Mineral

Five Tips to Maintain Ideal Body Condition in Performance Horses

A shiny hair coat, strong muscle tone, sound hooves and ideal body condition reflect a robust, healthy horse that is ready to work. Health and nutrition are vital in helping performance horses consistently be at the top of their game, especially in events requiring repeated runs in a single day or working hard several days in a row. 

Six Common Horse Feed Additives

As a horse owner, everywhere you turn, there seems to be a new supplement, feed or feed additive accompanied by claims providing a variety of extraordinary benefits for your horse. With so many options, it can be challenging to tell which claims are based in real science and which are simply sales pitches.

How Nutrition Affects Hoof Growth

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “No hoof. No horse.” Hoof quality is affected by several factors including genetics, environment and nutrition. Some horses inherit weak hooves, and that can’t be changed. But proper care and nutrition can help a horse develop and maintain the best hooves genetically possible.

Gastric Health: The Key to Your Horse’s Best Self

Did you know that the prevalence of gastric discomfort in active horses is high? Studies indicate that the prevalence of gastric ulcers in performance horses is 90% or more. Gastric discomfort may negatively affect a horse’s health, attitude and performance. Fortunately, recognizing signs of discomfort and providing proper management can help support your horse’s gastric health.

Pasture Management for Horses

Green grass can be a great addition to a horse’s health, both mentally and physically. Horses love the taste of green grass and it can be very nutritious during the right stages of maturity, not to mention the joys of being out in a pasture relaxing and being a horse. However, spring grass can bring some risks. Be aware and follow the Spring Checklist for a safe and healthy spring.

Six Signs of Good Quality Horse Hay

Forage makes up 50-90% or more of a horse’s diet. Much of the forage part of the diet comes in the form of hay. Because it’s such a big part of the ration, a good quality hay can help keep a horse healthy, while a poor quality hay can be detrimental. This is why, as nutritionists and horse owners, we put a big emphasis on the quality of hay we feed.