Horse News

Arthritis – Natural options for horses

22 March, 2021

Arthritis and joint pain or degeneration is a common affliction in senior horses. However, some horses may develop arthritic conditions early due to various factors such as high impact sports, racing, concussion from working on hard surfaces. The common mistake of feeding high grain diets to horses along with the use of highly processed feeds and synthetic fertilizers on pasture are contributing factors. Chronic inflammation will eventually cause damage to cartilage in the joints leading to osteoarthritis. Acute arthritis may be caused from an infection, and chronic arthritis is often due to the cumulative effect of stress on joints over many…

Autumn’s classic issues for horses

2 March, 2021

The onset of Autumn; warm sunny days, cooler night time temperatures accompanied by rainfall brings about a change in the nutrient profile of the grass. Having an understanding of how the grass can cause various health and behavioural issues can save you a lot of time and money potentially spent ‘barking up the wrong tree’! The best tool to ascertain whether issues are grass related is to check the Horse Symptom Checklist. Here are some of the classic issues we see in Autumn: Edema’s: Swellings on various, sometimes odd, parts of the body such as the cheeks, shoulders, lower legs…

Calm Healthy Horses Plan

8 September, 2015

Tick off any symptoms that you find from the Horse Symptom Checklist. Make the recommended diet changes in the CalmHealthyHorses Plan for one month, then, revisit the Checklist. If necessary continue the process for another month or until your horse is completely back to normal. This may take several months for more serious problems such as Head-Flicking. The Calm Healthy Horses Plan will help eliminate digestive flora problems, mineral imbalances, mycotoxin overload and correct the natural buffering system. Your horse will be calm and healthy and riding will be enjoyable again. Introduce any new feeds or supplements slowly, over a period of…

Colic – Natural Alternatives

8 September, 2015

Colic is a common disorder that many horse owners will come across at some stage. The condition can be mild or severe enough to cause death. It is an extremely painful condition that usually appears suddenly with the horse pawing the ground, rolling or kicking at the abdomen. There may be flatulence and rumbling noises coming from the bowels.   Some of the most common contributors to colic: Feeding a horse immediately after hard work when the horse is tired and hot. It is best to allow the horse to cool down for a few hours before feeding. Drinking too…

Cool Energy Feeding for Horses

10 March, 2016

How do you know if a feed is going to be ‘heating’ for your horse? It is actually quite easy when you understand the following information on how the horse’s digestive system works. Food that is first chewed and thereby mixed with saliva passes into the stomach which has a very acidic environment because it is expecting to have to start the breakdown process of high fibre forage. This material then moves into the small intestine (which is actually quite long and narrow) where the ‘simple’ sugars (for example from growing grass or molasses) are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream….

Could it be the Grass?

8 September, 2015

Many horses suffer unnecessarily with health and behavioural issues because of imbalances in their diet. Most people only think about what they hand feed their horses rather than what grass they are eating and this is just as important to their health. Not all grass is good for horses. How grass affects horses It’s not that horses can’t eat any grass. Horses have evolved over millions of years as herbivores and a large part of their diet is meant to be grass. However there is an enormous difference between the grass in the diet of the healthy, wild horse who…

Cushings Disease in Horses

8 September, 2015

Cushings disease is primarily a hormonal disorder caused by malfunction of the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. The pituitary is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ as it produces various hormones and substances which control body functions via other glands including the adrenal glands. Overactivity (over-working) of the pituitary causes enlargement of the part of the gland called the ‘pars intermedia’ which then presses on the ‘Hypothalamus’ gland interfering with control of body temperature, and production of endorphins and dopamine. Abnormal sweat patterns and depression are characteristic of Cushing’s horses and ponies. Over-activity of the…

Diatomaceous Earth Uses

22 November, 2019

What is it? There are two different grades of Diatomaceous earth (DE); Food grade and Pool grade. Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe to use for the home, yards, and animals. Pool grade diatomaceous earth is altered by high heat and is only safe to use in pools. This should never be given to animals.   DE is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from remains of tiny  fossilized water plants called diatoms.  These plants have been part of the earth’s ecology since prehistoric times. 30 million years ago the diatoms built up into deep, chalky deposits of diatomite. The diatoms…

Dry Lot or Track system

17 March, 2021

A dry lot or Track is a 100% grass free zone. If you need to move your horse off his/her pasture, then creating a ‘dry lot or track system’ is one way to do so. This may be a large yard, round pen or area which can double as an arena. It might be a long strip beside the hedge or the trees. Or it might take the form of a perimeter ‘track’ around the paddock. Initially you can fence off the area with electric tape. Places with good drainage lend themselves to being made into a dry lot. Otherwise it is…

