Cobalt has not been added to horse feed or supplements made by reputable manufacturers since 2010 when cobalt carbonate (the salt added to premixes) was declared potentially carcinogenic for the people working in the premix plant because of its small...
The primary function of iron is as a component of haemoglobin, which is vital for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. It is also a component of other proteins e.g. myoglobin, which transports oxygen in muscle...
Selenium needs to work in conjunction with vitamin E in order for them both to act as antioxidants to help maintain healthy cell function, repair DNA and reduce tissue damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are normally produced during...
Iodine is very well known as it is contained in thyroid hormones e.g. thyroxin, a powerful hormone, contained largely in the thyroid gland, which controls growth and is essential for healthy metabolism, thermoregulation and reproduction. Therefore iodine is also essential...
Manganese is well known for its role in bone and cartilage formation. It is essential for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and chondroitin sulphate, the latter itself being needed for cartilage synthesis. It is also essential for a healthy central nervous...
Zinc is a co-factor for hundreds of enzymes in the horse’s body, several of which are required for bone formation and calcification. It supports the synthesis of chondroitin sulphate which is essential for cartilage formation. Other roles include support for...
Copper is important for multiple functions, often as a co-enzyme, e.g. lysyl oxidase which facilitates cross-linking of elastin and collagen in connectives tissues, making them stronger and more flexible e.g. tendons, ligaments, bone and cartilage. It is vital for the...
As we step into 2024, freezing temperatures are affecting horses' water intake across the UK. Cold weather can impact a horse's thirst mechanism, especially considering their increased time indoors with dry hay in winter. With horses needing 30 liters of...
Sodium and Chlorine join together to form salt (Sodium Chloride) and they have a major role in maintaining fluid balance in the horse. Because of this, these minerals are also called electrolytes. Sodium has a key role in maintaining blood...
Poor doer? Winter can be a tough season to navigate! We're here to help. Q What is a poor doer?A A horse who has a tendency to lose weight easily, irrelevant of breed, type or size Q Why does my...
Feed ad-lib hay/haylage whether your horse is stabled or in the field Feed the best quality forage you can, and have hay/haylage tested for nutritional content where possible, as hay can be as good a source of calories as haylage...
Got Good doer? Let the winter be your friend! Q Do good doers need hard feed in winter?A If you are serious about improving the health of your horse and are keen to use the winter months to aid healthy...
