Most conversations about alfalfa are loaded with misconception. In some parts of the country, the leafy green legume is readily available and commonly fed to horses. In other parts, it is a delicacy. In some circles of horse owners it is an essential staple, and in others it is completely off limits. Like most things, there is a time and place for alfalfa if it is available in your area.Forage for…
Ever heard the saying “No Foot, No Horse”? Maybe you have dealt with foot problems in your own horse. It’s not a fun situation, and many times it can feel like nothing you try is working. A myriad of components influence the health of your horse’s feet, and there is no such thing as a magic cure all. Here are some things to consider if you find your horse in need of a foot health overhaul.Nutrient…
Do horses know when they are deficient in something? This is a common question, and many people believe horses have the ability to self-regulate. In other words, they believe horses know exactly how much of each element they need in their diet, and therefore will seek out those minerals when they are deficient. This is an unfortunate misconception. The amount of mineral a horse consumes is influen…
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is a common condition in performance horses. More than 60% of performance horses may suffer from gastric ulcers at some point in their career due to the stressful demands of their lifestyle. To address the issue, many horses receive the drug omeprazole (i.e. UlcerGard® or GastroGard®). Research from the scientific community is beginning to uncover negative side effect…
Leaky gut syndrome is popping up on the radar of more and more barrel horse owners. It is a condition that affects more horses than we realize, and much effort is being put in from researchers to help provide answers. Here are the details you need to know.What is Leaky Gut?Leaky gut is a failure of the intestinal barrier. At a microscopic level, the intestinal lining is really just a series of cel…
Horses commonly receive omega supplements to benefit health, performance, and outward appearance. However, few people understand the differences and what to look for when adding omegas to the diet. For instance, some omegas are anti-inflammatory while others are pro-inflammatory. Some omegas are easily used by the body while others must undergo a conversion process that may leave the horse with le…
