Looking Ahead To Winter
By Linda Kennard of NAF
It is easy for horses to look good and maintain condition when there’s plenty of their natural food, grass, on offer. But problems can be seen when the grass disappears and winter sets in. Feeding a fibre based diet will provide heat in an ideal form for maintaining condition, and ensure good gut health. However the micronutrients, vitamins, minerals and amino acids could be deficient without you knowing.
Concentrate feeds contain micronutrients but if you are not feeding up to the manufacturers recommended amount then there could be a micronutrient deficiency. If feeds are mixed with straights then again the micronutrients become unbalanced. For this reason it may be necessary to supplement the diet. For the average healthy horse a broad spectrum general purpose supplement should ensure that sufficient micronutrients are being supplied to support health and vitality. Some horses, particularly the elderly or hard working, may benefit from the addition of probiotics and yeast to improve digestibility and help maintain condition. Take care when choosing a brand as the seemingly more expensive brands may work out to be more economical over time as less is needed daily of a high quality supplement.
But nutrition can now do much more than just provide vitamins and minerals. Nutraceuticals can support healthy systems when the horse is under stress. Look for antioxidant blends to flush out the hypersensitive response associated with mud fever, so supporting from the inside out. Using a targeted supplement in combination with applications and an anti-bacterial shampoo (teatree keeps the natural approach), will give your horse the best chance of showing mud fever a clean pair of heels. Respiratory stress is a major problem of stabled horses. Adopt a dust free management as much as possible. Garlic has long been used for respiratory conditions, and a good quality American garlic (strongest you can buy) will help keep the airways clear. Often the move from living out to becoming stabled during the winter period can have a detrimental effect on your horse’s lungs. Contributing factors such as poorly ventilated stabling, dust, fungal spores, poor quality forage and bedding can constantly assault the horse’s lungs. In these cases nutritional support of the respiratory system is recommended. Scientifi-cally verified antioxidant ingredients with the additional benefits of herbs such as Anisum (aniseed) and Berberis (barberry) will help to maintain the integrity and natural function of the lungs.
Joints are another area susceptible to attack in the winter. Damp, cold weather, and standing in for longer periods can exaggerate any existing joint problem. A combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate is accepted in the research as the best approach to supporting long term cartilage health. In combination with MSM, these nutrients provide the ultimate approach for working joints. For those wanting to keep the pensioner supple and comfortable in retirement look for Devil’s Claw. Although Devil’s Claw doesn’t have a restorative effect it is found to be useful in painful conditions. Including antioxidants in the blend will boost any natural blend.
In conclusion, make sure you utilize micronutrients and supplementary nutritional support and make a difference to how your horse thrives through to spring.
For more advice call the NAF Freephone Advice Line:
0800 373 106 or go to www.naf-uk.com
Recommended NAF products:
Respirator, Superflex, Devil’s Relief, General Purpose
Supplement, Pink Powder, Garlic Powder, Mud Gard, Mud Gard Ointment, MSM Ointment, Teatree Oil Shampoo.
