Horse Health

What is Best to Feed My Horse to Put on Muscle?

Protein, protein, protein! Most horse owners understand that protein, comprised of amino acids, builds muscle mass. However, not all protein is created equal. In this article, we discuss the role of protein in muscle development and the best dietary sources of protein.  There are 21 amino acids involved in the growth and repair of soft tissues, including muscle and topline. Of these protein building blocks, 12 can be made by the body, but the remaining nine must be provided in your horse’s diet. These are the essential amino acids, such as lysine, methionine and threonine. As their name suggests, they are imperative in the production of protein, but for more than just one reason. Essential amino acids: Cannot be synthesised by the body and must be provided in the diet Allow the body to utilise all other essential and non-essential amino acids At first glance, feeding protein appears simple as muscle is made of 70% protein. However, simply adding more protein into the diet may not be enough if the quality of the protein is poor. Amino Acid Profile Only with high quality protein, containing the correct quantities of all nine essential amino acids, can your horse build muscle and topline. So, how can you choose the best protein source? Every horse feed and forage contains protein. In the case of commercial horse feeds, protein is usually listed as a percentage of total ingredients. The challenge for horse owners is determining the quality of the protein that’s present. Horse feeds which list generic protein ingredients, such as vegetable protein meal, usually contains poor quality protein which won’t support your horse’s muscle development. In contrast, horse feeds which name specific protein-rich ingredients, such as soybean meal, and display lysine content are often the better choice when building muscle and topline. When selecting a horse feed or supplement to add quality protein to your horse’s diet, you must also consider energy, vitamins and minerals. If the commercial horse feed doesn’t provide enough energy, your horse’s body will be forced to use protein as an alternative energy source. Together, energy and protein enable the equine athlete to perform. Consult your veterinarian or a qualified equine nutritionist to select a commercial horse feed or supplement that provides highly digestible protein to replenish energy, increase muscle mass and repair muscle damage.

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What Should I Feed My Horse to Put Weight On?

Maintaining a healthy weight and body condition throughout every stage of life is essential for your horse. However, before you begin trialling the feed recommendations outlined in this article, you must first understand the cause behind any unexpected weight loss.  As a horse owner, you’ve no doubt come across the term ‘good doer’, which refers to horses that can easily maintain body weight. For those who aren’t so lucky, other horses may struggle to maintain weight and condition, even with correct feeding, which leads us to question why. Weight Loss There are a number of reasons why your horse may be losing weight. Before you immediately turn to diet to find the answers, you must first assess your horse’s: Dentition De-worming Exposure to stress Overall health Dentition Poor oral health can lead to compromised digestion and dental disease. One of the most common complaints is sharp enamel points, which are caused by uneven wear and irregular filing. These points interfere with your horse’s chewing, leaving them unable to properly grind their food, thus impeding their ability to absorb nutrients. De-worming An ineffective de-worming regime can lead to an excessive parasite burden in your horse’s gastrointestinal tract. These nasty critters may be competing directly for the nutrients within your horse’s food and causing damage to the intestinal lining, in turn, diminishing nutrient absorption. Exposure to stress Stabling, regular transportation and a heavy competition schedule can leave your horse stressed, which may affect their weight and condition. Likewise, performance and racing horses on high grain diets may develop gastric ulcers, which are incredibly painful and may discourage eating. Overall health Heathy weight and body condition are two signs of good health, as such the presence of illness, infection or disease should also be ruled out. At times, illness may affect your horse’s appetite, leaving them disinterested in food; at other times, disease may limit nutrient absorption. Weight Loss If none of the above are involved in your horse’s weight loss, it’s time to turn to diet to promote safe weight gain. Of all the ingredients in a well-balanced diet, fibre, carbohydrates and fats are the three energy sources integral in gaining — and maintaining — body weight. Fibre  Above all, fibre is the most important component in your horse’s diet. If weight gain is your goal, adding fibre to your horse’s diet is the first step. However, not all fibre was created equal. When compared to grass hay of similar quality, lucerne hay has been shown to have superior energy content and digestibility. Alternative fibre sources, such as the ‘super fibres’, including beet pulp, and soy or lupin hulls, provide an even richer source of highly digestible fibre. Carbohydrates  While the carbohydrates sugar and starch are the most efficient energy source, due to their simple enzymatic process, complications can arise when feeding too much grain. To safely add weight, carbohydrates may be used in your horse’s diet. However, a strict ratio of 70:30 fibre to carbohydrates should be followed at all times. In addition, no more than 2kg of grain should be fed in a single meal; instead, grain should be divided over 2-3 meals per day. Fats  If you’re seeking an alternative to grains, look no further than fats in the form of vegetable oils, such as soy, rice bran and canola oil, which contain up to three times more digestible energy. Fats not only add calories to your horse’s diet, without the need for large amounts of grain, but feeding fats has many health benefits, including improving skin and coat condition, decreasing excitable behaviours and avoiding the health complications of high grain diets.