EMS – Equine Metabolic Syndrome

8 July, 2021

Horses who show signs of Equine Metabolic Syndrome are prone to laminitis any time of the year but the risk goes up in spring and autumn. A horse with EMS is not a healthy horse but the condition can be successfully reversed with dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Understanding the syndrome is Step 1. Most people know these horses need a diet which is low in sugars and starches (<10%) and an increase in exercise but EMS is not the same as being over-weight. Some EMS horses are over-weight and some are not but EMS horses are distinguishable by their ‘lumpy…

Enriching Your Horses Diet – Natural Forage & Herbs

17 October, 2024

As horse carers, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our equine companions’ health and well-being. One effective method is by offering free choice herbs. This practice provides a natural, holistic approach to nutrition and empowers horses to select what they need based on their individual preferences and health requirements. Horses are known for their grazing habits, but they’re also natural foragers. Given the chance, they love to nibble on a variety of plants, which adds diversity to their diet. Incorporating safe plants, herbs, and vegetables into their feeding routine not only boosts their nutrient intake but also enriches their…

Feeding Grass Affected Horses

8 July, 2021

If your horse has diet related issues, what you feed in the way of hard feed can either reduce the problem or add to it. So, for the horse’s metabolism to ‘rest’ and ‘reset’ their self-regulating mechanisms, we keep hard feeds as simple and basic as possible. Over the years we have realised that potassium, crude protein and soluble sugar content are the nutrients we need to be mindful of. When there is an excess presense they place undue and cumulative stress on the horse’s metabolism. Green feed like lucerne/alfalfa, fresh herbs, willow or poplar leaves and other items such…

Flower Essences for all Species

2 May, 2025

Gentle, safe, and effective support for all species. Flower essences offer a gentle and holistic way to support the emotional wellbeing of animals. Whether it’s an anxious dog, a clingy cat, or a horse struggling with past trauma, flower essences can provide calm and balance without side effects or interactions. Safe and Non-Invasive One of the most appealing aspects of flower essences is their exceptional safety profile. They can be used for all species of all ages — including dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and even reptiles with no risk of overdose or adverse reactions. They are also safe to…

Grass Affected Horse – How do you know if it is the grass?

17 May, 2016

If its Autumn or Spring, the risk is highest, however certain grasses, supplements and feeds can affect some horses all year long. A ‘Grass Affected’ horse is one where one or multiple aspects of their diet are adversely affecting their health and behaviour. This usually originates from the forage (grass) but can be further exacerbated by the addition of other potassium rich feeds to their diet. The fastest way to create a ‘Grass Affected’ horse is to graze them on dairy pasture or other pasture that has been fertilized with potash, super-phosphate, DAP, Urea, NPK etc. This is enough to create a…

Grass Choices: Which is best for our Horses

20 June, 2023

Understanding Horse’s Digestive Needs Horses possess a unique digestive system that thrives on a continuous supply of nutrient-dense, high-fibre forage. This forage is digested through fermentation in the hindgut, providing essential nutrients and energy. Impact of Grass Moisture Content The moisture content of grass significantly affects fibre intake. Green grass typically has lower fibre content compared to dry, mature grass. Horses grazing on lush grass day & night, without adequate fibre are at risk of imbalances in their gut microbiome. A horse’s hindgut is a fermentation vat that digests fibre, producing fatty acids for energy and absorption of essential nutrients….

Grass Tetany

8 September, 2015

I now believe various degrees of grass tetany is the fundamental root cause of most of the health and behavioural issues with our horses. Because the symptoms are so wide and varied it has taken a long time to put two and two together. Read More Mysteries Solved to learn how excess dietary potassium affects your horse while the following paragraphs explain how potassium-nitrate can become a major problem. For those who get bamboozled by science, in very simple language, the cool, cloudy, wet weather of spring and autumn (including frosts and freezes) cause acute spikes of potassium and nitrate…

Grasses & The Problems They Present

18 April, 2023

Grasses are a common component of a horse’s diet, but not all grasses are created equal. Some grasses can contain compounds that cause symptoms and health issues in horses. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common grasses that can cause problems for horses. Fluorescing pigments are found in some grasses, such as rye, clover, lucerne, St John’s wort, buttercup, and plantain. These pigments give the grass a dark green color, but they can also cause photophobia and photosensitization in horses. Horses that consume these grasses may develop symptoms such as mud-fever and sunburn. Oxalate is another compound that…

