Expert Horse Health & Wellbeing Advice

A methylation gap can impair egg quality and early embryo development, independent of any reproductive tract problem [7] Fresh&Fertile delivers active folate, choline, betaine, B vitamins and broccoli powder to support early embryo development Start three months before breeding and feed through pregnancy and lactation, 15 g per day A Ghent University trial of 30+ mares showed a significant positive effect on embryo development [3]

Rule out worms, teeth and disease first, then look at whether feed is actually being absorbed A 500 kg horse needs 7.5 to 10 kg of forage dry matter daily as the foundation Oil adds dense, low-starch calories; the right omega-3 blend beats cheap corn or sunflower oil Gut health is where most stubborn skinny-horse cases hide; fix absorption, not just intake

Did you know there's a hidden danger lurking in your horse's diet right now? A danger so widespread it's affecting up to 40% of domestic horses... Yet so sneaky, most owners have no clue it's there. I'm talking about sugar. Now, I know what you're thinking... "Sugar? Come on, my horse doesn't eat sweets!" But stick with me, because what I'm about to share might just save your horse's life. In fact, this hidden sugar danger is so serious, it's keeping me up at night. And trust me, I've seen a lot in my years working with horses. But this? This takes the biscuit. (No pun intended.) So buckle up, because in this post, we're going to dive deep into: The shocking stats about sugar-related health issues in horses Where this hidden sugar is really coming from (hint: it's not where you think) The simple steps you can take TODAY to protect your horse Ready to uncover the truth about the sugary dangers threatening our equine friends? Let's dive in...   The Sugar Nightmare: Shocking Stats You Can't Ignore Before we go any further, let me hit you with some hard facts: Up to 40% of domestic horses are obese. That's nearly half! Up to 29% of sensitive horses are battling hyperinsulinemia. A whopping 89% of primary laminitis cases are linked to endocrine disorders. Now, you might be wondering... "What do these stats have to do with sugar?" Everything. You see, all these health issues have one common thread: Too much sugar in our horses' diets. The Sugar Trap: It's Not Where You Think Now, I know what you're thinking... "But I don't give my horse sugar cubes or sweet feed!" And that's great! But, this is where it gets interesting: The sugar danger isn't coming from obvious sources. It's hiding in places you'd never suspect. Like that premium feed you're so proud of giving your horse? It could be loaded with hidden sugars. Or that lush, green pasture you let your horse graze on all day? It might as well be a sugar bowl. Even that handful of carrots you use as treats? Yep, you guessed it. Sugar bombs. The Pasture Paradox: When Green Isn't Good Let me tell you a quick story about my friend Eileen and her horse, Rosa. Eileen thought she was doing everything right. Rosa had 24/7 access to a beautiful, green pasture. "She's living the natural horse life," Eileen would say. But then Rosa started gaining weight. Her energy dropped. And one day, she found her limping. The diagnosis? Laminitis, triggered by insulin resistance. The culprit? All that "natural" grass Rosa had been munching on. You see, our modern pastures aren't designed for horses. They're sugar factories, bred for cattle that need to produce tons of milk. And our horses? They're grazing on this sugar-rich grass all day long. Which can have devastating effects on their health. Just look at Rosa a few months ago. Her hoofs were so sensitive she could barely walk.   So what do leading vets recommend? A Sugar-Smart Approach Now, I'm not saying you need to lock your horse in a stall and feed them nothing but hay. (In fact, that would cause a whole other set of problems!) But there are some simple steps you can take to protect your horse from the hidden dangers of sugar: Rethink your feed: Most horses don't need as much concentrated feed as they're getting. For a 500 kg horse in light work? Less than 1 kg of feed per day is plenty. Manage pasture time: Use a grazing muzzle or limit grazing time, especially in spring and fall when grass sugar content is highest. Choose treats wisely: Opt for low-sugar treats, or better yet, use praise and scratches as rewards. Keep them moving: Regular exercise helps regulate insulin levels and burn excess calories. Monitor body condition: You should be able to feel (but not see) your horse's ribs. If you can't, it's time to reassess their diet. The Game-Changer: Steady&Stable Now, I know making these changes can feel overwhelming. That's why we developed Steady&Stable. It's not a magic pill. (Those don't exist, no matter what anyone tells you.) But it is a scientifically-formulated supplement designed to support healthy sugar metabolism in horses with natural ingredients. Ingredients like Berberis vulgaris, which has been extensively studied for its potential to support insulin sensitivity… Chrysanthellum, which supports healthy liver function and aids in fat breakdown.  Milk Thistle, which plays a crucial role in managing fat metabolism by promoting liver health, which in turn enables horses to more effectively process fats and eliminate harmful substances from their bodies.   Steady&Stable can be a powerful ally in your fight against hidden sugars in your horse’s diet. But remember: It's just one piece of the puzzle. You still need to tackle the root causes: overfeeding, poor-quality pastures, and lack of exercise. Shop Now Your Horse's Health Starts Now I understand the challenge. Adjusting your horse's diet and management routine isn't always easy. It takes time, effort, and often, a shift in our long-held beliefs about horse care. But let's consider this for a moment: How would you feel if your horse developed laminitis because you didn't take action? Or if they had to retire early due to obesity-related health issues? The good news is, you have the power to prevent this. And it starts with the choices you make today. So, are you ready to take control of your horse's health? To protect them from the hidden sugar danger that's threatening their wellbeing? If so, here's what I want you to do: Take a hard look at your horse's diet. Are they getting too much concentrated feed? Too much pasture time? Implement at least one of the sugar-smart strategies we discussed today. Consider adding Steady&Stable to your horse's regimen to support healthy sugar metabolism for a holistic approach. Remember, your horse is counting on you to make the right choices for their health. You've got this. And if you need any help along the way, we're here for you. Until next time, happy (and healthy) riding! Veterinarian Valérie P.S. Want to learn more about how Steady&Stable can support your horse's health? Click here to get all the details. Your horse will thank you!

