Category: Horse Health

Inflammatory Airway Disease or IAD is a respiratory disease that typically affects young horses, as early as one year of age. This disease is tricky to diagnose as affected horses typically do not show increased respiratory efforts at rest. The exact cause is unknown, but is thought to be associated with inhalation of irritants like stable dust and air pollution. Most horses with IAD will develop a lingering cough but no fever. Affected horses may be training fine but don’t perform well in competition and may also take longer to…

What is fatigue in horses? Understanding fatigue in horses – In the context of horse sport, we use fatigue to describe the inability of a horse to continue to perform at the desired level. This may be manifested as a slowing down or not being able to jump as high or performing poorer movements as a test, course or race progresses. Fatigue in this context is different from exhaustion, which can result in an inability for a horse to even take another step or remain standing upright. Fatigue is a…

Haygain is a science driven company, with the horse’s health as a primary focus. They are committed to improving equine health through research and innovation in respiratory and digestive health issues. “Developed by riders, for riders, we understand the importance of clean forage in maintaining the well-being of the horse” Haygain Haygain hay steamers help your horse maintain a healthy respiratory and digestive system throughout the year, which can be difficult during the colder months when horses typically are kept inside for long periods of time. Increased exposure to dust…

Equine Vaccinations – Is Your Horse Fully Protected Written by – Hannah Briggs BVetMed MRCVS, Lambourn Equine Vets What vaccinations do I need for my horse? There are a variety of equine vaccinations recommended for horses and ponies, these include Equine Influenza, Tetanus and Strangles. Additionally, Rota Virus is recommended for pregnant mares. We are fortunate here in the UK that we have effective vaccines to the ever evolving viruses that threaten the well-being of our horses. Other countries such as the USA and Europe have many more diseases, not…

Developmental Orthopaedic Disease in Horses Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) can be given to a range of problems often found in the young, growing horse. Due to the multifactorial nature of DOD, no single factor can be identified as the cause. The factors that may contribute can include; genetic pre-disposition, biomechanical trauma, mechanical stress through inappropriate exercise, obesity, rapid growth and inappropriate or imbalanced nutrition. Different combinations of these factors may be involved in different cases, environmental or management factors probably provide the final triggering factor. It is therefore important to…

The Blue Cross issues equine first aid tips for horse owners National pet charity Blue Cross is highlighting horse health care with some essential equine first aid tips, which you can find out below. The charity’s experienced horse welfare teams and their vets handle all manner of healthcare and first aid incidences every day.  In support of the National Equine Health Survey  which is one of the UK’s most important equine health monitoring initiatives, they are sharing their knowledge to help horse owners be prepared in case of accident, illness…

NEW Freeway PLUS from Hilton Herbs Freeway PLUS is a fast-acting effective liquid feed supplement, from Hilton Herbs, designed with the equine athlete in mind. The natural way to help soothe irritated sore upper & lower respiratory tract mucous membranes,support healthy, efficient &effective lung function, as well as normal breathing rates & resistance to environmental airborne irritants such as dust, fungal spores or seasonal allergens. Pure tinctures of: Elecampane Liquorice Marshmallow Eyebright Plantain Cleaver White Horehound Garlic RRP £35.00 – 500ml Visit www.hiltonherbs.com/en-horse-supplements-es/plus-range-es/freeway-plus-1361306085 Freeway PLUS has been independently tested free of common feed contaminants…

NEW DeTox PLUS from Hilton Herbs DeTox PLUS is a fast-acting effective liquid feed supplement, from Hilton Herbs, designed with the equine athlete in mind. The natural way to support the body’s normal healthy detoxification processes. This formulation will maintain normal processing & excretion of blood toxins & waste products whilst supporting the health & efficiency of the liver, kidneys & urinary system. Recommended for use in conjunction with your regular worming programme, or when administering conventional medication. Pure tinctures of: Milk Thistle Liquorice Cleaver Nettle Burdock Schisandra Dandelion root Dandelion leaf Yellow Dock RP £35.00 – 500ml Visit www.hiltonherbs.com/en-horse-supplements-es/plus-range-es/detox-plus-1228668782 Detox PLUS has been independently tested free of…

NEW Equimmune PLUS from Hilton Herbs Equimmune Plus is a fast-acting effective liquid feed supplement, from Hilton Herbs, designed with the equine athlete in mind. The natural way to support the performance horse whose busy lifestyle can increase the risk of exposure to infectious agents & impact on well-being & performance. Our unique anti-oxidant & adaptogen-rich supplement has been formulated to support a strong immune system & effective immune response to the additional stresses and strains of training, travelling, & communal stabling. Pure tinctures of: Echinacea Milk Thistle Nettle Cleaver Gotu Kola Burdock Schisandra RRP £35.00 – 500ml Visit www.hiltonherbs.com/en-horse-supplements-es/plus-range-es/equimmune-plus-292568694 Equimmune PLUS has been independently tested free of common…

