We’re talking about toxicity today.

I’ve been seeing several cases lately where toxicity plays a role, so I thought it was time to revisit the topic. In episode 53, I covered the definition of toxicity and what it means for your horse, so you can go back and listen to it after this episode for more details. 

Stay tuned as I share the signs to look out for.

Understanding Toxicity in Horses

Toxicity in horses often develops slowly and subtly through accumulated exposure to feed contaminants, environmental chemicals, medications, or poor-quality diets. Unlike sudden poisoning, this buildup can take years to show outwardly. Younger horses may appear healthy despite ongoing exposure, but as they age, resilience drops and health issues surface, usually from around age 12 onward.

Early Warning Signs

Subtle behavioral and physical changes often signal toxicity. These can include fatigue, dull eyes, reduced social engagement, depression, or anxiety. Appetite changes are also key clues- horses that suddenly become picky or disinterested in food may be reacting to gut irritation or inflammation. Paying attention to these small shifts helps catch toxicity before it escalates.

Behavior and the Nervous System

Toxicity can impact the nervous system, leading to high anxiety and nervousness. While horsemanship helps build horses’ confidence, chronic anxiety can point to underlying health issues or an internal imbalance. Ulcers and overactive immunity often accompany this state, as pain and inflammation trigger more stress in a self-perpetuating cycle.

Inflammation 

Inflammation is one of the most common consequences of toxicity. It often presents as laminitis or joint stiffness, even when blood work looks normal. Laminitis is particularly revealing as hoof tissues react early to systemic inflammation. Many arthritic horses may actually be struggling with toxic buildup rather than structural degeneration, and they often improve after detoxification.

The Liver

The liver detoxifies all chemicals entering the body, but chronic overload eventually leads to fatigue and dysfunction. As detoxification slows, toxins accumulate, affecting hormone balance, immune strength, and overall vitality. So, even when liver enzymes appear normal, the liver may still be under strain.

The Gut–Toxicity Connection

Gut health is often the first to suffer. Long-term exposure to irritants, sugars, or intolerant feeds leads to inflammation, leaky gut, and cecal acidosis. A damaged intestinal lining allows toxins to circulate through the body, causing hives, laminitis, or chronic infections. Gut inflammation also prevents nutrient absorption.

Nutrient Deficiency

Toxicity compounds over time. Horses with chronic gut irritation or sugar-heavy diets often experience nutrient depletion because their inflamed intestines cannot absorb key minerals and vitamins. 

Common Physical Signs

Visible indicators include dull or coarse coats, cracking or separating hooves, weepy eyes (often linked to liver dysfunction), nasal discharge, and reduced energy. These may seem mild or age-related, but they could reflect systemic imbalance from long-term toxicity.

Reversing the Effects

Improvement begins with removing toxins from feed, water, and the environment. Cleaning up the diet allows the liver, kidneys, and gut to recover. Even older horses can regain their vitality after reducing their toxicity and with good nutrition.

Long-Term Prevention

Reducing toxicity is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. By being mindful of feed quality, ingredient lists, and exposure sources, owners can dramatically improve their horses’ health spans and overall resilience.

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Today I’m sharing winter nutrition tips for horses. 

As temperatures drop and the seasons shift, you will need to adjust your feeding to support your horse’s health through the colder months. I’m in Calgary, Alberta, where we experience extreme temperature swings. Wherever you live, the degree of cold you experience will influence how you should feed your horses for optimal health, and one of the most important factors to consider is your horse’s weight regulation.

Managing Weight in Winter

Winter poses challenges for both easy and hard keepers. Easy keepers often enter the season carrying extra weight, while hard keepers struggle to maintain condition due to increased energy demands for warmth. Managing both types requires paying attention to diet, sugar levels, and feeding strategies.

Easy Keepers: Use Winter as an Opportunity

Winter can help easy keepers lean out naturally. When grass is dormant or covered by snow, sugar intake gets reduced. That is ideal for managing insulin resistance, PPID, and equine metabolic syndrome. 

