Best Horse Supplements of 2022

These are just a few of the best horse supplements available on the market. Make sure to do your research to find the one that most suits your horse's needs.

Bee Pollen for Horses

Bee pollen is a great horse supplement because it contains nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids. It's also a natural antioxidant and can help improve your horse's digestion and muscle conditions.

Omega-3 Supplements for Horses

Omega-3 supplements are great for horses because they can help improve their coat and skin health, joint function, and inflammation response. Springtime Supplements has a great Omega 3 supplement if you want to try a natural supplement for your horse.

Vitamin C Supplements

Vitamin C is important for horses because it helps support their immune system and is a powerful antioxidant to help protect against cell damage. It can also help with joints, like these C-Complex for Horses. It is a great way to help support not only your horse's immune system but also their overall health.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM is a horse supplement that can help with joint pain and inflammation. It's also been shown to improve hoof quality and growth. If you train your horse, MSM can also help reduce muscle soreness.

What Are the Benefits of Horse Supplements?

The benefits of supplements for horses depend on the specific supplement. However, in general, supplements for horses can help improve your horse's coat and skin health, joint function, digestion, muscle condition, and inflammation response. Horse supplements are very popular amongst horse owners because they provide a wide range of benefits with minimal risks.

How To Give Your Horse the Proper Supplement

Now that you know a little more about supplements for horses and what they can do for your horse, it's time to learn how to supplement their diet properly.

The first step is determining which horse supplement is right for your horse. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, as they will be able to help you choose the right one based on your horse's individual needs.

Once you've chosen a horse supplement, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to administer it properly. Some horse supplements must be mixed with food, while others can be given directly by mouth. Giving your horse the proper horse supplement can help improve its overall health and well-being.

What Are the Side Effects of Horse Supplements?

The side effects of supplements for horses depend on the specific supplement. Make sure to research any potential side effects before giving your horse a new supplement. You should also consult with your veterinarian.

Supplements for horses can be a great way to ensure your horse gets all the necessary nutrients. There are many different supplements available, so make sure to choose one that best suits your horse's needs.

Summary

Horses need a nutrient-rich diet to stay healthy and happy. Supplements can help provide additional nutrients, especially if they are not able to graze on fresh grasses or fodder. Many supplements for horses are available on the market, so make sure to choose one that best suits your horse's needs. Check out Springtime for all the natural horse supplements your horse needs! From MSM supplements to bee pollen, we've got you covered.

Why do horses actually need horseshoes? We people have so many options when it comes to shoeing our feet. We can wear special shoes for when we're walking, running, and hiking. Bowling, football, golf, tennis, baseball, basketball - you name the sport, and there's a shoe for that. There are little shoes for newborns and big shoes for the giants among us. There are shoes that offer extra support throughout the workday, and there are shoes that are for nothing but style. Shoes offer protection, and they help us move.

Sometimes they don't fit right and cause us to stumble or develop sores. Shoes wear out and need to be replaced, and that can be costly. With all the shoes that are available, there are still some people who prefer to go barefoot. No matter what, if your foot gets hurt or develops a problem, you won't feel much like walking. Much of the same can be said about shoes and feet when it comes to horses.

There are many options when it comes to shoeing a horse; however, there are some owners who prefer to leave their horses barefoot. So many factors should be considered before you decide to shoe your horse. Knowing the pros and cons that a horseshoe will bring can help you make the right decision for your particular horse.

Why do Horses need Horseshoes?

A horseshoe offers added protection to the horn of the hoof. All feet endure stress and depending on what your horse does on an average day will help you determine whether or not your horse will benefit from shoes. Does your horse pull a carriage on pavement regularly? Is it hiking through hot sand on a Florida beach? Will it need to gallop across the desert floor or trudge through snow? Maybe your horse is a large breed; maybe it is overweight.

Horseshoes can help protect the horn from harsh environments and the repetitive shock of the hoof striking the ground. They can help keep the horn from cracking and the sole from bruising. Just as with the different shoe options available to humans, horseshoes come in many different types for the variety of disciplines for which a horse can be used. When they were wild, horses didn't require this protection. The ancestor of today's horse didn't cover much territory. They primarily moved to forage for food or to flee from danger.

You may have a horse that doesn't cover much territory daily. Perhaps you have an older animal that roams a lush pasture every day. Horses such as these may not benefit from horseshoes. A regular trim to the horn every month or a Hoof and Coat Formula may be all they require.

What are Horseshoes for?

Some choose to shoe their horses because they feel that the horseshoe allows the horse optimal traction. On the other hand, some leave their horses barefoot because they feel a horse has the best proprioception when it is left barefoot. Their theory suggests that without shoes, the horse has a greater awareness of the way each of its feet is positioned as it moves across a terrain. How well the horseshoe works also depends on how good of a job the farrier does in affixing the shoe to the horn.

The Importance of a Farrier

For this job to be done, the farrier first trims the horn, cleans out the hoof, and levels off the edges of the horn. This in itself takes great skill as the farrier must know how to hold each of the horse's legs to do this and how to use special equipment for the job. An even greater skill is required to adeptly choose the right horseshoe for the size of the horse and for its use or discipline. Horseshoes can be made from a variety of materials including plastic, steel, and aluminum.

Related Article: How Frequently will a Horse Visit the Vet?

The farrier has been trained to reshape new shoes to properly fit an individual hoof. The farrier must also know how to drive the nails through the horn to fasten the shoe to it. One drawback to shoeing a horse is the expense. The horseshoes must be replaced every four to six weeks. A good farrier may cost a great deal but saving money by hiring cheap help or doing it yourself may result in a poorly fit horseshoe that could cause problems such as stumbling, bruised heels, corns, or worse. Horseshoes that don't fit correctly can cause lameness, but lameness can also occur in a barefoot horse that sustains an injury to its foot.

Summary

Meet with your veterinarian to discuss your concerns for your horse's foot health. Having a good farrier and vet on your side will assist you in making the right decision for your horse. As you care for your horse, be sure to make an inspection of the feet part of your daily routine. Getting into the habit of cleaning out each foot on a regular basis will make it so that you quickly notice the first sign of a problem.

Updated on August 16, 2022.

Horses are graceful, elegant, and fascinating creatures. As with any owner-animal relationship, encouraging a strong bond promotes better wellness for both rider and horse. However, there are ways to transform the relationship to even further increase your horse and rider bond.

All grooming is a form of grooming between members of the same species that strengthens social bonds. This commonly occurs in horses when two horses nibble at one another to scratch and groom one another. You can be that friend for your horse and increase that horse rider bond by brushing areas it can't get to, like the chest, belly, and between the legs. Grooming isn't just pleasing to your horse at the moment, it is also enriching your horse rider bond ongoing.

An equine massage is also heavily encouraged. According to Katherine Blocksdorf of The Spruce Pets, therapeutic touch fosters the bond between horses and people. She notes, "If your horse knows he can rely on you for relaxation, he will enjoy his time with you. Not only will your horse enjoy it, but it may also enhance his or her performance." The author adds, "many horses learn to lean into the pressure of massage or even chiropractic work, indicating where they need work."

Your horse, by nature, seeks approval and acceptance from you. By being a fair, consistent, and reliable leader, your four-legged friend will feel safe, happy, and in tune with you. It is important to notice their efforts and praise them, to fuel a true give-and-take relationship. Redmond Equine notes that riders sometimes give a cue to the horse and then "inadvertently punishes them for responding to the cue." They note that a common example is when a horse is cued to canter, then hit in the mouth with the bit when he does, as his head moves into the bit at that moment. "It hurts his mouth and scares him, leaving him with the feeling that he is being punished for what was asked."

The power of communication includes nonverbal communication as well for a solid horse rider bond. Shape your body language to communicate with your horse. If you commit to uniformity in your interactions with your horse, they will know what to expect from you. This makes them happy, as your horse likes predictability.

Consistency and fairness are the keys. You can't expect a horse to do anything they are not trained to do. Similarly, you must not push a horse for disobeying a command they aren't comfortable or capable of doing. You must train in the same way every time, as horses are creatures of habit.

Your horse has likes, dislikes, and even preferences for types of music! With respect for your horse comes responsibility. That main responsibility is simply to observe and understand them. Your horse's facial expressions, neck/tail position, and how they use their eyes and ears are some of the many points of interest that cue you into how your equine is feeling. Eyes wide and ears perked forward? They are frightened. If your horse's nostrils are relaxed, it is a sure signal that they are happy.

Listening to your horse, through observing and recognizing their behaviors, is essential for a stable bond.

Go for a walk and see your horse. Enjoy a change of scenery. If you have a horse nervous about straying too far from the barn, slowly increase the length of your walk over many sessions. Allow him to set the pace. This furthers your horse's trust in you and nurtures the love in your relationship.

Forging a better understanding of your horse is important because sometimes our horses are trying to tell us things that we can't hear.

Being "one with a horse" can be as simple as mimicking their movements. Like dogs, mimicking a horse's behaviors can increase your horse rider bond.

The Spruce Pets encourages this, advocating for letting your horse loose at liberty in a space where they can see you mirroring them. "Mimicking your horse's movements will gain his interest and curiosity about you. Walk as they walk, turn when they turn, pause and crouch when they roll, and run playfully if they take off in a trot or gallop." This is because horses are herd animals and naturally move in unison with those they trust and respect.

Visiting and spending time with your horse outside of riding and training time is a must for equine and equestrian bonding. It is something that is too often overlooked. Simple things, such as hand grazing, belly and neck scratching, or just reading a book and enjoying one another's a company, are all extremely effective.

Just as sharing an experience with a friend brings you both closer together, so does sharing quality time with your horse and building experiences with one another. The more you train, ride, or drive your horse, the more you both will understand each other. Mutual trust is achieved through a developing bond.

Spruce Pets encourages taking a minute to sit and relax "and breathe consciously" when you get on your horse before asking them to get in motion. Similarly, they recommend doing the same, standing by their side, right after dismounting. "Stroke him or find an itchy spot to scrub, rather than just getting off and heading to the barn. Horses are intuitive, so they sense our emotional state, read our body language, and feel our intentions."

Horses are just as at peace as they look. Why not spend little relaxing moments with your horse? It certainly serves as a nice, refreshing break in our fast-paced and high-demand lifestyles. But it also promotes better understanding and, in turn, improves communication between the two of you. Connecting with nature alongside one another really strengthens your peace within your own bodies, as well as with one another

Another sure way to increase the bond with your horse and improve their equine wellness? Try our Spirulina Wafers for an effective (and tasty!) way to help maintain the body's immune, circulatory, and detoxifying systems. Spirulina Wafers are a great support for normal, healthy allergy responses.

Joint Health OA + is another horse favorite. This powerful joint health supplement with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, MSM, and vitamin C) has a real carrot flavor for easy feeding.

Have you been mistakenly calling baby horses ponies? Baby equines of any type are foals, whereas a pony, well, that's an equine that does not even qualify as being a horse! At first glance, ponies may look like miniature horses, but upon inspection one can see several differences between their appearances. First and foremost is their size.

While there are always going to be exceptions within each type, the average pony stands no more than 14.2 hands high while the average height of a horse is 15.2 hands.

Pony vs. Horse

Side by side, the pony and horse display easily noticeable differences. Ponies have broad chests; short, stocky necks and bodies; and short heads with large eyes and small ears. The body of a horse seems to have much more proportionate parts.

Their large eyes and large ears are set in long heads atop long necks that join a lean torso all carried by graceful legs that match the size of the body. Their overall conformation, the primary bone and muscle structure, seems balanced and refined.

Although horses may be strong and sturdy, they tend to appear more fragile than the ponies that typically have thick bones of high density.

Horses and ponies even differ in their hooves and hair, too. Horses have thin hooves when compared to the hardy hooves of a pony. A horse's hair that forms the coat, mane, and tail seems more delicate than that of a pony. Ponies, which originated in cold European regions, have thicker coats, manes, and tails.

During their early days in these climates, ponies fed themselves on low-quality forage. Horses would not fair well on such a diet. They require feed high in minerals and protein. When it comes to attitude and aptitude, each horse and pony will excel differently. Overall, ponies have a reputation for being friendly and smart, but these little rascals can be stubborn and cunning.

Horse Breeds

The features of a Quarter Horse, the most popular horse breed in the world, fall well within the described characteristics of a pony. While the Quarter Horse is usually 14 to 17 hands high, the Quarter Pony's size is 11 to 14 hands. This type of pony looks so much like the Quarter Horse, the untrained eye may mistake it for being one.

Both are great farm animals. The Quarter Horse is often the first choice for ranchers because of its natural ease in working among cows. These horses are an all-purpose horse; they're good for working, pleasure riding, and participating in competitions including racing. Quarter Ponies are admired for many of the same purposes. This type is often a choice of youth participating in Western sports like roping because they are quick and agile.

Related Article: Helping Low Energy Horses

Pony Breeds

Place a Shetland Pony next to a Quarter Horse or Quarter Pony, and it is a dwarf at 10 to 11 hands high. Besides its height, Shetlands display all the other characteristics of a pony. These stocky creatures originated in Scotland where they had been used to pull carts from mines. Shetlands have a great deal of pulling power.

While they would never match the power of a Suffolk Punch, Belgian, Shire, or Percheron (all standing over 15 hands), they are one of the best equines for training children. Ponies allow kids to excel at the fundamentals of horsemanship. The small size of a pony is manageable for youngsters learning grooming techniques, proper saddling, and how to ride.

Another great pony for trail riding and jumping is the elegant Welsh (12 to 13 hands). This versatile breed is often used for agricultural work as well. The Connemara (up to 14.2 hands), an Irish breed, loves trails, too, but it's also known for its gait and ability to jump. Children who want to learn how to jump or drive an equine will find the Connemara easy to work with.

Final Verdict

Ponies may not be as big as horses, but they can be as useful as them. Their size is ideal for children and smaller adults, and their value is as large as their caretakers want them to be.

Longshot Rich Strike won the 2022 Kentucky Derby having crossed the finish line of the 1.25-mile track with a time of 2:02.61.  Only two horses have ever finished under the two-minute mark:  2001's Monarchos and the 1973 record-setter Secretariat.  Secretariat (record holder for all three Triple Crown races), Monarchos, and Rich Strike are all of the same breed:  Thoroughbred. 

Thoroughbreds

It is the fastest breed of horse in flat racing competitions measuring distances of half a mile to 10 miles.  These horses are of proven racing stock and their pedigrees have been completely documented.  They measure 15 to 17 hands and have dignified heads and deep chests.  Their colors are typically black, gray, bay and chestnut. 