Hay There! Why Feeding Hay is the Key to a Healthy, Happy Horse

2 January, 2025

When it comes to feeding horses, hay is often a key part of the diet. If you have horses, you may wonder why hay is so essential and how it impacts your horse’s overall health. In this article, we’ll dive into why hay is crucial for horses, the benefits of feeding it, and how to choose the right type to ensure your horse stays healthy and happy. Why Hay Matters: Understanding the Horse’s Digestive Needs Horses are herbivores with a digestive system designed to process high-fibre forage. Unlike humans, they are mono-gastric, meaning they have a single-chambered stomach. Their digestive…

Head Flicking in Horses

5 August, 2024

Head flicking in horses (or head shaking) is characterized by some or all of the following: There are a variety of conditions that will ‘trigger’ head-shaking episodes: Important: Head-shaking/flicking is not ‘naughty’ behavior. Forget trying to physically restrict the horse with any kind of ‘tie-down’or trying to ‘school’ him out of it. It is a debilitating, painful condition, see below. The Trigeminal Nerve It has been established that head-shaking/flicking involves the malfunctioning of the trigeminal nerve in the horses head. The trigeminal nerve originates behind the horse’s eye and has branches down to the mouth, nostrils and up to the…

Heat Stress – How to avoid

10 November, 2019

During Summer with scorching temperatures it is important to avoid equine heat stress. It is all about your horse being able to maintain his core body temperature close to 37.5C. This he can efficiently do on his own under most environmental conditions provided he has choices, for example access to shade and a clean trough that dispenses nice, cool water. Heat stress is the result of a build-up of heat in the horse’s body, usually due to some impediment to the normal sweating process.  In the horse, sweating is the most important means of reducing core body temperature. It works…

Herbal Medicine For Animals

20 December, 2019

Herbal Medicine For Animals: Most animals are natural herbalists, often seeking out particular herbs when needed, if they have access to a wide variety of species. Dogs and cats will occasionally be seen chewing on lemon grass, comfrey, couch grass and other plants. Horses, cows, sheep and goats have been seen to eat some herbs only at particular times of the year, or if they have a specific need for them. Most pets today, do not have access to the range of herbs, grasses and trees they would have in the wild. So by growing a few common herbs around…

High Sugar Grasses = Problems for Horses!

8 September, 2015

High Sugar Grasses are planted primarily to fatten livestock and promote milk production. Hay made from wheat, barley, rye-grass or oats is high in sugar especially if it has been made prior to seed formation. Sugar levels can be elevated in grasses when they are drought stressed or over-grazed. Sugar levels can sky-rocket in the spring when grass shoots away. Grains, whilst they contain some protein, are mainly carbohydrate, and therefore oats, corn, wheat and barley contribute to total sugar the horse is consuming. So does any feed containing molasses. When the input of feed far exceeds the output required…

Hoof Abscess – Cause & Treatment

14 February, 2019

What causes an equine hoof abscess and what is the best method of dealing with one to help your horse recover faster? 1. What is a Hoof Abscess A hoof abscess is a localized bacterial infection in the sensitive structures of the hoof. Purulent fluid (pus) is produced as a reaction by the horse’s body to the infection. The pus accumulates between the keratinized and germinal layers of the hoof wall. Since the hoof cannot expand, the increased pressure of pus collecting within the hoof capsule causes significant pain. The pus will take the path of least resistance to relieve…

Horse Diet – Feeding Naturally

9 July, 2021

Horse diets vary significantly based on the individual horse and its regular activities. The nutritional needs of a racehorse, for instance, are markedly different from those of a weekend leisure pony. The following is provided as a basic guideline and will need to be varied according to your horse’s breed, workload, and nutritional needs. Horses are grazing animals and naturally cover extensive distances in the wild (averaging 30+ km daily) to find food and water. Wild horses spend around 18-20 hours daily grazing on native grasses with relatively low nutritional content. This differs from the lifestyle of most domestic horses,…

Horses on Pasture

18 March, 2024

If you’ve been fortunate enough to encounter no issues with your horses grazing on your lush pastures, you may skip ahead. However, if your horse is among the numerous experiencing any of the following problems or similar variations, then this is essential reading. Problems Caused by Lush Pasture If any of these issues resonate with you, please read on… The notion that allowing horses to freely roam lush meadows, selecting vegetation to balance their diet instinctively by day’s end is ideal, is far from reality. In our experience, such thinking often contributes significantly to the aforementioned list of issues. Conversely,…

Is Your Horse Foot-Sore?