Encouraging natural movement and moderate feeding

Encourage natural movement and moderate feeding by spacing hay stations far apart. Avoid free-choice hay for overweight or sugar-sensitive horses. Instead, feed in controlled portions, ideally using slow-feeding nets, ensuring they don’t stand for too long without food.

Leaner winter conditioning helps restore insulin sensitivity, supports metabolism, and prepares horses for spring.

Hard Keepers: Prioritize Calories and Warmth

For hard keepers, maintaining weight in cold weather is essential. Offer them free-choice hay or extra feeding sessions separate from easy keepers. Provide larger mashes (such as beet pulp or alfalfa cubes) to boost calorie intake and hydration. You can use extruded feeds temporarily for better absorption and calorie density. Even if the ingredient list is not perfect, the priority is to prevent weight loss and support their muscle mass through the winter.

Once spring arrives, you can detoxify them and move them back to cleaner feeds when forage becomes available.

Supplements to Prevent Deficiencies

When a horses shift from grass to hay, the levels of fat-soluble nutrients (especially essential fatty acids) drop sharply. Supplementation is the key to preventing deficiencies that affect skin, coat, and metabolism. Crushed flax, hemp hearts, or chia seeds are excellent plant-based sources of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oils, such as flax, camelina, or hemp, can be used short-term, but only in small amounts. They must be stored properly, however, and selected for stability.

Selenium and Vitamin E Support

Horses on hay-only diets are usually deficient in selenium and vitamin E, which are vital for immune function, circulation, metabolism, and hoof health. The two nutrients work synergistically, as selenium enhances vitamin E’s antioxidant action. Since hay rarely provides enough nutrition, consistent supplementation is essential. It is always best to use high-quality supplements that are free of unnecessary additives or preservatives. 

Carrots and Beta-Carotene

Carrots provide beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and easy keepers can eat them in moderation. The fiber and phytonutrients in carrots prevent blood sugar spikes, making them a beneficial winter addition.

Winter Nutrition Takeaway

Winter is the perfect time to fine-tune your horse’s nutrition. Allow easy keepers to lose weight gradually on their own while ensuring hard keepers receive enough calories to stay warm and maintain their condition. Focus on good quality hay, balanced supplementation, and moderate feeding to support movement and metabolic health. By managing your horse’s sugar intake, providing essential nutrients, and keeping inflammation low, you can set your horse up for a healthier and more resilient spring.

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This week, we’re tackling a question horse owners often ask, which is why their horses eat dirt. 

Some horses only lick or nibble dirt occasionally, while others take it to extremes, even digging holes in their paddocks. The term for this behavior is geophagia, or pica, which in humans means eating things with little or no nutritional value. In horses, that behavior always points to an underlying cause that owners must explore.

Why Horses Eat Dirt

Horses that eat dirt are not just engaging in random behavior. They are seeking to soothe discomfort or fulfill a nutritional or emotional need. The causes often relate to mineral deficiencies, digestive issues, or stress and boredom. Identifying the reason involves careful observation and systematic elimination of possibilities.

Nutritional Deficiencies

When domestic horses eat dirt, it often signals unmet mineral needs, particularly sodium or selenium. Even horses on synthetic multi-mineral mixes may not be absorbing nutrients effectively, especially if their digestion is compromised or the mineral forms lack bioavailability.

Improving Mineral Intake

Offer free-choice salt, ensuring it’s free from unnecessary additives. Experiment with different salts for 10 days, adding 1–2 teaspoons to a mash if needed. Selenium deficiency is common. You can use organic selenium (selenomethionine) to correct it, even pairing mineral supplements with plant-based sources for better absorption. Products like Riva’s Remedies Happy Horse or Happy Horse Senior provide natural, bioavailable minerals and added herbs for cognitive support in older horses.

Digestive Health

When horses are getting adequate nutrition, eating dirt may stem from digestive discomfort or ulcer-related pain. Horses may also be searching for probiotics from soil or manure. Support their digestion with a high-quality probiotic, and notice whether the behavior occurs before or after meals, during stress, or when the stomach is empty.