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How Old is Too Old for a Horse to be Ridden?

I often get asked the question: “How old is too old for a horse to be ridden?” It’s a valid concern for any horse owner or rider, as the well-being of the animal should always be a top priority. In this article, I will explore this topic and provide some insight into what factors to consider when determining if a horse is too old to be ridden. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there is no set age at which a horse becomes too old to ride. The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the horse’s breed, overall health, and level of training. For example, a well-trained and healthy 20-year-old horse may still be able to handle light riding, while a 15-year-old horse with health issues may not be able to handle any riding at all. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to ride an older horse should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual horse’s physical and mental condition. By consulting with a veterinarian and paying close attention to the horse’s behavior and responses to riding, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s appropriate to continue riding an older horse. How Old is Too Old for a Horse to be Ridden? Factors to Consider! As a horse owner, I understand the importance of ensuring that my horse is healthy and comfortable. When it comes to riding an older horse, there are several factors that I take into consideration. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Age of the Horse Age is an important factor to consider when deciding if a horse is too old to ride. While there is no set age at which a horse becomes too old to ride, it is generally recommended that horses over the age of 20 be retired from regular riding. This is because older horses may have a harder time recovering from injuries and may be more prone to health issues such as arthritis. Breed and Size of the Horse The breed and size of the horse can also play a role in determining if a horse is too old to ride. Generally speaking, smaller breeds tend to have longer lifespans and may be able to continue riding into their 20s and even 30s. Larger breeds, on the other hand, may have a shorter lifespan and may need to be retired from riding at a younger age. It’s important to consider the individual horse’s breed and size when making this decision. Health and Condition of the Horse The health and condition of the horse should also be taken into consideration. A horse that is in good health and condition may be able to continue riding well into its senior years. However, if a horse has a chronic health condition or is in poor condition, it may be best to retire the horse from riding to prevent further injury or health issues. Overall, it’s important to take a holistic approach when deciding if a horse is too old to ride. By considering factors such as age, breed and size, and health and condition, you can make an informed decision that is best for your horse’s well-being. Signs of Aging in Horses As a horse owner, I know that horses age just like humans do. They may not show their age as much as humans, but there are still signs to watch out for. Here are some physical and behavioral signs of aging in horses that I have observed over the years. Physical Signs As horses age, they tend to lose muscle mass and their coat may become dull. Here are some physical signs of aging in horses: Behavioral Signs In addition to physical signs, there are also behavioral signs of aging in horses. These signs may include: It’s important to note that not all horses will show these signs of aging at the same time or to the same degree. However, as a horse owner, it’s important to be aware of these signs and to monitor your horse’s health and behavior regularly. Risks of Riding an Old Horse Joint and Muscle Problems I have seen firsthand that older horses are more prone to joint and muscle problems. These issues can be attributed to the natural aging process, which causes a decrease in cartilage and joint fluid production, leading to arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Riding an older horse with joint or muscle problems can cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult for them to move comfortably. This can result in a decreased quality of life for the horse and a less enjoyable riding experience for the rider. Digestive Issues Older horses are also more susceptible to digestive problems, such as colic and impaction. This is because their digestive system becomes less efficient with age, making it harder for them to digest food and absorb nutrients. Riding an older horse with digestive issues can exacerbate these problems, leading to discomfort and pain for the horse. It is important to monitor an older horse’s diet and ensure they are receiving the proper nutrients and supplements to maintain their digestive health. Respiratory Problems Another risk of riding an older horse is the potential for respiratory problems. As horses age, their lungs become less elastic, making it harder for them to breathe deeply. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. Riding an older horse with respiratory problems can cause further stress on their lungs, exacerbating the issue and potentially leading to more serious health problems. Overall, while it is possible to ride an older horse, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them. This includes monitoring the horse’s health and well-being, providing proper nutrition and supplements, and adjusting riding routines to accommodate any joint, muscle, digestive, or respiratory issues that may arise. Alternatives to Riding Groundwork and Liberty Training When a horse is no longer able to

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Which Saddle Should I Buy?

