less common reasons an adult horse may consume manure can include medical conditions such as equine motor neurone disease.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

But there’s so much more to hoof health than biotin, and if we just focus on one nutrient we miss an important opportunity to help improve not only our horse’s hoof health but their overall health.

It’s also worth remembering that horses with a healthy hindgut microbial population are able to synthesise their own biotin.

Gastrointestinal (GI) health

Poor hoof health can often be indicative of poor gastrointestinal health and/or nutrient deficiencies and/or inadequacies in their diet.

Good gastrointestinal (GI) health in our horses is central to their overall health. The integrity of the cells lining the GI tract, the types and numbers of specific microbes which inhabit the digestive tract and the production of special enzymes within the GI tract all play key roles in many facets of their health.

Long-stem fibre should form the foundation of our horses’ and ponies’ diet: yet fibre intake in many equines falls well below the minimum recommended requirements.  Fibre passes through a horse’s stomach and small intestine undigested, where it reaches the large intestine. Here it undergoes bacterial fermentation by special types of microbes (note: it is normal and healthy for horses to digest fibre in their hindgut, it is not healthy for them to ferment undigested grains and starches). The fermentation of fibre by these microbes results in the production of various substrates important for immune, gastric and nervous system health in our horses. Some of these healthy microbes also produce biotin. A horse with a healthy hindgut microbial population who is fed adequate fibre, can synthesise good levels of biotin needed for hoof health. To read more about the importance of fibre in our horses’ diets, see: Grass, Hay, Fibre and Short Chain Fatty Acids.

Many other nutrients are required for healthy hooves: sufficient quality protein (including adequate amounts of the amino acids lysine, methionine and choline read more about the importance of protein here);  copper; zinc; iodine; calcium; selenium; B group vitamins; vitamin E; vitamin C and vitamin D. Some of these need to be provided in a horse’s diet. Others such as B group vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin D a horse can synthesise if given the right conditions. Simply supplementing biotin alone without ensuring other nutrient needs are met is of limited value. All the aforementioned nutrients also play various key roles in other facets of our horses’ and ponies’ health: fertility; metabolism; immune health; joint and musculoskeletal health; neurological function and behaviour.

Anything that interferes with a healthy GI microflora population in our equines, and/or interferes with the integrity of the cells lining the GI tract, in turn influences nutrient absorption and/or metabolism. Ironically, some of the things which interfere with digestive function are often used to help counteract digestive or other health complaints: gastric ulcer medications; antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids to name a few. To learn more about the influence of ulcer medications in relation to the overall health of our horses, visit: Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work.

It’s worth considering the aforementioned aspects before trying to solve an issue such as poor hoof health by adding more supplements to a horse’s diet. If a horse or pony isn’t consuming sufficient fibre or nutrients, and/or is unable to properly digest, absorb or utilise specific nutrients, then adding more supplements to their diet is unlikely to provide an effective solution to the issue at hand.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

In short, it relates to the microbiota of our equines’ digestive systems.

The bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that colonise the equine gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (collectively known as the microbiota), play many crucial roles in horse health.

These microbes influence digestion, energy and nutrient production, immune health, levels of inflammation in the body, overall GI health, body condition, respiratory health, skin health, metabolic health, reproductive hormones and the production of neurotransmitters (chemicals which influence their mood, temperament, learning, motor control and behaviour).

When the microbiota deviates away from what is optimal, a horse is more susceptible to conditions of inflammation, illness, pathology, GI disturbances including colic, gastric and colonic ulcers, stressed behaviour and diminished nutrient and energy production and uptake.

The large population of microbes that inhabit the equine GI tract are influenced by what our horses and ponies eat. The specific types of microbes become accustomed to what our equines are fed and must adapt to different types of feed. This means that when they eat different types of feed, there are different populations and types of microbes.

Sudden dietary changes induce rapid shifts in this delicate balance of microbes and the byproducts they produce, rendering a horse more susceptible to illness. Whilst this is a broad simplification, the sudden changes in the microbes and their activity are largely indicated in many cases of colic, laminitis and other serious health conditions.

When we add new feeds to a diet or change a horse’s diet- we want to facilitate a gradual change in the microbial population and the products these microbes produce. The best way to do this is to introduce new feeds into their diet gradually over a 7-14 day period, slowly increasing the amounts of the new feed as the microbial population adjusts.

It’s a simple process, which is largely overlooked: something which can save a lot of pain, heartache and expense.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

These include intrauterine positioning, ingestion of certain toxins by the mare, hypothyroidism in the mare, collagen cross-linking defects, and unidentified predisposing genetic factors.

Two interrelated and important controllable factors are diet/nutrition and the body condition of an in foal mare.  Overly fat mares, and/or mares that are fed diets high in relative energy may have a greater risk of having foals with flexural limb deformities. 

Many mares are overfed late in pregnancy in attempts to supply adequate nutrition to the developing foal. This is compounded by the perception that fat mares are often mistakingly associated with looking ‘well’. 

Additionally, certain nutrient insufficiencies and/or deficiencies may lead to the development of congenital flexural limb deformities. 

This can become confusing when mares have a surplus of calories (and look ‘well’) yet do not have sufficient key nutrients to facilitate normal development of the foal in utero. A similar analogy that may be helpful in understanding is to think of a person who lives on takeaways, desserts and overly processed foods. Whilst they are likely consuming enough calories, they will be falling well short of key vitamin, mineral, essential fatty acid and possibly amino acid requirements.

The way we feed and manage our broodmares influences the health of their offspring for life. Ensuring their diet provides key nutrients in appropriate forms and amounts is one of the best things we can do to help facilitate the best health and development in their foal.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

With plenty of fresh pasture available, it can be tempting to stop feeding or reduce the amount of hay we give our horses. Yet if we want them to have good gastrointestinal (GI) ‘gut’ health, then keeping feeding sufficient hay to them is a must! To learn more about the important role of hay in the diet, visit the article: Hay, Stomach (Gastric) & Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers.

Green grass is predominantly water and as a result, is low in dry matter fibre. Dry matter fibre is incredibly important for our horses and ponies for a multitude of reasons. Dry matter fibre supports the proliferation of and helps to maintain a healthy GI microflora population. To read more about fibre, see Fibre, Chewing and Gastrointestinal Health.

Dry matter fibre is also needed for the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) also known as volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Short-chain fatty acids are predominantly produced by the fermentation of fibre by the GI microbiome.

These SCFAs have many health benefits, including significant anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. Furthermore, they help to promote the production of specific neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) which help our horses to be calm and relaxed. They have also been shown to help decrease fat accumulation and improve insulin sensitivity (an important consideration with insulin resistance, laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)). 

From a direct gut health standpoint, SCFAs play a crucial role to help promote proper GI barrier function- thereby helping to protect against the development of gastric and colonic ulcers. To read more about ulcers, see articles: Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers in Horses and Ponies; and Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work.

Sometimes the simplest things can make the most profound difference in helping the overall health of our horses and ponies. Adequate fibre is one important dietary measure we can put in place to help promote calm behaviour in our horses, support sound bone and joint health, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of laminitis, insulin resistance and EMS.

Prefer listening to podcasts or watching webinars to learn more about gut health, ulcers, immune health and other equine health conditions? Be sure to visit our Media page for plenty of informative recordings.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

And whilst all these can be examples of a horse or pony which is stressed, sources of stress and the effects it has on their body can encompass so much more.

We can actually have horses and ponies who in their nature are very relaxed and settled, yet their body is under significant stress. Stress is a type of change that causes physical, psychological or emotional strain in our horses.

Multiple forms of stress can have a cumulative effect, creating significant demands on the bodies of our horses. As a result of ongoing stress, our equines have increased requirements of particular nutrients.

Stress is also an important consideration in relation to stallion fertility, pregnancy in mares, gastric and colonic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), laminitis, insulin resistance (IR) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), chronic infections, bone health and failure to thrive.

Some of the many different sources of stress to our equines include:

• Separation/Isolation
• Injury
• Illness
• Use of certain medications
• Nutritional deficiencies/insufficiencies
• Nutritional excesses
• Travel
• Dehydration and/or withholding water
• Withholding feed
• Weaning
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Intense exercise
• Parasites
• Heavy metal burdens
• Exposure to chemicals, pesticides

What other sources of stress can you think of?

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Salt is a mineral which remains an important part of the diets of our equines year-round, yet is easily overlooked. Most fortified feeds on the market don’t contain enough salt to meet the needs of our horses and ponies. If we’re not actively providing salt to our equines, then they’re likely falling well short of their requirements.

Salt is an electrolyte which helps to maintain fluid balance and hydration. It is continually lost through saliva, urine and sweat, so, therefore, must be provided in the diet to be replenished. Horses need salt on a daily basis, even when they’re not visibly sweating.

Salt is needed for proper functioning of the nervous system, digestion, balancing pH levels in the blood and helping muscles to function correctly.

Sodium also stimulates the thirst response in our horses and ponies. Without adequate salt in their diet, many equines will not drink enough water. This is one of the many important factors to consider in horses who have suffered from spasmodic or impaction colic, where gastrointestinal (GI) motility and/or dehydration play a role.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Unlike the two mechanisms above, a third way our horses and ponies keep warm is not significantly influenced by how we feed or manage them.

Have you ever wondered why on cold, wet, windy days they turn their backs to the cold? This is because our horses’ and ponies’ rumps and back have thicker skin and coat and less surface blood vessels. This means they lose less heat and maintain warmth better in these areas. This enables them to withstand cold weather better in this position. Their tail hair also serves an important purpose in helping to protect against heat loss.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Another way is how they position themselves during cold, wet and/or windy weather. Read more about this by visiting Why do horses and ponies turn their backs to the cold during inclement weather?

Another important aspect of helping our equines keep warm during cold weather is how and what we feed them. The digestive systems’ of horses and ponies can significantly contribute to keeping them warm.

Our horses’ and ponies’ hindguts house trillions of microbes (including bacteria and other microorganisms). These microbes play a key role in many facets of equine health: they influence immune function, inflammation, behaviour and temperament, and nutrient status. When we feed our horses and ponies high fibre diets (particularly long stem fibre found in hay) we help to promote a healthy balance of these microbes.

The microbes digest (ferment) the fibre found in hay, pasture and other fibrous feeds to produce energy in the form of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). These are also referred to as short chain fatty acids (SCFA).

Heat is a by-product of breaking this fibre down. In turn, the fermentation of fibre can provide a significant amount of energy (calories) to our horses. Further heat is also produced by chewing: the more time a horse spends chewing, the more heat is produced. Eating 1kg of hay requires four times as much chewing and takes four times as long as eating 1kg of oats or grain! This also has additional effects in helping to protect against gastric and colonic ulcers. To read more, see the articles: Hay, Stomach (Gastric) & Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers; Why Basics Matter: The Importance of Chewing

Feeding our horses and ponies sufficient hay (at a minimum 1.5% of their body weight in dry matter daily) is one of the most natural and easy ways to help keep them warm in the winter. As an added bonus, feeding them this way in turn helps to promote a healthy gastrointestinal microflora balance: resulting in a flow on of multiple positive health benefits.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

For the owner or rider considering taking on an OTTB, careful thought and planning should go into ensuring that the transition from the life of a racehorse to the next phase of the horse’s career is as smooth as possible. Some of the biggest considerations need to be given to changes in the horse’s diet, routine and optimising health parameters. Equipping yourself with knowledge and enlisting the help of suitably qualified professionals can help to realise your horse’s full potential.

Goals and Capabilities as a Rider/Handler

Before even inspecting an OTTB for potential purchase, clearly know what you are wanting in your new horse and your capabilities as a rider. Are you looking for a future show hack with impeccable conformation and looks? Are you looking for a pony club mount that needs to be calm and versatile? Are you looking for a horse with the potential to be a top-class eventer, thereby needing to be very sound, athletic and able to withstand high levels of training? Are you looking to get a cheap yet athletic horse to re-educate and sell on? Knowing the answers to these questions will quickly help to narrow down the horses you inspect for potential purchase and look to undertake a pre-purchase veterinary examination. By clearly knowing your goals, you can save yourself a lot of time and money and are far more likely to choose the most suitable horse.

When taking on an OTTB (particularly one that has come straight from a racing stable environment), honestly assessing your capabilities as a rider is critical. Are you confident and competent enough to safely and effectively manage and deal with an anxious, highly geared horse (whose temperament may or may not change significantly whilst in your care)? Or are you better suited to taking on a more relaxed OTTB or even one that has been off the track for some time and has spent time being re-educated with a different owner? One of the many beauties of OTTBs is that there are so many to choose from and at many different life and career stages- you are bound to find one that suits you perfectly! Be patient and choose wisely.

Vet Check

One of the first things to consider (and often most overlooked) when purchasing an OTTB is getting a thorough vet examination prior to purchase. Musculoskeletal soundness and airway health are two of the most significant considerations. Just like human athletes, racehorses’ bodies are put under strenuous physical demands, with the potential to develop injuries. Due to the hard galloping done by many young horses in training, considerable stress is put on bones, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to soundness issues. A thorough vet examination can help to identify previous injuries or any potential issues which may influence the ability of the horse to be suitable for its intended next career. On radiographic screening (x-ray), many racehorses will have some degree of osteoarthritic changes in their joints. With planning, sound dietary practices and the strategic use of appropriate supplements and management interventions, many of these conditions can be well managed. Furthermore, the fact that many OTTBs transition into their next careers at a relatively young age is advantageous. From a physiological perspective, when given suitable nutrition and support, their body is better able to repair and regenerate than an older horse. Referring back to your goals and what you intend to do with your OTTB is an important consideration here. A past injury in a racehorse which may prevent it from high-level eventing may pose no issues for a horse intended for general pleasure riding.

Suboptimal hoof health is a common finding in the newly transitioning OTTB. This is often due to a combination of poor gastrointestinal (GIT) health (which influences nutrient absorption and the production of essential vitamins such as biotin needed for sound, healthy hooves). For more information on the role of GIT in overall health and the role of nutrition in hoof health see articles: Fibre, Chewing and Gastrointestinal Health; Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work; Hay, Stomach (Gastric) & Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers; and Beyond Biotin: Optimising Horse Hoof Health.

Routinely being shod in race plates can also compound the problem of poor hoof structure and health. Many racehorses have contracted hooves with under-run heels, long toes and thin soles. Encouragingly, hoof health is an aspect that can readily be turned around in a period of around 8-12 months with appropriate dietary changes and good farriery. Including radiographs of the hooves as part of the pre-purchase examination may be a valuable investment in some horses: x-rays can help to demonstrate what is going on in the hoof and can aid the proactive farrier to trim, shoe and manage the hoof appropriately.