Lifestyle and Environment

Horses in dry lots or dirt pens often experience boredom, stress, and periods of fasting between meals. Empty stomachs continually produce acid, which can irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulcers. Providing slow-feeder hay nets, extra hay feedings, turnout time, and social interaction can reduce stress-related behaviors. Ensure your horse has companionship and mental stimulation, as isolation and lack of forage contribute to habits like dirt eating.

Eating Manure

Dirt eating can also signal a lack of fiber or probiotics. Horses on lush pasture may need added fiber sources like beet pulp or timothy cubes to support hindgut health. You can give horses a human probiotic with 50 billion CFUs daily to help restore their microbial balance and reduce manure eating.

Balancing Behavior and Biology

Occasional dirt licking is normal. That behavior typically disappears once the nutritional and emotional needs of the horse are satisfied. Owners only need to be concerned when dirt eating becomes excessive or destructive.. Each horse is different, so resolving the issue requires observation, experimentation, and patience.

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With winter just around the corner, I decided to offer some tips today, for preparing mash in the colder months.

Stay tuned for practical tips to make soaking and preparing mash far easier- not only in winter, but throughout the year.

Keep Mash Prep Simple

Keep mash prep simple by using single, whole ingredients rather than mixed commercial feeds full of synthetics and fillers. This approach supports recovery and makes year-round feeding easier.

Soaking Cubes and Beet Pulp

Always soak cubes or alfalfa to prevent choking and improve digestibility. Use warm water to soften them, and soak overnight when possible. It is also essential to expand the beet pulp and pellets by allowing them to soak overnight. 

Preventing Mold and Spoilage

Beet pulp molds easily in warm barns, so never leave it for more than a day. Store soaked mash in a cool, dry spot to keep it fresh.

Adding Dry Ingredients at Feeding Time

Keep dry ingredients separate until feeding. Mix the soaked portion first, then add dry ingredients right before serving to maintain freshness and nutrient quality.

Preparing in Advance

For convenience, prepare ziplock bags with a month’s worth of pre-measured dry mixes. Label each bag and then add it to the soaked mash when ready to feed.

Handling Oils and Apple Cider Vinegar

Add oil and apple cider vinegar at feeding time, and not in advance. Oils can go rancid if left open or exposed to heat, and vinegar is most effective when added just before feeding. It supports digestion and metabolic function and can even be offered in water if horses like the taste.

When Soaking Isn’t Practical

If soaking is impractical, use dry ingredients like alfalfa pellets or bran and moisten them slightly before feeding to make the meal more palatable.

Simplifying for Helpers or Travel

If you need to go away and have someone else feeding your horse, you can simplify things by providing pre-packed dry mixes. Short breaks or simplified routines will not undo your horse’s progress, and you can resume full feeding once you return.

Consistency Over Perfection

If you can only prepare mash three times a week, it is still worthwhile. Consistency matters more than perfection, and horses benefit even from partial improvement. 

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Today, we are exploring how our mindset can influence the decisions we make about challenges to our horses’ health.

Whether you are dealing with a common issue or a new diagnosis that feels overwhelming, it is essential to stay grounded in practical knowledge and clear reasoning rather than emotion because disease labels can sometimes influence our perspective and choices in ways that do not serve the best interests of the horse.

What Disease Labels Really Mean

Disease labels are clinical tools that help classify health problems in horses, based on their blood tests, symptoms, and behavior. They can provide a framework for understanding what is happening in the body and guide the appropriate care. Some diagnoses, such as insulin resistance, are straightforward, while others may not be quite as clear. The key is to know whether a diagnosis will guide your next step or limit your perspective.

When Diagnosis is Useful

When progress has stalled or the symptoms fail to add up, a well-defined diagnosis will clarify what you are dealing with. Knowing the specific problem will allow you to tailor your support holistically, through diet, nutrition, stress management, and other natural approaches.