Step into any saddlery and you’ll find a vast array of styles, fabrics and prices. But, not all saddles will be suitable for you and your horse. Choosing a saddle is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a horse owner as it’ll influence every ride. In this article, we discuss the three key things to consider when choosing a saddle. 1. Fit Above all, the most important consideration when choosing a saddle is the correct fit for horse and rider. With time, incorrect saddle fit will lead to health and behavioural problems for your horse; not to mention, a saddle that is too big or too small will also affect your own riding position. 2. Style In addition to correct fit, you’ll need to consider the riding activities you have planned for your horse. If you intend to compete, your choice of the saddle will be dictated by discipline. However, if you’re a leisure rider, a general all-purpose English or Western saddle will usually suffice. 3. Fabric While saddles have traditionally been made of leather, synthetic saddles are also very popular. The choice between leather and synthetic is often a personal preference. Regardless of the style you select, always check the finish, stitching and fittings carefully before buying. Cheap saddles often don’t last, especially in Australian weather. New or Used? A saddle is one of the most expensive items you’ll need in your tack room. However, fit, comfort and quality should never be compromised for a bargain price. While you may save a few dollars initially, a cheap saddle could end up costing you more in veterinary and therapy bills. Thankfully, many saddleries offer secondhand saddles. If you’re on a budget, this may be the best option for you. A reputable saddlery will assist you in checking the condition of the tree, stress points and wear to ensure the saddle is fit for purpose and guaranteed to last. Our Advice Any saddle you buy should be purchased with the assistance of a qualified and respected saddle fitter. They will remove the guesswork, and help you select the right saddle for you and your horse that meets your requirements for correct fit, comfort and quality.

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Should I Rug My Horse in Summer?

The choice to rug your horse must be considered carefully, especially in Summer when they can easily overheat as a result of over-rugging. In this article, we share the reasons for and against rugging in Summer, so you can choose wisely for your horse. Yes, Your Horse May Need a Rug Inappropriate rugging can become a welfare issue, particularly in Australia where heat and humidity can climb to extremes in Summer. However, there will be some exceptional circumstances where your horse may benefit from a rug, such as: Your horse suffers from Queensland Itch or another skin condition caused by biting insects Your horse has areas of sensitive pink skin Your horse has a dark coloured coat But, even in these circumstances, rugging must be approached with caution. Let’s explain this further with the examples above. If you decide to rug your horse in an effort to shield them from biting insects, you must check under their rug frequently for signs of sweating. By stabling your horse when biting insects are at their most active, rugging may be avoided altogether. Horses with areas of non-pigmented skin may benefit from use of a lightweight rug and fly mask, designed for Summer conditions. However, rugging may not be necessary if you apply zinc regularly over sensitive areas to protect them from harmful UV rays. Lastly, while horses with dark coloured coats may benefit from a lightweight, white rug, a paddock with ample shade and shelter will provide them with opportunities to escape the sun. Rather than rugging, your horse will be able to manage their own core body temperature. No, Your Horse Doesn’t Need a Rug For most horses, rugging in Summer is simply unnecessary. Even lightweight Summer rugs can prevent your horse from cooling themselves effectively. Horses rely on sweating to maintain a safe core body temperature. When a rug is used, air cannot pass over their body to evaporate the sweat and cool their body. Rugging should only be considered if your horse genuinely requires it, such as in the examples above. If you intend to rug your horse to avoid a faded coat or as part of your show preparation, be mindful of the heat and humidity, and check your horse often for signs of sweating.

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What is the Fastest Way to Get My Horse Fit?