It is important to remember that often racehorses in training will initially go footsore when their shoes are removed and they are left barefoot during a spell. This is especially true of the front feet. Some farriers and owners will choose to keep their horses in shoes. In many cases however, it is advisable for the spelling horse to have an extended period of time being unshod: this helps to positively influence hoof shape and integrity and aids in proper circulation and blood flow to the hooves. Feeding the horse a diet which reduces inflammation, using nutritional supplements (nutraceuticals) and herbal medicine under qualified supervision, and potentially easing the transition to barefoot through the use of padded, removable boots are all beneficial strategies.

Another aspect of the pre-purchase examination should also include an upper airway scope. Respiratory conditions which may be evident when assessing an OTTB include a history of exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH, more commonly known as bleeding), airway inflammatory disease, and laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring). The first two can generally be well managed with appropriate feeding and supplementation practices and adopting strategies to minimise the inhalation of air particulate matter and dust.

History

Where possible, finding out as much history about the horse as possible can help to make a smooth transition to the next phase of its career. For a horse coming straight off the track, contact with the trainer and/or stable manager can help provide you with valuable information as to any health or injury concerns with the horse, the dates it was last vaccinated and drenched (de-wormed), any medications and/or supplements it may have been receiving, its current diet and any quirks, habits or temperament considerations to take into account. Having said this, it is also important to remember that when a horse is put in a new environment, some of the aforementioned things may change! For example, a horse that was previously often irritable can become much calmer with a more natural diet and living environment. Similarly, horses which may have been very picky eaters whilst in training often become very good eaters once their GIT health has improved and the stress of the training environment has been removed.

Diet

The majority of diets fed to thoroughbreds in training are not conducive to optimal GIT health and function. Practices vary between trainers and stables, but most often, horses in training are fed two or three large grain and/or concentrate-based meals per day. Grass and/or lucerne hay are often provided in limited amounts. Many trainers do not have the luxury of turning horses out to graze. This puts the horse’s digestive system under strain and increases the likelihood of many health issues including ulceration throughout the GIT (gastric and colonic ulcers), colic, disturbances in the GIT microflora (bacterial balance of the digestive system), hindgut acidosis, suboptimal ability to utilise feed properly and nutritional deficiencies/insufficiencies. The addition of high cortisol levels produced by the horse in response to stress and high-intensity exercise further compromises GIT health and digestive function. To read more about the contributors and effects of stress in our horses see: Stress in Horses: Why it isn’t always obvious.

Horses, by nature, are designed to be constantly moving about and grazing high-fibre roughage. This is important as the stomach of the horse is relatively small in volume and has little capacity to expand. As a result, small amounts of feed which are consumed often are digested much better than the large volume feeds given a couple of times per day. The constant grazing a horse does in its natural environment also ensures that there is a physical buffer in the stomach to protect against the breakdown action of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. These substances are constantly produced in the horse and are essential for proper digestion, as well as immune function. To read more, visit: Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work. Grazing and chewing also stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva serves many important functions in the horse, including releasing bicarbonate ions into the stomach (which also protects the stomach lining, another smart natural mechanism of the horse to protect against ulcers). To learn more about the benefits of grazing, visit: Why Basics Matter: The Importance of Chewing.

Sudden changes in feeding practices (even those that are beneficial to the horse) can increase the risk of colic and other complications. This is thought to be largely attributed to rapid changes in GIT microflora in response to the feed offered. Finding out the horse’s current diet prior to purchasing can help to make smooth transitions to a more fibre-rich feed, whilst ensuring the gut microflora change at an appropriate rate. It is advisable to make the transition of feeds gradual (over a period of 12-14 days) to help best facilitate this.

Whilst horses who come directly out of training will have been maintained on high-energy rations, their relative energy needs during their initial transition into an OTTB will be much lower. Furthermore, if GIT health is optimised as part of their transition (through feeding, management practices and appropriate supplementation), they will be better able to use fibre rich feeds (ie pasture and hay) as energy sources. This is made possible through bacterial fermentation in the hind gut (helpful microbes in the large intestine break fibre down into short-chain/volatile fatty acids, a high source of energy for the horse). It is important to remember that whilst a horse’s actual energy needs may be much lower than when they were in training, their need for specific minerals, vitamins and protein may remain relatively high. Without the excess demands of training and racing the body is in a prime position to help address and heal any niggling injuries, musculoskeletal damage or immune health challenges. To find out more about nutrient requirements and the role of protein for horses visit Nutrient Requirements for Horses: Fortified Feeds and the need for Supplementation; The Importance of Protein. These are commonplace in any athlete involved in demanding sports. To facilitate optimal healing and health, is essential to ensure that the OTTB receives at a minimum the recommended dietary intake of minerals and vitamins, in addition to good quality protein sources. A good quality balancer feed or supplement, in the addition to sufficient pasture, hay and lucerne hay (where appropriate) will help to meet these needs.

Some people find challenges in putting condition on their OTTB and/or the horse being picky with their feed. This is most often due to irritation of GIT, use of ulcer medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ‘bute’ (PBZ), and the diet racehorses are commonly maintained on,. These factors can all significantly compromise gut integrity and health. Add to this the stress of a new environment and the change in the horse’s routine and it can take a little time for the horse to adjust. Whilst the prescription of appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation can help immensely in these cases, basic management practices including turning the horse out to graze, the provision of sufficient roughage (hay, pasture), and keeping the OTTB  with a sensible paddock mate are all effective starting points owners are encouraged to implement. One of the most common mistakes that can be made when wanting to put weight on a newly acquired OTTB is to continually increase the ration of grain or high-energy concentrate feed, without the provision of sufficient roughage and fibre. This contributes to additional compromises in the integrity of the GIT lining and further shifting the hindgut microflora away from that which promotes the best utilisation of feed and energy. As a result, the cycle of struggling to gain weight is perpetuated, and often leads to frustration as the horse seems to take an extended period of time to ‘let down’ and gain condition. To read more about horse’s who struggle to put on condition, visit the article: HELP! My horse won’t put on body condition.

Down Time

One of the best things you can do as an owner of a newly transitioning OTTB is give it some much needed ‘down time’. The majority of racing stable environments are far removed from what is a natural for the horse. Like humans constantly under work deadlines, family demands and everyday pressures, horses too routinely experience stress. This stress is manifested in many forms, primarily driven by changes in levels of the stress hormone cortisol (which can lead to reduced immune function, high levels of inflammation, changes in temperament and behaviour, and reduced capacity to recover). Additionally, the constant physical demands of training and racing can lead to ongoing musculoskeletal ‘niggles’- aches, pains and minor injuries. A period of 4-8 weeks, turned out in the paddock, fed a fibre-rich diet, and not in the demands of work or being fussed with is one of the most beneficial things you can do to help the newly transitioned OTTB. It helps the horse to mentally wind-down, aids in the restoration of GIT health, gives any small niggles the chance to heal, and lets the horse settle into a new environment and freshen up. Just like humans, horses too need holidays. Simply giving them time out before asking new demands from them in their new career, can help them get off to the best start. 

Temperament

A significant (and often highly variable and unpredictable) consideration in the OTTB is temperament. This can be a challenge when acquiring a new horse, as it is difficult to know exactly how much is ingrained behaviour and the horse’s natural tendency, compared to how much it is a result of the environment the horse has been in, the feeding practices and GIT health. An important consideration to note is that 70-80% of the neurotransmitters (the chemicals which influence mood, temperament, behaviour and learning) are produced in the GIT. There are clear links between GIT health and levels of anxiety, mood changes and behaviour. This is useful to take into account: an OTTB which has struggled with compromised gut health in training and may be nervous, edgy or readily spook can change significantly when GIT health is addressed. A combination of appropriate supplementation and feeding, combined with appropriate ‘down time’ can really significantly impact the behaviour of an OTTB for the better. It routinely plays a role in why many horses that are temperamental/nervy/anxious in training become more relaxed away from the stable environment. Keep in mind too, that the actual environment the horse is kept in also plays an important role.

Monitoring and Progress

From a basic health standpoint, once the new OTTB has arrived and settled, it is wise to measure temperature, respiratory and heart rates at roughly the same time each day for a week to establish what is ‘normal’ for your horse. Record these and keep on hand (using the notes section on your mobile phone can be great, otherwise written on a whiteboard or somewhere easily accessible). This information is incredibly helpful in the instance that your horse may become unwell: you know what is ‘normal’ and healthy for your horse, helping to implement appropriate strategies in a timely fashion.

Taking photos of your horse from the side and back (safely), on a fortnightly or monthly basis is a simple tool to monitor body composition changes and progress. The same thing can be done with their hooves front and side-on, in addition to picking the hoof up and taking pictures of the sole and frog. It can be incredibly rewarding to look back over a 4-6 week period and notice the subtle improvement in body condition. Horses can make significant progress in gradual increments, which may be missed when you are seeing the horse on a daily basis. By having photo evidence on hand, you are able to make a more objective assessment. Keep in mind that changes in hoof shape and quality will be much slower to notice: front hooves take a full 8-12 months to grow from the coronary band to the toe.

The majority of horses in training are maintained on a routine drenching (deworming) schedule. Given our current state of understanding in relation to resistance to worming products, it makes sense to adopt a strategic drenching approach. In order to implement this safely and effectively, taking routine faecal samples to be sent off for testing are encouraged. Doing this at the commencement of ownership can help to provide guidance to the most effective drenching requirements of your horse. For more information on drenching/deworming visit the article Drenching/Deworming with Panacur.

Conclusion

Like most worthwhile things in life, effectively transitioning a racehorse to an accomplished OTTB takes time and patience! Knowing your capabilities as a rider and having clear goals as to what you want to achieve with your new mount are important starting points. Enlisting the expertise of suitably qualified professionals and equipping yourself with the knowledge of best practices can help make for a smooth and rewarding journey. Choosing an OTTB can make for one of the most gratifying experiences as a horse owner and rider. Careful consideration, planning and attention to detail can ensure you give your horse every chance to excel in its new phase of life.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

The cause(s) of IBD are not fully understood, however, it is thought that abnormal immune responses to bacterial, viral, parasitic, and/or dietary antigens play a key role. 

One such dietary allergen which has been highlighted is gluten, a protein which causes intestinal damage to people who suffer from coeliac disease. In recent years, gliadin (a component of gluten) has been reported to increase the permeability of the small intestinal mucosa and cause concurrent intestinal inflammation associated with IBD in the horse.

The key takeaway points from this are that diet can and does play an essential role in the health of the horse- beyond merely providing energy to fuel their work, growth and metabolic processes. 
As with any health condition in the horse (especially IBD), diet needs to be addressed for effective treatment/management of the condition in the horse. If the allergen remains in the diet, then inflammation and intestinal damage persists, despite treatment.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

The horse that fails to thrive can be one of the most frustrating challenges for owners, trainers, breeders and riders. The horse who no matter how much you feed it, how many times you drench (worm) it, how long it stays on medications for gastric ulcers or how many supplements you add to its feed- it still fails to put on significant weight, looks lacklustre and just doesn’t thrive like it should. Not to mention costing you an absolute fortune to keep! It’s common (and reasonable) to think that the more you feed the horse (particularly high energy grains and/or concentrates) the more weight and body condition it should gain. If a horse consumes excess calories (energy intake) relative to energy expenditure (calories out) then we would expect weight gain to occur.  And whilst the energy equation is an important consideration in such horses, if it was the sole reason in all cases, then horses that fail to thrive would be in the minority. The number of clinical cases where the primary reason for the owner contacting me is to help their horse gain weight suggests that this certainly is a common complaint. So why does it occur and what can we do to help these horses put on condition and thrive?

Potential contributors to failing to put on weight/condition

Like many health challenges and conditions in our equines, there are multiple factors which can contribute to failure to put on weight. Generally, it comes down to a combination of factors, not just one single reason. In the absence of a serious health condition in our horses, which should be ruled out by a thorough case history and veterinary diagnostics if indicated, the below are the most common reasons I see in clinical practice contributing to horses failing to thrive:

• Poor gastrointestinal (GI) health
• Insufficient fibre (particularly long-stem fibre in the diet)
• The volume of ‘individual hard feeds’ (ie grains and concentrates) too large per feed
• Horses being fed the wrong ‘type’ of feed
• Nutritional insufficiencies/deficiencies and imbalances (largely minerals and sometimes protein) which influence metabolic function (for example thyroid function)
• Side effects of certain medications (such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids)
• The use of gastric ulcer medications
• High stress levels in the horse
• High levels of pain in the horse
• High levels of inflammation in the horse
• Poor dental health
• High parasite load
• Inappropriate/insufficient exercise stimulus
• Windsucking/Cribbing

Poor Gastrointestinal Health

This is by far the most significant contributing factor relating to failing to put on/maintain weight in clinical cases I see. Poor gastrointestinal health can relate to compromised integrity of the cells lining the GI tract (gastric mucosa), imbalances in the microflora (the population of microbes, largely bacteria) of the GI tract and inflammation of the GI tract. These issues generally occur together. Gastric and/or colonic ulcers are also relevant in many cases, as a result of changes in the aforementioned factors. Many things can contribute to poor GI health (such as insufficient long-stem fibre in the diet, the use of certain medications- including ulcer medications, stress, travel, dehydration, just to name a few). To read more on these topics see articles:Hay, Stomach (Gastric) & Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers; Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers in Horses and Ponies; Inflammation & Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories in Horses; Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work; Ulcer Medications: What Nobody Tells You and What You Need To Know; Fibre, Chewing and Gastrointestinal Health.

Insufficient Fibre

Sufficient dietary fibre is crucial in the diet of our horses’ and ponies’. In addition to promoting good GI health (see paragraph and articles above), fibre also serves as an important energy source in our horses. It’s easy to think that a horse who needs more condition needs more calories (the relative energy content of fibrous feeds such as hay is much lower compared to grains and most concentrates). Yet in addition to promoting healthy GI microflora, fibre serves as an important energy source for these microbes. They ferment the fibre to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA) also known as volatile fatty acids (VFA). These fatty acids are a valuable ‘cool’ energy source for our horses, in addition to producing important anti-inflammatory compounds and promoting and maintaining a healthy GI tract. If we don’t feed our horses sufficient fibre, the lose out on these benefits. We can’t successfully ‘out-supplement’ insufficient fibre in our horse’s diets!

