Are you ready to save up to 4 250 USD and 550 hours yearly by changing a few things in the way you keep your horse, by learning studies and facts the horse tack and supplement industry doesn't want you to know? Buckle up as we debunk some common misconceptions and share insights based on scientific studies that saves you time and money while improving horse welfare.
Misinformation by the horse supplement industry
After extensive research and academic training in horse biology, it's alarming to witness the widespread misinformation surrounding horse nutrition. A quick Google search on horses and minerals, vitamins, or forage leads to a flood of advice suggesting the need for supplements. However, what these articles fail to mention is that horses are remarkably self-sufficient in producing their own vitamins and minerals, either naturally synthesized in their gut or by obtaining it from forage.
According to Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Equine Management the majority of horses need only good forage, water, salt to maintain body weight and good health.
📌Horses get B and K-vitamins from the bacteria that synthesize them in their gut
📌Horses make their own vitamin C
📌Vitamin D is made in ample amounts when horses are outdoors
📌Vitamin E, A are available from forage or grass and is stored by the horse in body fat
As with vitamins, horse's mineral needs are met with pasture or forage.
That said, Vitamin E deficiencies are occasionally seen in horses that don’t have access to good quality hay. But it’s very rare and not worth worrying about unless the forage is of poor quality, or the horse is thin.
Depending on the soil some areas lack certain microminerals. However, salt blocks for livestock produced in Norway, contains jod, selen and kobolt as this lacks in the soil.
Inadequate calcium absorption can occur when horses are grazing tropical grasses found in south east Queensland Australia that contain high levels of oxalates and is solved by providing calcium supplements.
Also note that Calcium:Phosphorus ratios should be maintained at 1.5:1 or higher, because excess phosphorus has a negative effect on calcium absorption. Grass and hay has the correct ratio. Grains on the other hand and even some supplements contain more Phosphorus than Calcium, which can lead to the horse emptying calcium from their own bone structure.
Which might explain why pasture horses have a greater bone mineral content than stabled horses, fed amo grains (Graham-Thiers and Bowen, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - 2013)
Giving horses vitamin and mineral supplements is very often a waste of money and time that in worst case scenario can lead to toxic levels of vitamins and minerals. Or in the best case scenario, horses just pee it out, which can put unnecessary strain on their kidneys and your wallet. The truth is, most horses do not require supplements, and I urge you to consider if your horse actually needs them or not.
I also want to share with you other cost and time saving tips, that I have found beneficial over the years:
Implement a Slow Feed System: Enhance horse welfare and save time by providing free access to forage by using a slow feed net or two.
Invest in a Thermobar: Ensure your horses stay hydrated in winter by using a heated water storage system that temperates the water and promotes drinking, which prevents colic.
Rethink Rugs and Leg Protection: Scientific studies concludes that most horses don't need rugs, and that leg protection leads to overheating, damaging ligaments and tendons.
Learn to Train Your Own Horse: Taking control of your horse's training has long-term benefits. By understanding horse behavior and learning to address issues yourself, you not only save on training expenses but also develop a valuable skill set that is yours forever.
Hope this helps!
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