Cheetahs are the fastest animal on the planet, clocking in at about 65 miles per hour!  The top speed for a horse is about 43 miles per hour.  In a sprint, the cheetah is sure to win, but its body cannot maintain that speed over a long distance.  The horse has an amazing mechanic and metabolic system.  It runs with high efficiency.  In a sprint, the Quarter horse is faster than a Thoroughbred, but that breed is still nowhere near being as fast as a cheetah. 

Related Article: My Horse Has One Horsepower, Right?

Standardbred

Another fast breed is the Standardbred. This breed is ideal for harness racing, a competition in which the horse is harnessed to a light sulky. This sport is an American tradition and even a main event at state fairs. It was at the 1993 Illinois State Fair when Cambest set the record for speed within his breed. During the time trial, he completed the mile in 1:46.10. No Standardbred has beaten his time yet.

Standardbreds usually participate in races that are a distance of one mile.  Competing in the half-mile harness races are the American breed called Trottingbred Pony.  Raced in rural areas mainly in Indiana and Florida, the Trottingbred Pony covers the distance in about a minute.  For race eligibility, their withers usually measure no more than 51 inches in height.  This is commonly a children's sport. 

Arabian Horses

Racing wasn't the first purpose for the ancient hot-blooded breed called the Arabian.  They were developed by the Bedouin people living in the desert regions of Turkmen and Caspian.  Originally a warhorse, the Arabian stands 14 to 15 hands and has a short back and long, arched neck.  Viewing its profile, there is a noticeable dip in its head. 

Their skin is black, and their hair is a solid color.  This breed was used by the English when they were developing the Thoroughbred.  Arabians today compete in endurance races, many of which exceed 100 miles and some of which last for two hundred!  These races often last longer than a day!  While the competitors display bursts of speed at times, horses tend to trot along at about 7 miles per hour. 

The Barb Horse Breed

The Barb is another breed that has helped the Thoroughbred become what it is today.  Originally from the Barbary Coast of Africa, this ancient hot-blood measures 14 to 15 hands.  It has powerful front quarters, contributing to its speed and agility.  The Barb is a hardy horse with a straight, convex head.  It is a fearless breed that was used in war.  Its ability to make quick maneuvers in response to the slightest movement of the reins made it an ideal fighting companion.  Whether on the track or on the battlefield, the speed of a horse is astonishing! 

Have you ever driven by a pasture only to see all the horses' heads drooping down toward the ground? You probably assumed horses get all their sleep standing up.

Unless you've worked or lived closely with horses, you may not be used to seeing them lying down, but it's no cause for concern when you do. As a matter of fact, if they are to get the deep REM sleep their brains and bodies need, they must lie down.

Sleep Patterns of Horses

Horses tend to adjust when they sleep to the activities that go on around them or engage them. If there's an activity in the barn at daybreak, work in the afternoon, trail riding at dusk, or grooming in the evening, they'll be awake for it. You will, however, catch them sleeping in between all of this action as they are polyphasic sleepers.

While they get most of their sleep overnight, horses are fantastic power nappers. Throughout the day, they sleep in short bursts lasting only a couple of minutes each time. During this sleeping state, the horse experiences slow-wave sleep (SWS). Humans and horses both need this kind of restorative sleep, but it may be easier for the horses to achieve because they can do it standing up!

Within a horse's leg is the stay apparatus. Also found in other large mammals like cattle and elephants, the stay apparatus allows the animal to remain standing without muscle activity through an intricate system of tendons and ligaments.

In this way, a horse can rest its body yet be ready to move at a moment's notice. Horses that feel safe may lie down for SWS, but not having to get up from the ground saves so much time, especially if a predator is lurking nearby.

At some point, a horse must lie down to sleep if it is to stay alert and healthy. This also takes off less strain on the joints. While SWS is good for the body, rapid eye movement sleep (REM) is good for the body and mind. When deprived of this, humans and horses are sluggish.

Horses and REM Sleep

For a horse to experience REM, it will not be able to remain standing. It is impossible for REM to happen when a horse is standing because, during this state of sleep, it cannot keep its muscles engaged. In a horse, REM sleep may account for only a few hours of its total sleep. Out of a 24-hour period, horses tend to be catching z's for a combined total of 7 hours.

If a horse faces extreme challenges that keep it from sleeping as it needs, it probably won't begin showing any symptoms of sleep deprivation for a few days. Many situations may cause a horse to feel unsafe or to physically be unable to lie down.

Summary

Traveling is one such reason why a horse won't sleep as it usually does. Adding a new animal to the stable can also create an environment too stressful for the horse to sleep on the ground. While you surely won't want to call the vet because the horse is lying down to sleep, sudden changes in its sleep habits would be a reason for concern.

What is a Chestnut on a Horse?

What is an Ergot on a Horse?

Trimming Chestnuts on Horses

In Conclusion

• Chestnuts are located on the interior foreleg above the knee and below the hock on the hind leg.
• Ergots are located on the back of the fetlocks.
• Chestnuts and ergots are both callous growth and comprised of the same type of tissue.
• Neither chestnuts nor ergots cause your horse discomfort or any type of health and/or performance issues.
• You can remove chestnuts and ergots, but you don't really need to. If you opt to, however, it's best to soften them with some kind of moisturizer first, then peel them by hand the next day.

Once you've completed your chores for the evening, you must say goodnight to your horse and take care of your human needs! If you're ready to kickback and spend some leisure time at home on date night, watch a horse movie alongside a close companion! Sharing your love of horses with the people you care for can be a great bonding experience. Plenty of movies feature unforgettable horse characters and plots. Need some ideas? The following suggestions are sure to spark a horse lover's interest!

Black Beauty (1994)

This Warner Bros.'s classic, based on the 1877 novel by Anna Sewell, chronicles a horse's life from its birth to old age. The movie shows how much of a horse's life is determined by fate. Black Beauty is owned by the kind and the cruel and knows both luxury and poverty throughout his lifetime. Key people and horses help Beauty persevere when times become difficult. The story is told by the narrator Black Beauty and through the dialog of the human characters and their actions. Beauty describes his thoughts and feelings as he is passed from handler to handler and works as a carriage puller, cabdriver, and even as a racehorse. At times, Black Beauty demonstrates a sixth sense for impending danger and disaster. Seeing how this horse's history unfolds makes one believe there will be greener pastures in the end.

National Velvet (1944)

When one resident of Sewels, England, purchases a beautiful gelding that comes to be known as "Pie," the whole village takes note. Pie loves to jump the walls of his enclosure and cause damage in town. Two of the first to witness Pie's leaping abilities are adolescent Velvet Brown (Elizabeth Taylor) and drifter Mi Taylor (Mickey Rooney), a young man who happens to be headed to meet Mrs. Brown, Velvet's mother. Their intriguing connection inspires Velvet to make a racehorse out of Pie, who she happens to win from its owner in a raffle. Taylor, a former jockey, is hired by the Browns to work on the farm and soon begins training Pie for the most difficult race in England, the Grand National. The horse is a true contender, but the real conflict is in finding the right jockey.

Secretariat (2010)

Death is lifechanging for the bereaved. Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) quickly discovers this when her mother passes at the beginning of this true story. She seems to forget to grieve and throws herself into the position of caring for her invalid father's horse farm. Penny pushes aside her husband and kids for a sudden interest in foals. She soon finds herself in a man's world as she tries to do what's best for the farm. She believes in herself and fights for what she wants and what is right. This includes managing the training of a new foal, Secretariat. Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) reluctantly assists and later comes to believe in her vision. When Penny's father dies and financial ruin looks imminent, Penny perseveres and continues her fight even when her adversaries become her brother and husband. She believes Secretariat is driven to be a winning racehorse, a Triple Crown champion.

Hidalgo (2004)

Based on real events, Hidalgo is the story of one mustang's race as an unlikely contender in an event that spans 3,000 miles across the Arabian desert. Hidalgo is ridden by Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen), known as the "Blue Child" because of his Native American descent. In the United States, Hopkins is known for being a Rough Rider, playing in Buffalo Bill Cody's show, and bragging about how fast his horse is. By chance, he finds himself agreeing to participate in the desert race. Once there, he has stiff competition and plenty of enemies who wouldn't mind seeing him and his horse dead.

The Black Stallion (1979)

In this film, a young boy named Alec is traveling with his father aboard a ship transporting people, cargo, and one irate Arabian horse. Alec's first encounter with the horse he calls "Black" stimulates his curiosity and brings out a strong sense of compassion for the animal. Soon after, a terrible storm wrecks the ship, and Alec is saved by Black. Stranded together on a deserted island, horse and boy form a bond. It is a breathtaking setting, and its beauty is accentuated by the orchestral accompaniment. Little dialog occurs in the movie's first half, but then Alec and Black are rescued and restored to the world Alec always knew. Alec wants Black to become a racehorse, and he is able to find a trainer (Mickey Rooney) crazy enough to do it.

In Conclusion

Well, there you have it! You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll fall in love with your horse all over again. Do you have a favorite that isn't on this list? Feel free to share it in the comments!

If you're considering bringing a horse into your life for the first time, it's wise to create a checklist that will help you organize how you'll be spending your resources in the years ahead. As you plan your venture, it's important to take into account the horse's age, breed, and future purpose as you list the necessities for maintaining it. The climate in which you live is equally important. These factors will help you determine special needs the horse will have. Remember that the previous owner may have records and documentation to pass on to you. This person may also be able to put you in contact with the horse's previous vets, trainers, and farriers. When you do purchase your horse, you may want to negotiate for its tack and other accessories as part of the deal. With this in mind, it's time to look at what preparations must be made.

Line Up the Experts

Choose your vet. You may or may not use the horse's standing vet; yet, it is imperative that its medical history be released to your vet. If you need recommendations for vets and farriers, check with your friends and neighbors for professionals in your area. You may want to keep the horse's regular trainer. It's likely that you'll need training too, so be comfortable with the person you choose. Speaking with the experts beforehand will help you estimate the costs of keeping the horse healthy.

Keep emergency contacts in mind here, as well. For some medical issues, such as Equine Colic, you may only have hours to intervene. Having a vet available 24/7 is a must.

Feeding Time

Compare prices of hay, feed, and supplements in stores and online. While you're making a shopping list of what you'll buy frequently and occasionally, add to it storage containers, feeders, automatic waterers, and the like that you'll need to have in place the first day your horse arrives.

Sheltering in Shared Stable or Solitude

Do you now have a stable ready on your property or is construction needed? Will the horse stay at its current boarding stable? Find out those costs, as well as what it will take for you to travel there. Wherever you decide to keep your horse, it is going to impact your current lifestyle. As you make this decision, take into account that you may need to transport the horse at some point. Figure this into your plan.

Exercise and Fitness

When you turn out your horse, it will need to be in a safe enclosure. Water containers are needed and add to your shopping list toys like an empty plastic barrel for kicking or a ball for your horse to toss. If your horse will be working in the field or riding along a trail, you'll need the appropriate gear like leads, tack, and reins. You yourself may need riding attire, a helmet, gloves, and perhaps spurs.

Common Useful Accessories

You'll probably find your shopping list has grown quickly as you start to realize all of the useful tools and accessories both you and your horse will need. Like your own toiletries and wardrobe, the horse needs many things to keep it looking and feeling great. Brushes are a must, and detangling spray may be helpful too. If you choose to put a raincoat on your horse or to blanket it, you'll find many types varying in materials and insulative powers. You'll find various eye protection for keeping out flies or UV rays, and leg wraps and boots come in handy for certain activities and will be useful if the horse must be transported in a trailer. Leg protection helps prevent scrapes that come easily when a horse isn't used to being hauled. In case of accidents like this, put together a first aid kit for treating minor injuries you or the horse may encounter.

Assistance with Responsibilities

Times will come when you cannot be present to care for your horse. For instance, you may leave town on a family vacation and not be able to provide the daily attention your horse needs. Who will step in to take care of these responsibilities when you are away? Find this person and negotiate fees for services.

Rein in Your Budget

Horse ownership will take a great deal of time and money. Be sure you can afford the basic essentials your horse will need before you commit to any sale. Have your supplies ready before your horse arrives. Put the idea of horse ownership out to pasture until you are ready to give this kind of dedication to such a deserving creature.

Can your horse move a single pound over six miles in one minute? Would it be able to drag 1,000 pounds a few feet if given the same amount of time? How about a mere 100 pounds a few feet in six seconds? These are a few ways of looking at horsepower, and, yes, your horse may have one horsepower, but then again, it may not.

Horsepower and The Industrial Revolution

In the late 18th century, steam power helped usher in what would be called the Industrial Revolution, a time in Britain when machinery began to aid humanity in countless aspects of daily life. "Living" power was beginning to be replaced. Up to this point, for work to be done, people relied heavily on their own laborious efforts and that of their working animals. Throughout the preceding centuries, man used the horse to accomplish a plethora of tasks. The horse served in agriculture and in mining operations. It hauled water for firemen and rushed the injured to hospitals. It transported artillery across battlefields. It carried and hauled passengers on short trips and long journeys. Horsepower was dependable and few were willing to begin putting their trust into machinery.

What we know today as horsepower was a new concept in the late 1700s. It began as a kind of marketing campaign to influence consumers who were using horses for agricultural work and in the mining industry. The people had to be convinced that steam engines were a good investment. They saw the challenges produced by horses, especially in booming cities like London and later New York. Municipalities struggled to feed and shelter the horse population, not to mention removing their waste and keeping contagion and swarms of horseflies at bay. Everyone caring for a horse knows the benefits and detriments one will face. It needed to be proven to people that a single machine could replace a team of horses.

Introducing James Watt

James Watt, an accomplished Scottish engineer, had improved the steam engine by adding a separate condenser that made it run faster and consume less fuel. This improvement had the potential to revolutionize how farmers and miners did their jobs. Consumers, however, had difficulty grasping the concept of how one machine's power compared to another. Just how many of their horses would be spared from labor if a steam engine were procured? This was the problem that sent Watt to London breweries to search for an answer. There, he observed draft horses and began to take measurements of their working bodies and the tasks they were accomplishing. Consumers needed an analogy to grasp the potential power of a machine. Watt gave them horsepower, the power required to move 33,000 pounds the distance of a single foot in one minute.

