We are exploring glucosamine today.

About a decade ago, glucosamine was marketed and sold as a joint supplement for horses. It is still available for joint support in dogs and humans, but seldom as a supplement for horses. 

In this episode, I discuss my experience with glucosamine, sharing its origin and clarifying some of the holistic principles it breaks.

Nutrients vs. Nutraceuticals

Nutrients are the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that are essential for life and must come from food. Glucosamine is a nutraceutical, a non-essential compound found naturally in cartilage that can help manage joint inflammation. It is not a dietary requirement, and it does not address deficiencies.

Doubt Around Glucosamine

Glucosamine was once widely used in equine joint supplements, often combined with MSM or chondroitin. However, many horse owners and practitioners saw no real benefits. Its popularity was due to marketing and general concerns about joint health and mobility in horses.

Inflammation 

Supplements alone cannot cure joint inflammation. Often, underlying factors (stress, poor diet, and excessive sugar) play a role. If those issues go unaddressed, even the best supplements will be inneffective.

Insulin-Resistant Horses

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that contains a glucose molecule, which raises red flags for insulin-resistant horses or those with a sluggish, congested liver. Those horses are already prone to inflammation and joint pain, and adding glucosamine may further burden their liver’s ability to metabolize.

Long-Term Supplementation

Long-term use of glucosamine without addressing nutrient deficiencies may do more harm than good. The liver metabolizes everything that enters the body, so long-term supplementation could overburden it, especially if the supplement is unnecessary or of low quality.

Source Matters

Most glucosamine gets sourced from shellfish, which violates holistic principles for horses, as they are strict herbivores. Using animal-based ingredients for horses is not considered species-appropriate and should always be avoided unless the supplement is truly effective.

Glucosamine Forms and Sulfur Sensitivity

Glucosamine comes in different forms- either glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine HCl. As the sulfate version can cause sensitivities, like hives or respiratory issues, glucosamine HCl may be a safer option for horses with sulfur sensitivity.

Evaluating Supplement Effectiveness

To assess whether a supplement is truly helping, always consider whether mobility is improving and inflammation is decreasing. If you cannot see or measure any benefit, reconsider its use. Addressing nutrient deficiencies will likely lead to more effective and lasting results.

Study Limitations 

Scientific studies on glucosamine are inconclusive and often based on other species (like rats, mice, or humans), so they may not reflect the realities of insulin-resistant or metabolically compromised horses. Ultimately, the individual history and response of the horse should guide your decisions.

Final Considerations

Although glucosamine is not inherently harmful, its long-term use should be questioned, especially for horses with insulin resistance. Glucosamine is not an essential nutrient, and it may place unnecessary strain on the body. 

Always prioritize foundational nutrition before turning to nutraceuticals.

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Today, we cover three foods to avoid for better horse health. This topic ties into our last discussion, where we explored toxicity in horses and how accumulated toxins can build up over time and lead to serious health issues.

Sources of Toxicity in Horses

Horses get exposed to various sources of toxicity, mainly through chemicals and preservatives in their food and water, medications, vaccinations, and deworming agents. Over time, the toxins build up and can overwhelm the immune system, leading to chronic health issues like inflammation, allergies, and sensitivities. Addressing the diet and removing toxic elements is often the first step toward recovery when horses are unwell.

Corn

Corn has high-calorie content and energy density, making it a common ingredient in horse feed. However, corn lowers digestive pH, leading to leaky gut and immune issues. It is also high in starch, which can overwhelm the small intestine if fed in excess, as the undigested starch can reach the hindgut, where it ferments, potentially causing acidosis, colic, or laminitis. Its low fiber content and imbalance of protein and amino acids make it less suitable as a standalone feed. There is also a risk of mold contamination when corn is improperly stored. While corn can be an energy boost for horses with high caloric needs, it is best to use it sparingly.

Wheat Middlings

Wheat middlings, a byproduct of milling wheat for flour, are often used as a source of fiber and protein in horse feed. They can be high in phosphorus and low in calcium, creating an imbalance that can affect bone health in horses if consumed in excess. Wheat middlings can also ferment in the hindgut, leading to digestive upsets like colic or laminitis. High levels of non-structural carbohydrates in wheat middlings can also be problematic for horses prone to metabolic issues like insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome. While middlings can be part of a balanced diet, feed them in moderation and combine them with other sources of fiber and essential nutrients.

