The landscape for equine supplements is constantly evolving, and SmartPak is committed to staying on top of the latest trends and ingredients. One category of supplements that has seen increased use of novel ingredients — such as turmeric, resveratrol, and collagen — is joint support for horses.

Your horse’s body is designed to manage the normal “wear and tear” to joints that comes with being a horse in its natural state. However, the increased demands of riding, training, and competing can put additional stress on your horse’s joint tissues.

Joint supplements help ensure your horse’s body has a consistent, ready supply of the ingredients it needs to cope with the stress of exercise and maintain healthy joints. And because joint supplements are designed to support normal, healthy joint tissues, the best time to start supplementing is BEFORE your horse starts displaying signs of joint problems.

◆ Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family whose root has been prized for its health benefits for thousands of years. It’s been wildly popular in human supplements in recent years, and that popularity has started to transition over into the equine supplement space. The compound of interest in turmeric is called curcumin, and the ingredient is most typically used to help manage a normal response to inflammation and to support comfortable movement.

◆ Resveratrol is an antioxidant that naturally occurs in red grapes, Japanese knotweed, and a few other plants. Similar to turmeric, resveratrol is well known for its ability to manage a normal inflammatory response in the body, and therefore can support a variety of body systems, from joints to skin and more. Resveratrol is starting to be used more in more in horse supplements for joint health and comfortable movement.

◆ Collagen is the main structural protein in the body’s connective tissue. It can be found in cartilage, tendons, ligaments, hooves, skin, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and other tissues. In recent years, collagen has become popular as an ingredient in equine supplements, particularly for supporting the integrity of joints, tendons and ligaments, as well as gastric tissue.

SmartPak’s revolutionary supplement SmartStride Ultra Pellets combines these three novel ingredients with others to provide the next generation of joint support. SmartStride Ultra is a smart choice for hard-working horses in need of joint, tendon and ligament support. It is also a great option for horses experiencing stiffness and discomfort, or those who have not responded to other joint supplements.

This supplement provides those revolutionary and new ingredients, including turmeric and resveratrol for supporting a normal response to inflammation, and boron for maintaining bone health. It also includes collagen and silica for resilient tendons and ligaments. Finally, it combines “tried and true” ingredients, such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid for joint support in horses.

In a recent university study, SmartStride Ultra was shown to support joint health in horses by demonstrating a significantly increased range of motion of the hock at the walk and a tendency toward increased range of motion in the hock at the trot.

The post June 2020 SmartPak SmartTip of the Month: Important Ingredients for Joint Support for Horses appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“Cooked hay?” That’s what four-time Olympic dressage rider Ashley Holzer asked when a friend recommended steamed hay two years ago. Even though high-temperature hay steaming has been available for over 10 years, Ashley wasn’t the only equestrian unfamiliar with its many benefits. Ashley has since become a big believer, as have equestrians around the world—from Olympians to regular horse owners.

But why?

Well, the short answer is that hay can be harmful to your horse because it contains microscopic bits of mold, dust, fungi, bacteria and other pathogens and allergens. This is true even of hay that looks and smells great and has top nutrient quality. Storing hay can increase the quantity of all these particles that are present from the get-go because of the way hay is grown, harvested and transported.

All of these inhalable particles can harm a horse’s respiratory and digestive system and increase susceptibility to developing more severe conditions.

Steamed hay was developed by Haygain in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural University in the U.K., in 2009. The goal was to eliminate these unhealthy elements without leaching important nutrients, as happens with the messy and laborious process of soaking hay.

Numerous and ongoing studies demonstrate Haygain Steamed Hay’s ability to improve horses’ respiratory and digestive health, hydration, appetite, skin health, and performance.

Respiratory Health

Steaming eliminates up to 99% of the dust, mold, bacteria and allergens found in hay. All of these are the main source of respiratory issues that affect a surprisingly high percentage of active sport horses: over 80% and often without obvious symptoms.

In March of 2019, The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published a study in which 88% of the 731 participating sport horses suffered from inflammatory airway disease (IAD), a condition on the Equine Asthma Spectrum. The horses that were fed Haygain Steamed Hay had a 65% reduced risk of IAD. The study attributed this to steaming’s ability to kill fungi in hay, which has a high correlation to IAD.

As with all aspects of horse health, prevention is the best medicine. Steamed hay is a great step for maintaining respiratory health and for helping horses with existing issues live and perform comfortably.

