Food sensitivity in horses can lead to all kinds of gut discomfort, disease, and any number of health issues. Obviously, none of this makes for an easy life, and diagnosis of sensitivities and intolerances in horses is key to their overall health and well-being. Over the last decade or two, gut health in both humans and companion animals has become something of a hot topic. And with good reason: the trillions of microbes (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) that call your gut home do far more than just ensure digestive ease and belly comfort. A balanced microbiome plays a crucial role in o ..read more

Equine Metabolic Support supplement from Standard Process may promote healthy metabolic processes through healthy glucose metabolism. Your horse’s metabolic system is like the engine in a car: it converts fuel to energy so that your horse can race, jump, frolic, work, and stay active. For most horses, a proper diet and plenty of exercise will keep the metabolic system healthy. But some horses need a little extra nourishment, and Equine Metabolic Support from Standard Process could be the extra nutrition your horse deserves! How Your Horse’s Metabolic System Works The metabolic system starts wi ..read more

Learn how Doug McIntosh, founder of McIntosh ProLine, turned his passion for animals into a product line designed to help them thrive. In many cases, when you love one type of animal you love them all. This was certainly true for Doug McIntosh. Born and raised in the small town of Wheatley, Ontario, Doug’s love of animals began at a young age. He grew up on a farm raising cattle and horses, and was involved with his father’s feed business until he became a full-time horse trainer in the late 1960s. So how did all of this lead to the development of his own animal supplement company? “While trai ..read more

Like you, your horse can benefit from a massage. Learn to identify the signs your horse needs massage therapy plus how you can provide it! Many horse owners realize the benefits of bodywork for their horse. Horses will often become sore after riding and training similar to human athletes. Just like people, horses can greatly benefit from massage therapy to decrease lactic acid build up in the muscles, speed up recovery time, increase range of motion and decrease pain and discomfort. Mares and stallions who are being used for breeding can also greatly benefit from soft tissue work. But what is ..read more

Learn about the foundation of equine nutrition, what food components are ideal for meals, and a holistic approach to your horse’s diet. Knowing what food is ideal for your horse is an extremely important component of horse care. There are many different commercial feeds, supplements and feeding plans out there so it can become very confusing. In this article, I will explain what I perceive to be the important foundation of a horse’s diet and show you how to view equine nutrition with a holistic approach. Equine digestion system Before discussing a horse’s diet, it is important to have a genera ..read more

Even though colic is a common concern for horse owners, it is usually unpredictable and unpreventable. Horses are naturally prone to colic, but the good news is over 80% of cases are treatable on the farm. Signs your horse may have colic: Biting or kicking their flank or belly Frequently turning to look at their side Lying down or rolling Little or no passing of manure Dry or mucus-covered manure Not drinking water Poor appetite Heart rate over 45 to 50 beats per minute Sticky gums Unusually colored mucous membranes While you may not be able to prevent all types of colic, there are ways to r ..read more

Quality forage combined with the right supplements are what your horse needs to achieve optimum health. Keeping your horse healthy is every horse lover’s goal. Because of the degradation and depletion of soil nutrients, to accomplish the goal of a healthy equine, you will need to provide supplements in addition to their forage. The right choice of supplements matters When supplementing the equine diet, a common challenge is finding and using products that complement the forage currently being used.  It’s true that grain-based complete feeds may be convenient for delivering additional ..read more

Nutrition is arguably the most important factor when it comes to hoof health. Here’s how to make sure he’s getting what he needs from his diet. Building a strong foundation on a horse, from the hooves through the bones and cartilage, requires complete and natural nutrition. This foundation starts with the hoof because it structurally supports the whole horse. Generally, if a horse that looks healthy on the outside, it’s safe to assume he’s been consuming what he requires to thrive. So when it comes to preserving the structural integrity of your horse’s hooves, what exactly does he need to eat ..read more

Unfortunately, giant breeds are prone to a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease called lymphedma–aka, “scratches,” “mud fever,” or an older term, “milk leg.” The giant breeds are massively gorgeous animals. Watching their movement, rigorous strength, and tenacious determination is breath-taking. These horses have a splendor all their own. Unfortunately, they are also prone to a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease  called lymphedema–or “scratches, “mud fever,” or an older term, “milk leg.” Horses with feathered lower limbs such as Shires, Clydesdales, Belgians, along with their sm ..read more

Adding supplements to your horse’s diet is a great way to maximize his health. To take it a step further, choose supplements that optimize the nutrient availability of the food he’s eating. When supplementing the equine diet, a common challenge is finding and using products that complement the forage currently being used. Grain-based complete feeds may be convenient to deliver additional protein, energy, vitamins and minerals; however, they don’t offer the same benefits as supplements in other forms, such as lick blocks and feed additives. The benefits of fermentation The key to effective ..read more