Volume (size) of ‘hard’ feeds

Horses have very small stomachs relative to the size of the animal, accounting for only 10% of the volume of the digestive system. Our horses are designed to be constantly ‘grazing’, which allows optimal digestive function. When our horses are fed large meals, which require relatively little chewing (such as grains and concentrates) the food passes through their stomach quickly. This results in the feed entering the small intestine largely undigested. Consequently, the horse isn’t able to extract the energy and nutrients from the feed properly, and the undigested feed enters the hind-gut, where it ferments and causes changes in the pH and microflora population. Whilst fibre passes largely undigested into the hindgut and is naturally fermented here (and provides significant benefits because of this), no other feed should be fermented in the hindgut. In a mature horse, individual meal sizes should be no more than 2.3kg (5 pounds) in volume.

Horses being fed the wrong ‘type’ of feed

Feeding horses a commercial pelleted or mixed concentrate feed can be an efficient way to help meet nutrient requirements. However, not all pelleted or commercially manufactured feeds are created equally. They vary vastly in ingredients contained, nutrient and energy content. Feeds on the market range from low calorie mineral balancers to high energy concentrates. Feeding a low calorie balancer (even in large quantities) won’t significantly contribute to energy intake in our horses. Hence, selecting an appropriate feed is really important to help the horse failing to thrive.

Feeding large amounts of hard-to digest grains or concentrates is also a common occurrence in the horse failing to thrive. On paper it can make logical sense to feed the lightly conditioned horse plenty of grains as they are generally high in calories. Yet these grains aren’t always readily digested, and feed that isn’t digested properly won’t help to condition our horses well. For example corn (even cracked/rolled corn), despite being relatively high in starch and calories has very poor digestibility. This means our horses are not able to efficiently utilise the calories in it, in addition to it also adversely effecting GI microflora, compounding the whole problem. Remember that many high calorie concentrate/manufactured feeds contain large amounts of grains.

Nutritional insufficiencies, deficiencies and imbalances

In addition to sufficient energy (calories), our horses need protein (made up of amino acids), fats, vitamins and minerals to serve multiple different functions in the body. Sufficient protein is needed to aid in muscle hypertrophy (growth) thus plays an important structural role in conditioning horses. Additionally, the amino acids found in protein are needed for the production and activity of digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help our horses to properly break down their feed, allowing for the absorption of energy and nutrients. Along with fats, vitamins and minerals, protein also plays key roles in supporting metabolic function and the production of key hormones needed to promote healthy growth in our horses. Insufficiencies or relative imbalances in these key nutrients can both directly and indirectly affect a horse’s ability to put on body condition.

Side effects of certain medications

Particular medications commonly used in our horses have the ability to impact their body condition. Antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone (bute) and flunixin (Banamine), and corticosteroids all impact a horse’s GI microflora and the integrity of their stomach lining. Lesser considered medications include omeprazole and ranitidine (the key active ingredients in most ulcer medications), which interfere with a horse’s ability to properly digest and absorb their feed, and also impact their GI microflora. Other medications such as diuretics (Furosemide/Lasix) influence the absorption, metabolism and/or excretion of key nutrients needed for healthy metabolic function and conditioning in a horse. Medications such as Clenbuterol (Airway Gel, Claire Gel) and synthetic thyroid hormone (L-Thyro) directly influence metabolic rate in a horse, commonly resulting in weight loss or inability to put on sufficient condition.

The use of gastric ulcer medications

It can seem quite ironic- medications commonly used to help aid in healing of gastric ulcers can actually compound the challenge of gaining condition in the poor doer. Gastric ulcer medications work by shutting down the production of hydrochloric acid. Yet without adequate hydrochloric acid our horses can’t properly digest, absorb and metabolise their feed and nutrients in it. As a result, feed passes largely undigested in to the hindgut, adversely impacting GI microflora. To learn more about the actions of ulcer medications, visit the articles: Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work; Ulcer Medications: What Nobody Tells You and What You Need To Know

High stress levels and/or high levels of pain

High and/or continued levels of stress and/or pain in our horses results in changes in the production of the hormone cortisol and chemicals which promote inflammation in the body. This in turn commonly results in the breakdown of muscle tissue, leading to difficulty putting on/maintaining condition- largely lean muscle mass (the kind of condition we want on our horses). Changes in GI blood flow and microflora balance also commonly occur as a result of stress, further impacting digestion. Additionally gastric and/or colonic ulcers, which frequently develop as a result of chronic stress, can further compound the problem. To read more on the systemic effects of injury and pain, see the article: Injury and Pain in our Horses and Ponies

High Levels of inflammation

Long-term (chronic) inflammation in horses reduces the synthesis of muscle protein. It also increases the rate at which muscle proteins break down. Special types of molecules called inflammatory cytokines, which are  involved in cell signalling during inflammation, trigger the release of cortisol and particular neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the body). The combination of cortisol and these neurotransmitters disrupt cellular metabolism and alter a horse’s metabolic rate, which can heighten the breakdown of muscle tissue.

Poor dental health

Dental health can influence a horse’s ability to put on and/or maintain body condition in several ways. Sharp edges on teeth, loosened teeth, tooth infections, tooth loss or uneven wear of teeth can contribute to pain and compromised ability to chew feed well. Properly chewing feed is an important part of initiating digestion in the horse, allowing it to adequately utilise feed.

Less commonly considered aspects of dental health in our horses are gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and cause pockets of air between the gums and teeth). These conditions affect horses in a similar way to humans. Gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis and begins when bacteria in the mouth proliferate around the teeth and gums. The build-up of large numbers of bacteria that attack the gingiva or gums leads to inflammation. It’s important to note that as the disease progresses and the gums become swollen and bleed, bacteria are able to enter a horse’s bloodstream and travel around the body. This can result in high levels of systemic inflammation and adverse changes to gut microflora, thereby influencing overall health and digestive function. To read more on the systemic effects of dental health in horses, visit: Bad Breath in Horses

High parasite (worm) load

Did you know that there are more than 150 types of parasites that affect horses? The four most common types are strongyles, ascarids, tapeworms and bots. High numbers of parasites (a high parasite load) can contribute to inflammation throughout our horses’ digestive tracts, damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines and gastric and/or colonic ulcers. These inhibit our horses’ ability to properly digest and absorb their feed.

Simply drenching/worming our horses more frequently is generally not the answer. This can contribute to increased parasite resistance to anthelmintics (drugs used to help kill parasite), in addition to impacting a horse’s GIT microflora. Best practices involves the use of appropriately timed faecal egg counts, assessing parasite burden in the horse, and strategic drenching using appropriate anthelmintics. For more information on best drenching/deworming practice visit: Drenching/Deworming with Panacur

Inappropriate/insufficient exercise stimulus

For our horses to develop and maintain muscle mass and body condition there are several important components. Good GI health to properly digest, absorb and metabolise nutrients needed for protein synthesis and muscle cell growth (hypertrophy) are essential. Our horses also need to be fed a diet which meets both their protein and calorie requirements. An easily overlooked factor is appropriate type and quantity of exercise. Our horse need to be engaging the correct muscles in the correct frame to develop good muscle growth and conditioning. Horses who are not exercised adequately, and/or not engaging the correct muscles when working will fail to capitalise on their ability to develop good muscle mass. Horses who are spelling, injured or on box/stall rest will likely not maintain their best muscle mass. A useful analogy can be to think of a person who wants to gain muscle mass or muscle definition. If they eat plenty of protein and calories, yet spend their day largely inactive, sitting on the couch and not exercising, they will fail to properly develop optimal muscle strength and definition. On the other end of the spectrum, someone who trains really hard in the gym, but fails to eat enough quality food to fuel their training will not maximise muscle development gains. It takes a combination of both training and proper fuelling! To read more, visit: What Supplements are best for building Topline?

Windsucking/Cribbing

Windsucking (also known as cribbing or crib-biting) in horses is a stereotypy, or repetitive behaviour which can significantly impact a horse’s ability to put on or maintain weight.

In addition to weight loss and overall poor condition, wind sucking can result in abnormal development of muscles in the neck, and excessive wear of teeth- affecting a horse’s ability to chew properly. Cribbing can interrupt a horse’s daily routine, occupying several hours per day. This reduces time spent grazing and foraging. Cribbing is commonly associated with digestive discomfort, gastric ulcers and imbalances in specific neurotransmitters- all factors which are known to influence a horse’s ability to properly digest, absorb and metabolise their feed. To read more about windsucking/cribbing visit: Why do horses wind suck and crib bite?

The horse who fails to gain or maintain adequate weight and muscle mass can be frustrating. Whilst it is common to look at one likely reason for their weight struggles, there are generally several factors contributing to the state of the horse’s health. The good news is that when contributing factors are properly identified and addressed, the horse who once had difficulty putting on and/or maintaining weight can flourish. Additionally, by correcting the underlying issues, you are helping to facilitate the best health and performance in your horse.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

From a dietary perspective, it is thought that horses may chew wood when they aren’t consuming enough fibre in their diet. This can happen to horses who are kept in stables or in paddocks. It’s common to think that horses who are grazing pasture are consuming enough fibre to meet their needs, but grass is relatively low in fibre. Unless sufficient hay is fed in addition to grass, horses will likely fall well short of their fibre requirements. Adequate fibre in the diet is incredibly important for optimal gastrointestinal (GI) function, promoting balanced microbial flora of the GI tract, preventing ulcers, supporting immune function and supporting neurotransmitter production (just to name a few of its roles!). To read more about the importance of fibre for horses and ponies visit the articles: Hay, Stomach (Gastric) & Hindgut (Colonic) Ulcers; Fibre, Chewing and Gastrointestinal Health; Why Basics Matter: The Importance of Chewing.

Lignophagia may also be due to boredom (which again, can commonly arise due to not enough grazing). Left unaddressed, chewing wood may develop into a stereotypy behaviour. As with any abnormal behaviour it should be viewed in a holistic context.

Other reasons for a horse to chew wood may be due to poor GI health- particularly imbalances in the microflora population of the digestive tract. This is commonly associated again with insufficient fibre in the diet (although there are many other factors which may also contribute). Specific micronutrient insufficiencies/deficiencies may also play a part in lignophagia. Weather conditions can play a role in the habit in some horses, with research showing that horses are more likely to gnaw on wood during wet, cold weather. This may be due to an instinctive urge for more roughage in their diet as temperatures fall.

Identifying and addressing the reasons why a horse is chewing wood is important, as the behaviour comes with its own set of health risks in our horses and ponies. Chewing wood places unnecessary wear on a horse’s front teeth, which can make chewing less effective and hinder digestion. They may also ingest sharp wood fragments, which can injure your horse’s digestive system. In rare cases, they may also lead to the formation of enteroliths (intestinal stones that form within the colon and can obstruct the intestine, resulting in colic).

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Providing our horses and ponies with multi mineral licks (also often referred to as balancer licks, mineral blocks, vitamin licks, etc) may appear to be an easy solution to this, with the belief that horses who have access to them will have their basic daily mineral and vitamin needs met. It is common to be under the impression that horses will consume these licks in accordance to their needs.

If only it was so simple!

With the exception of salt, there is very little research to suggest that horses seek out specific minerals in accordance to what their body needs. Most horses seek to consume these licks due to the flavours or sweeteners added, or out of boredom.

We can’t control how much of these licks our horses consume, nor can we accurately measure their mineral intake from the consumption of these. Some horses may fall well short of key mineral requirements if we rely on them to consume mineral blocks to meet their needs. Other horses who consume the licks more readily may have an excessive intake of particular nutrients. It’s important to be aware that consuming excessively high levels of particular minerals can have health effects just as undesirable as consuming inadequate amounts of specific minerals.

If horses are indeed being driven to consume the lick due to a need of more salt in their diet, then no control exists over the quantities of the other minerals they are ingesting, as the very nature of these products combines all minerals in a set formulation.

Whilst mineral licks often look and smell appealing to us, this is commonly attributed to them containing dyes, fillers and sweeteners: things we don’t want to be feeding our horses. Another drawback of their use are the adverse effects they can have on a horse’s dentition. Many horses grind the blocks down with their teeth. This can result in unhealthy wear and damage to their teeth.

Whilst ensuring our horses’ and ponies’ have their baseline mineral and vitamin needs met, using mineral licks is unlikely to be very helpful in achieving this. A much better and more accurate way to meet and gauge our horses’ intakes of key essential nutrients is to feed a high quality and suitably formulated balancer feed, fortified feed or mineral supplement. These should be fed in appropriate quantities to meet the individual horse’s daily needs in relation to age, workload and reproductive stage (if applicable).

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

In many cases, the source of pain in our horses can be diagnosed and attributed to a specific injury or degenerative process such as osteoarthritis. Yet the pain itself rarely occurs in isolation. Other physiological changes occur which influence the sensations our horses experience and their perception of pain.

In the case of acute injury in our horses (think muscle, tendon or ligament damage) there is associated inflammation and commonly oedema (swelling). There are also changes in the types and balances of neurotransmitters produced (chemicals which influence temperament, mood, behaviour and pain perception) and alterations in cortisol levels. These initial changes occur to help the body facilitate healing of the damaged tissue- and to a certain extent are desirable and necessary.

When injury or inflammation becomes prolonged however, the body’s responses become dysregulated. What started out as a normal healing response becomes dysfunctional and can lead to chronic pain and tissue degeneration. Further alterations in neurotransmitter production and function occur- resulting in heightened pain perception in our horses. There is often a concurrent increased production of neurotransmitters associated with anxiety: think of the horse in pain who is always on edge. The anxiety experienced with chronic pain can lead to the experience of greater pain intensity: physiologic changes within the neurological system cause a phenomenon of central sensitisation to pain. Furthermore, stress and anxiety can promote the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, which cause further damage to tissue and more pain.

Contrastingly, it is common to see horses in chronic pain who experience depression. These are the horses which become withdrawn. The ones who you can look at their eye and know they are not ok. As a result of chronic pain, neural pathways in the brain change. Even when tissue damage is resolved, our horses can still experience real pain. The use of NSAIDs cannot help with this.

In the case of injuries- particularly those that are long-standing, horses can ‘guard’ the painful area, hold excessive tension in muscle, fascia and other tissues and change their biomechanics and movement patterns to cope with the pain. Appropriate body work and rehabilitation exercises are an important part of an integrated approach to help facilitate healing and prevent further compensation or injury moving forward.