Almost immediately, the scientific world criticized the idea of horsepower. They called it an "unscientific unit"; Watt indeed played with the results he had calculated in his study by multiplying his result by 1.5 to make the product seem more impressive. Still, "horsepower" hit its target consumers. Now they could see one machine with 10 horsepower was similar to a team of 15 draft horses. Draft horses are known for their ability to work hard. They have stamina and strength. It is not uncommon for one to be able to pull up to three times its own weight. Breeds like the Belgian, Dutch Draft, Ardennes, Shire, and Percheron are known for the work they can do. Ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 pounds and towering heights from 15 to 19 hands, draft horses are massive. Imagine a team of 15 ploughing a field or hauling a cannon up rugged terrain! That is a lot of animals required to do one task.

In Conclusion

In the present, we have a difficult time estimating how many horses would be required for a job. As late as the early 1900s, it was not a surprise to see a team of 40 draft horses pulling a single piece of farm equipment. While that seems like a lot of horses to us today, that equates to just under 27 horsepower. Modern automobile enthusiasts may laugh at that. We now build high-performance muscle cars for the average driver that are up to 500 horsepower. That would be more than 300 horses! Most people would probably opt for parking their Mustang in the garage instead of stabling a team of that size!

In the mid-1880s, renowned Russian explorer Nikolay Przewalski discovered a species of horse that the scientific community had never seen before; later named Przewalski's horse, researchers determined that it indeed was a species all of its own and, in fact, the last truly wild horse in existence. This formidable creature survived for thousands of years by adapting to a rough environment and by escaping from modern man's domestication. Now an endangered species, Przewalski's horse lives in a few zoos and reintroduction sites located in Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan.

At a glance, a viewer might mistake Przewalski's horse for a common pony with a coarse coat; however, one cannot help noticing its fully roached mane, which stands on end much like a zebra's. The dark tail, legs, and mane stand out against the horse's coat, which is primarily dun, rust, or tawny in color. Ranging from a height of 4.3 feet to 8.5 feet at the withers and weighing up to 800 pounds, this horse is stocky. Its legs are short, its chest is broad, and its muscles well-defined. This ancient horse differs from domestic horses physically and mentally. Przewalski's horse has two more chromosomes than the 64 found in domestic horses. They are intelligent in their own right, never having been altered by humans who have bred horses for specific traits, demeanors, and instincts. While other horses have been deemed "wild," those, such as the kind found in the United States, are relatives to formerly domesticated horses. What we think of as a wild horse is actually a feral horse; somewhere in its family tree, an ancestor probably escaped from its fate on a ranch or as a team member on an exploratory expedition. Przewalski's horses do not have a history of living or working with people. They have a strong flight response to the unfamiliar. Perceiving new objects as threats has helped the species stay alive. The Mongolian name for this animal is takhi, meaning "spirit"; this name farther separates the differences between the domestic horse and Przewalski's horse. These creatures are wild in every sense of the word, yet today, most live in captivity at zoos or within the boundaries of monitored reserves.

Nestled between Russia and China, Mongolia is the native habitat of Przewalski's horse. This country has one of the highest elevations in the world and some of the wildest temperature fluctuations. The high temperatures soar well above 100^°, and the lows can plummet well below 0^°. There are mountains and valleys, but unforested steppes cover much of the land. The Gobi Desert, one of the coldest deserts, covers much of Mongolia at its southern and eastern boarders. Typically, four inches of rainfall is all this area expects to receive annually. Along with Przewalski's horse, the fauna of the Gobi has included wild camels, antelope, and gophers. The Gobi is no Sahara, but it does have areas of sandy desert. Its overall rocky terrain is uninviting to humans which helped Przewalski's horse remain living in the wild until the 1960s.

Przewalski's horse is an endangered species. Fewer than 2,000 are alive today. Their population has shrunken for a number of reasons. Hunters, disease, and little diversity in their gene pool are part of the cause. Changes in climate and habitat loss are two other key factors. A scientific community from around the world is working together to better understand all aspects of this special creature. To help it survive, groups such as those at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute of the Smithsonian continue researching into areas like genetic mapping and reproduction. Around the globe, population management works to keep the Przewalski's horse alive and, places like Mongolia, where it is illegal to hunt this horse, provide a natural habitat where it can be monitored. Increasing an awareness of this species helps ensure its existence in the future.

Fireworks are inevitable on the Fourth of July. While we humans may love getting to watch a fireworks show, your horse is probably less enthusiastic about the loud bangs and smoke that come with the event. Here are some ways to make sure your horse is comfortable and safe this upcoming holiday.

Create a Game Plan

By nature, horses are prey animals. When it comes to fight or flight, their instinct is flight. Unfortunately, we can't communicate to our horses that the sounds of fireworks aren't a threat and that there's no need to fear. If your horse is especially spooky or nervous, it's important to take extra precaution to prevent injuries or stress.

Before the Fourth rolls around, get in touch with your neighbors and others in your community to determine if they're planning on setting off fireworks. If they are, politely remind them that you have horses and ask them to set off fireworks away from your barn. Being able to know ahead of time about fireworks around you can help you to prepare your horses.

Decide on whether or not you will keep your horses inside or turn them out. Horses crave stability and routine, so it may be beneficial to continue your normal turn out schedule. However, if you believe your horse may run and hurt themselves, make plans to leave your horse in that evening. If your horse is used to being around a buddy, don't separate them. Horses are herd animals and do best when they're with other animals.

Take Time to Prepare

If possible, get your horses accustomed to loud noises beforehand. Desensitizing your horse may take time, but it is the safest option for both you and your horse. Find a recording of fireworks and play it softly during an activity your horse enjoys, such as grooming or feeding.

Continue playing the recording for the next couple of days while grooming or feeding your horse, slowly increasing the volume a little each day. If your horse acts skittish when the volume is increased, decrease the volume for a couple of days and then work your way back up to the louder volume. By the end of this exercise, your horse should be completely accustomed to the sudden, loud noises of a fireworks show.

Take time to look over your property before the Fourth of July. Horses are experts at injuring themselves, and removing dangers is the best way to prevent a call to the vet. Check stalls for any loose nails or boards. Make sure that all double-ended snaps are clipped with all snaps facing towards walls so that your horse doesn't get caught on them. Inspect pastures to make sure that all fencing is sturdy, gates latch securely, and that there are no large holes, rocks, or other hazards. If you have an electric fence, ensure that it is working properly and that there are no breaks.

If your horse is extremely skittish and spooky, consider the potential benefits of calming agents. If choosing to use a calming agent such as Daily Calm^® for Horses, it should be given to your horse a few days before the Fourth so that levels can build up in your horse's system. Earplugs may also be a great option for your horse. Make sure that your horse is used to earplugs well before the Fourth of July.

What to Do on the Fourth of July

During the fireworks shows, make sure your horses are as comfortable as possible. Check to make sure that your horses have enough hay to keep them occupied during the evening. Consider playing music to help muffle the sudden noises of fireworks. Ensure that you're able to check in on your horse during and after fireworks. If you're not able to, make sure that someone knowledgeable is able to check in. Provide them with clear instructions as well as contact information for you and your veterinarian should an issue arise.

It's important to use common sense in situations with a nervous horse. Keep yourself calm and positive, as horses can sense unease and this may make a situation worse. Watch out for your safety and make sure that you're not putting yourself into a dangerous situation.

Let Springtime Supplements Help You Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

Springtime Supplements offers an extensive line of natural supplements for horses and dogs (and their owners, too). Using only the highest-quality, naturally sourced ingredients, our products can offer your horse increased ability to manage stress while enhancing focus, confidence, performance and health. At Springtime Supplements, we believe that people who love animals gotta stick together, so contact our team of animal lovers to help determine which of our supplements can help you and your horse have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

As summer grows closer, eventing season is in full-swing. One of the most physically demanding equestrian disciplines, eventing requires intensive conditioning and preparation well before you find yourself on a cross country course.

While spending the winter conditioning your horse is essential, it's important to make sure that their fitness level can be sustained. Assessing where you and your horse are after several weeks of competitions is a key element in making sure that you have success all season long.

Evaluating Your Horse's Fitness

With a few competitions under your belt, it's time to evaluate your horse's fitness level. Fitness is one of the most important elements of any sport horse's careers, as it is the best way to prevent injuries. Asking a tired horse to expend energy he doesn't have can lead to injuries--both to you and him.

Using the most taxing phase of three-day eventing as a benchmark, think back to cross-country courses you have completed this season. Do you feel as if your horse has a little bit left to give to the last fences? Or have you had to pull up because you just don't have enough gas in the tank? On the other side of the finish line, is it taking your horse too long to catch their breath? Are you having an unusual amount of faults in the show jumping ring?

The answers to these questions can help you with developing a maintenance fitness plan for your horse.

Keeping eventing horses fit can be complex, as they have to develop the muscles and cardiovascular system to perform dressage and jump different kinds of obstacles on different kinds of terrain. A good conditioning program should include endurance, cardiovascular capacity, and specific muscle strength and coordination for all three phases of the sport. Be sure to consult with your trainer and veterinarian to determine your horse's specific needs. Use your best judgement, and don't be afraid to adjust your conditioning program if you feel your horse is struggling too much.

Endurance Conditioning

Endurance conditioning should mostly include walking. Through slow, long distance walking, bones, muscles, and other soft tissues are strengthened, helping to prevent injury. All of your rides should include a warm-up with at least 15 minutes of active walking, regardless of what the rest of your ride will entail. Recommended endurance training includes at least 20 to 30 minutes of road work six days a week. The more turnout your horse has, the less walking necessary. Road work can be done on trails, roads, pastures, on a hot walker, and even in the ring.

Once a solid foundation of doing road work at a walk has strengthened your horse's legs, trot work can be incorporated in sets. A good starting point is two approximately 15-minute sets of trotting with five-minute walk breaks in between. By midseason, you should be able to work your way up to comfortably trotting nonstop for 30 minutes, twice weekly. Similar to the walking roadwork, you can perform trot work on trails, roads, pastures, and in the ring as long as the footing is safe.

Another element to add into your horse's endurance program is hillwork. Hillwork is an essential exercise to strengthen your horse's muscles and improve balance. Hillwork should include walking and trotting up and down hills. Use this time to evaluate how even your horse feels. He should be tracking straight from haunches to shoulders. If you notice any one-sidedness, additional flatwork in the ring can be implemented to correct this.

Speedwork

To develop your horse's cardiovascular fitness, speedwork or "gallops" are essential. A horse should have three to five weeks of endurance walking and trotting before he starts any speedwork. Again, intervals are commonly used with speedwork, galloping at a certain speed for a specific amount of time and then walking for several minutes. Gradually lengthen the galloping intervals as your horse's fitness increases. It is typical for horses to only do speed work once every week, but this should be adapted for your horse's specific needs.

Rest

One of the most important tools for your horse's well-being is time off. A day off not only allows your horse's body to rest, but it allows his brain to relax and gives him time to "be a horse". Ensure that he gets out of his stall, either by turning him out for the day or handwalking him. By taking days off, you will be rewarded with a refreshed horse who feels good and is excited to do his job.

Nutrition

The other key to maintaining your horse's performance all the way through the fall is proper nutrition. Especially after several months of competition, it's important to ensure that your horse is eating enough high quality feed and hay. As three-day eventing horses progress in training and competition, their nutrition requirements may exceed 1.5-2x their maintenance requirements.

By nature, horses are foraging animals. Horses should be consuming 1.5%-2% of their body weight per day in forage. This can include both hay consumption as well as time spent in the pasture. As always, consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your horse's diet.

Also keep nutrition in mind during your competitions. The healthier your horse is eating, the better chance he will perform optimally on competition day.

Supplements

We know that a strong foundation for your horse is supported with smart training, optimal rest and a healthy diet. To support your horse's training and recovery even more, consider the benefits of a joint health supplement. They help lubricate your horse's joints to help with post-activity stiffness and can help maintain the longevity of your horse through the eventing season.

Additionally, increased exercise and the stress of shipping can create an environment for your horse to develop ulcers. Often, a tube of ulcer preventing paste can keep your horse feeling his best during stressful situations. If you find your horse gets too hot and spooky on competition day, consider adding a performance paste into your routine. Give your horse the best chance possible to show off all of your hard work.

Springtime Supplements & Your Horse's Performance

Springtime Supplements offers an extensive line of natural supplements. Using only the highest-quality, naturally sourced ingredients, our products offer your horse joint support, immune support, insect control, performance support and more. At Springtime Supplements, we believe that people who love animals gotta stick together, so contact our team of animal lovers to help figure out which supplements can help you and your horse finish out the eventing season strong.

When winter temps plunge, you layer on extra clothing to keep your body warm when you'll be outside for an extended period of time. Should you do the same for your horse? You know that you've seen others blanket select horses though, so what factors must be considered before blanketing your horses? It's best to weigh the pros against the cons before this becomes a part of your daily care routine.

Watch the Forecast

A horse's long hair coat and fat layer naturally defend the horse against cold winter temperatures; many breeds can even endure extended exposure to temperatures between 20-30^°F. If your horse will be prohibited from entering its shelter during temps in this range, will its natural system be able to keep up with the elements? Keep in mind the weather forecast; rain and high winds may make it feel much colder than what the thermometer reads. Your horse's natural ability to keep warm may need additional help. Definitely check with your vet about this if your horse has been ill or is very old or very young. Your vet can help you determine if your horse's body condition score indicates a need for a blanket. Many horses will be just fine without a blanket if their hay intake is increased. As the horse digests its food, fermentation in the gut generates more heat that will help keep the animal warm. Also, some breeds naturally withstand low temperatures better than others.

Don't Sweat It

A blanket can help a horse maintain its body temperature. If waterproof, it can help keep moisture off. Some breeds don't need this extra protection, but others may. Draft horses, for instance, may not be bothered by poor winter conditions, but clipped show horse may need extra protection. If a horse were to be comfortable naturally in the cold weather, adding a blanket could be harmful. If the horse gets too hot, it could sweat. Sweat trapped beneath the blanket could then cause the horse to become dangerously cold. Water trapped underneath the blanket yields the same result. You don't want blanketing to create a heat loss.

Learn How to Blanket Properly

Adding a blanket atop your horse isn't as simple as draping an afghan around your shoulders. It's a process that takes time, and you will probably need to remove it daily also. Dedicating the time to blanket your horse may be difficult, and this is often the sole reason why some owners don't blanket their horses. Owners have many reasons though. Some believe that horses that are blanketed often may lose their natural tolerance to the cold.