Processed Oils

Canola, soybean, corn, or hydrogenated oils are not ideal for horses as they undergo high-temperature processing that generates free radicals, harming the immune system and leading to various diseases. Soybean oil can also create hormonal imbalances due to its phytoestrogen content. It is essential to choose cold-pressed, high-quality oils and only add them to the diet when necessary.

High-Fat Diets

High-fat diets can provide energy for horses doing heavy work or needing to gain weight, as fats are calorie-dense and provide slow-burning energy without the risks associated with high-starch feeds. However, horses lack a gallbladder and are biologically unsuited to process large quantities of oils. So, high-fat diets can cause digestive issues, malnutrition, and liver strain, slowing gut motility and worsening conditions like colic or ulcers.

Balancing Nutrition

While some challenging cases, like underweight or elderly horses, may require short-term use of problematic foods or oils, the goal should always be to provide high-quality, minimally processed nutrition in the long term. Horses thrive on a natural diet that aligns with their biology. For optimum health and resilience in your horse, pay attention to sensitivities and make adjustments where necessary.

Final Thoughts

Avoid ingredients like corn, wheat middlings, and processed oils. Focus on natural, high-quality feeds, and tailor the feeding strategy to fit the specific dietary requirements of your horse and support its long-term health and vitality.

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I am excited to welcome Jessica Fobert as my guest today!

Over the past decade, Jessica and I have worked together on many challenging cases, and I have come to value her input as a trusted second opinion for my clients. She is a hoof care practitioner and lifelong horse lover, registered with both the Canadian Equine Hoof Care Association and Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners. She and her business partner, Natalie, run a rehab facility in Toddham, Ontario, where they take on the toughest of cases. 

Join us as Jessica dives into the critical work she does at the rehab, debunking common trimming myths and highlighting the crucial importance of proper hoof care.

Many Cases Go Undiagnosed

Owners and professionals alike should be vigilant and proactive, as subclinical laminitis often goes unnoticed. Many horses can have inflammation without full-blown laminitic episodes, and even minor hoof distortion, recurring abscesses, or poor posture may be early signs. 

Inflammation 

Hoof inflammation starts before any rotation or visible damage occurs. It typically results from systemic stress, poor nutrition, or mechanical imbalance. While X-rays may not reveal early changes, heat, soreness, gait alterations, or behavioral changes can indicate trouble brewing inside the foot.

Movement and Circulation 

Stabling a sore horse may seem protective, but confinement reduces circulation and delays healing. Movement is crucial to restoring hoof health. Gentle, controlled exercise within the comfort zone of the horse, often with the help of boots, can significantly improve blood flow and tissue regeneration.

Boots

Boots help reduce inflammation and promote healing, allowing sore horses to move more comfortably. However, they are not a permanent solution. 

Avoid Over-trimming 

Trimming should preserve the sole and reduce leverage without forcing the foot into an artificial shape. Over-trimming or removing too much sole worsens instability.

Be Cautious with Certain Treatments

Corrosive thrush treatments may kill bacteria but can also damage live tissue, making reinfection more likely. Non-corrosive antimicrobials can restore microbial balance without damaging sensitive tissue, soothing the foot, and helping to reset its microbial environment. Consistency and gentle application are the key.

Gut Health 

Thrush and white line disease can recur when gut health is compromised. High-sugar, high-starch diets fuel inflammation and weaken hoof tissue from the inside. Horses fed low-NSC diets will often show rapid hoof improvement. In some cases, long-standing issues like contracted heels and white line disease will resolve completely within months of a diet change.

Lasting Change

Lasting hoof changes must be supported from the inside, as no trim can undo the effects of a poor diet. Contracted heels, long toes, and weak hoof structures are often diet-driven. Even horses that have been trimmed carefully for years may not improve until their processed feeds get replaced with low-sugar alternatives. 