20 October, 2016

FootIf you answered YES, then read on to find out why… You may be using an experienced farrier who is trimming your horse regularly every 5 or 6 weeks yet your horse has sore feet a lot of the time. Even when ridden over rough surfaces regularly, why is it that sometimes your horse can trot easily over firm ground and other times they are struggling to walk on anything firmer than sand or soft grass? Each time the farrier comes, you hope they don’t go lame after a trim or you end up putting shoes on because you can’t seem…

Lameness – Naturopathic options

8 September, 2015

Lameness can occur in horses for a variety of reasons, as a result of injury, overwork, inadequate nutrition, infections, heavy worm infestation or it may be grass or feed related. Click here to view symptom checklist for grass related issues in horses. Once the condition is correctly diagnosed, then some of the following natural therapies can be used to assist in the treatment and prevention of these ailments to help your horse recover as safely and quickly as possible. BOG SPAVIN – Swelling of the hock joint. Homeopathic apis can be given in the early stage with swelling and bryonia…

Laminitis and Founder – What to watch out for

6 April, 2016

There is a difference between laminitis and founder – Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae (which is the tissue that attaches the coffin bone to the hoof wall). Founder, is where the laminae have let go allowing the coffin bone to ‘sink’ within the hoof capsule. Laminitis nearly always precedes founder. Laminitis is a CHEMISTRY problem, which is relatively easy to rectify if action is taken early enough. However, once the laminae have ‘let go’, it is now a PHYSICAL injury or a mechanical problem which is a whole different kettle of fish to recover from. To rehabilitate a foundered…

Laminitis Solutions

8 September, 2015

Equine Laminitis Solutions – Click here for information about the difference between laminitis and founder. There are several potential causes of laminitis Any major infection such as a retained placenta Some medications Any injury which causes constant weight-bearing on the other ‘good’ limb Standing on poisonous substances Gorging on grain from the feed bin Fructans in cool season grasses like rye-grass The sort of laminitis we are talking about here is that which is most common, especially in spring and autumn, and is caused by the mineral imbalances inherent in the grass the horse is consuming, referred to here as ‘Grass-Induced…

Leaky Gut in Horses

1 May, 2024

What is leaky gut? Leaky Gut Syndrome in horses is a condition where the lining of the horse’s intestinal tract becomes damaged, leading to increased intestinal permeability. This means that substances that would normally be contained within the gut, such as toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles, can pass through the compromised gut lining and enter the bloodstream. This condition can lead to a variety of health issues due to systemic inflammation and immune system reactions. Causes and Contributing Factors Several factors can contribute to the development of Leaky Gut Syndrome in horses: High-sugar intake from grazing green grass can…

Mineral Imbalances

8 September, 2015

Unless you have been organically farming for years, your pasture WILL BE minerally imbalanced. In particular it will be deficient in calcium and possibly magnesium. Rye-grass and clover are inherently very high in potassium and low in sodium, especially under certain climatic conditions frequently encountered in autumn and spring. These macro-minerals are so vital to life that if the animal isn’t getting them from the grass he is eating then we must supply them in the form of a supplement for the following very good reason… The body pH of the horse (or any mammal including us) is supposed to…

Mycotoxins – What are they?

8 September, 2015

Myco is the Greek term for fungus and toxins mean poison and are produced in various types of fungi. Some of these fungi live inside the plant and are called endophytes. Perennial rye-grass contains endophytes which produce two very harmful myco-toxins, namely lolitrem B and ergovaline. Annual rye-grass where as it doesn’t contain the dangerous endophytes can have a highly poisonous bacteria form on the seed heads. A toxic bacterial gall is formed and some may exude a yellow slime. Both the endophyte and bacterial gall will still be present in hay even if it has been stored for years,…

Oxalate Grass – How to manage

8 September, 2015

The good news is that with the help of the right supplements you can live with a certain amount of  oxalate grass. On the other hand you can’t live with Perennial rye grass and clover no matter what you shovel into the horse! Oxalates are chemicals which more abundant in warm season grasses, that latch onto calcium making the Calcium unavailable for the grazing animal to utilise. It doesn’t take long for the resulting low blood calcium levels to cause the Parathyroid Gland to produce Parathyroid Hormone to tell the bones to release calcium into the bloodstream to make up…