Know Your Blankets

If you decide to blanket your horse, you'll find many options of blankets. Both indoor and outdoor varieties are available in different sizes. The type of material creating the outer layer will differ. Those for use outdoors may or may not be waterproof. Both indoor and outdoor blankets are filled with a variety of materials promising varying degrees of protection from the cold. Find out how to properly care for the blanket you choose. You'll always want it clean and dry before placing it on your horse, so be sure to follow the instructions for care as well as fitting it to the horse. You don't want any straps rubbing sores into its skin or tangling around its legs, which could cause an accident.

In Conclusion

Horses have great natural defenses against cold temperatures, but there are situations in which a blanket may be helpful to a horse. Carefully consider if adding a blanket is necessary for your horse's wellbeing. Consult your veterinarian to see what is recommended for your breed's current age and health condition.

Can horses eat celery? Not only is the answer yes, but horses actually love celery. Celery is one vegetable that is safe for horse consumption, and when given as a treat, it supplements your horse's regular diet with beneficial vitamins and minerals. Unlike humans who discard its leaves and munch on the celery's stalk, horses will devour both parts. Feeding celery to your horse can be a way to promote its overall wellbeing. As long as you are careful about how celery is served to the horse and are conscious of controlling portion sizes, celery can help keep your horse healthy and happy.

Nutritional Benefits of Celery for Horses

When it comes to nutritional value, celery is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins A and C, collagen, and phosphorus. The equine digestive system relies heavily on fiber for proper development and functioning. The bacteria within your horse's hindgut digest the fiber, which provides energy for your horse. As gut-fill helps keep an equine's gastrointestinal track healthy, fiber is like a sponge, too. It soaks up and stores water inside of the gut for when your horse needs it.

Vitamin A benefits both people and animals in a variety of ways. Its antioxidant properties help protect creatures from free radicals within the body. (Free radicals are organic molecules that can cause damage to one's health.) Vitamin A is an essential part of your horse's diet. In addition to supporting the immune system, vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of its reproductive system and vision.

Vitamin C also protects your horse by being an antioxidant. Additionally, when a body is injured, vitamin C supports the healing process. Vitamin C is required for a body's formation of muscle, blood vessels, cartilage, and even collagen that forms in the bones. Unlike humans, horses are able to make vitamin C. Depending on the amount of exercise, work, or training a horse is doing, however, the natural system may need supplemental vitamin C to sustain optimal health in periods of elevated activity or during stressful situations.

Benefits of Collagen for Horses

Collagen is an essential protein. Your body and your horse's body are full of it. It is a main ingredient of connective tissue. It is present in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Adding supplemental collagen to a horse's diet may be especially important for those that are highly active or those aging and developing arthritis. Phosphorus is another essential compound required for forming strong bones. Likewise, healthy teeth contain a great deal of phosphorus.

Celery bolsters the health of equines in a variety of ways, but it should be fed to them in moderation. While some believe feeding their horse up to two pounds of celery a day is a great snack, it is more likely that your veterinarian will only recommend a frequency of this once or twice a week. It is possible to overfeed celery to a horse. When this happens, the animal will be too full to eat according to its regular meal regimen. This can result in it not getting other essential nutrients required for its health.

Related Article: Checklist for First-Time Horse Owners

Can Horses Eat Celery Conclusion

With a bevy of essential vitamins and minerals readily available, celery makes a great snack for your horse.

If you do decide to give your horse celery, be sure to inspect it for mold, rot, and pests. If any of these are present, discard it at once. Celery can also be a choking hazard. Chop it up into strips manageable for consumption.

Inexperienced horse owners and those caring for older horses may be alarmed to habitually see their animals' legs swollen after an extensive period in the stall. This may likely be a normal condition known as "stocking up." If this is the case, it can be an easy problem to treat.

Detection

During periods of inactivity, circulation to a horse's lower extremities decreases, letting blood and other fluids pool in the lower legs. If the horse is stocking up, it is usual to notice swelling below the horse's knees in all its legs or in just the front legs or the hind legs. The swelling, edema, may be minimal or pronounced. If you press your fingers against the swollen area, you should see indentations caused by the pressure; they will disappear after about a minute because the fluid will slowly seep back into the pits.

If you notice this type of condition, you should consult your local veterinarian or equine specialist to confirm the condition and discuss treatment options.

Stocking Up in Older Horses

Stocking up is an ordinary condition for older horses to experience since their circulation is not as strong as it had been in their youth. Still, the aged are not the only ones to experience edema. The circulatory system works best when a horse of any age is moving. Movement helps blood flow throughout the horse's body, and that is why movement is key to eliminating the swelling caused by stocking up, at least for the day ahead. It is unlikely that you will be able to "cure" the condition, but there are several ways you can help your horse alleviate the swelling.

Activity is Key

Activity reduces the swelling from stocking up. Try a short, easy ride or walking your horse by hand. In about 30 minutes, you should notice a significant difference in the extremities where the swelling had been. You will manage the problem easily if daily exercise and regular turn out are part of your routine. If inclement weather keeps your horse from this, walk it throughout the barn if possible; otherwise, turn out the horse when the worst of the weather has passed. Some owners have found it helps to hose down the swollen legs with cold water.

Reducing Stall Time

You can try preventing your horse from stocking up by keeping stall time to the bare minimum. Also take notice of the distances between your horse's shelter, food supply, and water supply. Can any of these be moved to increase the distance your horse must walk to reach them? That is an easy way for your horse to get additional exercise. Wrapping the lower limbs with standing bandages may also help prevent swelling. If wrapping is requires, consult a trainer or barn manager. Wrapping is not an easy process and if are unsure how to do it properly, it could be wasted effort with regard to helping reduce or eliminate the condition.

In Conclusion

Stocking up should not cause you to worry about your horse's health; however, it is wise to check with your vet for a proper diagnosis. Not all swelling is innocuous. Call your veterinarian if the swelling occurs suddenly or is visible in a single leg as this could be the symptom of an injury or other serious medical condition. Seek professional help if other symptoms occur. If the swollen area is warm or is causing the horse pain, this might not be from stocking up. Check with your vet if your horse seems lame, depressed, or lethargic. A change in appetite is also concerning. Likewise, if the swelling continues even though the horse has been turned out and exercised, then it is time to consult your veterinarian. Any of these symptoms could be signs of heart disease or liver disease. Sudden swelling, unlike the persistent swelling noticed when stocking up, can also occur with viral diseases and allergies. While the treatment for stocking up is manageable, you must be certain that is why the swelling appears.

Tick and flea activity picks up in the fall before the first frost hits. For fleas, seventy degrees is the ideal temperature to hatch. While fleas can survive in many climates, the worst time of year for these pesky critters is late spring through winter, with the seasonally worst months for flea infestations occurring in September, October, and November ("A Dog Fight Against Flea Infestation"). During the fall, ticks tend to latch on for one last meal before hibernation. Adult ticks are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November ("Be Tick Free"). Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, enter their adult stage when the season changes from summer to fall and usually become abundant in October and will remain active as long as the temperatures are above freezing ("TickEncounter").

Over the past 22+ years of selling Bug Off Garlic for Horses and Dogs, we have heard through customer feedback the importance of increasing the amount of Bug Off given during the fall. Double or triple your dose of Bug Off Garlic this fall to protect your dogs and horses from these pests looking for one last meal before hibernation!

Fleas & Ticks

Fleas and ticks can live in piles of debris like leaves and sticks and tall grasses and can spread from animal to animal ("Fleas and Ticks"). Fleas can also attach themselves to your pet from your lawn or garden and can be found in the furniture and carpet of homes where infected pets live.

You will notice your pet itching constantly if they are infected with fleas. You may notice red spots on them as well from the flea bites and you may be able to see the fleas on their stomach or in the folds of their skin.

It is important to check your horses and dogs for ticks after a walk or hike. Brush your animal with a fine-tooth comb. It is best to do this right after the walk while the ticks are still finding their spot to embed. Feel for any ticks while grooming and when bringing your horse in for the night. Prime areas to search are the head, ears, neck, mane and tail. Check dog beds, horse blankets, and any furniture your pets are on for ticks as well.

To help keep your pets pest free this fall, follow these tips:

• Keep your lawn cut.
• Dispose of piles of leaves.
• Be cautious with your pet around unfamiliar pets and animals.
• Check your pets after a walk or hike. Dig through their fur to feel for any bumps.
• Add in Springtime Bug Off Garlic for Dogs to provide a 24-hour shield against fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and more.
• If you have already been giving Bug Off Garlic to your dog or horse, fall is the time to double or triple the dose.
• Add in Springtime Diatomaceous Earth if you see any fleas on your pet or in your house.

Works Cited

"A Dog Fight Against Flea Infestation." Petco, www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/health-wellness/A-Dog-Fight-Against-Flea-Infestation.html.

"Be Tick Free - A Guide for Preventing Lyme Disease." The Official Website of New York State, New York State Department of Health, www.health.ny.gov/publications/2825/.

"Fleas and Ticks in the Fall." National Animal Supplement Council, 12 Oct. 2016, nasc.cc/dog/fleas-ticks-fall/.

"Preventing Ticks on Your Pets." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 Jan. 2019, www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html.

"TickEncounter Resource Center FAQ." TickEncounter Resource Center, University of Rhode Island TickEncounter Resource Center, tickencounter.org/faq/seasonal_information.

"Ticks: What Are the Risks in Northern New England?" UVM Medical Center Blog, University of Vermont Medical Center, 10 Sept. 2018, medcenterblog.uvmhealth.org/infectious-disease/ticks-northern-new-england/.

A veterinarian's knowledge and experience can guide you in keeping healthy, happy horses. Seeking regular professional care from a licensed veterinarian is a responsibility you will have to commit to as a horse owner. While a yearly visit for vaccines, parasite control, and care for hooves and teeth will address for many horses' needs, some will require professional care more often. Foals and geriatric horses usually visit their vets more frequently than adult horses, because they are prone to problems that are not normally seen in healthy adults. This does not mean adult horses will be healthy all the time; horses can become ill or suffer an injury at any age.

Vaccinations

Each year, your horse will be due to receive vaccinations that are required, as well as some that may be recommended for your region of the country. Horses commonly receive a vaccine for influenza, rabies, and tetanus, among others. Farms with a high mosquito population or recurring health issues among animals may be recommended additional vaccines. It is normal for a veterinarian to administer the vaccines, but other individuals may be trained to do this in certain circumstances.

Parasites

Foals will need a series of vaccines early in life. This is one reason why they must visit the vet more frequently than adult horses. While all horses typically follow a deworming regiment, foals often need treatment for parasite infestations. In preparation for your visit to the veterinarian, you may be instructed to bring along a sample of the horse's feces so that the vet can check for this very issue. If parasites are present in the sample, your horse will be prescribed a wellness plan, and you may be given invaluable information about how to improve the quality of your horse's environment.

Besides testing the horse's stools, blood tests are normally performed during an annual check-up. Monitoring these results will help you and your vet plan for the wellbeing of your horse as it ages. Such tests are routinely done twice a year when a horse reaches the age of 20. This is because older horses are more susceptible to illnesses.

Physical Examinations

Your veterinarian is also trained to notice external problems in a horse. A physical exam generally includes weighing the horse, checking its teeth for sharp spots, and inspecting its hooves for damage or the need for shoes. Hoof trimming is a task that will need to be repeated nearly every 6 weeks. You may be able to have your vet perform this, but hiring a farrier is another option.

Emergencies

Circumstances are sure to arise that will make you question the need to take your horse to the veterinarian or possibly have the veterinarian come to your horse. Emergency situations can occur at any time. Horse owners have learned the hard way that rope can cause broken bones and that fence posts can pierce flesh. Whether the injury appears to be minor or catastrophic, make an emergency phone call to your vet to see what the professional recommends. The same goes for symptoms of illness. Your vet would rather you overreact with a late-night phone call than learn of your horse's demise in the morning.

In Conclusion

If your horse requires physical rehabilitation or long-term care following an illness or injury, your visits to the veterinarian may happen more frequently than in the past. Help the situation by becoming involved as much as possible in your horse's treatment. Working at home with your horse may be most beneficial. Also consider bringing a partner along to any visits to the veterinarian, especially if it is someone with whom the horse is familiar. Extra assistance can be invaluable both at the veterinarian's office and during the treatment at home.

Horses are intelligent creatures that need mental stimulation and physical outlets for their energy. Some equines get all they need for contentment by roaming through a vast pasture, interacting with a trainer, working in a field, or socializing with others in the herd. Spending time in a stall may not negatively affect the behavior of horses like these. Horses without such mental and physical activity, however, can quickly become bored.

Being bound to a stall for long periods or having to live in limited space can impact the well being of a horse. A change in a horse's typical routine, such as when it recovers from an illness or injury, can take a toll on its state of mind, too. Without socialization and activity, boredom may set in. A bored horse can become a dangerous and destructive force. Without intervention, a bored horse can develop several bad habits, which can include:

• Cribbing
• Kicking
• Chewing

These behaviors can cause problems to the horse, its environment, and others around it. To help curb or stop these problems altogether, many give their horses toys. Toys provide entertainment and challenges that horses need to occupy their time.

Hanging Toys for Horses

Hanging toys are one kind of toy that horses love. Since these toys only go as far as the rope on which they hang, this kind is ideal for horses with little stall space or a limited grazing area. Horses love to bat around a tethered ball; scented balls add even more enjoyment to the experience. Empty gallon-sized jugs are another favorite when suspended from above. Do this and your horse will enjoy the sound it makes when knocked around. That sound is much better than hearing horseshoes crashing against a stable wall! If you decide to add a hanging toy to your horse's enclosure, carefully consider the length of rope needed; you do not want it tangling around your horse's legs!

Balls for Horses

Another great horse toy is an oversized, durable ball. Horses can roll them around their stalls alone or chase after one you throw outside. Some balls, like a Jolly Ball for example, have a handle attached to them. This feature makes it easy for you to throw, or the horse itself can fling the ball around by gripping the handle between its teeth. With the handle present, there is no telling in what direction the ball will bounce--what a surprise for the horse! If you have the space, repurpose a leaky rain barrel or rubber drum as a horse toy. Keep both ends closed off for safety. These are large toys that can be rolled or kicked for play, and horses like the sounds they make, too.

Treat-filled Toys for Horses

Some toys can have an additional purpose, since some can be filled with treats. The treats supplement the horse's diet and the toy occupies its time by making the horse work for the treat. Some balls are designed to hold treats inside that will eventually shake out as the horse plays. Hanging salt licks are great additions to a horse's stall. Get creative with your homemade toys; add holes to the hanging jug and fill it with carrots or apple slices. Remember that regularly feeding a horse treats can affect its health, so adjust your horse's diet accordingly. Also beware of what lies beneath a hanging toy filled with treats; you do not want your horse eating sawdust or other harmful materials on the ground.