The Power of Belief and Fear

Disease labels can shape an owner's mindset, often leading to fear-based decisions. When a horse receives a diagnosis, the label can carry emotional weight, narrowing all that the owner may believe is possible. That fear may prevent a deeper exploration of other options, which could influence the horse’s energy and its recovery.

The Laminitis Example

Beliefs about laminitis have evolved drastically. Years ago, pads and shoes were considered the only option for comfort. Today, however, many horses recover with patience, proper hoof care, and the right nutrition. Unfortunately, outdated beliefs still cause many owners to give up on their horses prematurely, leading to unnecessary suffering or euthanasia.

The Cushing’s (PPID) Example

PPID is another condition that evokes fear. While some horses may require lifelong medication, others can improve naturally through holistic management. High ACTH results do not always mean a permanently broken pituitary. Each case is unique, so it is essential to avoid assuming the worst before exploring all options.

How Beliefs Shape Outcomes

What an owner believes about their horse’s condition will directly influence its healing. Negative expectations can impair recovery, while confidence and calm leadership encourage it. Horses mirror the emotions of their owners, so if you believe your horse can heal, you create the space for that healing to happen.

Emotional Leadership

Your emotional state guides your horse. If you stay grounded, hopeful, and consistent, your horse will feel safer and more able to recover. That mindset will also protect you from burnout by replacing your anxiety and grief with trust.

Managing Financial Fear

Avoid letting your financial fears drive your decisions before fully understanding what is truly needed. Financial pressure often amplifies the stress of a diagnosis, so owners may assume they will be liable for massive costs before exploring all options. Yet many horses recover with far less expense and intervention than expected. 

Old Beliefs

Many beliefs about equine health stem from decades-old assumptions or limited studies. Always question the source of your information. Was it from a solid, well-designed study, or just anecdotal experience? Our modern understanding continues to evolve, and open-mindedness can make all the difference between despair and recovery.

Health and Recovery Gray Areas

Equine health often lies in the gray areas, and recovery could involve setbacks, surprises, and even miracles. Keeping an open mind, researching, and maintaining a balanced mindset can transform the outcome for your horse, while also allowing you peace of mind.

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As we move from summer to fall, and temperatures at night start to cool, subtle changes begin to occur in our horses. 

Shorter days trigger powerful hormonal shifts, often before we even notice. Those shifts play an essential role in the health of our horses- especially those with metabolic conditions.

Hormone Shifts and Metabolism

Seasonal hormone shifts influence how horses process sugar, maintain muscle, and manage inflammation. In fall, ACTH levels naturally rise, increasing cortisol to drive fat storage and coat growth in preparation for winter. When those hormones remain elevated for too long, however, problems like delayed shedding, thick coats, sweating, muscle loss, inflammation, and a higher risk of laminitis may emerge.

Fall as a High-Risk Season

Far more horses tend to experience metabolic flare-ups in the fall as it brings a dangerous mix of hormonal shifts, fat storage, and higher pasture sugar levels, all of which raise the risk for equine metabolic syndrome and PPID. As horses naturally conserve energy and build fat reserves before winter, insulin resistance also tends to worsen.

Testing and Diagnosis

A single test showing high ACTH in fall is not enough to diagnose PPID. As ACTH naturally rises seasonally, it is essential to use multiple test results, and get a complete health profile before deciding on lifelong medication. 

Insulin, Inflammation, and Weight

Insulin is fundamentally a fat-storage hormone. If it is high, horses cannot lose weight. Chronic inflammation from laminitis or hoof pathologies drives insulin even higher, and elevated cortisol keeps blood sugar high, locking horses into a state of fat storage. That combination often causes gain weight and soreness in the fall.

Diet and Forage Management

Careful forage management is the foundation of supporting metabolic horses. Prioritize low-sugar hay and limit access to rich pasture, especially during high-risk seasons, like fall. Slow feeders, soaking hay, and controlled turnout can all help regulate sugar intake. Consistency in diet not only stabilizes insulin and energy levels but also reduces the risk of flare-ups.