A horse’s fitness is one of the foundations for good health. However, improving fitness encompasses health, diet and training. In this article, we share practical advice for building your horse’s strength, stamina and flexibility, with results seen within days. While performance is one of the core purposes of any exercise program, it’s important to remember a fit horse in good body condition not only performs better but: Recovers faster Avoids injuries Remains healthy Before Training Begins However, before any training begins, it’s critical you assess your horse’s health, body condition and level of fitness. Any horse with compromised health, for example, overcoming a serious injury or in poor condition, is not ready to commence an exercise program. One of the most common mistakes of any exercise program is commencing regular training too quickly. Before improving fitness, you may need to focus on your horse’s rehabilitation or weight to ensure they are healthy, sound and ready to return to work. Health Even if your horse appears in good health, they should receive a visit from your veterinarian before training commences. Hoof and dental care, vaccinations and de-worming should be up to date. In addition, a complete physical examination should check: Your horse’s vital signs, posture, attitude and general health The lower legs and any signs of joint, tendon or ligament compromise Your horse’s gaits — particularly looking for any indication of lameness 2. Body Condition A body condition score of 3 is ideal before your horse begins training. In this instance, your horse can return to light work immediately. However, if your horse is overweight or underweight, you’ll need to factor this into your exercise program. Overweight: A horse with a score of 4-5 or more will need to lose weight, which can be achieved by returning to a forage-first diet, restricting unnecessary calories in the form of starches and sugars, and slowly increasing training in duration and intensity. Underweight: A horse with a score of 2 or less will need to gain weight. A forage first diet, low in starches and sugars, and supported by added vitamins and minerals is recommended. Only when they’ve reached a healthy body condition should they begin training. 3. Level of Fitness Now your horse has a clean bill of health and they’re ready to return to work, you need to consider their level of fitness. Your horse’s level of fitness will largely determine their new exercise and diet regime. Remember, training and diet work together to support your horse’s fitness. Foundation phase: The first stage of your exercise program should promote cardiovascular fitness, along with joint, tendon and ligament strength. Daily hacks, which integrate walk, trot, canter and hill work, are suggested over a period of 6-8 weeks. Preparation phase: The second stage of your exercise program should work the specific muscle groups involved in your chosen discipline. If you intend to leave the trails for competition, your daily training sessions should include exercises relevant to that sport. Training should increase gradually in duration and intensity; only increasing by around 5% each week as your horse’s level of fitness increases. Each training session must also include adequate time for warm up and cool down to reduce the risk of injury. Within just 7-10 days of daily work, cardiovascular fitness may markedly improve. However, patience is the best approach when developing any exercise program. Always be mindful of your horse following exercise and monitor their vital signs vigilantly.

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How Do I Build Topline on My Horse?

Composed of muscle, the strength of your horse’s topline has a direct impact on their health, performance and trainability, especially when under saddle. In this article, we explain how to build topline muscle with the correct diet, lifestyle and training. When a horse moves, the topline muscles of the neck, withers, back, loin and hindquarters — specifically, the gluteal, dorsal and cervical extensor muscles — work together. However, with the addition of a rider, the pressure on these integral muscles increases. In a horse with a weak back, the fragile vertebrae of the spine sag, resulting in poor movement and putting the horse at risk of serious health and behavioural problems. In contrast, a horse with a strong back, due to a healthy topline, will appear relaxed, with powerful and even movement, and the ability to work in self-carriage. If your horse has a clean bill of health and you’d like to improve their topline, muscle development can be promoted with a combination of diet, lifestyle and training. All three of these things are required.  Doing one without the others is pointless. Diet Protein, composed of amino acids, is the building block of muscles. To enhance topline muscle, a 500kg horse requires 630-900g of quality protein per day. While protein can be found in pasture and hay, many performance horses benefit from additional protein in the diet. In particular, the essential amino acids lysine, methionine and threonine. As their name suggests, these amino acids are imperative to muscle development and cannot be synthesised by the horse’s body. A supplement containing these essential amino acids is recommended. Lifestyle Regular movement promotes muscle development. In addition to training, your horse should be turned out daily, preferably with paddock mates, to encourage movement. Not only will they benefit from the extra exercise, their health and wellbeing will also be supported. However, there are several other lifestyle factors which foster a healthy topline, including: Feed off the ground: By offering feed and roughage on the ground, with the use of a rubber feeder or mat, your horse will take the correct stance at feed time, rather than elevate their head and neck to reach items above ground level. Support hoof health: A horse with healthy and sound hooves is able to move freely and correctly. In contrast any horse with hoof pain may compensate by re-directing bodyweight and, as a result, lose muscle tone over the back. Check saddle fit: By regularly checking saddle fit, you’ll protect the lifelong health of your horse. Incorrect saddle fit results in back pain and a number of health problems, as does your riding position if uneven and unbalanced. Training Lastly, with training, your horse’s topline muscle will improve dramatically. Be patient with your horse’s progress and allow adequate time to prepare for your next competition. Week 1: For a horse in light work, start with one hour hacks in walk per day. Allow your horse to stretch on a long rein and integrate hill work into your routine. Week 2: By the second week, add trotting into your daily one hour hacks. Maintain a long rein, so your horse can continue stretching, and continue the hill work. Week 3: Next, you can add some canter. Be considerate of your horse’s level of fitness and keep the pace slow. Adding trots through knee deep water is also beneficial. Week 4: Now you’re ready to step into the arena. Over the coming weeks, introduce school work with circles, loops, changes in direction and numerous transitions. As your horse’s training continues, shorten the reins and ask for collection. Remember to warm up and warm down during every training session. You may also like to try some gentle stretching exercises with your horse in-hand.