In Conclusion

You can find toys for horses without any difficulty. Bargain shop online marketplaces or visit farm supply stores for a variety of options. Check your own property for items that can be repurposed as toys for your horse. Finally, you can help keep boredom at bay by periodically changing the toys your horse accesses.

If you are the owner of an aging horse or dog, maybe you've seen it before: stiffness in your beloved pet's hips and joints, especially after activity. Maybe their discomfort has only seemed to increase in recent months, and your once-active horse or dog now hesitates to play, jump or run like they once did. As a pet owner, you can feel despair at your aging pet's waning comfort levels and not know where to turn. Read on to learn the benefits of our Joint Health Comfort+, which can help with occasional soreness and stiffness, and help pets remain comfortable.

How to Tell if Your Pet is Experiencing Soreness

Even though aging pets can often experience soreness in their joints, pets of all ages can have occasional stiffness. If you're wondering if your dog may be dealing with joint stiffness, consider whether or not they hesitate to walk up and downstairs, play as often as they used to or looks like they are slightly struggling to sit up or lay down. Horses that are feeling stiff may have difficulty getting up from a resting position, or shifting their weight comfortably. Maybe your pet is dealing with a mild limp. If your pet is dealing with some soreness, additional support may be helpful to relieve it.

Joint Health Comfort + for Horses: Made of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine for Mobility

If your active horse has joint stiffness and overall discomfort due to their age, strenuous activity or another factor, a superior joint lubricant may be a great option for relief. Our Joint Health Comfort+ uses a balanced mixture of chondroitin sulfate, MSM, glucosamine HCI and boswellia serrata to help support your horse's overall comfort and stability.

Joint Health Comfort+ can keep healthy horses active, support cartilage health, promote comfort and mobility, offer support for joint stiffness after athletic activity and competition, help support a normal inflammatory response, and be a natural way to maintain healthy joint lubrication.

To learn more about Joint Health Comfort+ for Horses and order yours, click here.

Advanced Hip & Joint Formula for Dogs: Comes in Powdered and Chewable Form!

As with horses, our active or aging dogs can have occasional stiffness, such as in the hip region. Advanced Hip & Joint Formula helps support strong bones, restores bloom in older dogs, and helps promote a mobile lifestyle. If you want to make taking supplements even more fun for your dogs, try our Joint Health Chewables-- easy-to-give and have the same ingredients like glucosamine HCI and chondroitin sulfate that support healthy hips and joints. You can check them out here.

If Your Pet Has Soreness, Springtime Supplements is Here to Help

We want the best for our pets, and sometimes they need a little bit of extra support when they are feeling stiff or sore. Whether you want to help support your pet with discomfort, or be proactive in your pet care while they are feeling great, our extensive range of horse and dog supplements can offer support. Go Natural, with Springtime--Contact us today.

The hot summer months are high season for ticks, and it is important to make sure your horses and dogs are protected. At Springtime Supplements, our team has an array of natural tick deterrent products to keep your furry friends healthy and happy, without the use of harsh chemicals. Here, the equine and canine supplement providers at Springtime Supplements provide tips on protecting your horses and dogs from ticks during these peak summer months.

Be Aware of Common Tick-Ridden Environments

The first step in preventing tick bites for your horses and dogs is avoiding areas in which ticks are highly present. Ticks tend to stay in tall grass and wooded areas, so be diligent about checking for ticks if you frequent these areas with your dog or horse. Additionally, be sure to keep the grass cut short on your property to avoid unnecessary tick exposure. Ticks thrive in moist and humid environments, so if you are around bodies of water, or live in an area that has heavy rainfall, taking extra precautions in checking for ticks every time you bring your animals home is a necessity. The summer months provide the perfect environment for ticks to thrive, which can lead to harm for you as well as your pets. Dogs, horses and humans can all get Lyme disease, and if a tick is not caught in a timely manner, the repercussions can be severe.

Thoroughly Research Tick Preventative Treatments

While there are some benefits to common tick preventative treatments, the chemicals present in these medications may present the risk of an adverse reaction from your horse or dog. An ingredient in many chemical treatments, pyrethroid, is produced in a laboratory and reported to the EPA more than other repellent products for adverse reactions including seizures and heart attacks. Two other ingredients in chemical repellents, imidacloprid and fipronil, also run the risk of negative reactions including liver toxicity, lung and brain damage, kidney damage and nervous system toxicity. While the likelihood of this occurring is low, owners should be cautious when considering traditional chemical tick repellents for their animals, and instead opt for a natural tick repellent that is healthier for your pets.

Consider Natural Tick Deterrents from Springtime Supplements

At Springtime Supplements, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of your animals through natural supplements. Our Bug Off Garlic line for horses and dogs provides a natural alternative to traditional tick deterrents. This line provides a 24-hour shield against ticks, flies, mosquitoes, gnats, "no-see-ums" and more, giving you peace of mind that your animals are protected daily. Not only does Bug Off Garlic provide protection from ticks, it promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract, supports a healthy immune system and provides a great source of dietary sulfur, including MSM for horses. Your canine and equine companions will be able to enjoy all that the rest of summer has to offer, and you won't have to worry as much about the threat of ticks.

Springtime Supplements has been creating supplements for horses, dogs and people for decades, and we take great pride in providing the best quality supplements available to our customers. To purchase our Bug Off Garlic line, click here. To learn more about Springtime Supplements, contact us today.

Like people, horses all-too-commonly suffer from gastric ulcers. This painful condition keeps members of both species from thriving. Luckily for humans, diagnosing and managing gastric ulcers is easy. We effortlessly communicate with our doctors about our discomfort. Horses, however, are without this luxury. Since gastric ulcers cannot be spotted externally, it can take a while before a problem is noticed. If you care for a horse, you must be aware of what causes gastric ulcers. An extremely high percentage of horses develop gastric ulcers, but much of their problem stems from human intervention.

Unlike people, a gastric ulcer in a horse is not caused by bacteria. From days after being born and throughout its lifespan, a horse naturally produces acid in its stomach. When factors prevent this acid from being neutralized for a prolonged period, problems occur. The acid begins eroding the stomach lining. Evidence of gastric ulcers is most always found in the top portion of a horse's stomach, and the erosion can become severe if ignored.

Surprisingly, much of what owners do with their horses predisposes them to ulcers. Diet and feeding schedules are among the leading causes of gastric ulcers. Horses were meant to graze. Grazing at allows for proper digestion. The acid in the stomach is neutralized by food and saliva. For this reason, acid does not build up. Foraging is a healthy habit that gets the horse a bit of exercise alongside its stablemates away from the confinements of their stalls. Spending prolonged periods in stalls or haulers can contribute to the development of gastric ulcers. The potential for developing this problem increases with stress. Many horses risk developing ulcers after as few as five days of being regularly exposed to stress. It is no wonder why an astonishing percentage of racehorses and show horses have dealt with gastric ulcers. Training, performing, and working profoundly affect a horse's digestion and overall health. It is equally important for horse owners to know that gastric ulcers can be side effects from prescribed medications, too. If you think your horse may be suffering from an ulcer, begin thinking about the changes you can make to your horse's environment and routine so that it is experiencing a balance of exercise, rest, nutrition, and socialization.

Pinpointing the problem a horse experiences as being related to a gastric ulcer can be difficult because the symptoms can be signs of a variety of ailments, none of which should be ignored. You may notice that the horse loses its appetite or grinds its teeth. (You may do the same if suffering the abdominal pain caused by an ulcer!) Other objective symptoms include a dull coat, excessive salivation and loose stools. You may also sense an overall attitude change in your horse if an ulcer is present. It may be reluctant to participate in training exercises and perform poorly when compared to its healthy days of the past. Waste not a moment before having your veterinarian examine your horse.

To diagnose gastric ulcers, an endoscope is passed through a horse's nostril all the way to its stomach. There, the camera inspects the stomach's lining for ulcers. Following the examination, the veterinarian will be able to recommend the best course of action. Treatment may include an FDA-approved medication, minerals, vitamins, or even a feed higher in fat. Likely, the equine veterinarian will want predisposing factors minimized; limiting both stressful physical and environmental situations can help ulcers heal. Toys and balls in the stall, as well as the ability to make eye contact with a favorite stablemate, can also aid in recovery. Allowing a horse the freedom to have hay or grass when it pleases may help, as well.

In Conclusion

Take preventative measures with your horse to keep it healthy and happy from the beginning. If you are raising a foal, it is normal for your vet to prescribe it medication that will help manage the stomach's acid as it grows. Keep your horse active, but know it has limits to what it can do. Eating roughage when it wants helps keep that stomach neutralizing the acid. Keeping the horse fed appropriately and allowing it freedoms and manageable structure may help keep gastric ulcers from forming.

When many think of the term "supplements," they often think of shiny gel capsules filled with fish oil for health-minded individuals to incorporate in their daily routine. Truth is, supplements aren't just for people, and they don't all come in pill-form. Natural supplements can be a fantastic complement to your horse's diet, with many supplements capable of supporting their immune system and delivering natural bug protection during the warm months. Here, the natural supplement specialists at Springtime offer the many benefits that supplements for horses can offer during the summer.

Bug Off Garlic for Horses Offers Natural Bug Protection

The summer months sure offer a ton of fun, but they also bring flies, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats and other pesky biting insects. These can cause your horse to experience itching, abscesses and irritation, which can affect your horse's mood and health. Springtime's Bug Off Garlic for Horses celebrates more than 22 years of natural bug protection and is excellent for controlling horseflies and supporting your horse's overall immune system and digestive tract. You can shop Bug-Off Garlic here.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Helps Maintain Joint Health

The integrity of your horse's joints is vital to their cartilage, tendon and ligament health. The stress of training or even regular activity can take a toll on your horse's joints, which is why supportive supplements can come in handy. Glucosamine is important for horses to help maintain joint lubrication and flexibility, as well as support their normal inflammatory response, and when paired with chondroitin sulfate, can aid in cartilage health and joint stiffness after athletic activity. Our Joint Health Comfort+, which contains a blend of chondroitin sulfate, MSM, glucosamine HCI and boswellia serrate, supports overall joint comfort and mobility. As your horse enjoys its daily activity this summer, consider your horse's inflammation levels and the natural methods you can use to combat it. You can shop Joint Health Comfort+ for horses here.

Spirulina Wafers for Horses

"Summer" season can also mean "allergy" season for many of our horses. Bad allergies can lead to scratching, irritation and even hair loss for your poor horse, which is why introducing a natural supplement into your horse's diet can support their natural healing process and maintain their immune system, thereby reducing the impact of seasonal allergies. Spirulina is a form of microalgae that is used as a dietary supplement by many around the world. Turns out, it's great for horses too! Spirulina Wafers for Horses help maintain your horse's immune, circulatory and detoxifying systems, in addition to supporting a healthy liver and kidneys.

Get to Know Our Team at Springtime Supplements

At Springtime, we want only the best for your horse. We've seen the benefits of incorporating natural supplements into our own horses' diets and have a passion for helping horse owners find healthy solutions for common ailments. To find the best natural supplement for your horse this summer, contact our team at Springtime Supplements today!

Horse owners know their animals require a great deal of care, but the effort is well worth it. Meeting the daily needs of a horse requires a regular investment of time and money. Beyond that, owning a horse is just not for everyone, which makes many owners anxious about what will happen to their horses in the event of their own passing. We know life can be stressful life when a loved one passes. This difficult period is made even more difficult when there has been no estate planning. Survivors often find themselves scrambling to get a loved one's financial assets and possessions in order--a task that makes grieving harder. This period of life affects horses, too. Their wellbeing is jeopardized when they have been left out of estate planning. Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence. Since a horse's lifespan can range up to 30 years, it is not uncommon for a horse to outlive its owner. If you have not planned for your horse's future following your death, the time to begin is now.

First, you must find caretakers; you many need at least one interim caretaker who will care for your horse until the permanent caretaker is able to assume ownership. Immediately following your demise, the horse will continue to need food, shelter, and exercise. For a temporary period, the designated caretaker could keep your horse at your property until ownership has properly transferred. Ideally, this support would be found in a trusted individual who already knows the horse and can easily access your stable or transport your horse to their stable. When selecting your horse's new permanent owner, consider friends, family, fellow riding club members, or 4-H participants you know. You want to pick someone who wants the horse and the responsibilities that go with it: food, shelter, and health maintenance. For the sake of stability and an easier transition for the horse, the new owner must also have the time and money to invest in the animal that you love.

Keep in mind how much money your caretakers will need to care for your horse immediately following your death. This can be a crippling expense if it were to fall into someone's lap without warning. When that happens, many have no choice but to sell the horse. For that reason, you should consider leaving a portion of your financial assets for the care of your horse. This is something wisely included in a will at your discretion; however, wills take time to execute. It could be a while before any assets are bestowed to anyone. Speak with your attorney about creating a trust specifically for your horse. Doing so can give the caretaker immediate access to a portion of your money and property for horse care.

Once you know who will care for your horse and what resources they will need, you are ready to put it in writing. Prior to meeting with your attorney for estate planning, be sure your caretaker is committed to the plan. It is more likely that your wishes will be honored if official estate planning has been completed, but be prepared to make necessary changes and updates as you and your horse continue down life's trail.

In Conclusion

Your eventual passing can be difficult for your horse. With proper planning and the right people in your corner, however, you can help to ensure that, when you are gone, your horse and its care are in the best possible hands.

As temperatures continue to rise, this is the time of year when you are more likely to be spending time outdoors with your family and your pets. Late spring and early summer can bring some of the most pleasant days of the year, but pests such as fleas and ticks can quickly ruin your good time. These parasites can cause long-lasting harm to both you and your pets. If you are noticing fleas or ticks on your horses, dogs, cats, or even yourself, it is time to act using safe natural methods, such as garlic and diatomaceous earth, to eradicate these pests!

Blood-sucking ticks and fleas cannot stand the scent of garlic. Using a garlic-based supplement is one natural way to keep pests away from your beloved pets. It takes time for the garlic to begin making a difference for most pets. Some may need to have it in their system for a few days before improvements are noticeable; others may need to have it in their system for a few weeks for a change to become evident. As garlic is given continuously, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. It can make the blood smell more garlicky. Fleas and ticks then find the blood of your pet is not as appetizing as it once was.