Pain and inflammation may contribute to certain nutritional deficiencies and/or insufficiencies in our horses and ponies. This is particularly true of chronic pain. Both excesses and insufficiencies of specific nutrients can also increase pain perception and inflammation and are a key consideration to address.

Whilst providing appropriate pain relief is absolutely paramount when indicated, it is important to remember that in many cases, the use of anti-inflammatories alone will not adequately address all the causes of the pain. We also need to be aware of the changes these drugs make to the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract and associated microflora, which in turn influence inflammation, pain perception and systemic health (to read more see articles: Inflammation & Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories in Horses; Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Recovery). 

Effectively helping horses or ponies in pain, particularly long-standing or chronic pain should encompass a multi-faceted approach. Addressing neural pathway involvement should be a primary consideration, in addition to identifying and rectifying imbalances in specific neurotransmitters. Appropriately prescribed herbal medicines and nutraceuticals can help to facilitate this. The role of nutrition in the equine suffering from pain is also important: ensuring that no nutritional excesses, deficiencies, or insufficiencies are increasing their pain experience. Where appropriate, body work and rehabilitation exercises should also be incorporated. Unless the causes of pain are properly addressed, our horses will potentially continue to go through the cycles of discomfort. Understanding how and why the pain has occurred is important to help effectively treat and resolve it.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

What we know from current research is that simply giving our horses tryptophan as a supplement doesn’t help promote calm behaviour- in fact, it may do the very opposite. Low doses of tryptophan given to horses actually promotes excitement, whilst high doses have been shown to reduce endurance capacity and cause haemolytic anaemia. In either case, hardly helping with overall health and performance.

The reasons for the effects of tryptophan supplementation on horses are likely multifaceted. We know that responses to tryptophan are species dependent- whilst it can be helpful in humans and some animal species, the same cannot be said for horses.

It is important to remember that very few nutrients act in isolation. For tryptophan to be converted to serotonin, it has to go through several metabolic processes. Each of these processes requires key nutrients to facilitate the conversion. Without sufficient nutrient levels and good gastrointestinal health to facilitate this, the conversion and metabolism of tryptophan are effected.

We also need to remember, like many facets of health- there is a sweet spot between not too little and not too much. The same is true for serotonin- too little, and our horses can be anxious, too much and they can become agitated.

The take-home message is that whilst some supplements can be incredibly useful, not all are. We can better promote healthy neurotransmitter levels (such as serotonin) by ensuring our horses are receiving a balanced diet providing all key nutrients in appropriate quantities and forms. Additionally, we want to ensure that we’re promoting optimal gastrointestinal health, as this in turn helps to facilitate both healthy nutrient production and neurotransmitter levels.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Horses and ponies are able to synthesise (make) their own vitamin B12 when they have a healthy balance of hindgut microflora, sufficient fibre in their diet and a suitable mineral intake- particularly adequate dietary cobalt.

What is commonly overlooked is the fact that injectable vitamin B12 is rapidly and nearly completely excreted via bile into a horse’s manure. In essence- they can’t use or absorb this form of B12…it just makes for expensive poo!

Having a healthy digestive system is incredibly important in our horses and ponies to promote many facets of their health: good hoof quality and growth, optimal metabolic and immune function, the production of neurotransmitters (natural chemicals) which help to promote calm behaviour and reducing inflammation.

The production of optimal levels of vitamin B12 to aid in athletic performance are just another reason why we need to focus on sound feeding and management practices and the judicious use of medications in order to promote good gastrointestinal and overall health. It is also an important reminder that we often just can’t out supplement poor dietary practices.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

To use a similar analogy, it can be helpful to think of commercial breakfast cereals. Take for example, Coco Pops or Nutrigrain. Both these kinds of cereal are enriched with certain vitamins and minerals which are essential to good health. Marketing of these cereals promotes this fact. But vitamins and minerals alone don’t necessarily make a particular food a good choice. They are only part of the equation. These cereals aren’t marketed as being high in sugar, or devoid of essential and health-promoting nutrients such as fibre. In reality, these cereals are low in nutritive value, yet clever marketing can have us believe that these are nutritious choices.

Some commercial broodmare feeds can be similar in that they are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, with not a great composition of the feed overall. Many feeds designed for broodmares can be high in starch and/or energy, which can contribute to undesirable levels of particular hormones in a mare. These in turn affect the growth and health of the developing foetus. We also know that these hormones, in addition to a mare’s body condition influence her offspring’s risk of orthopaedic lesions such osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). It is common for many broodmares to be overfed and/or overweight which compounds the problem.

How we feed a mare and the body condition we maintain her in pre-conception and during pregnancy have a profound effect on the musculoskeletal development and soundness of her offspring. This influence extends well past the period of birth and weaning, affecting the growing young horse. To only focus on OCD lesions during routine or pre-sale radiographic screening as weanlings or yearlings is like trying to close the gate after the horse has bolted.

Whilst surgery can be effective, and diet and risk factors in young growing horses can be modified, missing the opportunity to set foundations right pre-birth can be expensive, time-consuming and heart-breaking.

It’s worth stopping to have a good look at the ingredients in your stud mix/broodmare feed, looking beyond the marketing claims. There’s much more than vitamins and minerals alone required to promote a healthy pregnancy and the development of a mare’s offspring.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

THE HOW:
The importance of fibre (particularly long-stem fibre, such as that found in hay), cannot be underrated in the prevention of not only stomach (gastric) ulcers but also hindgut (colonic) ulcers.

One of the main mechanisms by which hay helps to protect the gastric mucosa is by providing a physical barrier between the cells lining the stomach and the acidic contents of the stomach. This barrier protects the stomach lining from direct exposure to hydrochloric acid.

The other main mechanism is through the production of saliva. Hay requires plenty of chewing. The more a horse chews, the more saliva it produces. Saliva contains bicarbonate ions, which help provide a chemical buffer to protect stomach mucosal tissue.

In terms of preventing hindgut/colonic ulcers, the protective mechanisms differ from gastric ulcers- but are incredibly important. Fibre passes through a horse’s stomach and small intestines undigested, where it reaches the large intestines. Here it undergoes bacterial fermentation by specialised microbes (note- it is normal and healthy for horses to digest fibre in their hindgut, it is NOT healthy for them to ferment undigested grains and other feedstuffs in their hindgut). The fermentation of the fibre results in the production of substrates known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) or volatile fatty acids (VFAs). There are several kinds of SCFAs, one of great importance being butyrate.

Butyrate is used as the main energy source for cells of the colon (colonocytes) and is needed for them to maintain a healthy colonic barrier. Butyrate also helps to inhibit pathogenic (‘bad’) bacteria from adhering to and damaging the lining of the colon. Colonic ulcers arise from an inflamed or damaged colonic barrier- therefore the action of butyrate is protective against these.

We tend to think of hay as a ‘filler’ feed for horses and ponies and something that we need to restrict in fat ponies and something that is not overly helpful in the horse who is lacking condition. It can also be easy to overly focus on the ‘hard feed’ we give our horses and ponies and not think too much about hay. Whilst hay and long-stem fibre is certainly not the only thing needed for good gastrointestinal (GI) health, it is certainly very difficult (if not impossible) to have good GI health without sufficient hay (or an appropriate alternative source of fibre).

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Spooking, shying and anxiety in horses and ponies are some of the most common challenges we face from a behavioural aspect. When we have a horse or pony which is on edge, spooks at imaginary monsters and feels like they are a bomb under us just waiting to explode, we know something must be done. One of the easiest things for us to manipulate is their feed. We try eliminating things from their diet- often with mixed success. Maybe it helped? Maybe it didn’t. But because our horse possibly seemed quieter or less spooky, we’re not going to add back what we’ve already taken out. Surely they’re better off with less feed anyway and there can’t be any harm in reducing what we are giving them? We also tend to add a myriad of supplements- typically ‘calming’ ones. It’s easy to get to the point where we’re too scared to stop giving any of the supplements we’ve added in case it makes the problem worse. We can get to the stage where we are feeding very little actual feed and so many additives. Sadly, often our horse is no better off in terms of behaviour, and nutritionally is often left with deficits of important nutrients. Furthermore, we can be lacking a solid plan of action going forward in terms of properly feeding and nourishing our horse and addressing the cause of their behaviour.

We need to remember that anxious, spooking or edgy behaviour can be caused by many different things, not just feed. It’s important to consider the potential role of pain, social dynamics, poor fitting tack, the amount of work/exercise we are doing with our horses, their education, learned behaviour, environment and routine. As horsepeople, we also need to take the (challenging) step back and honestly ask ourselves what expectations we have of our horse, and what emotional state and frame of mind are we in? With the fast pace of life many of us lead, it is easy for us to be tense, uptight or in a rush, even when doing the things we love. Our horses instinctively sense this and it can influence the way they behave. The question needs to be posed if what we are asking our horse or pony to do is both clear and appropriate for their stage of development.

But if we focus back to the role of diet in anxious, spooking and edgy horses, one of the most common dietary problems which influence this behaviour is restricting/minimising protein intake, and in particular the amino acid lysine. It’s easy to think that eliminating protein rich feeds can only help a problem and not make it worse. Protein and protein rich foods are commonly blamed for fizzy and bad behaviour in our horses. Yet there is very little worthy evidence to substantiate this and good research to support the contrary.

Protein is made up of small molecules called amino acids. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life. There are 21 amino acids required for a horse to make all the proteins it needs to function, grow and be in good health. Nine of these amino acids are deemed ‘essential’, that is they must be obtained through the diet. In a healthy horse, the remaining 21 amino acids can be produced by the body, even if they are not obtained directly through the food a horse eats. To read more about the role of protein in our horses’ diets, see the article The Importance of Protein.

One crucial essential amino acid in our horses’ and ponies’ diets is lysine. Different foods are comprised of different amino acids. It is important to remember that not all protein sources contain adequate balances of essential amino acids which our horses need for good health. The richest dietary source of lysine for horses and ponies is cooked soybean products. (To read more about soy in the equine diet, visit Soy: The Good, Bad and Confusing! Hay, grass and forages, grains, and beet pulp are all low in lysine. It’s easy for our horses’ diets to become low in lysine. Especially as soon as we start putting them on restrictive diets.

So how can a restrictive diet, low in lysine affect our horses’ behaviour? Through multiple mechanisms! Studies have shown lysine to reduce stress-induced anxiety and to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Lysine is also needed to facilitate proper calcium absorption. Calcium plays a key role in the function and release of neurotransmitters (natural chemical messengers which influence mood, temperament, learning and behaviour). Insufficient lysine in the diet can interfere with proper neurotransmitter signalling, which can be exhibited as anxiety. Lysine also plays a key role in normal serotonin production and function. Serotonin is a mood-stabilising neurotransmitter and helps our horses to feel calm, happy and relaxed.

It’s important to remember that we don’t always see an immediate or direct correlation between removal or addition of a nutrient in the diet and behavioural changes. It can take some time for effects to be noticed. In the case of lysine, it’s a nutrient which plays many key roles in the body and insufficient amounts affect many body systems. It plays a crucial role in immune function and collagen structure (needed for healthy muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, skin and hooves). The longer a horse has a low lysine diet, the more the effects compound systemically. 

Our horses’ and ponies’ diets can have profound influences on their overall health, performance, ability to recover, mood and behaviour. It can be tempting to look for a quick fix to our horses’ behavioural issues, yet it is easy to unknowingly compromise their long-term health when doing this. Correctly identifying the contributing cause(s) of fizzy behaviour and addressing them in the most appropriate way(s) is essential to ensure we are doing the best for our equines. Getting professional help to identify potential dietary causes of poor behaviour in horses can pay dividends not only in terms of behaviour, but also in terms of their long-term health and performance.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

The smell of our horse’s breath isn’t something we generally give much thought to. Yet if you’ve ever smelt the breath of a horse or pony with halitosis (bad breath)- then it becomes something hard to ignore. So why do some horses and ponies have bad breath and is it something to be concerned about?

Many factors can contribute to bad breath in the horse or pony: the most common being bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, decreased saliva, dental plaque, periodontal disease, cracked teeth and tooth abscesses. Yet the causes of bad breath aren’t just limited to the mouth alone. Infection in the respiratory tract and poor digestion can all contribute to bad breath. The side effects of some medications may also contribute to halitosis.

Oral Contributors

Halitosis can arise due to a lack of saliva production. The major salivary gland in our horses, the parotid gland, only secretes saliva when a horse chews. When our horses or ponies go long periods of time without grazing or consuming fibrous feeds such as hay, there are significant periods of time when there is little saliva in the mouth. The horse fed one or two concentrated/hard feeds daily, with little hay or grazing in between producing much less saliva than nature intended them to. Saliva has a multitude of functions in relation to our horse’s health, one of these being important antimicrobial activity through naturally occurring antibodies it contains. Lack of saliva production due to lack of chewing creates the perfect breeding ground for high levels of specific bacteria to build up in our horses’ mouths. This results in malodour. The effect is compounded by feeds that are high in sugar and/or starch, which can further ‘feed’ these ‘bad’ bacteria.  Furthermore, a dry mouth and lack of chewing fibrous feeds can also contribute to increased volumes of plaque on the teeth, giving rise to bad breath. Saliva helps rinse away tiny particles of food debris that may otherwise settle on the teeth and cause dental plaque. For more information on saliva and the importance of chewing in our horses visit the article: Why Basics Matter: The Importance of Chewing.

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and cause pockets of air between the gums and teeth) affect horses in a similar way to humans. Gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis and begins when bacteria in the mouth proliferate around the teeth and gums. The build-up of large numbers of bacteria that attack the gingiva or gums leads to inflammation and malodour. It’s important to note that as the disease progresses and the gums become swollen and bleed, bacteria are able to enter a horse’s bloodstream and travel around the body. The effects of periodontal disease extend far beyond the mouth: it may be associated with reproductive problems in our horses and other undesirable conditions. Gum disease can contribute to loosened teeth, tooth loss and infections in the bone surrounding the teeth.

Poor Digestive Function

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an essential component of healthy digestion in our horses and ponies. It is produced by specialised cells in the stomach called parietal cells. One of the many functions of HCl is to help keep bad bacteria and opportunistic micro-organisms in check. When HCl production is reduced or shut down (as is the case with the use of ulcer medications) a perfect environment is created for opportunistic bacteria to flourish (for more information on the way ulcer medications work and their effects, visit the article: Ulcers in Horses: The importance of understanding how medications work). These bacteria produce compounds that result in a foul odour. Another crucial role of HCl is facilitating proper digestion and breakdown of food. Without sufficient HCl to help initiate normal digestion and maintain an acidic pH in the stomach, feed can ferment in the gut- resulting in the production of malodorous gasses. For these reasons, bad breath can be an indication to look at digestive health beyond the mouth. 