As a horse owner, you naturally want the best for your loyal four-legged friend. A natural herb gaining increasing attention in the equine world is milk thistle. But what exactly is milk thistle and how can it support your horse's health? In this blog, we delve deeper into the benefits of milk thistle for horses. Interestingly, horses in nature often seek out milk thistle in the meadow. This instinctive behavior suggests that horses recognize the healing properties of this plant. What is Milk Thistle? Milk thistle is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver and digestion in horses and ponies. The main active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a powerful antioxidant with many health-promoting properties. Benefits of Milk Thistle for Horses 1. Liver Support Milk thistle is known as 'the liver herb par excellence'. Over the past 10 years, more than 12,000 scientific publications have appeared about milk thistle and its health benefits. Milk thistle helps protect and restore the liver, which is crucial for the overall health of your horse. A healthy liver in your horse ensures:• Better detoxification of the body• Support of the immune system• Improved digestion and metabolism 2. Anti-inflammatory Effects Research has shown that milk thistle has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help reduce inflammation in your horse's body, contributing to better overall health. But how does this work exactly? Milk thistle influences various inflammatory processes in the body: NF-kB inhibition: Milk thistle inhibits the activity of NF-kB, a protein that plays a central role in inflammation. TNF suppression: It reduces the production of TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), a substance that can cause inflammation. Inhibition of leukotrienes: Milk thistle inhibits the formation of leukotrienes, substances involved in inflammatory reactions. Reduction of pro-inflammatory substances: It helps lower substances such as interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2, which can exacerbate inflammation. By influencing these processes, milk thistle can contribute to reducing inflammation throughout your horse's body, from the digestive organs to the joints. 3. Antioxidant Effects Milk thistle is packed with antioxidants. But what are antioxidants exactly? Simply explained: Think of antioxidants as small protectors in your horse's body. They fight against 'free radicals', which you can see as troublemakers. These free radicals can cause damage in your horse's body. Antioxidants neutralize these troublemakers. Why are antioxidants good for your horse? They keep the cells in the body healthy. They help your horse recover better after exercise. They support the immune system. They can help your horse stay fit longer. 4. Support of Energy Metabolism Recent research in sport horses has shown that feeding milk thistle seed improves energy metabolism. Horses given milk thistle had lower cortisol levels (= stress hormone). This can lead to better performance and faster recovery after exertion. In addition, horses given milk thistle had lower levels of NEFAs (free fatty acids) in their blood. This suggests that these horses use their energy more efficiently, which can result in better endurance during intensive training or competitions. How to Use Milk Thistle? Milk thistle can be added to your horse's diet in various ways: As a supplement in powder form or extract In the form of seed cakes mixed with feed Fresh or dried as an herb Yes, you can also give milk thistle fresh or dried to your horse. In nature, horses sometimes eat milk thistle on their own, suggesting that they can digest the plant well in its natural form. Fresh milk thistle can be added to daily feed, while dried milk thistle can be mixed with hay or other dry food. The advantage of fresh or dried milk thistle is that it offers the plant in its most natural form. However, it's important to make sure that the plant is not contaminated with pesticides or other harmful substances if you collect it in the wild. When in doubt, it's safer to opt for commercially available milk thistle. If you're unsure about the right form or dosage, you can always choose a controlled milk thistle supplement like Curafyt's Detox & Drain. Our supplements contain a standardized amount of active ingredients and have a clearly indicated dosage. It's a great way to get the right ingredients into your horse's diet and give you peace of mind. You can find more details about Detox & Drain by clicking the link below. Regardless of the form in which you give milk thistle, it's important to use the correct dosage. Always consult your veterinarian before starting to give milk thistle to your horse. Conclusion Milk thistle is a plant with numerous health benefits for your horse or pony. From liver support to anti-inflammation and improved energy metabolism, this natural herb can be a valuable addition to your horse's diet. If you're considering using milk thistle, consult your veterinarian first for personal advice. By supporting your horse's health with natural remedies like milk thistle, you can contribute to a long and vital life for your loyal four-legged friend. Scientific References Hackett, E. S., Twedt, D. C. & Gustafson, D. L. Milk Thistle and Its Derivative Compounds: A Review of Opportunities for Treatment of Liver Disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine vol. 27 10--16 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12002 (2013). Delmas, D., Xiao, J., Vejux, A. & Aires, V. Silymarin and cancer: A dual strategy in both in chemoprevention and chemosensitivity. Molecules vol. 25 Preprint at https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092009 (2020). Dockalova, H., Zeman, L. & Horky, P. Influence of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed cakes on biochemical values of equine plasma subjected to physical exertion. Animals 11, 1--16 (2021).