You can find garlic supplements specially designed to help support your pet's immune system in warding off these pests. Many kinds of garlic supplements exist. You can compare their labels carefully and discuss with a veterinarian which option may be best for your pet.

Diatomaceous earth is another option that may help keep fleas away from your pet. Silica, one of the most abundant compounds found in Earth's crust, makes up the skeletal systems of many aquatic organisms. When these creatures fossilize, the silica reacts with water and oxygen. The resulting amorphous silicon dioxide is used to produce diatomaceous earth (DE).

In the form of dust, DE works wonders when combating fleas that are infesting your dog(s). When these insects come in contact with DE, their exoskeletons begin drying out. The abrasive DE scratches their bodies and absorbs the cuticles' fats and oils, which leads to the pests' demise.

Often sold as a dust, DE can be applied with a special applicator or, as is most often the case, sprinkled on your pet's body. Another option is to fill an old sock with DE; patting it against surfaces will release the dust. Be sure to treat items like blankets, carpets, and dog beds. Fleas must have physical contact with DE for it to be effective, so you may feel like you must dust everywhere for it to work right.

After 48 hours, the animals should be bathed, and the DE should be swept. Cleaning in this way helps to remove any eggs deposited by the pests. One application of DE will disrupt the life cycle of fleas, but to get a handle on an infestation, several treatments of DE may be necessary.

Controlling pests takes time and patience, but trying garlic and DE are two of the safest ways to get started.

Updated on September 22, 2022.

In a healthy horse, the bones of the hoof are suspended by specialized tissues, called laminae, which provide stability and shock absorption. If there is inflammation or deterioration of the laminae (laminitis) and it is left untreated, there is the potential that the third phalanx bone, or coffin bone, can rotate downward toward the sole and even through it.

Thankfully not all cases of founder result in the rotation of the coffin bone; however, this damaging inflammation can be extremely painful and debilitating. Often, diet modification, anti-inflammatory medicine, and hoof trimming can help animals in the early stages of laminitis (founder). However, if left too long, the damaging inflammation can lead to expensive prolonged hospitalization and, in the worst case of bone rotation, euthanasia. Fortunately, there are a few ways of supporting your horses' hoof health.

Symptoms of Founder in Horses

Dealing with founder and laminitis in horses

Summary of Founder in Horses

By now, it is safe to assume that we have all had a heavy dose of COVID-19 news... with frequent updates. As of this writing:

• nearly every sporting event is postponed or cancelled;
• thousands of schools from coast to coast are closed;
• many gyms, restaurants, casinos, clubs, and bars are not serving patrons;
• gatherings of 10+ people are being strongly discouraged;
• "social distancing" has gone from being a term most of us never knew to a part of our daily lexicon.

By all accounts, this may still just be the start.

While there has been plenty of advice on hygiene and social behaviors that could curb the spread of COVID-19, there hasn't been much news regarding if/how it can affect animals. In this post, we are going to delve into just what COVID-19 is, where it came from, the effect it can have on pets, precautions you can take for your pets, and what might lie ahead.

What, Exactly, is Coronavirus?

In late December, the current outbreak of COVID-19 started in Wuhan, the capital city of the Hubei province, in China. At the time, it was commonly referred to as, "The Coronavirus." This was a misnomer, as there isn't just a coronavirus; rather, coronaviruses make up a large family of viruses. Coronaviruses, in general, present similar symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. In some instances, like now, they can also bring about mild-to-severe respiratory distress.

There have been several other well-known coronavirus outbreaks in the last couple of decades, namely Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Prior to this recent outbreak, the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV)--now known as COVID-19--was previously unknown.

Where Did COVID-19 Come From?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), COVID-19, like other popular coronavirus, seems to have originated in bats. Further sequenced virus strains from the US and China suggests that the virus emerged from a single animal reservoir. The first victims of COVID-19 in Wuhan were all linked to a live animal market, which also suggests animal-to-human spread and, as we know, human-to-human spread.

While these viruses often originate in bats, they are rarely transmitted to humans that way. In the cases of SARS and MERS, the viruses were transmitted to humans via masked palm civets and dromedary camels, respectively.

Can Pets Get COVID-19?

Since we know that coronavirus originated from an animal source and was likely passed to humans through and intermediate animal host, it raises the question: Are my pets at risk for COVID-19 and, if they get it, can they pass it to me?

All things considered, this is a very valid question. From what is currently known, human-to-human contact is the primary way COVID-19 is transmitted. It is also highly unlikely that your pet is at risk for getting or spreading COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization (OIE):

There have not been any reports of companion or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 and currently there is no evidence that they play a significant epidemiological role in this human disease. However, because animals and people can sometimes share diseases (known as zoonotic diseases), it is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 limit contact with companion and other animals until more information is known about the virus.

That said, there is one confirmed case of a dog testing positive for COVID-19. The dog, a 17-year-old Pomeranian in Hong Kong, has yet to show any symptoms associated with the illness. The dog's owners also tested positive for COVID-19, but as of this writing it is unclear whether the dog transmitted the virus to the owners or vice versa. Both the dog and the owners, though, have been quarantined.

What About Equine Enteric Coronavirus?

If you are a horse owner, you may have heard of Equine Enteric Coronavirus. The Equine Enteric Coronavirus is very different from COVID-19. Whereas COVID-19 has the most impact on the respiratory system and is transmitted by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes, Equine Enteric Coronavirus is a gastrointestinal disease that is transmitted by one horse ingesting the manure of another that has been infected.

These two strains of coronavirus are very dissimilar and, to date, there is no evidence that communication of either disease can be passed from humans to horses or from horses to humans.

What You Can Do

While there is currently no confirmed evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted to or from pets, it's always best to take basic precautions until more is known. Some of these suggestions will sound familiar.

Wash Your Hands

If you have been following recommendations to help stem the transmission of COIVD-19 between humans, you should already be washing your hands pretty frequently. To be safe, you should also be sure to wash your hands before and after you have direct contact with your pets, their food, waste, and supplies.

Have a 30-Day Supply

Just as you want to ensure you have enough supplies for yourself for 30 days, you'll want to take the same measures for your pets. This includes food, litter, medicines, supplements, and the like.

Have a Backup Caregiver

If you contract COVID-19 and become too ill to care for your pet, either on a short-term or long-term basis, you should have someone who can. Ideally, this will be a person your pet already knows, such as a family member or neighbor. It could even be a boarding facility where your pet has stayed in the past. The idea is to make the transition of care as seamless as possible for your pet.

Build a Pet Profile

In the even that you do need to use your back up pet caregiver, you can make things much easier for them and your pet by having a pet profile create. This can include favorite food(s) and feeding frequency, favorite toys, medical conditions and medicines for those conditions, vet name and number, and any unique behaviors you pet exhibits or enjoys.

In Conclusion

While it is still too early to have a complete grasp on the origin, transmission, and spread of COVID-19, much less project its short- and long-term effects, there are ways you can protect yourself and your pets. We will likely learn much more in the following weeks, its best to take the situation seriously, but to also not panic.

Do the best with what you know and be sure to make sure your pets are getting enough food, rest, grooming, and play time so they can stay as healthy and happy as possible. In fact, take some time to do that for yourself while you are at it.

Updated on August 18, 2022.

How do you calm a horse down? When the weather forecast calls for thunder, lightning, and pouring rain, what will you do with your horse(s)? While some of them never seem to be bothered by a storm, others react in ways that can cause harm to themselves and your property. Conditioning a horse to feel safe and secure during a storm often relies on trial and error. As you try to keep your horse calm during inclement weather, remember to carefully observe it for its habits and body language, which can serve as clues for how it feels.

What do you do with horses during a storm?

If you know there is an impending storm, you may want to stable your horses prior to the storm's arrival. You can try adding music or talk radio to the horses' environment; extra noise in their enclosure can serve as a distraction from the sound of rain falling on the rooftop or from the crash of thunder that may cause objects to rattle inside the stable.

Flashes of lightning can easily unsettle a horse. For this reason, you may want to leave the lights on in the stable. Furthermore, attaching lightning rods to this structure may save the lives of your horses in the even that the building is struck by lightning. If you care for multiple horses, try keeping favorite stablemates together so that they may comfort each other until the storm passes.

Many horse owners find that their horses do best in a storm when they have the freedom to roam about in the pasture. This can be especially beneficial for young horses or those that are recent additions to your team. When they are in the open pasture together, they can observe how the others react to the storm.

Related Article: 5 Ways to Transform the Horse Rider Bond

If a frightened horse sees others remaining calm when lightning strikes or thunder claps, they may begin to learn that the weather is not something of which to be afraid. Instead, they may take to grazing as many other horses tend to do during a storm.

As an owner, you must naturally weigh the potential severity of the storm when deciding whether to shelter your horses. The possibility of them getting hurt while outside in a storm should not be ignored. Horses have been known to be swept away by flash floods, lacerated by blowing debris, and even killed by bolts of lightning. A lightning strike is particularly worrisome to the owner who observes his herd gathering underneath trees during an electrical storm.

Are horses safer inside or outside during a storm?

Another option you have is to give your horses the ability to shelter themselves when the weather turns bad. Allowing a horse access to a three-sided shelter can make a tremendous difference. It lets the horse freely roam throughout a fenced area if the horse likes.

When the horse wants to escape from rain or pelting hail, it can enter the three-sided shelter at its leisure for protection. Keep in mind that just as the stable needs lightning rods, so does a three-sided shelter.

Many believe it is best for a horse to decide for itself where it will be throughout the course of a storm. Those, however, who have foals or prize-winning competition horses may never want theirs to be outside when weather is threatening their safety. Making this decision is ultimately up to you.

Updated August 18, 2022.

Do you have low energy horses? The genetic makeup of each horse is unique. For this reason, it is important to create custom feeding plans based on the individual horse and the amount of work it is expected to do. Depending on its performance expectations, its need for energy may differ from others at the stable.

If you have cared for your horse long enough to have a familiar relationship, you should recognize indicators of sound health: alertness, brightness, appropriate weight, good appetite, and normal stools. When it comes to energy levels, both healthy horses and horses with an ailment may appear to have low energy. A veterinarian can help you determine whether low energy is a symptom of an underlying disease, injury, or other problem.

Why Low Energy Levels?

There are numerous reasons for why a horse may have or appear to have low energy levels. A handler may notice the horse failing to evenly bear weight on each of its legs when it is moving. This lameness may indicate something as trivial as a stone lodged in its foot; remove the stone, and its energy level may spike drastically. On the contrary, the same observation for lameness could indicate something more serious, like a joint problem or bone disease.

When a horse seems to have low energy, the problem could stem from pain in its mouth. If a horse reacts adversely when it is expected to receive a bit, a tooth infection may be the root of the problem. When it is not suffering the pain, the horse's energy level may be restored.

Having a veterinarian assist you in evaluating your horse's health is invaluable when it comes to detecting serious health issues. When examining your horse, a blood test may be recommended. Anemia, for example, can be detected this way. The test may reveal the horse has a low count of red blood cells.

Related Article: How to Calm Horses Down During Storms

The Role of Diet

Illnesses, disorders, and injuries must be treated appropriately before any horse can be expected to have normal energy levels. Healthy horses displaying low energy levels may benefit from changes to their diets.

While non-working horses may maintain their normal weight by eating quality roughage, working horses may benefit a great deal from the addition of concentrates to their diet. Supplements can support the horse's natural systems and may help a horse produce more energy for activities they routinely do.

Physical performance, be it walking in a field or galloping on a track, requires a horse's muscles to contract. Small molecules called adenosine triphosphate are required for this, but the body stores few. A horse's system can produce these through metabolic pathways.

Supplements can provide energy sources that are not always found in roughage. Oats, barley, and corn are cereal grains, starches that produce energy when digested. Starches increase the insulin and blood glucose of the horse.

Helping Low Energy Horses and Their Diet

Protein helps build the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of a horse. When a horse's diet features extra protein, that can be converted to energy. There is more to consider than the amount of protein to add to the horse's diet, however.

As with any supplement, you will want to learn about its benefits and detriments. One problem could be that giving too much may cause other health issues in your animal. Another caution may be that water consumption could increase; this is the case with extra protein. Also know that many supplements must be introduced to the diet slowly.

Supplementing a horse's diet with fiber is another alternative that may help a horse achieve normal energy levels. It takes fiber a great deal of time to be fermented in its hindgut. This energy source may provide the horse with what it needs to perform throughout the day.

Fat is a dietary supplement that many like to use because of its tendency to increase a horse's physical energy but not its mental energy. When a fat like vegetable oil is slowly introduced to a horse's diet, it becomes concentrated calories that can improve a horse's energy, as well as its skin and coat quality.

In Conclusion

Calculated changes to a horse's diet may help you improve your horse's health and return its normal energy levels. Research your options carefully before adding any supplements to your horse's feeding routine. Remember, seek the advice of your veterinarian to ensure you will be doing what is right for your animal.

Updated on September 21, 2022.

When you read about superfoods, you'll see some consistent food items on nearly every list, such as kale, eggs, blueberries, and salmon. There's another superfood, however, that you don't always see on popular lists. It's called "spirulina" and it can also be a fantastic supplement for your horse.

In this post, we will look at what makes spirulina a superfood, the overall benefits it can provide for your horse(s), possible side effects, and its often-misunderstood relationship to kelp.

Overall Benefits of Spirulina for Horses

Spirulina is a blue-green algae found in both fresh water and saltwater. The fresh water variety is the one more commonly used in supplements. From a nutritional standpoint, it is often given as a protein supplement, as its nutritional profile is 55-60% protein. In addition, Spirulina's amino acid profile is ideal for aiding in proper organ and muscle function.

Another benefit of Spirulina is its ability to help support a body's healthy response to respiratory inflammation and its immune system support with regards to antihistamine reactions that can help reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Spirulina and Heaves

Heaves is a respiratory condition characterized by an allergic reaction that causes lung tissue and bronchial passages to narrow. The condition is chronic, but non-infectious. You may have also heard the condition referred to as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (ROA). In the past, it has also been known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is also common in humans.

Symptoms of Heaves usually start with a cough. As it progresses, you may also notice an increased heart rate, wheezing, and nostril flaring. Heaves is much more common in horses that are six years old or older.

While there is no known cure for Heaves, the first suggestion for easing symptoms of Heaves is removing the allergens that are causing problems. Hay is usually the number one culprit, particularly round bale hay. Straw commonly used for bedding is also a common allergen.