Pasture Management for Healthy Horses

9 July, 2021

There are two different approaches to the whole subject of pasture management depending on what sort of horses you own. If you just want the quiet ride at the weekend and safe ponies for your children then you will do things somewhat differently from someone who has performance and/or breeding horses. In either case: NEVER apply commercial fertilisers: No super, no potash, no NPK, no urea, they will all cause the grass to be even more unsuitable for your horses. Sufficient nitrogen for grass growth can come from occasionally (but not frequently!) harrowing manure. Originally, we thought it was just…

Photo Sensitivity…(Sunburn / Mud Fever)

8 September, 2015

Many horses with white faces and/ or white socks, suffer from ‘sunburnt’ noses, and/or chronic mud fever. Some get ulcers in their mouths. The first line of thought with mud fever is that it is caused by ‘mud’. The first line of thought with scabs on the nose is ‘sunburn’. However, the truth is that it can be a very complex issue that doesn’t respond to external treatments. This is because the real cause of ‘mud-fever’ and ‘sunburn’ is Photosensitisation. This is caused by eating plants which contain certain photodynamic (or fluorescing) pigments. These pigments enter the bloodstream and eventually…

PSSM vs ‘Grass Affected’ Is there a difference?

12 July, 2021

Our observation is that horses exhibiting PSSM symptoms can also be found anywhere that grass grows and the horse is not being managed in such a way as to prevent the grass causing issues for that horse. In some cases where green grass isn’t part of the horse’s diet, the hay needs to be checked/analysed. ​There are far too many similarities for this to be merely coincidence ​Compare the list below which is from the following link:       http://www.pssm.eu/en/symptoms–of-pssm.html with the Calm healthy horses – Horse symptom Checklist ​Comparing the two lists we found Like ‘grass-affected’ horses there is a wide variety…

Qld Itch Natural Alternatives

7 February, 2020

Qld Itch is due to hypersensitivity to insect bites, causing extreme itching. It is usually worse during the humid summer months, but may affect some horses or dogs all year long. Itching is usually intense and can cause the animal to scratch constantly causing mild to severe hair loss and open sores. The skin eventually may become thickened and wrinkled. There are natural products that can help to soothe the dreaded “itch”. Internal Remedies for horses Internal treatment is highly recommended for long term relief of Qld Itch. Qld Itch or Summer itch is one of the most distressing conditions…

Respiratory Problems for horses

8 September, 2015

There are a number of conditions that affect the respiratory tract of the horse. Sometimes the cause is obvious due to an accompanying mucous discharge or because it can be associated with allergies or a physical disability but there are also some respiratory issues that don’t seem to be associated with anything and the cause is a real mystery. For example those horses that exhibit a ‘dry’ cough associated with exercise. Maybe one or two coughs when you start trotting or cantering and then they are OK for the rest of the ride. But sometimes they continue to cough and…

Sacro-illiac and Saddle-fit Problems

24 September, 2015

These are so common and more often than not are NOT the result of an injury. They can easily be just another manifestation of a serious mineral imbalance, that of excess potassium relative to sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium! Often this goes along with the other symptoms of being touchy, not wanting to be groomed, saddled etc. If you put your horse on the lunge, at the walk they may appear normal, the trot may be normal or they may appear stiff or tight behind, not tracking up. Where it really shows up is at the canter especially the first few…

Safer Horse Pasture – Making the change

1 March, 2021

Below is information on how you can change your paddocks from unsafe grass to safer horse pasture for long term health and wellbeing of your horse. If you cannot change the pasture, then a track system may be a more suitable option. Click here for information about good, safe horse grasses and which one’s to avoid. Spraying Out Your Paddocks If your pasture is full of rye-grass & clover you will need to spray out twice, over two consecutive Autumns. Spray with a Round Up/Broadleaf combination in the autumn. When it has completely browned off, re-sow the area with an…

Spring Grass – Why does it cause problems?

24 October, 2024

As spring arrives, many horse owners face concerns about the impact of lush grass on their horses’ health. The high nitrogen and potassium levels in this new growth can disrupt not only digestion but also brain, nerve, and muscle function, leading to various issues commonly referred to as ‘grass-affected’ behaviour. The Effects of Spring Grass During the growth phase, grass has increased leaf area, which boosts its ability to produce soluble sugars. These sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing an insulin response and resulting in excess energy. This can lead to anxiety, over-reactiveness, and spooky behaviour in horses…

Staggers – Minerals, Mycotoxins or Wobblers Syndrome?

