Equilite Ambassador
The more I read about digestive health in the sport horse, the more I hear the following:
1. The majority of dressage horses seem to be prone to ulcers. Whether the number is 50-60% or 80-85%, every medical study quotes a number above half!
2. The standard routine of a sport horse includes a feeding routine that leads to ulcers: Periods of time when the horse has an empty stomach because he is not grazing and/or eating anything, (during work, horse shows and daily stabling) and large meals that include low fiber, high-carb feeds.
3. Feeding bute can lead to ulcers.
4. As we all know, stress can cause ulcers. Horses in competition, heavy training, etc. are under heavy enough stress during these periods to be susceptible to ulcers.
So how do we deal with this common problem in sport horses? I have found that Equilite has the answers - again!
1. Whenever possible, I feed Equilite's Ani-Motion instead of bute. It helps with joint support and inflammation, but is only made of "friendly" ingredients like: Devil's Claw, Yucca, Chamomile, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla, White Willow Bark and Rose Hips.
2. Prevention is key! Ulcer medication can be $40 per day and last over a month!!! That is why I feed Equilite's PrePro whenever I think my horses might be prone to ulcers - when they are wormed, sick, getting medicine, etc.
The last thing I have done, in response to the continued findings that high-starch is not necessary or beneficial for most horses, is start to feed a higher fat/protein to starch ratio at every meal.
The great thing about all of these things is that they can't hurt - they are just natural changes to your horse's program that only increases your chances for a happy, healthy horse.
0 comments:
Post a Comment