The Power of Movement

Movement is essential for healing hooves. Even sore horses should be allowed to move freely within their comfort range. Boots can encourage movement, reducing pain and enabling gradual increases in circulation and use. 

Metal Shoes

Metal shoes may provide instant relief for some horses. However, they increase concussion and vibration, which can worsen laminitic damage over time. Whenever possible, barefoot is ideal, but there are situations where temporary shoeing provides a helpful bridge.

Euthanasia Is a Complex Decision

For owners facing the possibility of euthanasia due to chronic laminitis, the most important factors to consider are quality of life, age, and the extent of internal damage. A younger horse with good overall health and minor pathology may fully recover with time, while an older horse with extensive remodeling and no progress after months of care may not. It is not about how long you have been trying. It is about whether or not progress is still possible.

There Is Hope with the Right Support

Horses can recover from severe laminitis. Even cases that seem hopeless can recover with the right support. A strong rehab plan includes proper trimming, pain relief, an appropriate diet, and enough movement. If the damage is not too severe and the blood supply remains intact, healing can be dramatic.

Owner Education Makes a Difference

Owners who understand hoof anatomy, inflammation, and the impact of diet are better prepared to advocate for their horses. A good support team includes trimmers, veterinarians, and professionals who collaborate and communicate openly. 

Expert Help Is Available

Jessica Foutbear offers remote consultations, ranging from quick second opinions to in-depth assessments and trim guidance. She also teaches clinics and workshops. You can reach out to her via email or on social media.

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On social media: @BarefootHorseCanada

Email: [email protected]  

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This week, we explore some key contributors to laminitis, other than grass, that every horse owner should be aware of.

In the last episode, we discussed sugar-induced laminitis and why spring grass can be a big concern for many horse owners. However, sugar is not the only factor that can trigger laminitis, and owners need to understand the broader range of potential causes.

A Whole-Body Issue

Laminitis is inflammation of the lamina. It is often a reflection of systemic inflammation and not just a foot problem. Inflammation, especially when chronic, can damage tissues and affect many parts of the body before appearing in the hooves. Laminitis is often a symptom of deeper, unresolved health issues.

Stress and Emotional Triggers

Stress is the primary cause of inflammation in horses. Emotional stress resulting from the loss of a pasture mate, a new environment, or changes in the herd can lead to laminitic episodes. Chronic stress raises cortisol, increases blood sugar, and suppresses the immune system, which is particularly dangerous for insulin-resistant horses. Supporting horses through emotional changes and acknowledging their grief is essential, as horses feel things deeply, and unaddressed stress can lead to significant health issues.

The Role of Gut Toxicity

Gut health links closely to laminitis, especially in horses with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome. A compromised gut, often caused by poor diet or chronic inflammation, can lead to a leaky gut, which allows toxins to enter the bloodstream, creating systemic inflammation. Removing inflammatory ingredients such as processed feeds, preservatives, and vegetable oils from the diet can significantly improve hoof health. Owners should look for food sensitivities, even to common ingredients like flax, and consider rotating feeds and supplements to reduce the risk of intolerance.

Hidden Causes in the Diet 

Some horses are more sensitive to ingredients than others. So, an ingredient that is safe for most horses might be causing your horse inflammation. If your horse is not improving despite a low-sugar diet, look at everything it eats. Supplements cannot offset food intolerances. So, if your horse is reacting to something in its diet, the only solution is to remove that item.

Medication, Liver Load, and Toxicity

Long-term use of medications, exposure to chemicals, commercial feeds, and over-vaccination can compromise liver function. When the liver becomes overwhelmed, toxins tend to build up, and the immune system responds with inflammation. To reduce the inflammation, focus on supporting detoxification and reducing the overall toxic load. Chronic inflammation can lead to further issues like Cushing’s disease if not addressed early.

Vaccination Considerations

Vaccines can trigger inflammatory responses, especially in horses already dealing with laminitis or metabolic challenges. Inflammation from vaccines may not appear immediately, but it can cause issues in the weeks that follow. For sensitive horses, particularly those with compromised immune systems or high toxicity levels, vaccinations should be approached with care. Work with your vet to determine what is necessary, how to support your horse through the process, and when it might be best to delay or avoid certain vaccines.