The Dangers of St. Jacob's Ragwort and How to Remove It from Horse Fields Ragwort might look harmless with its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, but don’t be fooled! This plant is highly toxic to horses and ponies. It’s crucial to understand the dangers of this plant and know how to protect your horses. In this blog, you’ll learn how to recognize, understand the risks, and remove this toxic and dangerous plant. How to Recognize Ragwort? Key characteristics include the distinct rosettes when the plants are not yet in bloom, and the purple-stemmed stalks on which the flowers grow. The flowers are bright yellow and resemble daisies. It spreads quickly and can take over entire fields. This plant grows from the second half of June until October and begins flowering from July. Typically, it is a biennial plant. The Dangers Of Ragwort For Horses Even small, repeated amounts of ragwort are toxic to horses. Eating ragwort can lead to severe liver damage. One of the biggest dangers of ragwort for horses is that it remains toxic even in dried form. This means that hay can become contaminated, causing your horse to ingest it unknowingly. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect your pasture before harvesting hay. For a 500 kg horse, ingesting just 5 kg of dried ragwort is already toxic. In its fresh state, horses would need to consume four times as much to reach the same level of toxicity. Ragwort poisoning is often only recognized when it’s too late. This weed causes significant liver damage in horses, and once symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. The disease manifests in various symptoms in your horse or pony, such as: Loss of appetite and increased thirst Straining, sometimes followed by watery diarrhea Unexpected sunburn Abdominal bloating due to fluid retention, sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath In later stages, the damage can even affect the brain, leading to lethargy, restlessness, or even paralysis. If you’re unsure about symptoms in your horse, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Better safe than sorry! How to Control Ragwort Manual Removal Pull the plants out by the root before they flower. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact! Remove the plants by burning them or sealing them in bags, not by composting. Manual removal is preferred as it avoids the use of chemicals, ensuring the health and safety of your horses and preserving the natural balance of the pasture. Pasture Management Regularly inspect fields for ragwort. Maintain a densely grown pasture to outcompete weed growth. Biological Control Consider introducing natural enemies like the larvae of the cinnabar moth as part of an integrated strategy. Ragwort is the primary food source for the zebra caterpillar, the larva of the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae). These moth larvae are adapted to eating ragwort and are not susceptible to poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).  Chemical Control Use selective herbicides during the rosette stage. Follow professional advice and manufacturer’s instructions. Additional Support for Your Horse’s Liver Health During July and August, when ragwort is widespread, it is beneficial to support your horses' liver health with supplements such as Curafyt’s Detox&Drain, which contains milk thistle and MSM. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that protects liver cells and promotes regeneration. However, a supplement can never replace good pasture management or medication if liver damage is already present.  By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can protect your horses' health from the dangers of ragwort. Ensure your pastures are free from this toxic plant and support your horses' liver health with the right supplements. Your horses will thank you!