Lifestyle and Stress

Stress management is as important as diet. Horses need freedom to move, regular forage, and companionship to regulate their cortisol levels and maintain metabolic balance. Stalled or isolated horses, or horses with long gaps between feedings suffer higher stress levels, which compounds hormone problems, and no supplement can overcome the damage caused by chronic stress and inappropriate living conditions.

Long-Term Management

Consistency is essential. Progress may seem slow at times, but steady attention to low-sugar forage, regular exercise, and stress reduction leads to lasting improvements. Expect seasonal setbacks, but they will be temporary. Over time, consistent care helps horses rebuild their health and resilience.

Hormonal Considerations in Mares

Mares can be susceptible to seasonal hormonal shifts. Changes in daylight and hormone levels often affect their cycles, behavior, and comfort. For mares with metabolic issues, those fluctuations may add another layer of stress, making careful monitoring and consistent management even more essential.

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This week, we are diving into skin problems with horses. 

Skin problems are hard to ignore. They are right in your face, so they grab your attention instantly. 

Types of Skin Problems in Horses

Skin issues range from dry, flaky skin to severe allergic reactions. Horses may suffer from hives, sweet itch, infections like rain rot or mud fever, and chronic itchy skin. These conditions may appear as sudden, alarming outbreaks or develop into persistent, long-term struggles.

Why Skin Problems Demand Attention

Unlike hidden health issues, skin problems are visible and alarming, often pushing owners to act quickly. Acute flare-ups can appear to be emergencies, and chronic flare-ups may frustrate owners when topical treatments and medications only provide temporary relief.

Beyond the Surface

The skin is an organ and part of the immune system. When reactions occur externally, it is a sign of deeper imbalances, such as inflammation, immune dysfunction, or a toxin overload that can also affect internal systems.

Digestive Problems

Digestive problems often correlate with skin flare-ups. Ulcers, leaky gut, and poor liver function can raise histamine levels, leading to hives, itching, and chronic skin irritation. When the liver and gut cannot properly eliminate toxins, issues frequently surface in the skin.

The Role of Histamines

Histamine release is a natural immune response that can cause symptoms like swelling, itching, and hives. Horses with gut issues often produce excess histamine, making them more prone to skin outbreaks. Treating your horse only with antihistamines can suppress symptoms, but that does not solve the root cause.

Diet and Allergens

Some feeds can trigger skin reactions. Allergies or intolerances (such as to alfalfa) may take years to appear as acute symptoms. Long-term toxic buildup from feed, medication, or supplements can overload detox pathways and weaken skin health.

Liver Health

The liver plays a central role in detoxification. Over time, medications, poor nutrition, or stress can overwhelm the liver, leading to chronic skin problems. Supporting liver health is the key to sustainable recovery.

Triggers

Hormone imbalances and stress can affect skin health. Stress-related cortisol and adrenaline spikes increase histamine production, sometimes also triggering ulcers and hives. Managing stress is critical for restoring balance.

Long-Term Solutions

Quick fixes rarely last. Holistic management focuses on supporting digestion, detox pathways, nutrient balance, and emotional well-being. Owners may need to experiment and make gradual adjustments to find lasting solutions.

Key Takeaways

Skin health reflects whole-body health. A methodical approach that addresses gut health, liver function, diet, hormones, and stress will lead to lasting improvements, whereas symptom-only treatments will keep horses stuck in recurring cycles.

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The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the metabolic health and overall vitality of horses, yet it is often overlooked or treated only when serious problems arise. 

Understanding the role of the thyroid gland and the factors that support or hinder it is the key to long-term equine wellness. Remember that supporting your horse’s health holistically always begins with their diet, lifestyle, and stress reduction.       

Recognizing Thyroid Imbalance

Changes in the coat are often the first visible sign of thyroid imbalance. Horses may develop coarse or dry hair, experience hair loss, shed slowly, or grow curly hair. Those changes are all tied to the thyroid and could overlap with pituitary dysfunction.

Metabolism and Temperature Regulation

Thyroid health strongly influences weight and temperature regulation. Horses may gain weight despite appropriate feed and exercise, or show cold intolerance by shivering when others remain comfortable. Those signs reflect compromised heat production and metabolic function.