Final Thought

If your horse is struggling with chronic laminitis and nothing seems to help, it may be time to look beyond sugar and hoof care. Evaluate every part of its lifestyle, including emotional health, gut health, diet, medications, and vaccination history. 

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Today, we are tackling the topic of laminitis and exploring those early-stage situations where your horse begins to show signs of soreness and tenderness.

What we focus on today does not include the more mechanical cases of founder laminitis but rather horses that tend to become sugar-sensitive as the grass begins to turn green in spring.   

Recognizing Sugar Sensitivity in Horses

Some horses become sore or tender as soon as lush spring grass appears. It is often due to sugar sensitivity, and these horses may also be insulin resistant. Insulin resistance can present as swelling in the eyes, sheath, udders, lower limbs, or a general puffiness in the body. It is not always related to obvious hoof problems but often reflects a broader systemic reaction to dietary sugar.

Real-Life Example

At the facility I manage, several horses broke into a lush pasture and soon showed signs of swelling and tenderness despite us urging them to move. Even horses that were not usually at risk began showing symptoms. That highlighted just how quickly sugar overload can tip the balance and why it is crucial to act early.

Step 1: Reduce Sugars

The first step in managing sugar-induced laminitis is reducing sugar intake, especially from grass. Some horses can tolerate limited pasture, while others may not. Create dry lots, use fencing or panels to limit access, and have your hay sugar levels analyzed. Watch out for feeds containing molasses, vegetable oils, preservatives, and other additives that may spike insulin and cause inflammation.

Step 2: Encourage Movement

Exercise is critical. Even when a horse is sore, movement helps lower insulin, burn sugar, and reduce inflammation. It can be as simple as walking, ponying, or hand-jogging. Any movement counts, even 20 extra minutes a few times a week. For horses not currently ridden, gentle groundwork or hand-walking is enough to make a meaningful difference.

Step 3: Add Supportive Footwear When Needed

Hoof boots with padding can help to relieve pain and make movement possible for horses in extreme pain. Movement is essential for healing, so boots are a helpful short-term solution to get your horse comfortable enough to walk. Creative options, like diapers or duct tape, can also work until you find a better solution.

When It Is More Than Just Sugar

If you have reduced sugar and increased movement, and your horse is still inflamed or tender, you may be dealing with more than just dietary sugar overload. Persistent fat pads, a crested neck, and excessive thirst and urination can point to deeper insulin resistance. 

Every Horse is Unique

Horses respond differently to diet and management. While some thrive on pasture combined with regular movement, others may continue to struggle, even when their sugar intake gets reduced and they exercise enough. Factors like breed, history, and individual constitution can influence their response. If you are following best practices but not seeing progress, you may need to explore deeper metabolic factors and consider targeted nutritional and organ support.

Final Thought

The sooner you become aware of early signs of sugar sensitivity and act on them, the better. Reducing sugar, increasing exercise, and providing hoof support when needed can make all the difference. If those measures are not enough, there is still hope, as most horses can regain their balance and comfort with the appropriate nutritional and metabolic support.

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The symptoms most horses experience from digestive issues and anxiety tend to cause them lots of discomfort. Fortunately, there is a wonderful plant horse owners can use to manage those conditions. 

Chamomile is a versatile herb with a wide range of uses for horses. It has a calming energy and a pleasant smell, and horses love it!

The Link Between Digestion and Anxiety 

There is a close connection between digestion and anxiety in horses. Stressful events like separation or fear can trigger digestive issues such as colic or ulcers. Those two systems work in a cycle. So, when one is out of balance, the other often follows. Supporting both systems is the key to breaking that loop.

A Holistic Strategy 

To help a horse heal, the owner must identify whether stress or digestion is the primary issue. Sometimes, calming the nervous system allows the gut to recover, while, in other cases, improving digestion eases emotional strain. Reducing stress even slightly can usually create enough momentum for healing.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a well-known traditional herb with a long history of medicinal use. It has yellow-centered white flowers that are easy to recognize. Chamomile contains beneficial compounds like calcium, magnesium, and flavonoids. Those minerals support the nervous system and reduce muscle tension, which is why chamomile is known for its relaxing and soothing properties.