Medication Side Effects

A wide variety of medications commonly used in horses and ponies may contribute to halitosis through differing mechanisms. Some antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-histamines, diuretics, sedatives, bisphosphonates and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) may all cause or contribute to bad breath in equines.

Respiratory Tract Infections

Sinusitis (inflammation of the lining of one or more of the sinuses) and upper respiratory tract infections can also contribute to bad breath in our horses. These are generally accompanied by mucoid (whitish, yellowish) nasal discharge out of one or both nostrils. Clinical signs may also include swelling or bulging of the facial bones, decreased appetite, lethargy and weight loss.

Nutritional Deficiencies/Insufficiencies

Beyond the type of feed our horses consume and how frequently they are fed, many key nutrients play important roles in oral health. Insufficiencies and/or deficiencies in protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc and impaired production of B group vitamins and vitamin C may all be implicated in compromised oral health, leading to bad breath.

Conclusion

There are many causes and contributing factors to bad breath in horses and ponies. Whilst poor dental and oral health are obvious cases of bad breath, diet, medications, gastrointestinal and respiratory system function may all play important roles. Foul smelling odours from the nostrils and/or mouth warrant further investigation by suitably qualified professionals. Properly identifying and addressing the cause(s) of halitosis help to promote overall health in your horse or pony, as well as helping them to have a non-offensive smelling breath!

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Selenium is a nutrient which has a relatively low safe upper limit range. High intakes (through diet and/or supplementation) can result in toxicity and even death in severe cases.

Many parts of the world have soils that are notoriously deficient in selenium- and thus the pastures and feeds grown for horses in them are also low in selenium. This has led to selenium being a commonly added mineral to horse feeds and many supplements.

Selenium comes in two main forms: organic and inorganic. Organic selenium has been demonstrated to have superior absorption, tissue uptake and ability to enhance antioxidant status compared to inorganic selenium. This is attributed to selenomethionine, the effective organic part of organic selenium.

One of the most popular sources of selenium used in horse feeds and supplements is selenium yeast (produced by them is the micro-organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Although selenium yeast contains high levels of organic selenium, not all of it is in the form of selenomethionine. Research has demonstrated that there are significant limitations in using selenium yeast to help achieve good selenium uptake and stores in the body. Although the product should in theory contain a certain amount of organic selenium on paper, the actual amount of organic selenium in the form of selenomethionine provided by selenium-containing yeast is often far less. A large percentage of the selenium provided by selenium-containing yeast is in a poorly absorbed inorganic form. This means that your horse is potentially utilising much less selenium than what is written on the label and may well be falling short of their requirements. Not all feeds and supplements use this form of selenium- so it is incredibly valuable to ascertain not only the amount of selenium in a product but also the form it is in. Seemingly minor details in feed and supplement formulations can have profound influences on our horse’s health and wellbeing.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Digestion literally begins in our horse’s mouth- both from a mechanical (chewing) and enzymatic (chemical) perspective. Our horses grasp their food with their lips, tongue and teeth. The structure of their jaw allows for a complex chewing motion: the upper jaw being wider than the lower jaw. Horse’s chew in a sweeping action (lateral, forward, backward and vertical motions), which aids in both the mechanical breakdown of food, in addition to mixing food with saliva. Amylase is an enzyme contained in saliva which helps chemically begin the digestion of carbohydrates. Unlike humans, horses only produce saliva in response to chewing. The more they chew, the more saliva they produce. This is really important to note- as in addition to facilitating enzymatic digestion in the mouth, saliva contains bicarbonate ions. These bicarbonate ions act as buffers to help protect the stomach lining against naturally produced hydrochloric acid (essential for healthy digestion, but corrosive to the stomach lining). This is one of the many natural mechanisms a horse has in order to help maintain a healthy gut lining (protecting against ulcers and gastrointestinal inflammation).

The jaw sweeps (chewing rate) of a horse are influenced by the type of feed they consume. On average, a horse at pasture makes 60,000 jaw sweeps per day when grazing. This is dramatically reduced when a horse is confined to a stable and/or roughage in the diet is limited, with concentrates/grain forming a large part of their diet.

On average, a 500kg horse takes around 40 minutes and 3400 jaw sweeps to consume 1kg hay. By stark comparison, 1kg of oats only takes 10 minutes and 850 jaw sweeps to consume. One of the most concerning consequences of this dramatic decrease in chewing rate is a significant reduction in bicarb production (thus minimising a key protective mechanism of the gut lining).

When a horse chews fibrous feeds it uses a long jaw sweep action. Horses maintained continually on pasture with minimal grain rarely develop sharp edges on their teeth as their natural chewing mechanism maintains even wear. When horses chew grains they use a shorter sweeping action, which doesn’t extend past the outer edge of their teeth. A diet high in concentrates or grain and low in fibre is an important contributing factor to the development of sharp edges on our horse’s teeth. Poor teeth wear can set up a vicious cycle- a horse in pain from sharp edges on their teeth typically reduces their chewing rate of fibrous feeds, thereby further contributing to poor gut health due to less fibre consumption and less bicarbonate production.

There are MULTIPLE reasons why roughage should comprise a significant part of your horse’s diet. Their effects on dental health and the initial stages of digestion alone are important aspects highlighting the need for sufficient fibre in the diet.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

What is Protein?

Protein is a crucial macronutrient in a horse’s diet and is comprised of long chains of building blocks called amino acids. There are 21 amino acids. The specific order and combination of amino acids determines the structure and function of each protein. Insufficient dietary intake of specific amino acids limits the production of key proteins essential in our horse’s bodies. For more in-depth information on protein quality see the article: Soy: The Good, Bad and Confusing.

Protein is Needed for Growth, Maintenance and Repair of Tissue

We commonly only think of this as important when we are trying to increase muscle mass in a horse. For instance, building top-line on our ridden horse, or conditioning a thoroughbred yearling for sale. Yet protein is absolutely essential for normal growth and development of the young horse, and recovery from riding and training in active horses. Insufficient protein in the diet can therefore increase risk of illness and injury in our horses. Times of illness and injury also increase protein requirements in order to help recover from the illness or heal from the injury. Providing insufficient protein to a sick or injured horse during their recovery can significantly delay and/or impair their healing and adversely impact their future athletic potential.

Protein Facilitates Biochemical Reactions

Enzymes are a specific type of protein that aid in the normal biochemical reactions that take place in a horse. Specific enzymes are needed to facilitate proper digestion (therefore helping to promote optimal gut health and utilisation of feed); energy production (helping a horse to perform); normal metabolism (helping to regulate weight and temperature in a horse); blood clotting; and muscle contraction. Insufficient protein in the diet can lead to digestive problems- a critical consideration given the heightened focus on gastrointestinal (GI) health. A common mistake is to restrict protein intake in the overweight horse: this can further slow metabolism (compounding the problem) and compromise overall health.

Protein is Required for Proper Communication in the Body

Hormones are chemical messengers that aid in communication between a horse’s cells, tissues and organs. They are needed for everything from normal growth, metabolism, reproductive function and digestion. Amino acids are also an important component of neurotransmitters: the chemical messengers which play a crucial role in a horse’s mood, temperament, learning and behaviour.

Protein Provides Structure

Different types of protein are essential for the formation of healthy bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, skin and hooves. Depending on the type of protein, they aid in providing structure, strength, elasticity and rigidity to specific tissues. Insufficient protein in the diet can make a horse more susceptible to injury to muscles, tendons, bones and ligaments. They may also have poor skin and/or hoof quality.

Protein Helps to Maintain pH Balance in the Body

Proteins act as a buffer system, helping a horse’s body to maintain proper pH values of the blood and other bodily fluids.

Protein Helps to Balance Body Fluid Levels

Albumin and globulin are two important proteins found in a horse’s blood. They help to maintain the body’s fluid balance by attracting and retaining water. If a horse’s diet has consistently has low quantities of quality protein, the levels of albumin and globulin eventually decrease. This can result in swelling or oedema as these proteins can no longer keep blood in the blood vessels, forcing the fluid into the spaces between cells. The irony is that protein is often blamed for causing swelling in horses- with the reverse often being the cause!

Protein is Needed for a Healthy Immune System

Protein is absolutely essential for white blood cell production and the formation of immunoglobulins (antibodies) needed to fight infection in our horses. Insufficient protein in the diet can leave a horse more susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Protein Aids in the Transportation and Storage of Nutrients

Transport proteins carry substances in our horse’s blood streams- into, out of and within cells. The substances transported by these proteins include nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, blood sugar, cholesterol and oxygen. Whilst we often think of iron as being a key driver in helping oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, protein plays a paramount role- yet is often overlooked. Specific proteins also have a storage role: ferritin is a storage protein that stores iron.

Problems with Excessive Protein: Myths or Facts?

So now we can see that protein is absolutely vital in keeping our horses healthy, yet is there a downside to this nutrient? And can we feed too much? Like most things, the answer is relative to the situation and the individual horse.

Excess Protein

To overly simplify, horses are unable to store excess protein that they consume in their diet for later use. The metabolism of excess protein increases levels of nitrogen end-products, such as ammonia and urea. A diet containing excess protein will increase the horse’s water requirements and urine output as the ammonia and urea are flushed out of the body. If a horse is kept out at pasture, is only in light work and has free access to plenty of fresh water, this generally isn’t a problem. It is an issue however where horses are stabled. Exposure to this strong urine can cause lung irritation and other respiratory problems. Extra urination means extra wet bedding, which equates to more mucking out.

Metabolism of Protein Produces Heat

Protein digestion and metabolism is a heat generating process. A horse that is on a high protein diet that is burning a lot of protein as an energy source will sweat more to help get rid of the heat. It is important to remember that the body has a preference for using carbohydrates and fats over protein as an energy source, and will only use protein as a significant energy source when these other two nutrients don’t meet their requirements. Protein fed in appropriate amounts to meet a horse’s needs will not contribute greatly to heat production or sweating. Feeding excessive amounts of protein however, particularly to horses in hot and humid climates, or those undertaking moderate to heavy work, can contribute to dehydration and heat stress.

Protein Causes Poor Behaviour/ Hot Horses: MYTH

Protein is often blamed for making horses ‘hot’, nervy or spooky. This is turn can cause some owners to avoid including quality sources of protein in their horse’s diet. Protein has not been shown to cause behavioural issues in horses. Diets which are high in energy and excessive to a horse’s energy needs which are also high in protein can contribute to a horse being hyperactive or silly. The problem here is the overall energy intake, not the protein!

Kidney and/or Liver Damage: MYTH

In healthy horses, high protein diets have not been demonstrated to cause kidney and/or liver damage. In horses that have pre-existing liver or kidney problems, then protein intake may need to be restricted- ensuring that intake is still sufficient to meet a horse’s daily requirements but does not exceed them.

Take Home Message

As a general rule, I see far more horses in clinical practice with insufficient protein intakes compared to those with excessive protein intakes. Insufficient protein in the diet may leave a horse more susceptible to illness and/or injury and delay or impair their recovery. Including adequate, quality protein in the diets of our horses is absolutely essential in order for them to be healthy, perform and recover at their best.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Many horses spend the majority of their days in small paddocks, yards and stables. They only need to move minimally to have access to feed and water. Essentially, they are quite idle. Although widely variable depending on discipline, many horses in hard work don’t do more than 1-2 hours most days. Ridden time aside, they are essentially quite idle.

This is in stark contrast to the way horses move in herds in nature. Natural social groups of horses have evolved to never stop moving or eating for very long. Research in semi-feral herds has shown that horses move at least 17km per day! At different periods throughout the year, the distance they cover can increase significantly. When in search of forage or when interacting with other herds, horses may move up to 160km daily.

This movement plays a crucial role in keeping horses healthy. Contrastingly, lack of physical movement in domestic horses is an important contributing factor in many health conditions we see today. The large volumes of physical activity (along with the diet of wild horses) helps to prevent horses being overweight. The physical activity improves insulin sensitivity an important factor in metabolic syndrome, as well as many cases of laminitis. Laminitis in our horses is largely a ‘man-made’ disease.

The constant physical activity increases bone density and strength, as well as promoting muscle, tendon and ligament strength and development. This is likely to lead to stronger, sounder horses.

So how can we implement some of these benefits in our man-made modern settings?

We can take some of the principles and incorporate them into the management of our horses. The suggestions listed below are general suggestions which can be used where they are possible, safe and feasible. It’s about making the best of the situation and facilities that you have.

Where possible:

• Choose keeping your horse turned outside in preference to stabling.
• Choose larger fields over smaller paddocks and yards.
• Choose turning out in mobs as opposed to turnout alone to encourage movement and interaction.
• Consider the implementation of natural track systems in paddocks to encourage movement.
• Feed well away from water source- ie water at one end of the paddock, feed at the other.
• Consider hand walking the horse that isn’t ridden frequently.

For the majority of horses and ponies, increasing their overall daily physical movement and activity is most beneficial. Small changes can have a significant positive impact on your horse’s health, soundness and longevity.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Managing energy intake is certainly a critical strategy in successfully preventing and/or managing these conditions in our horses. It’s important to remember that there are numerous other highly influential factors on body weight, body composition and metabolism. These include exercise and activity levels, various hormonal levels, the effects of specific medications a horse may be on, and specific vitamin, mineral and other nutrient levels.

One of the most fascinating, yet less appreciated influences on a horse’s metabolic rate and body composition are the types and balances of bacteria that reside in their hindgut. Specific types of bacteria in a horse’s hind gut produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) also known as volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through a process of fermentation. Short chain fatty acids help to reduce the development and accumulation of fat cells, promote the breakdown of fats and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (thereby reducing inflammation). Short chain fatty acids may help to reduce body weight and improve insulin sensitivity- extremely important factors in managing the overweight horse and preventing further complications.

These bacteria need plenty of fibre to survive and thrive. This is one of the many reasons why starvation diets for overweight horses are not suitable. Severely restricting an overweight horse’s fibre intake often compounds the metabolic problems.