Castle Larchfield Purdy, a 2016 Olympic eventer with Lauren Billys, is a classic example. His mild case of Inflammatory Airway Disease is managed so effectively with steamed hay’s help that he’s met the rigorous qualifications for the Tokyo Olympics.

Digestive Health

Pathogens commonly found in hay can trigger significant digestive health issues like colic and ulcers. Clean hay reduces these risks and improves the digestive tract’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients.

Hay steaming also increases hydration. Dehydration can be life-threatening, in part because clinical signs are often not noticed until the condition is at a very advanced stage. One study found that steamed hay increases water consumption by three times.

Palatability

Four independent palatability studies and owners’ anecdotal reports indicate that most horses prefer the taste of steamed hay. That’s why veterinarians like it for horses coming out of surgery: the appealing taste and smell helps patients get back on their nutrition plan, aiding their overall recovery.

Good-tasting hay also helps prevent ulcers because it keeps horses chewing and eating more and for longer periods of time. That mimics what nature intended for the digestive process of these grazing animals.

Stopping The Allergy Spiral

Like people, horses are subject to allergic responses to a multitude of airborne particles found in the stabling environment. Because a horse that’s suffered from one allergy is more susceptible to another, it’s critical to remove allergens to every extent possible.

It’s even more important for horses with insect bite hypersensitivity because that goes hand-in-hand with increased airway hypersensitivity. This can make a horse more vulnerable to the allergens in hay.

Performance

After soundness issues, many veterinarians put respiratory function as the biggest performance limiter in otherwise healthy horses. Which, in a way, is good because so much can be done to protect and improve it. Feeding Haygain Steamed Hay decreases exposure to potentially harmful allergens, pathogens and other bacteria, improving overall health and performance.

And that’s why steamed hay is now a foundation of healthy horse management.

For more information, please visit www.Haygain.us. Or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

The post The Benefits of Hay Steaming appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

It’s important to first work with your veterinarian and trainer to get to the root of the problem, whether it’s medical, physical, or behavioral. These concerns could range from gastric ulcers, to improper saddle fit, and lack of turnout time, respectively. If you’ve worked with your veterinarian and your trainer to cross off the possible health and management reasons for your horse’s bad behavior, adding a calming supplement to your horse’s diet may be a smart choice. There are three types of calming supplements to consider: nutrient-based, herb-based, and those for moody mares.

Horses may be anxious if their diet does not provide enough of the nutrients necessary for proper nervous system function. Nutrient-based formulas are designed to bring your horse’s dietary levels into the optimal range for a correctly functioning nervous system. These supplements provide ingredients like vitamin B1 for normal transmission of impulses along nerves, magnesium to support nervous system function, and tryptophan, which is converted by the body into serotonin and may help increase feelings of well-being and contentment. SmartCalm® Ultra Pellets is one of SmartPak’s SmartSupplements, which offers all of these ingredients to support a healthy nervous system!

If you’ve tried a nutrient-based supplement and didn’t see the results you were hoping for, consider trying an herbal formula. Herbal ingredients can provide soothing support for tense, anxious horses. These supplements include ingredients like valerian to help balance the nervous system and address muscle tightness associated with tension, chamomile to help horses who process their nervousness through their GI system, and vervain, which may help balance the nervous system of horses who have unfocused energy. This category of calming supplements combines herbs with the nutrient-based ingredients, too. SmartTranquility® Pellets provide a comprehensive formula, including these herbs, to offer support for a more balanced temperament.

Finally, if your sweet mare turns into a moody monster during or around her heat cycle, her unpleasant attitude could be related to hormonal fluctuations or discomfort in her reproductive tract. There are formulas that provide ingredients that support balanced hormones and an even disposition. These ingredients include raspberry to support smooth muscle tone and help relax muscles in spasm, passionflower for muscle tension in smooth and skeletal muscle, and chasteberry to help maintain a balanced hormonal system. SmartMare® Harmony Pellets is an ideal formula to help take her from moody to mellow!

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Some common concerns include allergies, hives, Sweet Itch, and Summer Sores. Horses can develop allergies and/or hives from a wide variety of environmental factors, including insects such as black flies, horn flies, and stable flies. Sweet Itch, also known as “summer itch” or summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis is an allergic reaction to the Culicoides biting midge or “no-see-um” gnat. Summer Sores or “Fly Sores” is caused by infection of the skin by the larvae of the large-mouth stomach worm Habronema (and Draschia).