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What Do I Need to Do to Get My Horse ‘Show Ready’?

It’s showtime! While there are many last minute items to check off your list, including packing the float, preparation for a successful show often begins a few weeks in advance. In this article, we discuss the five steps to your best show season yet. When you step into the show ring, all eyes are on you and your horse. But, what does it take to make you two a winning combination? If you truly want to turn heads this show season, then you must consider your horse’s health, nutrition and coat. Daily grooming Grooming should be part of your horse’s daily regime. A daily groom stimulates the hair follicles and massages the skin, releasing natural oils and creating a brilliant shine. Start by using a curry comb over the muscled areas, including the neck, shoulders, mid-section and hindquarters, to remove dust, dirt and hair. Then, follow with a body brush over the entire body. You may also need to use a dandy brush to remove any mud from your horse’s lower legs. When brushing your horse’s tail, focus on the dock area to promote hair growth. Using a comb, gently remove any knots and burrs from the mane and tail. Don’t forget to check and clean out your horse’s hooves daily as well. 2. A well-balanced diet A glowing coat begins from the inside out. Your horse should receive a forage-first diet, with added vitamins, minerals and protein, to support optimum health and muscle development. Quality forage sources, such as pasture and hay, should form the bulk of your horse’s diet. Every horse should receive at least 1.5% of their body weight in forage per day.  However, forage sources may be deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. A well-balanced complete feed or ration balancer may be necessary, but be cautious of unwanted calories. For added shine, there are a number of quality plant-based oils that can be safely fed to horses. Stabilised rice bran, vegetable, canola or coconut oil are recommended. Ensure your horse also has access to unlimited fresh, clean drinking water. 3. Regular health care Often, a dull coat is the first sign of ill-health. Any horse in poor body condition as a result of parasites, malnutrition or an underlying health problem simply isn’t ‘show ready’. Throughout the year, your horse should receive regular de-worming and any required vaccinations, along with professional teeth and hoof care. Prior to the show, check the vaccination and any interstate travel requirements to ensure your horse is protected around unfamiliar horses.  4. Mane and tail care With correct mane and tail care, your horse’s locks will be the envy of everyone in the show ring! In addition to daily grooming, regular conditioning and rugging will promote soft, healthy hair. When grooming your horse’s mane and tail, use a detangler to remove knots easily. This will prevent hair breakage and make grooming more pleasant for your horse. A mild conditioner can be rubbed into your horse’s tail every few days to soften brittle hairs. Use a tail bag prior to the show to protect their tail from any new debris. Harsh shampoos, sprays and soaps deplete your horse’s coat, mane and tail of natural oils. If bathing is required, use water and a soft brush to remove sweat and dirt. 5. The final preparations The day before the show is your last chance to clean and clip your horse! If your horse requires any clipping around the face, ears, throat, bridle path or hooves, this can be done the day before. However, muzzle hairs should not be removed. If your horse is white or has any white areas, such as socks, mane or tail, use a whitening shampoo the day before, then apply leg wraps or rug as needed. Lastly, bathe your horse the night before so they’re ready to go straight onto the float the next morning. Use a lightweight rug and tail bag to keep their coat clean.