In order to successfully manage the overweight horse or pony (or prevent at risk equines from becoming overweight) we need to address all the contributing factors which influence their metabolism. Whilst energy (feed) intake is one of these components, the type of feed is just as important. Appropriately addressing activity levels, specific nutritional components and promoting optimal hindgut microflora are paramount.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

It is well understood that performance and racehorses are subject to significant amounts of stress. This stress in and of itself can result in sub-optimal or poor performance in our horses. Performance aside, prolonged stress has a myriad of flow on effects to the overall health of our horses: it can compromise the wellbeing and function of the gastrointestinal system, the immune system, and the production and function of neurotransmitters (the brain chemicals influencing temperament and behaviour).

What is easily forgotten is that stress affecting our horse’s performance and well being does not necessarily have to originate from sources associated with training or the competitive event. Read that sentence again.

Performance and racehorses are exposed to a range of stressors most of which relate to the way they are kept, fed and managed (this is largely dictated by training regimes, available facilities or convenience). These are stressful because they affect the behavioural needs of the horse as a species.

Behavioural needs are species-specific highly motivated behaviours that are performed by an animal and more often than not have a functional role. The horse has some physiological ‘need’ to perform the behaviour. Foraging (grazing) is a primary example of this. In a natural environment, forage is generally available ad lib with a horse spending up to 70% of its day eating! For horses, the reduction of eating time to two meals per day can meet the nutritional requirements of the animal, but is unlikely to meet the horse’s behavioural need to forage. In the competition horse, restriction of behavioural needs induces a chronic stress response which will subsequently prevent optimal individual performance. It also has a significant flow on effect to gastrointestinal (gut) and immune health.

Some of the most basic feeding and management practices have the most profound influence on our horse’s health and performance. It can be easy to rush in and add the latest fad supplement to our horse’s feed to try and remedy a stressed horse or poorly performing horse, but it is more valuable to ask ourselves:

• What are some of the less obvious sources of stress in our horses?
• What are some of the dietary and management changes we can make for true lasting benefit?

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on soy bean meal and feeds containing processed soy- not soy oil or soy bean hulls- as these components alone have significantly different nutritional value and properties.

Pros

Soy is one of the more widely fed significant sources of protein in a horse’s diet. It is a common misconception that protein is only needed to promote weight gain, muscle condition or the development of topline. Whilst it is important in these instances (in combination with appropriate exercise and training), protein is absolutely essential for a multitude of functions in all horses at any life stage and exercise level: it is a critical component of normal immune function; facilitates proper growth and repair of the musculoskeletal system; and is needed for the majority of metabolic processes in the horse. Even horse’s who aren’t in heavy work and/or actually need to lose weight need sufficient protein in their diet.

Protein is comprised of smaller units called amino acids. Horses require 21 amino acids, 12 of which a horse can synthesise (produce) themselves. The remaining nine (and in the case of illness or injury- potentially ten) amino acids must be present in a horse’s diet. These are known as ‘essential amino acids’. In addition to all essential amino acids being present in the diet, they must be present in appropriate quantities- so a horse has enough of each of them to facilitate various bodily functions. If they fall short of any essential amino acids then health, normal development, performance and recovery may be compromised.

With the exception of oils, practically all horse feeds, grains and forages contain SOME protein- Depending on the exact feed source, the actual amounts of protein contained in these feeds will vary. Different sources of protein are comprised of different sequences of amino acids. This influences how useful they are to a horse. Some high protein feed sources are actually of little value to a horse, as they lack decent amounts of essential amino acids that a horse needs, or they are unable to be properly digested and absorbed by a horse.

So how does all this relate to soy? Soy is one of the best dietary sources of lysine for our horses and ponies. Lysine is a very important essential amino acid in the equine and it is generally one which is lowest in our horse’s diets. Lysine is absolutely essential for normal muscle growth and turnover, helps to promote collagen integrity (important for healthy bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments), is critical for proper immune function, and may further help bone health through improving calcium absorption and utilisation. Animal studies have also shown that diets low in lysine may be associated with anxiety. Thus, a diet low in lysine may be one of many potential contributing factors in some cases of horses with an anxious tendency.

For horses competing in endurance events, optimising hydration pre-event is an important consideration. Commercial soy feed products which require soaking before being fed, can help to increase fluid intake in horses. It’s important to keep in mind that there are other feeds which can be used for this same purpose. Soy is not the only option.

Being a low starch and protein rich feed, processed soy meal can aid in stabilising blood glucose levels- thus helping to prevent rapid spikes in insulin levels. High insulin levels are a driving factor of equine metabolic syndrome and are commonly implicated in many cases of laminitis. Horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) (also commonly referred to as ‘Cushings’) and Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM)- a component in many cases of ‘tying up’, may also particularly benefit from a diet low in starch and containing adequate quantities of quality protein.

The phytoestrogen content of soy is an important, yet often misunderstood concept. Soy is unique in that it contains a high concentration of isoflavones, a type of plant oestrogen (phytoestrogen) that is similar in function to the hormone oestrogen but with much weaker effects. Soy isoflavones can bind to oestrogen receptors in the body and can either increase or decrease oestrogen levels in the body. Research has demonstrated that when oestrogen levels in the body are naturally low, then ingestion of phytoestrogens may help to increase the body’s levels.  When oestrogen levels in the body are naturally high, then consuming phytoestrogens may help to reduce oestrogen levels, as they bind to some of the receptor sites that naturally produced oestrogen may bind to.

Potential Cons

The phytoestrogen activity of soy may also potentially be a drawback of this feed. Excessively high intakes of phytoestrogens have the potential to decrease testosterone levels, an important consideration in stallions and colts. Soy certainly isn’t the only source of phytoestrogens commonly found in horse diets: clover grass is rich in phytoestrogens. Before attributing potential positive or negative effects of phytoestrogens in a horse’s diet, the total quantity of all phytoestrogen rich food sources needs to be taken into account.

Soy is commonly attributed to causing allergic symptoms in horses- everything from itchiness and skin irritation, colic and digestive disturbances, to overly-reactive behaviour and respiratory issues. Whilst soy is a common allergen in humans, the same has not yet been demonstrated in horses. Diagnostic tests for equine food allergies are difficult to carry out, time-consuming and often unreliable. In clinical practice, I find that the majority of horses with allergy related symptoms (whether these be environmental or food related) improve significantly when overall nutritional status and specific components of both immune and gut health have been therapeutically addressed. Generally something which may appear to cause allergic symptoms in a horse is not the real culprit.

A significant valid concern with soy is the fact that it is one of the most commonly genetically modified (GM) crops. Whilst this is only an issue in some parts of the world, it is certainly worth taking into consideration. Animal studies with GM foods indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter blood parameters and immune function.

Soy is high in omega six fatty acids. Whilst these types of fatty acids are an essential component in our horse’s diets, they are generally present in higher than desirable amounts. Of further importance is the percentage of omega six fatty acids in proportion to omega three fatty acids. High levels of omega six fatty acids with accompanying low levels of omega three fatty acids are known to promote inflammation. Adding large amounts of soy products to a diet already high in omega six fatty acids further accentuates the shift towards a pro-inflammatory tendency. This can  have wide-ranging effects from impairing recovery from training, competition and exercise; compromising immune function; and exacerbating already existing inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, desmitis, placentitis and laminitis to name a few.

Uncooked or even inadequately cooked soybean meal has some anti-nutritional factors. Trypsin inhibitor is the most significant one. Trypsin is an essential enzyme which helps horses to properly digest protein, allowing for absorption and metabolism of the amino acids which make up the protein. Trypsin inhibitor found in uncooked soybean prevents trypsin from being able to properly break down proteins. This means that in the presence of trypsin inhibitors a large percentage of all protein from all sources a horse is consuming is unable to be properly digested, absorbed and metabolised.

Some concerns exist that soy can have a negative effect on thyroid function and can alter the levels of thyroid hormones. Whilst the majority of data is from human studies, it is unlikely that regular consumption of small amounts of soy containing foods have significant impact on thyroid function in healthy subjects. In cases where hypothyroidism already exists (keeping in mind that diagnosis and true cases of hypothyroidism in horses is rare), then reviewing the appropriate feeding of soybean containing products is warranted.

Conclusion

Processed soybean meal and feeds containing this product can be a valuable inclusion in the diets of many horses. Factors which may caution against the feeding of soy to some horses include specific health concerns and where in the world the soy is grown and produced. Soybean meal MUST be properly heat treated to prevent trypsin inhibitor from interfering with protein digestion. The quantity of soy products fed and the overall diet of the horse are crucial factors to take into consideration.

Rarely is anything inherently good or bad: the same may be said of soybean products. The most important consideration is that one size doesn’t fit all: feed the individual horse in front of you!

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Successful rehabilitation should certainly address physical aspects (farriery, bodywork, laser and other therapies where appropriate), management factors (restricted turnout, etc if relevant) and graduated exercise and training. Yet one of the most influential factors in a horse’s successful recovery is its nutrition- something which is often given very little consideration.

One of the primary concerns for many owners, trainers and riders are to stop their injured horse from getting overly fat- particularly in an extended layoff. As a result, many people understandably cut their horse’s feed right back. However, during the initial phases of healing post-injury- a horse’s energy and nutrient requirements are actually elevated. Healing of the body is an energy-requiring process. Structurally, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments need specific nutrients to ensure their optimal repair and integrity.  Thus, drastically cutting both their energy and nutrient intake can significantly impair, delay or compromise healing. It is important to note, however, that a horse’s energy and nutrient requirements will change throughout its recovery. After the initial phases of healing have occurred, there is generally a decrease in energy needs. Depending on the type of injury, nutrient needs (for example certain minerals, vitamins and specific nutraceuticals) often remain elevated beyond normal.  This is where it is important to adjust a horse’s diet so that it still receives proper nutrition for continued good health, whilst also ensuring that it doesn’t get too heavy. In terms of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly of the lower limbs, weight is an important factor. More weight equates to more force going through the limbs, which can compromise healing. A healthy balance needs to be achieved between appropriate weight given the phase of recovery, whilst ensuring optimal nutritional intake.

Nutritional requirements are further compounded by the medications used in many cases of illness or injuries in our horses. Anti-Inflammatory drugs including NSAIDs such as phenylbutazone (‘bute’) and flunixin interfere with our horse’s ability to synthesise B group vitamins (including biotin) and vitamin K (essential for proper bone and connective tissue healing). They also adversely impact a horse’s gut microflora, which in turn is likely to result in increased production of inflammatory mediators (thus more inflammation, despite the use of anti-inflammatories). The effects of corticosteroids on nutritional status are more complex than NSAIDs: they are known to reduce the absorption and/or increase the excretion and/or impact on the metabolism of important nutrients essential for optimal healing. Some of these nutrients include magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and selenium.

Antibiotics also significantly influence the nutritional status of the horse. Through changes in gut microflora in the horse- the production of B group vitamins and vitamin K are compromised. Some classes of antibiotics also interfere with the normal metabolism of vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron. Similar to NSAIDs, they may also influence the production of inflammatory mediators through changes in gut microflora.

Ulcer treatments are another commonly used medication in the horse recovering from illness or injury.  Those containing key active constituents of omeprazole (the ‘gold standard’ ulcer medications on the market) or ranitidine, drastically reduce the uptake of minerals essential for healing- including calcium and magnesium. These medications also may influence the production of inflammatory mediators: their mechanism of halting or drastically reducing hydrochloric acid production significantly changes the environment needed to promote healthy gut microflora in the horse.

So the effect of such medications during injury or illness is a double whammy: a horse already has increased nutrient requirements to properly heal AND many of these critical nutrients are at decreased levels because of the use of such medications.

Whilst pharmaceutical drugs are certainly indicated in the recovery from many illnesses and injuries, their use needs to be judicious. When they are used, the appropriate supplementation of specific nutrients is critical to firstly compensate for what is altered through medication use, and secondly to meet the body’s elevated needs of certain nutrients essential for optimal healing.

Illness or injury in the horse can be used as a most valuable opportunity to review your horse’s feeding, supplementation, management and riding practices. Whilst many injuries and accidents are unavoidable- there are plenty where appropriate dietary and supplementation practices tailored to the individual horse may have helped to prevent or reduce the severity of the setback. The same may be said of the review of medications used in the horse where relevant. These factors, combined with appropriately structured training and competition (which includes ‘down periods’ and rest days), farriery, and bodywork are keys to keeping our horses healthy, sound and well.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Many regions in the world have low iodine levels in the soil. Iodine deficient soils are most common in inland regions, mountainous areas, land that frequently floods, and on occasion, some coastal regions. Unless horse diets are adequately supplemented, horses that graze on pastures in these regions and/or consume hay and feed crops grown in these areas, are likely to fall well short of their minimal iodine requirements. Research has also demonstrated reduced uptake of iodine by pastures which have been grown with high levels of nitrogen fertilisers, even in soils with otherwise reasonable iodine levels.

Like many minerals however, too much iodine can be just as problematic as too little iodine. This can easily occur when our horses are given multiple supplements, and/or feeding inappropriate quantities of fortified feeds. An innocent mistake commonly made in relation to iodine supplementation is the use of seaweed supplements. In many cases, this can result in excessive iodine intake.

Many clinical signs and health consequences of iodine excess often mimic those of iodine deficiency. An important reminder that more is not better, and supplementing without taking specific details into account can be detrimental to horse health, fertility, metabolic function, growth and development.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

The Oestrus Cycle in the Mare

Horses are seasonal breeders: that is, they are programmed to mate and become pregnant at certain times of the year. Over the winter months, the majority of mares (particularly those in temperate climates) are anoestrus- meaning they don’t cycle. As daylight hours increase over the spring and leading into the summer, hormonal changes occur in the body, acting as a stimulus for them to become reproductively active. Nutrition and climate also play an important role in influencing a mare’s oestrus cycle. Some mares appear to cycle all-year round (this is more likely in far-north Australia).

Early in spring, as a mare transitions from aneostrus to cycling, the timing of when she comes into heat may be prolonged or erratic, with accompanying unpredictable behaviour. As the season progresses, the mare’s cycle should become more regular: having three week cycles. The average oestrus cycle of a mare is 21 days, which can be divided into two distinct phases: the oestrous phase (when a mare is ‘in heat’ and receptive to a stallion; and the dioestrous phase (when a mare is generally not receptive to a stallion). The oestrous phase usually lasts somewhere between 5-7days. At this time, the hormone oestrogen is at a high level, and this is the period often associated with changes in behaviour in susceptible mares. The dioestrous phase is generally lasts for 14-16 days, characterised by high levels of the hormone progesterone and a mare generally having little or no receptivity to a stallion.