Adding Spirulina to your horse's dietary routine can help support normal respiratory functioning and immune system responses, which are involved in allergic reactions that characterize Heaves.

Spirulina and EMS

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is characterized by insulin dysregulation, which can lead to, among other things, Laminitis, a hoof disease that can cripple horses.

Recent research studies have uncovered a link between EMS and intestinal inflammation. Because Spirulina is a natural substance known to help support a normal inflammatory response, it was tested in a controlled environment to see if it had any effect on horses with EMS.

Spirulina extract was given to effected horses, in vivo, and responses were measured. The results showed that horses that received Spirulina lost weight and displayed improvement with regards to insulin sensitivity.

Possible Side Effects of Spirulina for Horses

Spirulina offers no known toxic side effects when taken at recommended doses and has even been tested at doses many times the normal recommended dose with no side effects. As with any supplement, however, you'll want to follow dosage recommendations. Pay attention to any possible changes in your horse after starting Spirulina as a dietary supplement.

Spirulina vs. Kelp

Spirulina and Kelp are often mentioned in the same conversation. If you are reading this post, it might be because you are wondering if there are any differences between the two and, if so, what they may be.

First, they are both algae. As mentioned above, Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in fresh water and saltwater. Kelp, on the other hand is a brown algae that grows in saltwater environments. While we have already discussed some of the characteristics of Spirulina, one major difference from Spirulina is that kelp is particularly rich in iodine. As such, it is commonly used as a supplement for horses with thyroid issues stemming from low levels of iodine. Too much kelp, however, can lead to excessive levels of iodine, which can present its own issues, including thyroid inflammation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In Conclusion

In recent years, Spirulina has been hailed as the secret superfood that can improve overall quality of life in humans and horses alike. Because of its ability to support normal anti-inflammatory and allergen responses, it's easy to see why.

At Springtime, we offer Spirulina for horses in a convenient wafer form to help reduce the mess that can come from powders and ensure that your horse is getting the full dosage each time.

Ever wonder what ingredients make up the perfect joint supplement for your horse?

At any supply and tack store there is a hodgepodge of products that tout the ability to support joint health for horses. With so many options and so many bold claims, it's difficult to know what works and what doesn't. When seasoned horse people need advice on how to ensure that their equine companions are happy and comfortable, they turn to their veterinarians and their peers in the equestrian community.

Here's what those equine experts list as the top 5 joint health ingredients...

#5: MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in plants, animals, and humans. MSM is believed to support healthy joints when taken as a supplement.* People can get dietary MSM from a variety of plant sources, including various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; however, MSM can be taken as a supplements.

Approximately one third of MSM is sulfur, and MSM delivers an absorbable form of sulfur that the body needs for the production of cartilage. Glycosaminoglycans are the building blocks of joint cartilage, and these molecules are connected with disulfide bonds (the bonding of two sulfur atoms). Sulfur is also vital to the production and function of glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant and detoxifier in the body. It is believed that people and animals are not getting as much natural sulfur in their diets as they once were, as the result of food processing and soil depletion.

#4: Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced by the body for use in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid around the body's joints. Glucosamine can be helpful for joint health (e.g., as a supplement) to people, dogs, and horses to support healthy joints because it provides building blocks for synovial fluid, cartilage and connective tissues.

Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements in the United States. Commercial glucosamine is typically extracted from shellfish. Because it is taken from the shell rather than the flesh of shellfish, glucosamine supplements are generally safe for those with shellfish allergies; however, it is best to consult a doctor first if you have a shellfish allergy before consuming glucosamine.

Glucosamine comes in three forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine. Glucosamine is one of the essential components of cartilage and it is made by the combination of glucose and the amino acid glutamine by the enzyme glucosamine synthetase. Human and animal studies suggest that glucosamine supports healthy cartilage production and maintenance. Although it is a stand-alone supplement, glucosamine for joint health is reported to be more effective when combined with chondroitin sulfate.

The University of Utah School of Medicine coordinated a large-scale, multicenter clinical trial. The study found that glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided significant joint health benefits 79% of a study group.For more info on the study, visit https://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/gait/qa.htm

#3: Ahiflower Oil^®

Ahiflower Oil is a new omega fatty acid supplement that comes from seeds of theBuglossoides arvensis, an obscure plant that is about to become famous due to its uniquely potent omega 3, 6, and 9 composition.

Horses evolved to get their daily omegas through fresh pasture grazing, not fish sources. Ahiflower Oil is a safe, balanced, and superior plant-seed omega 3, 6, and 9 supplement oil, backed by clinical trial data in performance horses. Grown entirely from non-GMO crops, Ahiflower Oil supports exercise recovery, joint and ligament health, luster, and stress responsiveness.

Many active and retired horses experiencing post-exercise stiffness, joint/muscle strain, respiratory allergies, and skin challenges are recommended to try omega-3 supplementation. In horses and humans alike, omega-3 deficiency prolongs exercise recovery time and suppresses a healthy immune response. Ahiflower Oil has been shown to convert to omega-3 EPA and DHA in horses far more efficiently than flaxseed oil. Ahiflower Oil for Horses supports your horse's natural post-exercise response for improved mobility and suppleness, while also supporting wonderful skin health and luster.

#2: Boswellia

Boswellia (also known as frankincense) is an herbal supplement with potent health properties made from the resin of the boswellia serrata tree. For thousands of years, boswellia has been prized for its health properties, including support of a healthy inflammatory response.*

Studies have shown that boswellic acid supports a normal inflammatory response by blocking the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase which then inhibits the synthesis of leukotrienes. It has also been shown to support healthy cartilage.

#1: Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring molecule found in the cartilage and connective tissues of people and animals. Chondroitin is the substance that enables cartilage to provide cushion to healthy joints, and it is what the body uses to make new cartilage. Chondroitin also serves a vital role in the maintenance of healthy skin. Chondroitin can be taken as a supplement to help maintain healthy cartilage, joint lubrication, and healthy skin, nails, and hair.*

The chondroitin used in dietary supplements is extracted from the cartilage and connective tissues of animals. The most common animal sources are cow, pig, chicken, and shark. Chondroitin varies depending on the source, and scientists have separated it into three distinct classes: A, B, and C. This is important because chondroitin A has greater health benefits than B or C, and some animal sources have more chondroitin A than others. For instance, beef trachea cartilage has among the highest concentrations of chondroitin A. Conversely, some products on the market are labeled as 100% chondroitin but contain little to no chondroitin A, rendering them woefully ineffective.

Chondroitin sulfate is one of six related substances called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are also referred to as mucopolysaccharides. Adequate amounts of chondroitin are vital for normal joint function and maintenance as well as many of the body's normal self-healing mechanisms.

Make sure to check out Springtime Supplements to find all your equine supplement needs.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Find out what Springtime is up to this month!

Spring is here and so is all the excitement that comes with it. Events are piling up and we are heading out to support our local events through sponsorships and awareness.

Here are a few local events where you could enjoy the Springtime season and enjoy all that Maryland has to offer!

Grand National Steeplechase - The 117th Running - Saturday April 20th

https://grandnationalsteeplechase.com/

What you need to know for the races:

• Race is always held on the second to last Saturday in April
• Railside - $600
  Paddock - $275
  Subscriber - $200
  General Parking - $40
• Tickets may be purchased by mail and online beginning March 1.
  Tickets may be purchased at retail locations beginning April 1.
• Places to buy tickets: Dover Saddlery, John Brown General & Butchery, The Butler Store, The Filling Station, and Wine Merchant
• Gates open at 12:00 PM
• You can bring a tent! Small (10×10) pop up tents without sidewalls are allowed and must be located directly behind the vehicle. Please be courteous to others and keep your picnic and accoutrements within this area. No grills or open flames allowed for safety reasons.
  
• There will be no food or drink concessions at the races so we recommend bringing a picnic with coolers of drinks and snacks.

Directions:

• The address is: 2838 Butler Road, Butler, Maryland
• I-83 to west on Shawan Road for 3 miles, right on Falls Road for 3 miles, left on Butler for 1.4 miles.
  

What to wear:

• Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as you will be walking on grass, so stiletto heels might not be the best idea.
• Sunday casual is the preferred dress for both men and women. However, as long as you don't look like you rolled around in mud you should be good!
• Bring a hat! You never know what the Maryland spring might bring, and with the possibility of sun you want to protect your wintered self from the harsh rays of the sun. OR if it's freezing, keep yourself warm while battling the winter that just won't turn to spring.
• Jackets are encouraged as mentioned above. You never know what the weather might bring.

What else you can expect at the Grand National Steeplechase:

• Join the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for a true Maryland tradition, the 117th running of the Grand National Steeplechase. Enjoy a beautiful day in Baltimore County's horse country with a classic picnic buffet, signature " Southside" cocktails, live music, and the best view of the Grand National Steeplechase course. It is the perfect occasion to take in an amazing spring day and the excitement of steeplechase racing!

Where to stay:

• Marriott Residence Inn -https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwirh-residence-inn-baltimore-hunt-valley/
• Embassy Suites -https://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/maryland/embassy-suites-by-hilton-baltimore-hunt-valley-BALHVES/index.html
• Delta Hotel -https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bwidh-delta-hotels-baltimore-hunt-valley/
• Holiday Inn Express -https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/hunt-valley/balhu/hoteldetail

Where to eat:

• Manor Tavern - https://www.themanortavern.com/
• Woodfire Kitchen - https://wfkitchen.com/
• Casa Mia's - https://www.originalcasamias.com/
• Milton Inn - https://miltoninn.com/
• Barret's Grill - https://www.barrettsgrill.com/

Keep in mind: IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY TO HORSES AND PEOPLE, THE FOLLOWING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RACECOURSE:

• MOUNTED SPECTATORS
• UNLEASHED DOGS
• GATORS AND GOLF CARTS (OTHER THAN THOSE IN OFFICIAL USE)
• BUSES/LARGE VANS

Just so you know: Springtime Supplements is a proud supporter of the Grand National Steeplechase and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are excited to be a part of a fun and local event that brings people together to enjoy the magnificence of the horses we love.

Let us know if you are going to attend and give us a shout out if you see our banners on the finish line and in the paddocks! Also, keep an eye out for the Springtime Supplements lotus flower on the Livestream broadcast brought to you by the National Steeplechase Association and sponsored by Springtime Supplements!!!

Now that spring is finally here, many of us will be gearing up to attend some horse races, both steeple and flat. With that comes the unveiling of some really fun, and functional, spring outdoor styles for both men and women. Here at Springtime, we are excited to attend many of the races in Maryland this year, as well as plan our outfits! We decided to make some quick and fun suggestions as to what to wear to the races.

Women:

Women will want to be practical but FUN. When it comes to fashion at the races, color and patterns are always in favor. This year, some of the hottest trends include: bohemian prints, feathered accessories, tie-dye, shorts, big bows, and ruffles.

You of course want to make sure your look will be comfortable in a variety of settings, such as walking around on the grass, and tail-gaiting. You want shoes that won't sink, so find some fun flats, or even better, some funky wedges will look great and keep your feet above ground.

We would be remiss if we didn't include hats and fascinators in our conversation about women's fashion when it comes to races! If you want to keep the sun out of your eyes, you may enjoy a big floppy hat with a bow or some feathers. Don't want to wear a hat, but still be on-trend? Or do you have a hat you like, but want to update the look? Why not try a fascinator to add a little extra pizazz to your look!

Men:

The races are a great opportunity for men, so often limited in their outfit choices, to really have some fun with their looks. Of course, you want your look to be both bold and wearable. This is the time of year to bring out your linen suits. If you want to spice them up, consider pairing your suit with a fun button-down shirt. Tired of wearing a tie? Try a bowtie! They come in many fun patterns and are a great way to mix things up. You can also play with patterns- find a shirt and a tie with the same colors, but in different patterns such as paisley/stripes, or checks/polka dots.

Many men will also want to wear a hat to keep the sun off their faces. Consider adding a feather or a patterned band to the hat to match your outfit. You will also want to carefully consider yourshoes as we may be dealing with mud or slippery grass.

Children:

Kids will want to follow many of the same fashion trends as their adult counterparts, just remember how much more likely they are to get dirty and grass-stained and plan accordingly!

Congratulations to Springtime Family Members Kim and Kate for being accepted to compete in the The Thoroughbred Makeover!

We are over-the-moon excited to announce that one of Springtime's very own, Kate Conyngham, will be competing in this year's Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, in October of 2019. She will be riding Ann's O'Prado (barn name Quin), a 4 (coming 5) year old off the track Thoroughbred gelding who is owned by another Springtime employee, Kim Barefoot.

What is it?

The Retired Racehorse Project is an organization that helps to raise awareness and place ex-racehorses into non-racing homes and careers. The Thoroughbred Makeover is a competition that includes over 600 trainers from across North America who compete in 10 different disciplines including barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, freestyle, polo, ranch work, show hunter and show jumping. The variety of divisions show just how versatile the Thoroughbred breed is.

A Bit About Us

Kate has ridden, shown and bred horses for over 30 years as an amateur but has never competed in the Thoroughbred Makeover. She aims to showcase her riding skill and training knowledge at the competition. Kim bought Quin in October, 2018 with the hopes of restarting him to see where his potential lies. Quin had a total of 23 starts and raced mostly as a 3 year old, with his career earnings amounting to $20,360. Kate and Kim met while working closely at Springtime together and their friendship quickly developed. Both rider and owner were aligned in their views on training and horsemanship, so the partnership was natural.

Our Trusty Steed

Quin left the track sound and healthy. He is a very calm, thoughtful and curious horse. He has been started slowly with an emphasis on ground work, giving to pressure and gaining awareness of his body. We are working on straightness and learning how to have a balanced, rhythmical canter.

Based on Kate's experience in the hunter realm and the strengths that Quin is showing, we feel he would do well in the Show Hunter division of the Makeover. We are still very open to curtailing our goals based on what Quin shows an aptitude for. Unfortunately, there is no "standing still" or "treat-eating" division - he would surely excel in those!

Quin was recently moved to a new facility that offers a variety of settings such as a cross country course and miles of trails. We are planning to expose him to many different environments before the Makeover including off site schooling sessions, local horse shows and clinics.

We are looking forward to the upcoming months and documenting Quin's progress on the road to the Makeover. We hope that you follow along with us for more photos, videos and updates!

