Are we giving our horses too many supplements?
Over recent years, the equine industry has seen a significant rise in the use of dietary supplements for horses. While most horse owners aim to optimise their horses' health and performance, it’s crucial to understand when and why to incorporate these supplements into their diets. Over-supplementation can lead to adverse effects so we need to understand the implications of this trend. The Rise of Supplements in Equine Nutrition The popularity of supplements in horse care has skyrocketed, with a vast array of products available from all over the world on the market. Particularly concerning is the multitudes of products aimed at supporting the gastrointestinal
The Use of Omeprazole in Horses (gastric & duodenal ulcers)
Omeprazole is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. Omeprazole brands include: Ulcerguard, Omeguard, Gastroguard, Gastropell, Equesta Equine Granules and more. ALWAYS check the ingredients list of any supplements you are buying for your horse. Gastric ulcers (EGUS) in the nonglandular squamous mucosa and glandular mucosa are common in horses involved in competition. Risk factors include intense exercise and dietary factors, such as high concentrate diets and periods of food restriction. Gastric ulcers should be suspected if the horse shows one or more of the following signs: Unwillingness to perform as usual, including resistance to riding aids. Picky appetite. Transient colic signs directly after feeding,
Help your Horse Beat the Heat
With record breaking temperatures all over Australia and the Climate Crisis increasing, we need to know all the ways we can keep our horses as cool as possible: HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT: Ensure there is good shade and airflow available throughout the day, whether natural or manufactured. Tarps and shade sails can offer respite - whether strung up or draped. If the horses are in stables or barns, use misters or fans. Work as early in the day as possible or later in the evening if the temperature has dropped. After work, or if the horse is hot in the paddock, hose down with
Laminitis – Be Prepared & Act Fast!
Laminitis or Founder is the most cruel of conditions sustained by some unfortunate horses and ponies. Imagine the pain if your feet were disintegrating so you were forced to walk on your ankle bones. There are many easily accessible articles on the physiology of laminitis, the healing power of ice and what to feed a Laminitic horse - like Dr Jennifer Stewart’s brilliant article here, originally published in Hoofbeats Magazine. Despite the dry winter in many parts of the country, there will be flushes of new Spring growth in the paddocks or you may have short frosted grasses, which are also high in fructans.
Horses are Herbivores (what’s in your feed?)
Horses are herbivores, aren’t they? So why are we feeding products and supplements which go against the Law of Nature? Horses are pure herbivores – their bodies are designed to eat plant material only. The herbivore species have flat grinding teeth and a very long digestive system specifically designed to break down tough cellulose fibre in plants. Horses have jaws which move sideways enabling grinding of plant material in the oral cavity – digestion begins here. Once the food is reduced in size and thoroughly mixed with saliva it’s swallowed, travels down the oesophagus into the stomach. Horses are ill equipped to cope with the
Crofton Weed kills Horses
Crofton weed - ( Ageratina adenophora) is beating the cane toads in it’s march south down the East Coast of Australia. It’s also now prevalent in all other states of Australia. This plant, a native of Mexico, loves conditions in Australia and like the cane toad it has no natural predators here. Biological controls have had limited success to date and funding for research is minimal. Crofton weed is an erect, multi stemmed perennial plant which grows to 150cm in height. It’s extremely hardly, it layers itself and will sprout from any tiny piece of root left in the ground. It relishes poor soil
Whisky’s Story- Surgery, Infections but a Happy Ending.
Here's the story of Whisky, all the way from the USA, told by his carer, Rolanda: "We purchased Whisky May 2018, and he was already trained to pull a cart. Our trainer, Roger, worked with him for a couple of weeks and I was able to drive him happily enough before he came down with pneumonia. "After several weeks hospitalized, bottles of medication and months of rest, he then contracted sinusitis. Back to the vets for surgery and more bottles of pills. Two months passed, and he seemed to getting back to normal before he again contacted sinusitis once again. Back to the vet,
Read this Before You Clean that Sheath!
It’s got to be every gelding owner’s worst job- the dreaded sheath clean! 😨 It’s also probably not your gelding’s favourite thing either. But sometimes nature needs a little bit of a hand to keep everything clean, hygienic, and comfortable for your horse. You certainly should never put chemicals like baby oil (which is petroleum based) in such a delicate area. Baby oil will only attract more dirt, and can actually irritate rather than clean and soothe the area. The unique formulation of Willy Wash© is all natural, herbal based and is every gelding owner’s saviour! No more rubbing and scrubbing, no more battling away under
A podcast for horse lovers everywhere
A podcast for horse lovers everywhere Come Along for the Ride with me as we explore the stories of horse people and the passion they have to live their lives doing extraordinary things with these amazing animals every day. Tracy presents an in depth interview with Angela Davison. - iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/come-along-for-the-ride/id1373115308 https://comealongfortheride.com.au/episodes/ on Stitcher http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=182587&refid=stpr
All of Shannan’s 10 must haves
We have been proudly sponsoring Shannan Goodwin, Dressage Rider for some years and watch with amazement as she soars into the dressage stratosphere with her horse Astro. Here are Shannan's top 10 must haves that keep her and her horses on top of their game: 1. SUPA-LICIOUS Equine Treats: they are an all natural treat and my horses are crazy about them. 2. Emergency Kit from The Horse Herbalist: including The Horse Herbalist's "Settle Petal" to calm young horse (& rider!) nerves, and all our first aid needs. 3. My Amerigo saddle: from Edwards Saddleworld Toowoomba, this saddle has done wonders for my riding. 4. Morning and afternoon