It is these two female sex hormones- oestrogen and progesterone which strongly influence behaviour patterns demonstrated by many mares and fillies during the breeding season. Most commonly, a mare who is susceptible to displaying ‘mareish’ behaviour will demonstrate this behaviour during the oestrous phase, in associating with elevated oestrogen levels. It is important to remember though that there are always exceptions to this- especially in mare’s/fillies who have erratic cycles.

Important Considerations

Before concluding that a mare or filly’s behaviour patterns are purely related to her oestrus cycle, it is important to ensure that there are no significant other contributing factors. As in all animals, horse behaviour is comprised of several components, including: innate (genetic); learned (environmental); pain-associated behaviour; and sexual (hormonal). Keeping this in mind, it is important to remember that some behavioural problems are the results of genetics, injury/illness, poor training and/or past bad experiences.

Additionally, some diseases can result in behaviour that appears very similar to what many mares experience during the breeding cycle. An ovarian tumour can cause consistently high levels of oestrogen, which may cause the mare to be constantly ‘in season’. Bladder infections can cause a mare to raise her tail and urinate frequently; and injury, nerve impingement or arthritis in the spine or hind legs can result in a mare frequently squatting down. These are all signs that may be typical of a mare in season, with only subtle differences. For these reasons, ongoing behavioural issues should be thoroughly investigated by a vet to rule out illness or injury.

Natural strategies and treatments to managing behaviour in the oestrous cycle

For the healthy mare whose signs are purely related to hormonal changes (having excluded other conditions/reasons mentioned above), there are many useful dietary, nutritional and herbal strategies which can be employed.

It is of upmost importance to remind owners/riders of mares and fillies that many of these horses who experience sensitivity to physical touch during their cycle are actually experiencing some degree of pain or cramping, similar to many human women! Hence some care and compassion are called for, and appropriately addressing and rectifying this through the use of nutritional and herbal strategies is invaluable.

Dietary and  management strategies aim at reducing excessive oestrogen levels during the oestrous period- thereby helping to reduce classic signs associated with the dominance of this hormone. Keeping a mare at a healthy weight and avoiding becoming overly fat is one of the first considerations. Fat tissue itself acts as an endocrine organ (meaning it produces hormones), and commonly results in the production of high oestrogen levels and inflammatory mediators, thereby aggravating behavioural symptoms, in addition to cramping and pain. Another important dietary consideration is keeping the mare/filly on a nutritional program which stabilises blood-glucose levels, thereby keeping the levels of insulin (another hormone) balanced. Generally, a diet which is high in roughage and low in refined grains, starches and added sugars can help to meet all of the above goals. Ensuring the diet has sufficiently high omega-3 fatty acids and proportionally lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids is important. For the horse with high energy requirements, additional sources of healthy fats may be used to meet these needs. The importance of balancing feed intake with appropriate exercise cannot be over-stated: physical activity plays an important part in weight management; regulating blood glucose and insulin levels; and keeping inflammatory mediators at healthy levels. Cooked and/or crushed linseed is a beautiful addition to the diet: helping to balance inflammatory mediator levels; providing a rich source of dietary lignans (which can help to reduce excessive oestrogen levels); and helping to promote a healthy coat and skin (thanks to the high oil content).

Nutritional supplements can be a most valuable addition on several fronts when aiming to promote health and happiness in the hormonal mare! Strategic use of appropriate nutrients can help to reduce inflammation; minimise spasm and cramping; and optimise blood glucose and insulin levels. Depending on the individual horse, these can include: high quality fish oils; magnesium; B group vitamins; vitamin C and chromium. As with any nutritional supplementation, professional consultation should be sought to ensure safety and efficacy.

Herbal medicines are a most effective form of treatment in holistically managing a hormonal mare. When prescribed appropriately, herbs such as Vitex and White Peony can help to regulate a mare’s cycle, aiding in  ‘normalising’ behaviour, balancing oestrogen and progesterone levels and reducing spasmodic cramping and associated sensitivity to touch (think of the mare who hates her flanks being touched or leg pressure applied when in season). Additionally, the herbs Ginger, Sarsaparilla  and Cramp Bark are incredibly effective at modulating inflammation, cramping and associated pain when in season. For the mare who still remains somewhat edgy and irritated, Chamomile, Vervain and Valerian can be incredibly useful. As with any herbal prescription, seek professional, qualified advice to ensure the safety, efficacy and appropriate use of such herbs. In particular, the use of hormone modulating herbs (such as several of those mentioned above) need to be strictly monitored. Several of the herbs previously mentioned also have restricted use in some forms of competition.

Mares and fillies can be some of the toughest and most competitive horses. A little understanding of the oestrus cycle, how to best manage it, and effective strategies for those horses that become ‘out of sorts’ during this time can go a long way to achieving the results you are after, not to mention having a happier, more co-operative horse!

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Clinical signs of ER vary, depending on the severity of the condition. Symptoms of tying up can occur during exercise, and are most commonly exhibited within two hours of completing exercise. The classic picture of a horse effected by ER is that of one with an increasingly short, stiffened stride during exercise, then being very reluctant or unable to move after exercise. Many adopt an unusual stance, looking as though they wish to urinate. The muscles of the hindquarters are usually the most severely effected: being firm, painful and cramping. Other signs such as profuse sweating and elevated heart, temperature and respiratory rate are commonly part of the ER picture. Many horses will paw the ground with their front legs. In severe cases, horses will pass a red-brown coloured urine (known as myoglobinuria). This occurs due to the extensive damage of muscle fibres leaking myoglobin (a muscle protein) into the blood, which is then subsequently excreted through the kidneys.

Classification

Based on current understanding of tying up, horses can be classified into two different types:

• Sporadic ER: these horses experience generalised signs of tying up on rare occasion;
• Chronic ER: these horses experience repeated episodes of tying up, with the first occurrence usually at a young age.

Some research suggests that a third type exists: Subclinical tying up. These horses do not exhibit severe clinical signs, but may have an associated loss of performance, poor finishing ability (in races), pain over the effected muscle(s) and subtle gait abnormalities.

Recent research differentiates between two distinct types of Chronic ER: Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomylosis (RER) in which there is a defect in the mechanism of muscle contraction; and Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM), a disorder which results in excessive carbohydrate storage in muscles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ER and RER is based on a history, or current clinical signs of stiffness and muscle pain after exercise, combined with confirmation by elevated blood enzyme levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Contributing and risk factors

Current understanding of tying up suggests that there are multiple potential causes and contributing factors associated with ER. Those which result in a case of tying up will vary between individual horses, and most horses who experience ER will be sensitive to a combination of different factors. These include:

• Exercising beyond current fitness level
• Hormonal influences
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Various vitamin and mineral deficiencies/insufficiencies
• Long periods of travel
• Rest days
• Fillies: Fillies have four times the risk compared to geldings
• Age: the incidence of ER generally decreases as a horse ages
• Nervous disposition
• Genetic predisposition
• High grain/high starch diet
• Altered carbohydrate metabolism
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypothyroidism
• Dehydration
• Viral infection
• Medication use (for example corticosteroids)

Prevention and Management Strategies

As with any health condition in a horse, a holistic approach which covers nutritional, exercise, management and supplementation practices is the most effective approach to preventing and managing ER episodes.

Exercise

Ensuring a horse is properly fit for the competition/exercise it is about to undertake is one of the first considerations in relation to tying up, particularly sporadic ER. Although self explanatory, it is amazing how often horses are taken to competitions with minimal riding and conditioning prior to the event.

Horses which have suffered a prior episode of tying up are best exercised on a daily basis, following a consistent, structured program. Complete rest days are best avoided. This does not have to mean they are ridden daily: hand-walking and longeing are also suitable.

Ensure that a thorough warm-up and cool down are completed before and after ridden work at home and competitions- this helps stimulate oxygen delivery to prepare the muscles for exercise, and reducing lactic acid levels in muscle tissue.

Management

The incidence of tying up episodes can be reduced by effective management practices. Keeping a horse turned out in a paddock (as opposed to stabled) is preferable, as this encourages natural, incidental movement. Avoiding situations and environments which unnecessarily stir-up a horse is also important. Horses which become unduly anxious or excited experience fluctuations in cortisol levels, which further disrupt other hormone levels in the body, increasing the risk of tying up.

Travel

Many competitions are associated with travelling long distances to and from the event, thus providing important opportunities to adopt practices which may help prevent tying up. Ensure horses are properly hydrated before and after travel, and offered electrolytes when travelling long journeys and/or in hot weather. At a minimum, horses should have free access to a pure salt lick (such as a Himalayan salt block). When arriving at the competition, it is advisable to handwalk the horse for a minimum of 15-20 minutes upon unloading (also remember to do this upon arrival back home after the competition!). When travel involves overnight stays away from home, turnout in a

medium sized yard (as opposed to a small yard or stable), which the horse can freely walk around in is most preferable. It is important to ensure that at completion of competition, horses are cooled down properly before being loaded to travel home.

Diet

In many cases, easily implemented dietary changes can have a most profound impact on horses susceptible to tying up. One of the first steps is to significantly reduce grain intake, substituting with fat sources to meet the horse’s energy requirements.  Ensure that the horse is also receiving a minimum of 1.5% of its body weight in forage daily, this is important for the provision of energy, stabilising blood glucose and in turn hormonal levels and optimising health of the gastrointestinal tract.

The inclusion of free access to salt in the diet is important, as most feeds are generally very low in sodium chloride.

Nutritional Supplementation

Despite the wide availability and use of fortified feeds, the judicial use of specifically indicated nutritional supplements is most beneficial for horses susceptible to ER. Electrolytes (potassium, sodium and chloride), magnesium, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, chromium and selected amino acids may all help to prevent tying up. Each of these nutrients plays specific roles in the body. When supplementing a horse, it is essential to seek professional advice, both for your horse’s safety and in the best financial interests of you as the owner! No horse should ever be on a cocktail of supplements: each therapeutic given to the horse should have a clear role and timeline for its indicated use. It is of vital importance to know that specific nutrients can be toxic in high doses; the bioavailability (how much of the supplement a horse can absorb and use) varies dramatically between supplement brands and forms; and some nutrients compete for absorption, therefore decreasing the amount available for the horse’s body to use.

Herbal Therapy

Herbal medicine offers a valuable toolbox of therapeutic options for the horse susceptible to tying up. Suitable herbs can effectively aid in naturally regulating hormonal levels; relaxing muscles; promoting increased blood flow to muscles and removal of lactic acid and metabolic by-products from the muscles; balancing electrolyte levels; and supporting immune function.

As with nutritional supplementation, it is important to seek the guidance of a fully qualified professional when using herbal therapies. For both safety and efficacy, the selection of appropriate herbs, using pure unadulterated extracts, in suitable doses for each horse is essential. Furthermore, some herbs have restricted use in competition and are swabbable.

Conclusion

Despite being the most common muscle disorder of exercising horses, ER is a condition which the occurrence of can be reduced by effectively implementing a holistic approach. Adopting appropriate exercise, management, dietary and supplementation regimes are vital factors in the horse at risk of tying up.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Laminitis is a painful, often devastating inflammatory condition affecting the lamellar tissue of the foot.  Each hoof contains 550-600 primary laminae, and each of those consists of 150-200 secondary laminae. The laminae connect the hoof wall to the coffin (pedal) bone and function to provide shock absorption during locomotion, holding the coffin bone in place and supporting the horse’s entire body weight against gravity during movement. Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae that anchor the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. This can result in the separation or failure of the laminae, causing permanent structural changes in a horse’s foot. In severe case, the coffin bone in the hoof can rotate, drop and/or sink downward. This is known as ‘founder’

Types

Laminitis can be categorised into three main types:

• Subclinical (where the horse or pony is not yet showing clinical signs, but changes have already occurred within the hoof);
• Acute (rapid onset with a short but severe course);
• Chronic (lasting a long period of time or marked by frequent recurrence).

Clinical Signs

Laminitis most frequently occurs in the front hooves, which carry the majority of the horse’s weight (about 60%), although it can affect the hind hooves as well.

Common clinical signs include:

• Lameness: varying from mild to near refusal to weight bear. Often lameness is worse when walking or turning on hard surfaces;
• Reluctance or inability to walk;
• Weight-shifting between legs;
• Increased respiratory rate and frequently increased heart rate;
• A glazed, painful expression;
• When front feet are affected, a stance with the hind legs camped under the body and forefeet camped out;
• Bounding (throbbing) digital arterial pulses; and
• Increased heat of the feet (this can be felt by touching the horse’s effected hooves).

Structural damage to the laminae can occur before obvious clinical signs are noticed.

Causes

Laminitis can be caused by several different factors, many of which can overlap or occur concurrently:

• Endocrine disorders. These include Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) (formally referred to as Equine Cushing’s Disease), and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). These often go hand in hand with pasture-associated laminitis, diets high in non-structural carbohydrates (sugars, fructans, starch) and insulin resistance.
• High blood insulin levels and associated insulin resistance are common causes of laminitis. High levels of insulin can increase laminitis risk through several mechanisms: vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) leading to decreased blood flow to the hooves; excessive inflammation, increasing the activity of enzymes which cause destruction to the lamellae and weakening of the hoof lamellae.
• Nutritionally induced laminitis is another common form of the condition. This primarily occurs through carbohydrate overload. Horses are designed to digest carbohydrates (starches, sugars) in the small intestine and fibre in the hindgut. If the capacity of the small intestine is exceeded however, the digestion of starches and sugars overflows into the hindgut, disrupting the microflora and in turn increasing the acidity of the hindgut. The beneficial microflora die off, creating a toxic environment, damaging the hind gut epithelium and are released into the bloodstream through the now highly permeable epithelium.
• High fructan intake. Fructans are another form of carbohydrate, comprised of fructose and glucose. Horses do not have the enzymes needed to break fructans down so the hindgut bacteria must do this. Fructans are highly fermentable, and if large amounts are consumed it disrupts the hindgut microflora and pH balance.
• Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) or toxaemia. This is associated with post-foaling uterine infection/retained placenta, and infectious diarrhoea, among other causes;
• Exposure to black walnut extract, either digested or via contact with hooves (in the case of horse bedding).
• Supporting limb laminitis, where one leg is injured and the weight-bearing supporting limb is affected.
• Traumatic laminitis, once called “road founder,” from overuse, often on hard surfaces.
• The systemic use of corticosteroids in susceptible horses and ponies.

