Let’s talk ULCERS and zone in on what Health Horse products can help!

When a horse is stressed, the body produces cortisol, which can reduce blood flow and mucus production in the stomach. This means the stomach lining is less protected from stomach acid. 

Stressful situations for horses include training, competition, transport, changes in routine, and herd dynamics. 

Horses that don't get enough REM sleep can also become fatigued and stressed, which can lead to ulcers. Other factors that can contribute to ulcers in horses include: High-grain diets, Unnatural feeding practices, and Overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Bute.

Signs of ulcers in horses include:

Poor body condition, Weight loss, Poor appetite, Poor performance, ‘girthy’ behaviour and temperament changes.

SO! How can Health Horse products help?

The STAYBALL: "When horses lick and chew, they produce saliva which is crucial for gut health because it acts as a buffer to neutralize the constant production of gastric acid in their stomach. This prevents the lining of the stomach from eroding and forming ulcers- a factor which is so important for their gut health and particularly critical while being yarded or stabled"

Nutri-Bites: Fed as a treat daily, our products contain some VERY important ingredients which have been widely researched into helping horses prevent and treat ulcers.

CHILL PILLS: Not only do these Nutri-Bites focus in on stress support - one of the root causes of ulcers - they also contain Calcium which is actually used to help treat ulcers in horses by reducing stomach acid and buffering the stomach's pH!

GUT GOODIES: Helps with optimum digestion by containing gut conditioners that aim to support the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as assisting in helping support the growth of good bacteria, binding live bacteria & improving gut health.

GERIATRIC GG: one of the main additives in these Nutri-Bites are Marshmallow root, which can help with ulcers in horses because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can be especially beneficial for horses that are prone to, or already have gastric ulcers by forming a gel-like coating that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid.

No matter the cause of the problem - whether it be due to stress, environmental factors, Bute or age related - Health Horse Nutri-Bites have you covered and enable you to disguise some very important health benefits as treats, which your horse will absolutely love you for!

Supporting the modern show horse’s digestive processes is critical to their overall health and performance. While traditional components of equine gastric supplements including probiotics and prebiotics remain crucial, there's a lesser-known yet highly beneficial ingredient that's gaining recognition – beta-glucans. This natural compound offers a plethora of advantages that can significantly impact a show horse's performance and overall well-being.

Beta-glucans are renowned for their immune-boosting properties and have gained attention in both human and equine nutrition. Oat beta-glucan, in particular, has emerged as a standout component due to its exceptional properties.

1. Digestive Health and Nutrient Absorption

The digestive system of the horse plays a pivotal role in its ability to perform at its best. Oat beta-glucan has a remarkable capacity to support digestive health. It forms a gel-like substance when it comes into contact with water, creating a beneficial environment in the gastrointestinal tract. This promotes smoother digestion and enhances the absorption of vital nutrients from the horse's feed.

2. Prebiotic Action and Stimulation of Probiotics

In the diet, beta-glucans are a source of soluble, fermentable fiber – also called prebiotic fiber. Oat beta-glucans have a prebiotic effect where they selectively stimulate growth of specific strands of beneficial microbes in the colon.Lactobacillus and Enterococcus are stimulated by all oat beta-glucan while Bifidobacterium bacteria also stimulated by oat beta-glucan oligosaccharides.

3. Energy Optimization

Show horses require a consistent and readily available source of energy to excel in their demanding routines. Oat beta-glucan provides just that. It slows down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, ensuring a sustained supply of energy over an extended period. This steady energy flow is essential for maintaining stamina and peak performance throughout a show.

4. Immune System Support

A healthy immune system is the cornerstone of a show horse's longevity and performance. Oat beta-glucan has been shown to stimulate the immune system, making horses less susceptible to infections and illnesses. For a show horse that is frequently exposed to new environments and other horses, this immune-boosting effect can be a game-changer.

5. Managing Weight and Glucose Levels

Maintaining a healthy weight and stable glucose levels is essential for show horses. Oat beta-glucan helps in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, reducing the risk of overeating. Additionally, it assists in regulating blood glucose levels, which is particularly important for horses with insulin sensitivity issues.

6. Joint Health

The physical demands placed on show horses, especially in disciplines like dressage and show jumping, can be strenuous on their joints. Oat beta-glucan contains compounds that have been linked to joint health and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to a longer and more productive show career.

Check your hay for mould spores and always make sure your horse has access to hay 24/7 in the stable, and paddock!

Feed GUT GOODIES to assist with gut health, diarrhoea and to help break down the high level of sugars in the grass. A quality product such as Quaddock or a hay net is ideal to hide Nutri-Bites in as a boredom buster and to encourage hay intake between grazing!

Feeding fibre such as hay is paramount to make sure spring grass is fed in moderation. A combination of CHILL PILLS and fibre helps prevent an upset gut, fizziness, diarrhoea, grumpiness and helps avoid that rapid weight gain!

Make sure your horses are getting enough WATER! This is the time of year where it is so wet that horses are less inclined to drink, but the temperatures are getting warm and horses are losing vital salts which help keep their muscles healthy.

Remember to feed RINGSIDE REWARDS to keep on top of their Electrolyte intake and do regular dehydration tests to avoid serious muscle damage and tying up!

We hate to be the bearer of bad news but, why NOT to feed apples and carrots as regular treats!