Whole Herbs Work Best

Chamomile benefits digestion, the nervous system, muscles, immunity, and skin in horses. Its strength lies in its synergy. Due to the interaction of many compounds within it, chamomile provides a broad range of health benefits. Isolating a single ingredient can often reduce its effectiveness and cause side effects, which is why whole herbs are preferable. 

Targeted Uses

Chamomile is soothing to the gut and the nervous system and can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and provide antibacterial effects. Horses with chronic digestive tension or stress often benefit greatly from this herb.

Chamomile is especially useful for:

• Digestive upsets, including colic and cramps
• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Nervous tension and anxiety

Flavonoids 

Chamomile is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Its compounds regulate cell function and boost immunity. A 2022 PubMed study identified 50 different flavonoids in chamomile, including quercetin. Chamomile also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties.

Practical Use and Dosage

Cut and sifted chamomile is ideal for horses, as it stays close to its natural form and has a good shelf life. A typical starting dose is one tablespoon, with the option to increase to two. Most horses enjoy chamomile, and its gentle nature makes it easy to introduce. Chamomile can be used short-term for specific issues or longer-term (three months) for chronic imbalances.

Chamomile for Variety 

Chamomile is a gentle herb that does not have a strong taste. So, even horses without anxiety or digestive issues enjoy chamomile added to their diet for variety. 

Homeopathic Chamomile (Chamomilla)

Chamomile is also available in a homeopathic form, Chamomilla. That remedy often gets used for digestive upsets, nervous tension, and teething-related discomfort. It can be helpful for horses that are easily overwhelmed, hard to soothe, or showing signs of intense emotional distress that is difficult to calm.

Final Thoughts

Chamomile is a powerful, multi-functional herb. It supports the nervous system, digestion, and musculoskeletal system. Whether used to address chronic conditions or balance the system, it is a safe, soothing option worth trying. 

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This week, our focus returns to the equine diet.

Whether you are supporting overall health or addressing a particular issue in a horse, it always starts with their food. That often means identifying and removing dietary intolerances or introducing an anti-inflammatory or alkaline diet. 

Since each horse has a unique constitution, their diets must be individualized to support their specific sensitivities.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Horses

Offer a variety of fresh produce like melons, shredded beets, cucumbers, watermelon rind, apples, blueberries, and carrots. Chop them into small pieces for easy eating, and avoid feeding large amounts of stringy celery to horses with dental issues or a history of choking.

Using Cauliflower and Other Veggies

Many horses enjoy nibbling on cauliflower occasionally. However, you should only feed it in small amounts since large quantities can cause gas. Always observe how your horse reacts to new foods and adjust accordingly.

Incorporating Herbs

Add herbs (chamomile, mint, raspberry leaf, chickweed, plantain, and milk thistle) to salads or treats. Herbs provide added health benefits, especially raspberry leaf for mares and other reproductive support. Let your horse explore different herbs to see what they prefer.

Preparing and Serving Salads

Make fresh horse salads once or twice a week, using any available clean or organic produce. If using non-organic items, wash them thoroughly. For picky eaters, introduce one ingredient at a time or mix new foods into their regular mash to help them adjust.

Enrichment Through Foraging

Scatter chopped fruits, veggies, and herbs around the pasture to encourage natural foraging and gentle exercise. This “Easter egg hunt” approach is stimulating and rewarding for your horse.

Enhancing Flavor

Some horses enjoy a splash of apple cider vinegar or a little olive oil as a salad dressing. Experiment with small amounts to find what your horse likes best.

Benefits of Fresh Salads for Horses

Feeding horses fresh salads regularly promotes better overall health, shinier coats, improved hoof condition, reduced inflammation, and more contentment. Fresh, live nutrients support the cells and tissues naturally.

Moderation and Variety Are Key

Avoid feeding too much of any single ingredient. Provide a varied mix to allow your horse to enjoy different flavors and nutrients without overindulging in one thing, and always pay attention to its preferences and sensitivities.

