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:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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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:

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Today, we are focusing on how much a horse should eat.

Horses should not eat continuously, but determining the right amount of food and finding the right balance between enough and too much can be complicated, particularly for horses with insulin resistance or metabolic issues.

Metabolic and Insulin-Resistant Horses

Feeding horses with metabolic issues and insulin-resistance the correct amount can often be the missing piece once their exercise and nutrition are optimized. Some horses can self-regulate easily, while others need careful management to avoid overeating.

Feeding the Right Amount of Hay

A widely accepted guideline is to feed horses between 1.5% and 3% of their body weight in hay per day. That is not a hard and fast rule, however, as hard keepers and some thoroughbreds may require more, while easy keepers and metabolic horses may need less. The key is to adjust the quantity according to the individual needs of each horse.

Finding the Right Balance 

Horses can usually cope with three to four hours without food, but extended gaps should be avoided, especially within a 12-hour window. Feeding them too much can increase weight gain and metabolic issues, while over restricting can slow their metabolic rate, raise their stress levels, compromise their immunity, delay healing, and increase the risk of ulcers. 

Factors That Matter

The needs of horses vary according to their breed, body condition, health status, and even past experiences with food scarcity or starvation. Herd dynamics can also influence intake, as dominant horses often consume more than their share, leaving others with less. Noticing which horse controls access to the hay and how it interacts with its herd mates can reveal any hidden imbalances in feeding.

Managing Intake 

Slowing their eating tends to be more effective than feeding horses less. Using small-hole slow-feed nets, providing smaller portions often, and placing hay in different locations can help owners control their food intake. Owners should also encourage their horses to move by using track systems, ponying them, or taking short walks, as that supports their metabolism, increases satiety, and reduces the urge to graze constantly. The increased muscle mass will also increase the metabolic rate of a horse, helping to manage its weight more effectively.

Special Considerations 

Horses with insulin resistance or other metabolic issues tend to become hungry more often, as blood sugar fluctuations affect their satiety hormones. Owners should provide those horses with a low-glycemic forage and high-quality nutrition. They should also ensure they exercise regularly, using track systems, ponying them, or taking short walks to support their metabolism, increase satiety, and reduce the urge to graze constantly. As their nutrition improves, those horses may even naturally reduce their eating to play and interact with other horses.

Practical Feeding Adjustments

When horses have free access to food, it can be challenging to know exactly how much they eat, so observing their behavior is often the best way to gauge their intake. It is also essential to consider pasture consumption, especially when the grass is abundant, to prevent calorie overload. Proper storage and presentation of hay will reduce waste, which sometimes means holding off on topping up until the horse has finished eating.

Planning Strategically 

Horses train their humans to feed them on cue, so when owners become strategic about their feeding times, it helps to maintain a healthy balance between satisfaction and overfeeding.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

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This week, we are focusing on dosing.

In this episode, I explain the concept of the minimum effective dose, which is the smallest dosage required for the body to respond to or benefit from. The same principle applies to horses when adjusting their nutrition or adding supplements. The aim is to provide just enough to see a positive response, without going so far that it causes unwanted or harmful effects.

Dosing Principles 

In pharmacology, the ideal dosing range lies between the minimum effective dose and the maximum tolerated dose. That principle also applies to nutritional supplementation in horses, where exceeding the minimum effective dose could lead to side effects or adverse reactions. The goal is always to use the smallest amount that elicits a benefit, minimizing waste and risk.

Why Less Is More

Once a supplement starts to work, increasing it will not necessarily improve the results. It will likely reduce the effectiveness and strain the body. So, always start with just enough to be effective.

Individual Tolerance and Sensitivity

Every horse responds differently to supplements. Factors like breed, health history, and immune strength all play a role. One horse may tolerate pasture or a supplement easily, while another may react badly to the same thing. Sensitivity varies widely, so dosing should be based on the individual horse rather than generalized standards.

Understanding the Modern Horse

Today, horses are often nutrient-deficient due to poor food quality, high toxicity levels, and chronic stress. Those factors increase sensitivity and reduce nutrient absorption, leading to horses with leaky gut, immune disorders, or genetic diseases that require a more individualized approach to their supplementation.

Start Low 

Many people tend to overdo supplementation, thinking more is better. That mindset could be harmful for sensitive animals like horses. When starting with a low dosage, you allow room to adjust upward if necessary and can avoid overloading the body. High doses can cause intolerance and side effects that could be mistaken for a problem with the supplement itself.

Special Considerations 

The form and bioavailability of nutrients are the keys to determining whether or not a horse can absorb and benefit from them. For horses with inflammation, metabolic issues, or digestive stress, gentle and minimal intervention is always better. By avoiding multivitamins and using single, targeted nutrients instead, horse owners can support more precise and effective recovery. 

Form Matters

Nutrient forms differ in their bioavailability. For example, magnesium oxide is less bioavailable than magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate. When absorption is poor, you may need higher doses to see results, which can push the dose closer to the maximum tolerated limit without any real benefit. Choosing well-absorbed, high-quality forms helps ensure the horse benefits without adding stress to the body.  

Watch for Absorption Issues

Stress and chronic health conditions can impair nutrient absorption. Even the best supplement will not help if the horse cannot digest or utilize it. Bloodwork is helpful, but if levels do not improve with supplementation, the issue may be poor absorption rather than insufficient dosing.

Over-Supplementing and Nutrient Competition

Supplements with too many ingredients can cause nutrients to compete for absorption, reducing their effectiveness. For example, copper and zinc interfere with each other when given together. Complex formulas can overwhelm the body, adding to its load. In many cases, simplifying the diet is more effective than increasing supplementation.

Reset and Rebuild

In cases of toxicity or poor liver function, the best course may be to remove all supplements, leaving the horse on only hay and water. That helps the body reset, reduces inflammation, and reveals whether or not a supplement is causing harm. Recovery should always begin with the basics. Only add nutrients and supplements once the horse can handle them.

Quotes:

"Always start low with dosage."

"Over-supplementing creates more problems than it solves."

"Watch the horse, not the label."

"Use high-quality nutrients with proven bioavailability.”

"If you are not seeing improvement, pull back and reassess."

"Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing but hay and water."

"Do not assume more is better."

"Form matters more than quantity."

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

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Mentioned in this episode:

Learn the 4 Steps to Resolving Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

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Masterclass

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.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

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Masterclass

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.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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Masterclass

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.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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Contact Jessica Fobert

On social media: @BarefootHorseCanada

Email: [email protected]  

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn the 4 Steps to Resolving Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

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Masterclass

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. 

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for my self-paced course, Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally.

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn the 4 Steps to Resolving Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

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Masterclass

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. 

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for my self-paced course, Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally.

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn the 4 Steps to Resolving Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Sign up for the FREE masterclass today!

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