Hormones and Reproductive Health

Hormones are interconnected, so a thyroid imbalance could also affect the cycling and overall reproductive health of mares. Disruption in one hormone system influences others, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach.

Behavior and Energy Levels

Thyroid imbalance could manifest as depression, fatigue, or anxiety. Horses may withdraw from herd interaction, appear less playful, or become unexpectedly reactive despite consistent training. Physiological health can drive behavioral changes that horse owners should never overlook.

Muscle Health and Mineral Balance

Muscle weakness is another possible sign of thyroid imbalance. Selenium deficiency can also present similarly, highlighting the importance of evaluating mineral balance in addition to glandular health. Minerals often influence multiple systems simultaneously.

Closing Thoughts

Thyroid function is complex because it interacts with the pituitary gland, reproductive hormones, metabolism, and mineral balance. Paying attention to any changes occurring in the hair, coat, weight, temperature tolerance, behavior, and muscle strength can provide practical clues to possible metabolic imbalance. When those signs are present, it is essential to seek the right help to explore whether thyroid health may be a contributing factor.

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In Episode 13 last year, I covered some of what I discussed in my free webinar series, Become Your Horse’s Healer.

We have a replay of that episode today, so tune in to learn how to reset your expectations for your horse’s health.

Understanding Healing Patterns

Horses usually respond to healing programs in four different ways. Some horses respond positively to a new program and show rapid improvement. Others experience a temporary worsening of their conditions as their bodies start the healing process, often marked by fatigue or increased inflammation. Some horses show initial improvement followed by a later setback, while others progress gradually.

Emotional and Physical Health Interplay

Healing is a complex journey that involves physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. In addition to addressing their physical symptoms, owners must understand the emotional aspects that might impact their horse's well-being. Challenges may arise when a horse’s physical and emotional health are misaligned. Recognizing all the interconnected elements is essential for comprehensive care and successful healing.

Setting Realistic Expectations and Goals

It is essential to set realistic expectations at the start of a health journey. Each horse has a unique healing trajectory, and patience is paramount. Making rushed decisions due to having unrealistic expectations could lead to setbacks. Owners need to acknowledge their horse's individuality, taking their age, constitution, and any chronic conditions they may have into account. Horses with a more robust constitution and those at risk due to breed characteristics may respond differently. Understanding these factors allows owners to tailor their expectations and approaches accordingly. Setting achievable goals and celebrating small victories allow owners to navigate the healing process with more of a positive mindset.

Addressing Obstacles to Recovery

In some instances, despite your well-intentioned efforts, obstacles may still hinder your horse’s progress. So it is crucial to identify physical and emotional sources of toxicity or address the lifestyle factors that impede the healing process. Gradual changes, observation, and responsiveness to the horse's cues help create a more effective healing environment.

Chronic Nature of Diseases and Pathology 

Chronic diseases in horses are particularly challenging. Conditions such as side bone, ring bone, and bone remodeling in the feet or joints that show tissue changes complicate issues. Horse owners must learn to distinguish inflammation from degeneration because once tissues (especially bone) start changing, it complicates recovery. Setting realistic expectations is crucial for determining whether or not full recovery is possible. 

Genetic Predispositions and Melanomas 

Genetic predispositions, like melanomas or related conditions, impact a horse's health. (White and grey horses often have melanomas due to genetic factors.) Improvement is possible in those cases, especially when owners can recognize the genes that influence the disease expression. Managing a horse’s diet, nutrition, and lifestyle is crucial for modulating genetic expression and switching off detrimental genes to mitigate their effects.

Constitution and Environmental Factors 

The constitution of a horse is influenced by factors starting in the womb. In some horses, constitutional weaknesses show up as susceptibility to allergies or illnesses. With proper care, strengthening a horse's constitution is possible. With certain breeds, especially easy-keepers that are predisposed to conditions like insulin resistance, owners may need to tailor their expectations to incorporate genetic and environmental factors.