Introduction Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common condition in horses that involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage within the joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, significantly affecting a horse's performance and quality of life. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and exploring available treatments are crucial steps in managing this chronic condition and ensuring the well-being of affected horses. What is osteoarthritis in horses? A joint is a place where two bones are joined together in the body in a way that enables them to bend and move. The ligaments and joint capsule give the two bones extra stability while cartilage covers and protects the bone ends. For your horse’s ease of movement, the joint space is filled with synovial fluid. In sum, a joint is made up of different structures that are closely interlinked. If one part of the joint is out of sync, you soon end up with a domino effect impairing the functioning of the other parts. Arthritis in horses is a general inflammation of the joint. If the cartilage around the joint is also damaged, the condition is classified as osteoarthrosis. In that case, the entire joint comes under pressure, causing pain and lameness.  Causes of osteoarthritis in horses? While osteoarthritis in horses can have many causes, some horses and ponies are simply more prone to joint problems than others. Older horses, sport horses, horses that are overweight or had joint surgery before are particularly prone to this degenerative joint disease. The condition of osteoarthritis has two main causes:  1. Abnormal pressure on normal cartilage Your horse’s joint cartilage is perfectly healthy but is being damaged by excess pressure. Causes that spring to mind are intensive training, excessive strain, a fracture, abnormal posture… 2. Normal pressure on abnormal cartilage The pressure on the joint isn’t abnormally high but the joint isn’t as healthy as it should be. That combination leads to further degeneration, like OCD for instance, a condition characterised by loose cartilage and/or bone fragments in the joint. How to spot osteoarthritis in your horse? 1. Your horse has become less flexible Osteoarthritis doesn’t usually start with obvious lameness but with a stiff and rigid gait. Your horse is slow to get going and seems less flexible when being ridden. In the case of osteoarthritis of the neck, he will find it difficult to stretch or flex his neck. Typical symptom of osteoarthritis: after a ten-minute warm-up your equine friend will gradually move less rigidly. Movement warms up the muscles, tendons and joints and soon gets him moving more freely. 2. Your horse has problems rolling and getting up Is your horse rolling less frequently and is he struggling to get up? This can be caused by a lack of flexibility in his vertebral column, with osteoarthritis as the primary cause. 3. Your horse is acting up while being ridden When making certain movements, like jumping and landing, your horse’s cartilage is put under great strain. Worn cartilage absorbs shocks less well and this can be extremely painful for your horse. 4. Your horse is lame Osteoarthritis causes a stabbing pain when making certain movements. So, your horse can be pretty lame, which is especially noticeable when performing a volte and straight line. Another obvious sign of lameness: when your horse’s head nods with every move. This will be most obvious while trotting. 5. Your horse is irritable and moody If your horse is in pain, he can be irritable and moody (face it, how would you be yourself?). He will be less tolerant of people and other horses, will pin his ears back, swish his tail and bite or kick. 6. Your horse has trouble chewing If your equine friend drops food  out of his mouth, chews at a slant or on one side only, his jaw joint is probably sore - with osteoarthritis at the root. Mind: these signs can also be a symptom of general dental problems. Do the above symptoms sound familiar? In that case, your horse is more than likely suffering from osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, there is no cure but luckily it can be treated. What’s more, the sooner you take action, the better you will be able to help your horse. Time for a visit to the vet in other words! We wish you every success! How to treat your horse with osteoarthritis?  1. "Establish the correct diagnosis in case of doubt about osteoarthritis." Do you suspect that your horse might be suffering from osteoarthritis? Don’t go it alone but contact your vet and have your horse examined, just to make sure. 2. Treat the inflammation It is essential to get the pain and the inflammation of the joint under control as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the cartilage. The vet will inject anti-inflammatories in the joint or put him on an anti-inflammatory diet. 3. Ensure your horse gets exercise Exercise  is the one way to lubricate your horse’s joints! Start with daily hand-walks and build up gradually. Don’t even think about riding him until your vet and your horse give you the go-ahead.In some horses, the osteoarthritis is so far advanced that riding them is no longer an option. 4. Organise physiotherapy and osteopathy These therapies not only help to keep your horse’s muscles and ligaments flexible but will also alleviate the pain 5. Maintain a healthy body weight Horses that are overweight put excessive strain on their joints. Ensure a diet that suits your horse to prevent osteoarthritis. 6. Look after your horse’s hooves Properly trimmed hooves are instrumental in ensuring that the load on the joints is evenly distributed to prevent osteoarthritis.  7. Provide a peaceful environment It is important to let your horse choose when he wants to go for a walk. So, regularly let him out into the paddock. Choose a peaceful environment where he is not being chased by other horses.