17 March, 2021

The name ‘Staggers’ gives you a good indication of what happens to horses when afflicted. They lose neuro-muscular co-ordination and walk like they have had a few too many drinks! There are differing opinions on the causes of Staggers – Minerals, Mycotoxins or Wobblers Syndrome? WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? It is common anywhere there are cool-season grasses (NZ, the UK, lower regions of Australia). Frequently mistaken for ‘Wobbler Syndrome’ – where there is an actual lesion affecting the vertebrae of the neck, verifiable by X-Ray and is usually only seen in younger horses.It is advisable to investigate the other two…

Stomach Ulcers in Horses. Or is it something else?

11 June, 2021

Stomach Ulcers in Horses present with signs such as going off their feed, and sometimes also becoming grumpy, twitchy and girthy. Horses on unsuitable forage, especially cool season pastures (rye-grass, cocksfoot, timothy, all clovers) when they are in growth mode, or in spring and autumn also get grumpy, twitchy and girthy. Girthiness or Ulcers? How can you tell which it is?  The scoping procedure to verify the presence of ulcers isn’t the most pleasant experience and can be costly. Here are a few points to consider: Horses with gastric ulcers usually go off their feed, it is like they want…

Stress Relief For Horses

23 March, 2021

While most of us know the impact of high stress levels on our own health, many people never stop and think about whether our animals are also suffering from similar stresses. With a busy lifestyle you may get stressed out over traffic, work pressures, finances, world events or family problems and although animal’s lives are much more simplified, they can also be filled with everyday stress. Many people still believe that animals do not have the same feelings and emotions as we do, because they don’t talk or cry, but this doesn’t mean they don’t suffer in silence. To try…

Symptom checklist – What’s wrong with my Horse?

8 September, 2015

Many people don’t realise their horses are Grass Affected until it is too late and they have a nasty accident or the horse becomes unrideable due to head-flicking, behavioural issues or laminitis. In most cases the symptoms occur long before the horses get to this stage – so our aim is to help you to recognize the first signs and how to correct the horses diet immediately once you notice any changes in the horse. Despite many horse carers spending vast amounts of money on professional advice, thousands and thousands of horses and ponies all over the planet succumb to a…

The Health Benefits of Owning a Horse

27 February, 2024

As equestrians, keeping fit physically and mentally in the New Year is a lot easier than you think. Riding can challenge and exhilarate your mind, and it also boosts your health, well-being and much more. In this article, we’ll explore some ways you may or may not know horse riding and horse care can help you be healthier. Owning a horse presents some challenges – it can be expensive, they’re not easy to care for, and they have different preferences and needs depending on their breed, size, gender and more. But the benefits far outweigh these things. Let’s explore a…

Toxic Plants & Food for Horses

13 January, 2021

There are quite a lot of plants that are toxic to horses, so it is important to ensure you know that is growing in your paddocks. The list is too long to include here but I will list a few common foods, herbs and grasses that should be avoided for horses Many garden plants and fruit trees are toxic to horses so it is a good idea to avoid throwing prunings or garden waste into paddocks to avoid accidentally allowing them access to something toxic Grass Clippings (from mowing) should never be given to horses as the mall particle size…

Toxins in your Horse’s Environment 

4 September, 2025

Toxins in Your Horse’s Environment: What You Need to Know. As horse owners, we do everything we can to keep our equine friends healthy from quality feed to regular vet checks. But one area that often gets overlooked is the environment they live in. Subtle toxins in paddocks, stables, and even hay can have a real impact on your horse’s health over time.  Weed Control Chemicals: A Hidden Risk  Many horse owners use chemical sprays to control weeds in paddocks and on hay crops. While these products can be effective at keeping pastures looking tidy, they contain chemicals that may…

Turmeric for Health

21 October, 2019

Most people are familiar with the turmeric spice used in Indian and Asian cooking. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, a native to middle eastern and southeast Asian countries. It has been used in cooking for thousands of years and has been widely used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for its many health benefits. The active ingredient is curcumin which is an anti-inflammatory and is therefore a great food additive for pets as well as people. Curcumin may also help to stimulate bile production which can help the liver to process fats and remove waste from…

Worms ~ How long do they survive on Pasture?

30 March, 2023

Hint: It’s longer than you think. The lifecycle of many gastrointestinal parasites of livestock and horses (in particular, those of the Strongyle family) is such that a vast majority of the worm’s life may be spent on pasture. After eggs are shed in the manure, the eggs will develop and hatch into larvae. These larvae will then further develop, going through stages known as moults. Eggs will hatch into L1 (stage one larvae), which will moult to L2 (stage two larvae), and then a further moult into L3 (stage three larvae). It is at the L3 stage where livestock will…