A comprehensive fly control program incorporates strategies like manure management, protective clothing for horses, fly sprays, etc. Daily supplements like IGRs (Insect Growth Regulators) and defense supplements are another smart addition to building your horse’s no fly zone.

An IGR supplement is a feed-through option that prevents the development of house and stable flies. The supplement safely passes through the horse’s system and is excreted in the manure, regulating house and stable fly egg development and as existing adult flies die off, the overall fly population is significantly reduced within just 4 to 6 weeks.

An insect defense supplement can help to provide extra support against flies by making the horse unappealing to these biting bugs. The formulas for these supplements often include garlic, apple cider vinegar, and brewer’s yeast. (But, contrary to popular belief, they won’t make your horse smell like an Italian restaurant; most riders don’t even notice a difference!) SmartBug-Off Ultra Pellets provide the most comprehensive support available for horses who are bothered by flies and other pests.

This multi-pronged approach:

◆ Provides higher levels of key ingredients in the original SmartBug-Off formula
◆ Supports resilient skin and a normal inflammatory response with increased levels of MSM and Omega 3s
◆ Can be used for just one horse, or the entire barn!
◆ Comes in a tasty pellet with no added sugar!

These supplements reach their full benefit in about 4-6 weeks. It’s okay if it doesn’t kick in right away. Just keep an eye on your horse over the first several weeks for how he looks and feels in spite of the bugs.

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There can be a lot of confusion between your horse’s foregut health and hindgut health. While the entire process of breaking down food and absorbing nutrients is all commonly referred to as “digestion,” the organs in the foregut and hindgut have very different functions, and each area has unique health concerns.

Horse Foregut Health

The term “foregut” refers to the stomach and small intestine. Accounting for less than 10% of the horse’s total digestive capacity, your horse was designed to graze throughout the day, and the stomach was designed to continuously produce acid to help digest all this forage. Add to this the challenges of modern horsekeeping, and the stomach can be at risk for gastric upset. This can include excess acid building up, which can lead to irritation of the stomach lining as well as creating painful sores in the stomach lining. It’s important to work with your veterinarian on a management plan, especially if you suspect issues with your horse’s gastric health.

When developing a plan to maintain your horse’s gastric health, consider his diet along with other management strategies. Focus on hay and other forage, ideally allowing your horse pasture grazing or free-choice access to hay 24/7. Large grain meals have been identified as a risk factor for gastric upset, so feed only the minimum amount of grain (if any) your horse needs to maintain weight and performance. Ensure he gets his recommended protein, vitamins, and minerals with a ration balancer.

You can also provide additional support for overall gastric health with a supplement that supplies ingredients such as calcium and magnesium to help neutralize gastric acid, as well as glutamine, glycine, and soothing herbs to support a healthy stomach lining. SmartGut Ultra offers these ingredients to provide the “ultra” in gastric support.

Horse Hindgut Health

The term “hindgut” refers to the section of the GI tract containing the cecum and colon. The hindgut’s primary digestive function is fermentation, which makes it responsible for digesting the complex carbohydrates or fiber your horse eats, including all of his forage (hay, pasture, and other roughage).

Much like the foregut, the hindgut was built for constant grazing, and therefore, constant digestion. However, when large meals are fed infrequently, an unhealthy cecum and colon can develop, resulting in excess gas, impaction, loose stool, and other types of digestive upset. Even more concerning, digestive upset can lead to colic, which can be fatal.

While nothing can prevent occasional digestive upset, working with your veterinarian to ensure your horse is being managed and fed appropriately may reduce his risk level. One approach your vet may recommend is daily support from a supplement to help your horse cope with digestive stress.

When choosing a supplement that targets the cecum and colon, look for a formula that provides comprehensive support for a healthy, balanced hindgut from ingredients, such as probiotics and prebiotics; yeast, which has been demonstrated to improve fiber digestion and assist in adjusting to feed changes; and enzymes, which have been shown to increase proper digestion of starch in the foregut. SmartDigest Ultra Pellets provide unparalleled hindgut support for every horse, to help maintain GI balance and manage digestive stress caused by hay fluctuations, training, travel and more.

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There are three main categories of joint supplements. The first is simply joint support, which, as the name implies, provides ingredients for joint health. The other two categories include joint health ingredients along with other areas of focus. Senior support includes ingredients to help address discomfort, while recovery support has an emphasis on helping the normal rehabilitation process.