Tips for Horses with Specific Conditions

Avoid or chop stringy vegetables like celery finely for horses with dental problems or a history of choking. Salads and fresh foods can be particularly helpful for horses managing metabolic issues (EMS) by providing live nutrients without excess sugars or fats. Introducing fresh produce gradually and mixing it with regular feed helps sensitive horses adapt. Feeding a variety of herbs and fresh foods can support inflammation reduction, hoof health, and hormone balance, especially for mares. Always observe how your horse tolerates new foods and adjust accordingly.

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June has arrived, and everything is turning green again. With no more mud and ice around, it becomes much easier for horse owners living in wet and snowy areas to get their horses moving as they should once more. 

This week, I share some tips to get your horse moving in spring, which is particularly important if your horse is on grass, with few other options.

Movement Matters

Spring and summer grasses are rich in sugars, which can be risky for horses with metabolic issues like insulin resistance or laminitis. Supplements may help manage those conditions, but regular physical activity is essential for maintaining their metabolic balance and general health.

Small Steps

Small, regular efforts are more effective for horses than occasional intense workouts. Just 15 minutes of walking a few times a week can help to improve circulation, metabolism, muscle tone, detox pathways, and mood in horses. 

Encouraging Natural Movement

Some horses are naturally less active when hay is readily available. You can encourage more movement by spreading their hay stations out, placing food and water at opposite ends of a paddock, or using slopes and snow to make horses do a little work for their meals, even in winter.

Engaging the Body and Mind

Scavenger hunts for alfalfa pellets or small pieces of carrot or cucumber will encourage your horse to move and provide mental stimulation without overfeeding. If your horse is not getting ridden, consider groundwork or short walks to boost circulation and muscle use. Use hoof boots for extra comfort if needed, and increase exercise gradually as your horse improves.

Make It Work for Both of You

Combine exercising your horse with your fitness goals. If your goal is 10,000 steps a day, you can spend some time walking your horse around the pasture or driveway. For minis or horses that cannot be ridden, ponying or trotting them alongside another horse or a slow-moving vehicle can be an effective alternative.

Prioritize and Plan Movement

Make scheduled movement a priority for your horse. Aim for 2–3 sessions of 15-30 minutes per week. Over time, even brief, consistent activity will offer meaningful improvements. Supplements can support equine health, but movement is still a non-negotiable for managing sugar levels in horses, building their strength, and maintaining their long-term well-being.

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This week, we are taking a closer look at equine sarcoids. 

Equine sarcoids are a common issue that can be concerning for horse owners. These skin growths are neither serious nor life-threatening, but they can be unsightly and sometimes tricky to manage. They tend to vary in appearance and location, and in some cases, can go unnoticed until they become more visibly pronounced.

What Are Equine Sarcoids?

Sarcoids are skin tumors that account for 36 to 40% of equine tumors. They can be flat, raised, crusty, weepy, or ulcerated, and can grow and spread at different rates. There are two main types: dry sarcoids and ulcerated (weepy and inflamed) sarcoids. They are generally benign and don’t spread to internal organs, but they can cause serious problems if they obstruct bodily functions like urination or defecation.

Conventional vs. Holistic Approaches

With traditional veterinary treatments, which include cutting, freezing, or surgically removing sarcoids, recurrence is common. Holistic practitioners aim to understand why the sarcoids appeared in the first place. Removing growths will not solve the internal imbalance that allowed them to develop.

Potential Causes and Triggers

Sarcoids, which may originate from the bovine papillomavirus, behave like viruses, flaring up with stress, toxicity, and nutritional deficiencies. Horses with compromised immune systems due to anxiety, malnutrition, or chronic stress are more prone to developing sarcoids. Events like moving farms, losing a herd mate, accidents, poor-quality hay, or vaccines can act as triggers.

Chemical Toxicity and Vaccines

Sarcoids could result from exposure to chemicals. Sprays on hay, some feeds, and vaccines can attack horses’ immune systems. When their immune system is under strain, dormant viruses can activate, allowing sarcoids to spread rapidly. Sarcoids often tend to appear soon after vaccinations, especially in compromised horses.