Managing Expectations for Aging Horses 

Owners of senior horses must manage their expectations. They need to understand that complete recovery may not always be possible and shift their focus instead to preventing further damage and supporting connective tissue for prolonged mobility. Adjusting expectations for older horses with long-term conditions (such as PPIID) involves looking for visible improvements, such as higher energy levels and reduced inflammation, rather than expecting rapid recovery.

Obstacles to Recovery 

It is essential to recognize any obstacles to recovery, like sources of toxicity or stressful lifestyle factors. Parasite infections, viruses, bacteria, and medications can all hinder progress. Emotional factors can also impact a horse's well-being. Identifying and addressing those obstacles requires a comprehensive approach. The absence of any change might suggest the need to reevaluate the strategy to pinpoint any elements omitted in the care plan. 

Emotional Connection Between Horses and Owners 

The emotional connection between horses and their owners is significant because it influences how the horse responds to stressors. Some horses may even prioritize the well-being of their owner over their health. 

Making Gradual Changes

Owners must make gradual changes to avoid becoming overwhelmed or overwhelming their horse. By changing one aspect at a time, owners can be more focused while assessing the horse's response, reducing guesswork and potential self-sabotage in their care plan.

Conclusion

Navigating a horse's health journey involves embracing the unpredictable nature of healing patterns and considering various factors influencing the recovery. By understanding those dynamics, owners can set realistic expectations, foster a positive healing environment, and celebrate the gradual progress that ultimately leads to improved well-being.

Links and resources:

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This week, we are revisiting the topics of insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Those issues have been on my mind recently due to the many questions I have received, and because I am currently working on a project with an insulin-resistant mare that is struggling to make any progress at the facility I manage.

Join me as I share my insights on how these recoveries typically unfold.

Act Early and Monitor Progress

Recognize any changes in your horse before they become serious problems. Prevention is always the key, as long-term, unmanaged insulin resistance can lead to laminitis and permanent damage. 

The Danger of Repeated Relapses

Each time a horse swings between recovery and relapse, it becomes harder to reverse insulin resistance. Aim for consistent recovery, with no symptoms and healthy blood work. After that, you will need to maintain those results through controlled management.

Safe Grass Reintroduction

Horses benefit from a natural herd life and grazing, but returning to pasture should be gradual. Monitor the horse closely for swelling, fat pads, or any early sign of regression, and adjust its turnout times accordingly.

Key Physical Signs

Fat pads behind the shoulders or on the tail dock, and a crested neck, are usually indicators of insulin resistance, even before blood work confirms it. Unexpected weight gain or puffiness can also signal trouble.

Behavioral Clues

Food aggression and irritability can result from poor satiety-hormone regulation and blood sugar swings. That is often mistaken for personality, but improving the metabolic balance usually reduces that behavior.

Thirst and Urination Changes

Increased thirst and urination may indicate that the horse's body is working hard to flush out excess sugar. That often tends to occur in spring or when grass intake increases.

Edema and Fluid Retention

Swelling in the sheath, udder, legs, or above the eyes often links to high sugar intake and reduced movement. Increasing the horse's daily activity can quickly improve that.

Laminitis Risks

High insulin can damage hoof tissues, and reduced movement worsens the problem. Support hoof comfort, but keep the horse moving to break the inflammation–insulin cycle.

General Inflammation and Soreness

Insulin resistance can cause full-body soreness, joint stiffness, and mobility issues, which can sometimes be mistaken for aging. Addressing diet and movement can often reverse those symptoms, even in older horses.

Consistent Management

Recovery is not always linear. Track the symptoms over 30, 60, and 90 days, and adapt your management, if necessary, for any setbacks caused by weather, limited movement, or dietary slips.

Final Thoughts

Insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome require early recognition, consistent management, and ongoing monitoring. Watching for key physical and behavioral signs, addressing issues before there are any changes in the blood work, and maintaining a steady diet and movement routine will allow you to break the cycle of relapse and protect the long-term health of your horse.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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