Joint Support

Joint supplements in this category offer ingredients to help maintain joint health and, at higher levels of support, often include ingredients for bone, tendon and ligament health as well. These products are generally ideal for horses in work where the goal is to help keep them healthy and going strong for years to come. When considering what product to provide for your horse, it will be helpful to know what workload he is in.

Key Ingredients to Look For

Glucosamine is the building block of chondroitin sulfate, a specific type of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Current research suggests glucosamine plays several roles within joints. Not only does it help support the production of new GAGs and therefore new cartilage, glucosamine has also been shown to inhibit the free radicals and enzymes that break down cartilage. For horses in light to moderate work, 2,000 to 7,500 mg is generally considered an appropriate amount of glucosamine to provide, while this may increase to up to 12,000 mg for horses in very heavy work.

Chondroitin is not only the building block of the much larger molecules hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycan (PG), but it also inhibits the effects of various enzymes that degrade cartilage, similarly to glucosamine. Research suggests that chondroitin sulfate is bioavailable in the horse and that it appears to work synergistically with glucosamine to support new cartilage and inhibition of cartilage breakdown. You’ll most often see 1,000 to 2,000 mg of chondroitin in joint supplements regardless of the support being provided as research has shown that, while providing chondroitin may be helpful for joint health, providing higher levels of it may not mean providing additional support.

Hyaluronic Acid, or HA, is an integral component of joint cartilage and joint fluid, providing both lubrication and shock absorption. Hyaluronic acid is what makes joint fluid “sticky.” Because it has been shown through research to maintain cells in the joint, providing HA orally may be particularly useful during times of joint stress. Joint supplements that offer support to horses in moderate work and above generally offer HA, with the amount ranging from 25 mg for horses in moderate work to around 150 mg for horses that may benefit from more support.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of organic sulfur which is required for a number of functions in the body. MSM has been shown to help support a normal response to inflammation as well as healthy joints, a strong immune system, and resilient skin, coat, and hooves. MSM is an economical way to offer joint support. You can purchase it on its own for horses in light to no work, or you can find it as a component of more comprehensive joint support supplements for horses in moderate to very heavy work. Typically, you’ll see it in amounts ranging from around 5,000 mg to 12,000 mg, depending on how much support the supplement is designed to provide.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant in the ginger family that has been used to flavor food, add color, and provide health benefits for thousands of years. Its main active substance, curcumin, has been found to exert beneficial effects on many areas of the body, such as joints, the respiratory system, immunity, and the GI tract, but it is perhaps most valued for supporting a normal response to inflammation. Researchers are seeking to understand its antioxidant properties and other activities on cells and pathways in the body. It can be purchased on its own for antioxidant support, or it can be found in certain joint support formulas designed for horses in moderate to very heavy work. You’ll generally find 5,000 to 10,000 mg of turmeric powder in joint supplements that include this ingredient.

Resveratrol is the potent antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes. A type of natural phenol, it is part of a plant’s defense system against disease. Resveratrol research is in the early stages, but results are promising not only for protection against free radical damage, but also for its effects on the cardiovascular system, blood sugar levels, brain cells, and musculoskeletal health. About 300 to 1,000 mg of resveratrol is common for joint support.

Collagen is the primary structural protein that makes up connective tissue throughout your horse’s body. You may see this listed on a supplement label as “hydrolyzed” collagen, or gelatin which means it has been broken down into smaller pieces that are more readily available for absorption. In addition to aiding joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones, collagen is great for supporting the health of muscles, the gastrointestinal tract, hooves, haircoat, and even the mane and tail! 1,000 mg of collagen offers basic support while higher levels, from 4,000 to 15,000 mg, may be a better choice if your horse is dealing with particular issues.

Silica is the second-most plentiful element on earth, yet horses may not receive adequate levels from their diets because not all forms of silica are bioavailable, and it is easily destroyed in processing. Research over the last 30 years has shown that silica supports normal bone growth and density, maintains the strength of connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments, has a positive effect on wound healing, is required in cartilage formation, and maintains the quality and appearance of skin, hair and hooves. You’ll generally find between 250 to 300 mg of silica in joint and tendon and ligament products.