A horse’s digestive tract contains a delicate balance of bacteria and other microbes that are essential to intestinal function. It’s incredibly easy to upset this balance, especially by feeding things that aren’t part of the normal diet- apples and carrots!

Not only high risk for causing choke, they are acidic and offer a lot of pectin (sugar in citrus fruits) which are water-insoluble and therefore indigestible. A high quantity can lead to a painful gut or even colic. They also contribute to laminitis and weight gain due to this high sugar content.

Unfortunately, we have been on the receiving end of this many years ago when a pony of ours succumbed to colic after eating an apple! A lesson that was quickly learnt and remembered for many years thereafter, and a big reason contributing to the formation of Health Horse Nutri-Bites!

A scientific approach of why Health Horse GUT GOODIES are a substantial stand out on the Equine Market!

GUT GOODIES contains a coated thermo-tolerant enzyme preparation containing the proven digestive enzyme alpha-amylase, produced by submerged fermentation of a genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis micro-organism. This leading enzyme delivers outstanding performance and improves starch digestibility - especially in the crucial month of spring while the sugar content in the grass is high.

While improving starch digestion in the gut, it is said to hold the fastest starch-degrading capability on the market. It has been shown in trials to outperform all other commercially available exogenous amylases, improving weight gain, assisting weight loss by helping break down starches and boosting feed conversion rates consistently and significantly.

In addition GUT GOODIES contain a fermented yeast culture, consisting of biologically active RFC (refined functional carbohydrates) which supports growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, binding live bacteria & improving gut health. Mannose binds pathogenic bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella while the Beta glucans support the immune system and help protect against mycotoxins.

GUT GOODIES also contain natural BPM zeolites (Aluminosilicate). These have a unique three-dimensional porous structure, allowing them to absorb and release water reversibly. The extensive internal network of pores coupled with the cation exchange capacity of zeolite, gives GUT GOODIES a very large surface area to support absorption, release cations and to help treat mild cases diarrhoea. This helps support a healthy immune system, in addition to helping improve the equines intestinal electrolyte and water balance.
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Let’s talk about the huge benefits of GERIATRIC GG Nutri-Bites!

These Nutri-Bites contain a natural herbal supplement known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and used for many centuries in traditional medicine to help relieve pain. Multiple studies have shown that Devil’s Claw (Harpagoside) can help reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility, so it was a no brainer that these Nutri-Bites were formulated with this in mind!

Unlike Bute, Devil’s Claw has fewer potential side effects and is often preferred by horse owners looking for a more natural approach to pain relief - particularly for long-term use. This is perfect for your older horse to keep them more comfortable.

As Osteoarthritis is usually more prominent at an older age after a life of wear and tear, the Glucosamine contained in these Nutri-Bites is the perfect companion to Devils Claw, helping to maintain joints. Glucosamine is converted to GAGS which is the natural chemical. As a horse ages, their natural levels of GAGS are reduced and in turn, the cartilage dries out and becomes hardened. By increasing their glucosamine levels, the cushioning effect will return, helping maintain joint health and ultimately creating a more comfortable horse in the most convenient way that your horse will LOVE you for - Nutri-Bites!

Looking at the torrential rain outside makes it the perfect time to talk about the weather and how it affects your horse!

The wet and cold weather can make horses sick. This current time of year makes it more difficult for horse owners as their long winter coats make it much harder to dry out, while horses can struggle to stay warm if wet with their short clipped coats!

The weather can also aggravate existing conditions the horse might have, like arthritis, or it could cause the horse to develop respiratory problems.

Exposure to the cold also influences a horse’s behaviour. For example behavioral changes could be seeking shelter, drinking less, eating less and moving less - all which can contribute to colic. Ever had a horse colic in the rain? This could be why.

Along with proper horse management, consistently feeding a combination of our Health Horse Nutri-Bites will help manage your horses health and wellbeing:

[ ] MULTIVITAMIN to help assist with those natural defences against illnesses

[ ] ON POINT JOINTS to aid the management and relief of stiff and sore joints at this time of year

[ ] RINGSIDE REWARDS to encourage hydration at a time where horses are less inclined to drink

The vital elements in CHILL PILLS have been used for centuries with great success to help aid calming and anxiety in both equines and humans. CHILL PILLS are used daily to maintain optimum levels of these elements and the dosage can be increased when needed to provide an extra calming support for right when you need it.

1) Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential macromineral for all animals. The majority of magnesium in the horse’s body is found in bone and muscle. Magnesium is used in calming supplements to reduce excitability, anxiety, and reactivity. In human studies, it has been shown to influence nerve transmission and support an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect.

2) Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitter and hormone serotonin. Serotonin is the brain chemical that produces feelings of happiness and contentment. Tryptophan is said to produce a calming effect by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating appetite, sleep, mood balance, emotions, anxiety, pain sensitivity and more.

3) Thiamine
Thiamine is a B-vitamin (Vitamin B1) that is required by the horse for a variety of metabolic functions, including carbohydrate metabolism. B vitamins play a role in nervous system function and thiamine supplementation is purported to have a calming effect. Thiamine and B-complex vitamin supplementation are generally believed to be beneficial in horses under stress.

4) Calcium
Calcium is used to calm equines to help aid focus and concentration without sedation, while supporting normal neurotransmission.