NEW Easy Mare PLUS from Hilton Herbs Easy Mare Plus is a fast-acting liquid feed supplement, from Hilton Herbs, designed with the equine athlete in mind. The most natural way to help your performance mare remain relaxed, calm & attentive throughout her oestrus cycle whilst maintaining normal balanced hormone levels, enabling her to work effectively & comfortably at all times. Pure tinctures of: Vitex agnus castus Cramp bark Milk thistle Chamomile Yarrow Skullcap Lemon balm RRP £35.00  500ml Visit www.hiltonherbs.com/en-horse-supplements-es/plus-range-es/equilibrium-plus-433440037 Easy Mare PLUS has been independently tested free of common feed contaminants (FCS) and current naturally occurring herbal prohibited substances. Part of…

NEW Calm & Collected PLUS from Hilton Herbs Calm & Collected is a fast-acting effective liquid feed supplement, from Hilton Herbs, designed with the equine athlete in mind. The natural way to support calm & relaxed behaviour & maintain effective nervous system function. Recommended whenever your horse or pony needs help to remain focussed & responsive during training, travelling or competing. Pure tinctures of: Chamomile Skullcap Vervain Lemon Balm Marshallow Gotu Kola Hawthorn Passion Flower RRP £35.00 – 500ml Visit www.hiltonherbs.com/en-horse-supplements-es/plus-range-es/temperamend-plus-1629277632 Calm & Collected PLUS has been independently tested free of…

NEW Multi-Flex PLUS from Hilton Herbs Multi-Flex PLUS is a fast-acting effective liquid feed supplement, from Hilton Herbs, designed with the equine athlete in mind. The natural way to help support the body’s normal anti-inflammatory response to injury, training & performance stress. Maintains healthy, strong, supple joints & muscles, connective tissue, circulation & optimum mobility. Pure tinctures of: Milk Thistle Curcuma Boswellia Black Cohosh Meadowsweet Nettle Hawthorn Siberian Ginseng Black Pepper RRP £35.00 – 500ml Visit www.hiltonherbs.com/en-horse-supplements-es/plus-range-es/multi-flex-plus-526327212 Multi-Flex PLUS has been independently tested free of common feed contaminants (FCS) and current naturally occurring herbal prohibited substances. Part of our PLUS…

Equine Housing: Understanding Stable Stress  Written by Louise Napthine MSc Understanding stable stress: Traditional stables are a popular form of equine housing. Yet, many equine behaviourists think that stabling is not all it’s cut out to be. Traditional stabling and management systems, which segregate horses into isolated individual pens, can lead to stress causing physical and psychological health problems. Studies of short and long term confinement and isolation have reported increased stress symptoms like raised heart rate, vocalisations, defecation and disturbances in feeding, as well as the development of abnormal…

NEW GastriX Plus from Hilton Herbs FREE Delivery by using code: PLUSFS17 Supports Optimum Digestive Function New from Hilton Herbs the GastriX Plus is designed to be a fast-acting and an effective liquid feed supplement. The natural way to support horses & ponies whose digestive function may be upset by the stresses of intense training, travelling, competing, cereal-rich food, or changes in routine or environment.  Will help ‘soothe’ the stomach wall, maintain calm & effective digestion, balanced pH levels in the gut, digestive mucous membrane health, together with effective nutrient absorption & normal bowel function. Ingredients: Pure tinctures of: Marshmallow Meadowsweet Gotu Kola Plantain Milk Thistle…

In this article we focus on how to spot the lame horse. The piece aims to describe how to assess lameness, what checks to do and when to call the vet. The Animal Health Trust gets us underway with the first of those topics, on how to spot the lame horse. What does the term lameness mean? Lameness essentially means an abnormal gait, which is usually caused by pain. It may or may not be accompanied by swelling, resistance to putting weight on the leg, a cut, or visible injury.…

Equine Influenza written by the Animal Health Trust (AHT) Equine Influenza or ‘flu’ is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus and can be passed very easily from one horse to another. The virus reproduces in the nose, throat and windpipe (respiratory tract) and is spread when the horse breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be passed on by direct contact between horses and by handlers, so good hygiene is very important. AHT Top Tip: Flu is easily passed on through contact so make sure you wash…

The Science Behind Hoof Welfare In this feature, Han Van De Braak (BSc LicAc MCSP MBAcC), MD of aloe vera equine supplement Aloeride explains about hoof health issues and hoof wall separation syndrome… We are approached regularly by owners of RoR Thoroughbreds and Connemaras who have hoof health issues and for Connemaras this often means Hoof Wall Separation Syndrome (HWSS) Within the Connemara community there are some who believe that HWSS is genetic. Those who do, overlook the science of epigenetics that unequivocally shows that nutrition is crucial for DNA…