Senior Support

While this category implies that it is only for senior horses, this type of support may be ideal for adult horses of any age that are dealing with discomfort from exercise or aging. In addition to frequently providing the ingredients mentioned in the Joint Support category to maintain healthy joints, these supplements will focus on ingredients to maintain comfort and support a normal response to inflammation, such as:

Boswellia is a type of tree or shrub that grows in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. It produces a gum or sap-like substance that contains many biologically active agents known to have therapeutic value in the body. Some of these naturally occurring compounds are said to interfere with the enzymes that contribute to inflammation and discomfort. Keep an eye out for 100 mg to 1,000 mg of Boswellia if your horse may benefit from this ingredient’s support.

Devil’s Claw is a South African herb (Harpagophytum procumbens) that is used to help maintain comfort in bone, joints, and other tissues. Data from 14 clinical trials in people conducted over the last 40 years suggest devil’s claw has beneficial properties in the musculoskeletal system. Because it contains “bitters” as an active ingredient, which encourages appetite but also stimulates the secretion of stomach acids, it should be used with caution in horses at risk for gastric (stomach) issues. It is also listed on the US Equestrian Prohibited Substance list, so we do not recommend selecting a supplement with this ingredient if you plan to show your horse at rated shows. You’ll generally find 1,000 mg to 2,500 mg of devil’s claw in senior support products.

Turmeric and resveratrol, which are mentioned in detail above, may also be particularly helpful for horses dealing with discomfort from aging or exercise.

Recovery Support

For horses who are rehabbing from injury, there are particular ingredients to keep an eye out for to help support the normal recovery process. Products in this category tend to provide a lower level of joint support since these horses are most often not in work, and instead will be chock-full of antioxidants and tendon and ligament support. If your horse is actively recovering from an injury, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the ideal supplement program. Therefore, we’d recommend that you talk to your vet about what you learn here before choosing a supplement for your recovering horse.

Ingredients to Look For

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, especially in muscle tissue. Although it is not an essential amino acid, there is such great demand for its use in the body that production may not be able to keep up with consumption, so supplementing may be necessary. Glutamine plays an important role in the recovery and repair of many types of tissues, and supplementing 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg of glutamine can be a good choice for supporting this normal recovery process.

Tendon and ligament support can also be important in this category if your horse is dealing with issues in this area. As mentioned in more detail above, collagen and silica can be ideal ingredients to keep an eye out for to help maintain soft tissue health.

Antioxidants like turmeric, resveratrol and MSM mentioned above, can also play a vital role in supporting a healthy recovery as they help to address cell stress and support normal cell health.

Herbs like devil’s claw and Boswellia are also very common in this category, as they can help support a normal response to inflammation and address excess discomfort.

What to Expect from Joint Support Supplements

While you can’t see inside your horse’s joints, providing an appropriate equine joint supplement is a great way to ensure he’s getting a steady supply of the ingredients his body needs to help keep up with the demands of his workload. If your horse generally looks and feels good, supplementing with key joint ingredients can help you feel confident that you’ve got one of the cornerstones of long-term joint health and comfort covered! If you are looking for more comprehensive joint and comfort support, you may notice your horse acting and moving like his usual self within the first few months of supplementing. It’s always important to work with your veterinarian for horses that are persistently not moving freely, more so when your horse is in the recovery process.

Shop SmartPak’s SmartFlex line of supplements

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Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are both essential to your horse’s diet because they support everything from individual cellular health to your horse’s overall wellbeing. Though your horse needs both types, maintaining the correct omega 3 and omega 6 balance between the two is critical. Because omega 3s support an anti-inflammatory response and omega 6s support a pro-inflammatory response, it’s generally recommended that your horse have two to four times more omega 3s than omega 6s.

Unfortunately, the typical diet of a modern horse can make achieving that omega 3 and omega 6 balance challenging. Fresh grass contains omega 3 fatty acids, but most horse owners turn to hay because year-round quality pasture is hard to come by or because their horses are easy keepers who can’t be on pasture. In addition, many horse owners feed grain because it’s considered a traditional horse feed or to provide extra calories.

This can be problematic because, as you can see from the omega 3 to omega 6 ratios of common feedstuffs listed below, the combination of a low-pasture, high-grain diet can lead to an imbalance in the omega 3/omega 6 ratio that sets the horse up for a chronic state of inflammation.