Why laminitis is more than sore feet — and why coffin bone position determines the entire treatment approach The 7-step treatment protocol, from emergency vet call and x-ray through diet, cryotherapy, and controlled movement Which herbs and minerals target the metabolic mechanisms behind insulin-driven laminitis, with citations Why movement in the acute phase causes harm, and how to know when it is safe to start again

How to detect laminitis in the early stages, before the horse is visibly lame What a bounding digital pulse feels like and why it is one of the most reliable early indicators What to do immediately while waiting for the vet, including hoof cooling and feed removal How long-term management works, from farriery to diet to supportive care

Why controlling joint inflammation quickly matters for preserving cartilage long-term How to approach exercise safely with an arthritic horse, including when ridden work is no longer appropriate The role of body weight, hoof balance, and environment in managing daily comfort Which treatments your vet is likely to discuss and what each one is actually doing

The three biological stages where equine reproduction can fail, from ovulation through to implantation and early pregnancy Why 64% of clinically healthy mares have some degree of endometrial fibrosis, and what that means for prognosis How semen type and breeding season timing affect fertilisation rates, independent of any issue with the mare When to request a uterine biopsy, and what the result tells you about realistic outcomes for that individual mare

Which five examination steps veterinarians use to work up an infertile mare, and why the order matters How body condition, pain, and stable management directly affect reproductive function — not just the reproductive tract What rectal ultrasound reveals about the endometrium, uterine fluid, and ovarian cysts that clinical examination alone cannot detect When additional diagnostics like biopsy or endoscopy are warranted, and what each one adds to the picture

How to recognise the behavioural signs of colic before the situation becomes critical The five distinct types of colic, from gas colic to displacement, and why the difference in severity is significant What to do — and what not to do — in the time between spotting signs and the vet arriving Which management practices genuinely reduce colic risk, including feeding, pasture, and gut health support

Why nearly 70% of sport horses develop gastric ulcers, and the feeding patterns that drive it The non-obvious signs — girthiness, dull coat, gradual weight loss — that owners often miss for months How transport specifically damages the gastric mucosa through bile acid reflux, and what to do before loading A practical prevention protocol: forage amounts, concentrate limits, alfalfa, and stress reduction

How to confirm a horse is genuinely underweight using Body Condition Score, including what tactile assessment adds beyond visual inspection The five most common causes of weight loss in horses — and why identifying the cause before changing the diet matters Why grain is a risky first choice for adding calories, and how vegetable oil with high omega-3 content delivers energy more safely What realistic recovery looks like: timelines, benchmarks, and how to track progress without second-guessing a working approach

Did you know that almost 16 % of older horses are too skinny? The same applies to 6 % of adult horses. As extreme weight loss can be life-threatening for your four-legged friend, it is important to intervene in good time— but to do just that, you need to find out why your horse or pony is too skinny first. Often that can be difficult to establish, which is why we list the main causes of weight loss in horses here.

Laminitis is a painful condition of the hooves in horses and ponies that requires urgent treatment. In other words, a rather serious matter. Because it is better to prevent than to cure, we have listed a few causes of laminitis below. Spoiler alert: there’s quite a few of them.

There is nothing more adorable than a newborn foal - though it may take some searching before you get to that point. Infertility is a frustrating and complex problem, one with quite a few possible causes. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to give your mare (and her future foal) a helping hand.

Which feeding changes reduce laminitis risk, including why hay type and soaking matter How to read pasture conditions and adjust grazing time by season and weather Why short grass is not safe grass, and what fructan levels actually depend on What extra precautions are necessary for horses that have already had a laminitis episode