Other less common causes include allergies, infections, fever, cold weather, severe colic cases, hormonal change; drug inducement. All possible causes are worsened by poor hoof care and obesity.

How naturopathy can help laminitis

Naturopathy can help the laminitic horse or pony as part of a holistic treatment approach, in conjunction with appropriate farriery. Nutritional and herbal medicine, combined with naturopathic management and feeding practices can help prevent laminitis; reduce severity, duration and frequency of recurring cases, and help to promote optimal laminae health and hoof growth.

Naturopathic treatment is customised to each individual horse, and therapeutics used are determined by the predisposing cause(s) of laminitis and specific factors pertaining to each case. Discussed below are some of the key treatment aims achieved through naturopathy in cases of laminitis.

Restoring intestinal endothelial integrity and function

One of the keys to reducing the incidence and severity of laminitis is to ensure that the integrity of the intestinal lining is restored. In the majority of laminitic cases, it is believed that the integrity of the cellular lining of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is compromised and is a key factor in endotoxicity, inflammation, altered gut microbiota and activating metalloproteinases which break down laminae. These factors combined all contribute to laminitis. Endothelial integrity is further exacerbated by the use of anti-inflammatories such as phenylbutazone (‘bute’/‘PBZ’), flunixin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used to help manage pain and inflammation in laminitis. Gut membrane integrity can be restored by nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, B-group vitamins, glutamine and herbs such as Golden Seal, Chamomile and Meadowsweet.

Restoring bowel microflora

Bowel flora is often compromised in cases of laminitis, and often goes hand-in-hand with altered intestinal permeability. This alteration in microflora is likely to contribute to inflammation, increased insulin and blood-glucose levels and obesity as well as being a result of these factors too, thus making it a central mechanism in laminitis. The use of specific pre and probiotics as well as herbs such as Golden Seal, Slippery Elm, Aniseed and Marshmallow Root can help to restore and promote optimal bowel flora.

Reducing inflammation

As discussed earlier, inflammation is a central mechanism in laminitis: both at a local (laminar) level, as well as systemically. It is known that inflammation in the bowel alone can influence systemic inflammatory mediators- thus contributing to and exacerbating laminitis. Herbal and nutritional medicine offer a plethora of natural anti-inflammatories, which are devoid of the side effects common to NSAIDs such as bute/PBZ- which may worsen the pathophysiology of laminitis. Some of the many anti-inflammatories on offer include: Pure fish oil; zinc; Chamomile; Devil’s Claw; White Willow; Meadowsweet; Bilberry; Licorice; Cat’s Claw and Withania.

Reducing Oxidative Stress

Inflammation causes the production of free radicals in the body, and when inflammation is severe and/or chronic (as in the case of laminitis), these free radicals are unable to be eliminated by the body’s natural protective mechanisms (antioxidants) leading to oxidative stress. This increase in oxidative stress leads to further degradation of cells and molecules in the body, and can result in further destruction to the laminae. Naturopathically, we can increase the levels of many different antioxidants in the body, helping to combat free radicals. Nutrients which may be used include: vitamins C and E; minerals such as zinc and selenium; amino acids such as glutamine; and herbs such as Bilberry, Cat’s Claw, Ginkgo, Hawthorn, Rhodiola, Schisandra and St Mary’s Thistle.

Regulating blood flow to the laminae

Alterations in blood flow to the hoof are complex and are believed to vary throughout the progression of laminitis. In the early prodromal and acute phases blood flow to the hoof is thought to increase. As the condition progresses, vascular damage and decreased blood flow in the capillaries is believed to occur, contributing to the further degradation of laminae and poor hoof quality and growth. Herbs such as Ginger, Bilberry, Hawthorn, Gotu, Butcher’s Broom can help to optimise the blood flow and help to maintain vascular integrity, preventing further damage.

Weight management

Weight management is vital in helping to manage laminitis. From a simplistic point of view, the more weight the horse has to carry, the more stress upon the laminae and the hooves. Excess adipose tissue (fat) acts as an endocrine organ: meaning it has an influence on hormone production in the body. It alters peripheral oestrogen levels, promoting and feeding inflammatory mediators and processes. This is also closely associated with high blood glucose levels (which, when sustained leads to blood vessel damage) and high insulin levels and insulin resistance. Naturopathic methods employed to help promote and maintain a healthy weight include nutritional and management advice. Herbs such as Licorice, Bladderwrack, Coleus and Globe Artichoke may be a valuable inclusion, when combined with appropriate management and dietary interventions.

Insulin and blood glucose stabilisation

Insulin is needed to help keep blood glucose levels stable. Carrying excess body fat is one of the primary causes of insulin resistance.  In cases of insulin resistance, the body becomes less sensitive to the actions of insulin, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This further drives inflammation and oxidation in the body, leading to further damage of the laminae. Nutrition and management practices are fundamental considerations in regulating insulin and blood glucose levels. Cinnamon, Fenugreek and St Mary’s Thistle are fantastic herbal additions to aid in insulin sensitivity and regulation. Nutritionally, chromium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, fish oil, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, acetyl-L-carnitine, B group vitamins, zinc and manganese can all play valuable roles in promoting good blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity.

Hormonal regulation

Horses with PPID produce insufficient dopamine, which leads to the pituitary gland being unregulated. This in turn results in over-production of the hormone ACTH (amongst others). Up to 70% of horses with PPID are thought to develop laminitis, most likely due to the exaggerated insulin response, which occurs when sugars (such as those naturally found in grass and feeds) are ingested. The herb Vitex is able to bind to and activate dopamine receptors, thereby helping to regulate ACTH levels. Nutritional cofactors essential for dopamine production are also important considerations. These include: Phenylalanine, tyrosine, B group vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and iron.

Promoting healthy hoof growth

Hoof growth in horses with laminitis can be varied, but is typically faster than horses without laminitis. The heel of laminitic horses often grows faster than the toe (due to changes in blood flow), but the quality of the hoof tends to be poor. In addition to regular specialist farrier care, it is essential to provide the nutrients needed for healthy hoof growth, as well as regulating circulation to the entire hoof through the use of herbal medicine. Biotin, zinc, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, selenium, manganese and protein (particularly the amino acids methionine, cysteine and lysine) all play crucial roles in healthy hoof growth. Ginger, Hawthorn, Prickly Ash, St Mary’s Thistle, Gotu and Bilberry are all valuable herbal medicines to support optimal hoof health in the laminitic horse.

Promote healthy diet

When treating any equine health condition, the importance of facilitating optimal overall health cannot be forgotten. Treatment plans must take into account meeting each horse’s individual nutritional and therapeutic needs, and not just treating the presenting disease process (in this case laminitis). For this reason, the nutrients and herbs used to treat each horse will vary between individuals.

Stress

Controlling the stress response in the laminitic horse is essential to help prevent further destruction of the laminae, and to help facilitate healing. Stress- whether caused by pain, environmental factors, diet, or the horse’s natural temperament tendencies, all contribute to elevating the hormone cortisol in the body. High cortisol levels can drive inflammation; promote insulin resistance; elevate blood glucose levels; interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption; compromise integrity and function of the gut lining; disrupt bowel microflora; deplete the body of vital nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, B-group vitamins; contribute to elevated levels of oxidative stress; alter hormonal levels; and cause changes in blood flow. The importance of optimising cortisol levels in the laminitic horse can therefore not be underestimated. Depending on the stressors involved and the individual horse, important nutrients to consider include vitamin E, magnesium, specific amino acids, B group vitamins and vitamin C. Herbal medicines used may include Valerian, Chamomile, Withania, Lemon Balm, Corydalis and Vervain.

Conclusion

From the factors discussed above, correctly prescribed naturopathy has a vital role to play in the prevention, treatment and management of laminitis. There are a plethora of effective nutrients and herbs to help achieve specific treatment goals in laminitis, and those employed must be selected to best fit each individual horse. It is paramount to know that specific herbs and nutrients have carefully calculated effective dosage ranges, cautions, contraindications, toxicity levels and interactions between other herbs, nutrients and conventional pharmaceuticals. The importance of professional prescribing is therefore essential in order to appropriately select safe and effective therapeutics, achieve treatment goals and facilitate the best possible outcome for each individual horse.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Spending more time in stables and less time turned out is a significant risk factor, as is feeding diets excessively high in energy (both overall energy and starch), compounded by diets too low in fibre and roughage. High blood insulin levels are likely to play a major role in the progression of the condition. A horse’s natural conformation can also play a part in many cases.If the condition is left unaddressed, without rectifying the contributing factors- the horse is at risk of deleterious effects on cartilage and joint health- with the potential to have repercussions on soundness long-term. Simply giving high dose anti-inflammatories doesn’t address the causative factors.

Through strategic dietary, management and exercise practices, the problem can be largely avoided (and in the case that it has already occurred- can be managed). Addressing the issue should encompass a multifaceted approach: Ensuring that the diet still contains sufficient minerals and protein to promote optimal bone and joint health and integrity, turnout and exercise to help stabilise blood glucose levels and herbal and/or nutraceutical intervention to help reduce excessive inflammation and insulin levels, whilst still promoting optimal gut flora and nutritional status.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Understandably, much emphasis is placed on the vendor’s side in realising maximal monetary value for their yearlings. From a purchaser’s point of view, finding a top class racehorse is prime priority.

This poses the question…are we creating (and purchasing) resilient racehorses or superficial sales horses?

When producing and purchasing a sales horse, both the vendor and buyer should never lose sight of the bigger picture. In order for even the most impeccably bred and conformed racehorse to realise its full potential, it must be healthy and sound, and remain so when put through the rigours of training and racing. Given the crucial role that management practices from conception through to yearling age (and beyond) have on horses in relation to health and soundness- intelligent vendors and purchasers will keep this in mind.

As bloodstock agents and trainers inspecting yearlings on farms- how much are you considering the routine and the environment the horse is bought up in? How much time is the horse spending (if any) being out in the paddock just being a horse? What feed it is being given? Certainly, when you’re looking at a yearling, assessing its conformation, its walk, its demeanour are all important, but you looking beyond that? As stud owners and yearling managers- you worry about how well the horse is groomed, turned out, presented, walks, how tidy the barn is. Yes these are important, but what is far more important in terms of athletic potential and health and development is the daily routine that goes on behind the scenes…

The astute agent and buyer will look well beyond the horse parading in front of them if they truly want an athletic, resilient horse.

So what impact can a sales prep have on a horse…..

Firstly, lets look at routine stabling of horses for yearling preps. Stabling (and the associated lack of incidental activity, even with the addition of regular handwalking/exercise on the walker), leads to reduction in peak bone strength and development. The lack of continual grazing which would normally occur whilst out in the paddock has significant impacts on gastrointestinal health, in turn influencing immune function, metabolism and behaviour. I’m a realist. Very few studs (if any!) are going to prep sales horses completely out of the paddock. So then consideration needs to be given to next best options. In terms of musculoskeletal health and development and gastrointestinal health, small paddock turnout is definitely far preferable compared to stabling full time. Large paddock turnout with other horses is even better.

Next consider nutrition. Rapid weight (even muscle gain) and the associated spikes in insulin and growth hormone levels are likely to increase a horse’s risk for OCDs and musculoskeletal developmental problems. Having the biggest, strongest horse (with rapid weight gain and growth, whilst in a confined environment, in around a 12 week preparation), does not make for a resilient, healthy athlete long term.

Whilst on the topic of nutrition, the vast majority of diets fed to horses in sales preps are of a pro-inflammatory nature. High fat diets are often used (with many of the belief that they are healthier and help to promote a better behaved horse, being a ‘cool’ source of feed). So often these diets are comprised heavily of omega-6 fatty acids. Which drive inflammation. High levels of inflammation in a young developing horse do not bode well for long-term soundness.

Then how about the consideration of medication use in the sales horse? Routine use of antibiotics, bute and other NSAIDs, ulcer medications all have the potential to influence long term soundness and performance. Each medication has its own specific implications- but put simply, they will all alter the production, absorption, and/or metabolism of various nutrients critical to optimal musculoskeletal health and development, not to mention immune function.

Corticosteroid joint injections which are used in some yearlings throughout their preps are an important consideration. Studies have shown that even a single intra-articular steroid injection can cause irreversible damage to articular cartilage and underlying bone.The reason these are so often used in yearling prep is to reduce puffiness in joints, before even considering or addressing the effects of the horse’s current diet and management on this issue. This includes reducing the inflammatory components of the diet; assessing the diet for excess energy; and looking at ways to reduce time spent standing in stables, which promotes swelling of joints in susceptible horses.

The smart consigners/breeders/managers have it fundamentally right. The astute buyers, trainers and agents have it right. Yet there is always room for improvement and more to learn.

Even changing one or two factors can have a significant positive impact.

The choice is yours. Just because you have always prepped yearlings a certain way, doesn’t mean you can’t change aspects for the better.

When preparing and buying yearlings, keep the long term goal in mind. Are you after an athlete or sales horse? Short term gain or long term success? Because no matter how good the horse looks, how nicely he is conditioned, how well he walks, how impeccably he is bred: If he can’t remain sound and healthy in training, then his odds of return on the track are poor.

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

Chewing results in the production of saliva. Forages and fibrous feeds require more chewing than grains and processed feeds. On a dry matter basis, twice as much saliva is produced when horses eat grass or hay compared to grains and other concentrate feeds. This production of saliva plays an essential role in promoting a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) system: Saliva is rich in bicarbonate, which helps to buffer the acid secretions produced by the stomach. Diets high in grain and low in forage result in a lower saliva flow and thereby lower gastric pH values. This is one important risk factor for the development of gastric ulcers.

Before being quick to use omeprazole or ranitidine based ulcer medications (which come with their own health risks for the horse, not to mention the high $$$$$ on the hip-pocket), take a step back and evaluate the basics. Is your horse consuming a diet which promotes gastric health? Is the basis of your horse’s diet one which is built upon sufficient forages

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.

This is a very important consideration, given that many people like their mares in ‘very good’ condition leading into breeding season, and that horses can often be more overweight than we perceive them to be.

This has serious implications in the foal’s growth and development; its potential value in the sales ring; and its future racing and/or performance career.

Strictly cutting or restricting a mare’s energy intake alone is not a healthy solution. To optimise fertility (leading into the season) and to ensure the best health and development of the foal in utero (and later in life), takes a balanced, holistic approach.

Ensure your horses get the OPTIMal start to life. Prevention is better than cure…

Optim Equine

Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.

As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.