• Fresh Grass: 5 omega 3s to 1 omega 6
• Hay: 0 omega 3s to 0 omega 6s
• Commercial (Fortified) Grain: 1 omega 3 to 8 omega 6s
• Corn Oil: 1 omega 3 to 84 omega 6s
• Flaxseed: 4 omega 3s to 1 omega 6 (ideal ratio!)
• Fish Oil: ALL omega 3s

Add More Omega 3s to Your Horse’s Diet

A daily supplement like SmartOmega 3 & E Ultra is an easy way to provide high levels of omega 3s from flaxseed and fish oil so your horse’s good health can shine through. For more information, visit www.smartpakequine.com/ps/smartomega-3-and-e-ultra-14436.

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Thumbs Up: Evaluating Your Horse’s Supplement Program During Changing Seasons

The weather is cooling down, and the leaves are turning colors, which means there’s something else that may be changing: your horse’s needs. If your horse’s workload, diet or living environment is changing with the seasons, he may benefit from different areas of support than he does during the summer. This is the perfect time of year to evaluate your horse’s workload, diet and living environment for the upcoming seasons and determine whether he may need different support now than he did over the summer. To learn more about why your horse’s supplement program may need to change if you’re taking it easy this winter, working harder this winter, or maintaining your regular workload this winter, check out SmartPak’s blog, “The Seasons are Changing. Are Your Horse’s Needs?”

Thumbs Down: Stopping Supplements Just Because the Seasons Have Changed

Even though the weather is cooling off, that doesn’t necessarily mean your horse’s supplement program should, too. While there are some types of supplements that you don’t need all year, many of the most popular supplements are critical even in your horse’s “off-season.” There are four areas of support that are key to your horse’s health no matter what season it is, including joint, hoof, digestion, and skin and coat. To learn why supporting your horse with these key categories is a smart investment in his health, visit SmartPak’s blog, “There is No Off Season for Your Horse’s Health.”

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Thumbs up: Knowing your horse’s body condition score for a healthy weight

It’s hard to resist the urge to squeal over how adorable a chubby pony is. But unfortunately, overweight horses and ponies aren’t cute—they’re unhealthy. Being too thin also comes with risks and health concerns. But who decides whether a horse is too fat, too thin, or just right? You do, thanks to the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Scale! Developed by Dr. Don Henneke and universally used by veterinarians, nutritionists, and other equine health professionals, the scale provides a standard scoring system for horse owners and professionals to use when evaluating a horse’s fat cover to determine if they are at a healthy weight. The scale ranges from “1,” which is the thinnest, to “9,” which is the fattest, making “5” the ideal score for most breeds and disciplines. To learn how to use the Henneke Horse Body Condition Scoring System with your horse, check out this how-to video from SmartPak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY3yVC4l8K4.

Thumbs down: Not monitoring your horse’s weight this season

Because some horses tend to drop weight or gain weight over the winter, it’s important to stay on top of your horse’s condition by evaluating his body condition score on a regular basis. To make sure you have an accurate picture of your horse’s weight, be sure to remove his blanket and work your fingers through his coat to feel his body condition. By regularly assessing your horse’s body condition, you’ll be able to notice changes right off the bat. Then you can implement diet and management changes to help your horse get back on track.

The post October 2019 SmartPak SmartTip of the Month: Keeping Your Horse at a Healthy Weight appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Thumbs up: Supporting strong, healthy hooves all year round

“No hoof, no horse” is a phrase that all horse owners can agree on. Your horse’s hooves are his foundation, so keeping them healthy and strong is essential no matter what time of year it is. Along with regular professional maintenance, plenty of exercise and other management, proper nutrition and healthy circulation play vital roles in hoof health. Daily support from key ingredients is a smart way to help ensure your horse is always ready to step up to the challenge.

Thumbs Down: Leaving your horse’s hoof health out to pasture

While your horse’s hoof growth may slow down during the winter, it doesn’t stop completely. That means that your horse’s hoof support shouldn’t stop, either. Because hooves grow at an average rate of ¼” per month, the growth that you see at the coronary band now is the hoof that will be supporting your horse next summer.

Whether your horse is barefoot or shod, working with a knowledgeable hoof care professional is key to ensuring your horse maintains healthy, well-balanced hooves. Along with setting up a regular hoof maintenance schedule and sticking to it, there are other things you can do this season to help your horse put his best foot forward now and in the future. To learn how to battle fall and winter hoof health challenges from the inside and outside, check out SmartPak’s blog.

The post September SmartPak SmartTip of the Month: Keep Your Horse’s Hooves Healthy appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.