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What Type of Salt is Safe for Horses?

While there are a number of supplements available containing sodium and chloride, common table salt can be used to meet your horse’s daily requirement. However, for those horses in regular training or competition, additional electrolytes should also be considered. In this article, we explain how salt and electrolytes restore mineral balance. To understand the importance of sodium and chloride, which are found in common table salt, we need to take a closer look at your horse’s cells. Outside the cell, within the extracellular fluid, you’ll find sodium and chloride. Inside the cell, you’ll find potassium. Sodium and potassium are both positively charged ions and when in balance, maintain an internal electronic charge of negative. Together, balanced concentrations of sodium and potassium support normal neuromuscular and musculoskeletal function. Health and performance difficulties arise when sodium becomes deficient and, as a result, the body expels potassium in its place. Salt A 500kg horse requires 10 grams of sodium and 40 grams of chloride per day. However, when other factors are also taken into consideration, such as diet, workload and time of year, your horse’s daily requirement for salt can increase immensely. Sodium and chloride are lost via sweat and urine. An insufficient diet, combined with a heavy workload during Summer, can rapidly deplete sodium and chloride levels. Likewise, in transit, horses may perspire and urinate, in turn, losing valuable sodium and chloride. If not replaced, sodium and chloride deficiency may lead to a number of problems, including: Dehydration Heat stress Electrolyte imbalances Impaction Colic Incoordination Unsteady gait Difficulty chewing Muscle weakness Weight loss Decreased milk production To meet your horse’s daily requirement for salt, common table salt can easily be added to their daily feeds. Containing approximately 39% sodium and 61% chloride, 30 grams of common table salt will provide a 500kg horse with 11.7 grams of daily sodium. Electrolytes However, while the addition of salt to your horse’s feed will be adequate in maintaining sodium and chloride levels, common table salt is insufficient in replenishing sweat losses. Amongst the electrolytes present in horse sweat, sodium, chloride and potassium are often lost at the highest quantities. Following any activity that resulted in heavy sweating, an electrolyte replacer should be given at the recommended dose to replace lost electrolytes.

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What Do I Need to Feed My Horse for a Shiny Coat?

Are you dreaming of a head-turning, healthful and shiny coat for your horse? A glowing coat is a symbol of health and must be nurtured from the inside out with correct and balanced nutrition. However, the steps to a shiny coat don’t end there. In this article, we share our top three tips for show-ready shine. Tip 1: Nutrition A well-balanced diet is a cornerstone of your horse’s health. For a vibrant coat, their diet should be rich in fibre and fat, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and low in sugar. Forage in the form of hay and pasture should be fed at a minimum of 1.5% of total body weight per day. For the competitive horse, consider a complete feed with added vitamins and minerals; for the easy-keeper, a ration balancer is recommended to avoid unwanted calories. To further enhance your horse’s shine, a quality high-fat oil that’s safe for horses, such as stabilised rice bran, can be supplemented. In addition, provide your horse with unlimited access to fresh, clean drinking water and promote water intake with salt granules or a salt block. Tip 2: Health Care A rough, dull coat is often one of the first signs of poor health. A well-balanced diet, as described above, must be supported with regular veterinary care throughout the year. De-worming, dental and hoof health are paramount in promoting health and wellbeing. In partnership with your veterinarian, develop a health care plan for your horse to protect them from preventable health conditions that deplete their coat’s natural shine. If you notice your horse’s coat is losing its glow, consult your veterinarian to determine if it’s linked to an underlying health problem. A rough, dull coat is a common symptom of parasites, difficulty chewing or digesting food, gastric ulcers and metabolic conditions. Tip 3: Daily Groom Lastly, the final step to that enviable shine is in your hands. A vigorous daily groom will remove excess hair, dirt and dry skin to reveal a brilliant shine ready for the show ring. Using a curry comb, followed by a body brush, grooming stimulates the coat’s natural oils to produce a healthful, shiny coat. To shield your horse’s coat from harmful UV rays and preserve your hard work, a lightweight fly sheet is suggested during daytime turnout. By grooming your horse daily, you will also be alerted to any bites, injuries or skin conditions that diminish coat quality. To promote optimum coat health, avoid harsh shampoos and sprays, limit unnecessary bathing, and rinse and disinfect grooming brushes regularly.

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