Skin as an Elimination Organ

The skin acts as a pathway for the body to release toxins and reflect internal imbalances. When sarcoids appear on the skin, they are often signs of an internal issue.

Malabsorption and Nutritional Gaps

A horse may seem to be getting good nutrition, yet still be malnourished if it does not absorb nutrients properly. Ulcers or chronic nervous system stress can interfere with their nutrient uptake and contribute to a weakened immune system.

Environmental and Age Factors

At around 15, horses often start showing signs of conditions that have been building silently for years. Chronic stress, aging, and accumulated exposure to harmful substances can contribute to immune dysfunction and tumor development.

The Role of Detoxification and the Liver

The liver detoxifies chemicals, medications, and environmental toxins. If it is overburdened, the immune system suffers. Many horses show signs of liver strain if they have been on long-term medication or exposed to repeated vaccinations and chemical-laden feeds.

Immune System and Pathogen Load

Chronic issues like thrush, scratches, or recurrent parasite infections indicate a compromised immune system. Parasites, bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi often coexist, increasing the toxic load and making it harder for horses to maintain internal balance.

Using Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional therapy is a preferred holistic strategy. It involves using single nutrients in specific doses to clean up toxicity, correct imbalances, and support immune health. Antioxidants like selenium and vitamin C can help to detoxify chemicals and support liver function.

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This week, we continue where we left off last week, exploring equine eye conditions through a holistic lens.

A holistic approach focuses primarily on optimizing the diet and lifestyle of horses, providing everything they need to support their overall health and maintain healthy eyes.

Long-Term Health Issues Often Begin with Deficiencies

Chronic deficiencies, prolonged stress, and toxin exposure are often the root causes of long-term health issues in horses. Those problems develop slowly, sometimes taking years to show symptoms. Even though genetics may be an underlying factor, nutrition is crucial in determining health outcomes.

Protecting the Eyes of Prey Animals

Eyesight is critical for horses to feel safe. Vision loss increases their anxiety and vulnerability. Keeping blind or visually impaired horses calm, secure, and well-supported within a herd can help to reduce their stress and improve their quality of life.

Antioxidants Play a Crucial Role in Prevention

Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, support immune function and detox systems, and protect the sensitive eye tissues. Even without eye symptoms, improved nutrition supports clearer and healthier eyes. A targeted supplement plan should always match the specific needs of each horse.

Selenium: An Underrated Powerhouse

Selenium deficiency is common in horses, affecting their coat, muscles, metabolism, and more. Selenium indirectly supports the eyes by boosting antioxidant defenses, especially when paired with vitamin E. While it is not an eye-specific nutrient, selenium does contribute to overall equine resilience.

Vitamin E is Essential and Often Deficient

Vitamin E is often lacking in hay-fed horses. Vitamin E protects the tissues from oxidative damage and plays a key role in eye health and detox support. High doses may be required to correct deficiencies in horses, especially for performance or aging horses.

The Right Dosage and Timing Matter

Too many antioxidants at once can overwhelm the body. Start with one or two at low doses and monitor progress over several weeks. Horses with autoimmune issues, like uveitis, need especially careful and gradual supplementation.

Zinc: The Surprise Ally for Eye Health

Zinc supports metabolism, thyroid function, liver health, and immunity. It also helps with weepy eyes and visual clarity, likely due to its high concentration in ocular tissue and role in processing light. Zinc works well with vitamin A to support vision.

Be Cautious and Responsive with Zinc

Not all horses need zinc. Try using low doses of about 150 mg elemental zinc in an organic form and observe. If there is no visible improvement within 6–8 weeks, zinc might not be the right solution. 

Beta Carotene: A Natural Source of Eye Support

Beta carotene, found in fresh forage and colorful foods like carrots, supports vision and immune health. It converts to vitamin A, which helps with light processing. 

Forage-based diets naturally provide more beta carotene than hay.

Support Through Food Whenever Possible

Whole foods and high-quality forage offer the best long-term nutritional support. While supplements are valuable, a varied, nutrient-dense diet reduces dependence on pills and powders and supports holistic, sustainable health.

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