When researching for blankets, I found that many people don't review blankets after purchasing. While reviews were positive, there were only 1-2 per product. There are many websites where blankets can be purchased, even on Amazon. However, it was easiest to search for blankets on Dover Saddlery website, because you can select the price range you are looking at and how much fill you want. If you have a local saddlery in your area, I would recommend giving them a visit to see what they have in stock first. Supporting your local businesses, especially Saddlery's that seem to be having a hard time going against big companies like Dover, is always a great idea.

Bugs can be found everywhere, hiding in tall grass fields or surrounding your home. With so many toxic options out there that have the potential to do more harm than good, many are looking towards natural remedies to help protect their four-legged loved ones from unwanted guests making themselves at home in their coats.

Springtime customers report best results when they give Bug Off Garlic to their dogs and horses year-round, and double or triple the dosage in the fall before winter. Insects and ticks are desperately looking for a last blood-meal to survive the winter.

We recommend giving Bug Off Garlic daily, year-round, because it can be challenging to re-introduce Bug Off Garlic after a hiatus. Particularly with picky animals.

Another important part of of giving Bug Off Garlic year-round is when the Garlic is already in your horse or dog's system, there is more protection on those occasional warm days.

To further keep your mind at ease, upping the dose on these days is 100% okay, because Bug Off Garlic is natural and water soluble.

When you gradually increase the Garlic, your dogs and horses are used to the smell.

Bonus tip: Putting thegarlicin a fridge or freezer can be helpful during this gradual increase, because keeping the garlic cold helps diminish the smell without changing the efficacy.

We recommend giving Bug Off Garlic daily, year-round, because it can be challenging to re-introduce Bug Off Garlic after a hiatus.

Giving Bug Off Garlic year-round is the best protocol because of the build up of Garlic in the system. Not to mention, the incredible health benefits!

Spoiler: Garlic is one of the world's most powerful antioxidant foods, and is a great source of dietary sulfur, including MSM.

While Bug Off Garlic shields against fleas, ticks, and flies, it also promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Another benefit of Bug Off Garlic is that it supports a healthy immune system.

Springtime has been selling Bug Off Garlic for Horsesand Dogsfor almost 25 years. While there is controversy circulating the toxicity of garlic for pets, from a single study in Japan where four dogs were force-fed extremely large amounts of raw garlic, Springtime has combined research-based chemistry with the desire for natural products.

Garlic preparations vary in chemistry, and the air-dried garlic we use contains very little of the oxidative component that may cause problems if used in excess, making Springtime's Bug Off Garlic gentle and absolutely safe for everyday, year-round use.

Updated August 17, 2022.

Ticks are still alive in many areas and are looking for a last meal before winter is in full swing!

With chemicals in pet products advancing, our dogs and horses are not equipped to detoxify against the shampoos, collars, spot-on products, and fly sprays that we are introducing into their systems.

Companies claim the safety of their products, but as the testing data to allow these products to go on the market is short-term, they aren't incentivized to follow the long-term effects.

With no surprise, studies find that many commercially produced tick and flea products are hurting more than the intended pests.

Until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stops allowing these harmful products to land on the shelves of every pet aisle, it is important to educate yourself on the risks of the dangerous chemicals in our animal repellents. Most flea and tick products, such as collars and fly sprays, are actually registered as pesticides by the EPA. Many issues have been reported as a result of pet poisonings.

Almost all of the fly repellents currently on the market that are formulated for horses are based on a chemical called pyrethrin. Pyrethrum is an extract of chrysanthemum flowers. While the flowers are natural and contains two naturally occurring insecticides (pyrethrin I and pyrethrin II), the effects on our horses and dogs are extremely harmful. Unfortunately, Pyrethrum is approved for use on crops, as home insecticides, dog flea/tick, and livestock products.

The EPA's current official toxicity class is "slight."

• Irritation of eyes and skin
• Sensitivity to sound or touch, odd facial expression, and paresthesias (odd skin sensations)
• Drooling and overall numbness
• Wobbly gait
• Headache, dizziness, and nausea
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle twitching or seizures

The estimated lethal dose by ingestion for an adult human is 10 to 100 grams. However, especially with fly sprays, these chemicals are easily absorbed across the lungs for both you and your horse.

When a product recommends the use of a mask when applying a product, our best recommendation is to trash it.

Little is known about a horse's sensitivity level. Insecticides are not the way to test their levels out.

As more research is coming around for these chemical-based fly and tick repellent fly sprays, companies are hopping on board. However, they are hopping on board with their claims, not necessarily changing what their products contain.

While many chemical sprays and repellents will say they are safe for dogs and horses, a look at the ingredients will prove otherwise.

For this, my best advice is to use natural products and supplements. The ingredients list should not have anything you can't pronounce, haven't heard of, or wouldn't have in your kitchen cabinet. Luckily, there are enough natural products out there that you don't have to resort to tick and flea repellents with dangerous chemicals in them, despite how readily available they are.

Going nontoxic should be proceeded with caution, as many safe-for-pets products contain peppermint, cinnamon, lemongrass, cedar wood, or rosemary oil.

While these ingredients may be safer than the alternative, they have been linked to allergies and other adverse effects in both pets and humans.

Springtime's Bug Off Garlic ingredients list is short, as it is 100% air-dried garlic granules, with recommended measurements for safe ingestion and 24-hour protection. It shields against fleas and ticks, as well as mosquitos, and promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract while supporting a healthy immune system.

Springtime has been selling Bug Off Garlic for Horses and Dogs for almost 20 years. While there is controversy circulating about the toxicity of garlic for pets, from a single study in Japan where four dogs were force-fed extremely large amounts of raw garlic, Springtime has combined research-based chemistry with the desire for natural products.

Garlic preparations vary in chemistry, and the air-dried garlic we use, contains very little of the oxidative component that may cause problems if used in excess, making Springtime's Bug Off Garlic gentle and absolutely safe for every day, year-round use.

Customers report the best results when they feed Bug Off Garlic year-round and double or triple the dosage in the spring and the fall. Insects like ticks surge in the fall and end of winter as they are desperately looking for the last blood meal to survive the winter.

We recommend giving Bug Off Garlic daily, year-round, because it can be challenging to re-introduce Bug Off Garlic after a hiatus, particularly with picky animals.

Read more information about click here.

Playing with your horse is a great way to encourage your horse to think. Horses are very intelligent, and are able to process and problem solve. Finding games to play with your horse can be great for helping an easily spooked horse, as it furthers your relationship with them. Playing games that "bomb proof" will help your horse develop the tools and strategies to deal with scary situations.

Playing with your horse can take many forms - whether it be interacting with objects and toys or building obstacle skills.Extending playing games into building horse agility is great, even if your horse isn't a competition horse. Here are 5 games to play with your horse!

Teaching your horse to push around a ball with their legs, nose, or chest is such a fun game. Once you have done this, another fun way to play with a ball is by bouncing it around your horse. This is a great way to gain his confidence around rhythmic motion and "commotion" outside of riding.

Start by bouncing the ball on the ground, walking away from your horse while he follows. This will create curiosity and build his confidence. Then, begin with small bounces as your horse's confidence continues, where their interaction with the ball will further.

Barrel races, pole bending, and keyhole races are great for teaching agility and speed, but is also a wonderful way to pass the time.If you have the space, try setting up different challenges in your arena or paddock, like pole exercises, walking through channeled areas, or weaving around barrels.

Egg and spoon races are especially fun with friends and other horses that are comfortable with one other. This game can be done on the ground or in the saddle. It is important to always keep in mind the skill of the riders and the space you have to play in.

For egg and spoon races, pick up an egg with a spoon from a barrel at one end, and drop it off at a basket at the other end of the arena. To amp up the challenge, have your horse weave around cones or step over poles on the way to drop off the eggs!

Set up a trail obstacle, or a course outside if you really want to do something with your horse, while putting your horse's mind to work! Set up some cones with tennis balls on them and try not to knock them off as you weave through. Set up flags, poles, and barrels-- all things that will help you and your horse stay relaxed and comfortable. The "challenging" and constantly changing work/course will make your horse have to "trust" you and rely on you.

A favored precision game is teaching your horse to touch an object with their nose.This is a great game because it not only furthers discipline and confidence, but stimulates your horse's brain. To start, pick something easy that is the same height as your horse's nose.Drive your horse forward towards the object, and softly direct his nose so it is aiming where you want him to go. Think of his nostrils as being target sights - he will only go in the direction you want if his sights are set on it!

As you show your horse the difference between work and play, you must be careful what you will be teaching your horse. For instance, tag isn't a great idea, because it can lead to biting or injuries.

When sifting through games, avoid anything that involves speed in a small space, especially with lots of horses. Even some traditional gymkhana games may not be suitable for small spaces.

Whatever games you choose, be sure to stay safe and provide lots of fun awards and treats. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy horsing around!

Updated September 22, 2022.

Make this Halloween your dog's best! Plus, get in on the four-legged fun without breaking the bank. These do-it-yourself costume ideas for your dog are adorable, and more importantly, they're easy!

Always remember that costumes should not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to breathe! If you're going to include paint on your pet costume, always use non-toxic, pet-safe paint. This is a favored idea for pets who are uncomfortable in any cloth costumes! Non-toxic paint is important for ensuring safety if your pet ingests the paint and keeps their skin clear of harmful chemicals.

All you need is some felt in varying in colors, scissors, and a glue gun. Create your mane and roar all night!

Saddle up your super horse with a red bedsheet! Iron or stitch your Super Woman or Super Man emblem on the sheet for an easy superhero horse costume! (Although the jumping picture is adorable, please do not jump while in costume to avoid any injuries or hazards the cape might pose!)

Cut out petals from felt and hot glue them around a breakaway dog collar to create the perfect four-legged flower!

Make the flower crown, similar to #3, for your horse! For added fun, be the bumble bee. Make antennas out of pipe cleaners and attach them to your helmet! Wear yellow and black, and you are ready for Halloween fun!

All you'll need is to cut out a TY Beanie Baby tag. Whether it is crafted from felt, lightweight cardboard, or paper, your dog will be the cutest beanie baby on the shelf!

Every princess needs a unicorn! Many stores sell the horn, but if you want to get crafty, you will need Mod Podge and a birthday hat! Cut the party hat in half to create a tighter horn, and Mod Podge (or hot glue/ staple) is in place! Have fun and decorate the horn in any color, or even add some glitter! Create a flower necklace out of paper or hot glue fake flowers for a lightweight decoration.

Your best business partner couldn't be any more adorable! Cut the collar and cuffs off of an old button-down and throw on a tie. Be sure to cut the tie and collar in the back and fasten them with tape or something that will easily detach to prevent a choking hazard. Briefcase full of treats is optional.

Tap into your creative side and paint your horse with pet-friendly, non-toxic paint to create a spooky skeleton horse or an adventurous giraffe!

Print out some bat-wing templates and cut out three layers from felt. Layer them together, and sew (or hot glue) the edges together. Place your wings on your pet's harness, and secure it on!

For your horse, all you'll need is a red onesie or long pajama set big enough for your four-legged friend. Or, create from felt! Stitch on white buttons, create Mickey ears on an elastic, and fit yellow cuffs for shoes around the ankles!

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to dress up your pet this Halloween, we've got you covered. We hope you have as much fun dressing up your furry friend as we did putting together these costumes. And don't forget to share pictures of your little costumed critter with us on social media - we can't wait to see them!

Be sure to check out our blog for more ideas and tips on horses and dogs. And have a spooktacular Halloween!

The History

The Horses

The Water

A Private, but Public, Island

Getting There

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Bonus Video:Springtime's President, Kevin Edwards, visits Assateague Island and enjoys the beauty of the wild horses that inhabit it:

Signs of Cribbing

Causes of Cribbing

Genetics

Environment

• Stress and anxiety
• Boredom
• Gastric ulcers
• Digestive problems
• Mimicking

Dangers of Cribbing

• Colic
• Teeth problems
• Development of large throat muscles
• Weight loss and eating disorders, when your horse chooses to crib instead of eat
• Intra-abdominal pressure

Cribbing Treatment & Prevention

Addressing the Symptom

Addressing the Cause

• Allow your horse to socialize more with other horses
• Give your horse more freedom to roam and graze in pastures
• Keep hay in your horse's stall at all times to provide defense against the gastric acid in your horse's stomach
• Introduce supplements for horses that promote calm and well being
• Provide your horse with a high-fiber diet
• Spend more time with your horse
• Add a variety of toys to your horse's stable to alleviate boredom

1. Apply a thin lay of cotton in the bottom of the boot
2. Place ¼ inch of Epsom salt into the cotton
3. Add enough water to make the salt into a paste-like consistency
4. Keep pack on and change once per day for 3-4 days

1. Place a layer of the Betadine and sugar paste on the affected area
2. Place a thin layer of cotton, or a diaper, over the paste on the foot
3. Place the boot on, or wrap it with vet wrap (be careful to secure the wrap, but not so tight as to cut off blood flow to the hoof. Blood circulation is important for healing!)
4. Continue this treatment once per day for 3-4 more days

Things to remember to keep your horse cool this summer...

How do you keep a horse cool? Summer has finally arrived, and it's time to get your horse back into a packed schedule of horse shows, trail rides, and summer camp lessons. Although many riders despise long days of horse shows in long-sleeved shirts and jackets, our horses are having a hard time, too, and are depending on us for some relief.

1) Always, Always Offer Fresh, Clean Water

Whether you're at a horse show or your horse has a day off in the field, making sure your horse has plenty of fresh water will keep dehydration at bay. If your fielded horse has a large water trough, be sure to clean it out daily. Horses will avoid water with dead animals that sometimes get trapped in it. Also, bacteria can easily grow as scum appears, not to mention it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"Keep your horse well hydrated - ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT - by offering 24-hour access to clean, quality water regardless of whether he's stabled, turned out, or competing."

The average horse drinks 5-10 gallons of water per day. However, when temperatures are over 85 degrees, drinking frequency increases, so you want to keep those levels replenished. The University of Guelph in Ontario recommends "keep your horse well hydrated - especially when it's hot - by offering 24-hour access to clean, quality water regardless of whether he's stabled, turned out, or competing."

2) Exercise During the Right Time of Day

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise your horse to keep the horse cool, but horses that get more exercise develop strength and endurance to heat, which helps them keep the course at horse shows and trail rides. Similar to people training for a marathon, you want to keep your horse in shape. In preparation for competition, start by riding in the heat to become acclimated, about five days per week, continually. Prof. Michael Lindinger, an animal and exercise physiologist at the University of Guelph, explains that "you need to get horses used to being ridden in the heat and allow them to develop the full spectrum of beneficial adaptations that come with heat acclimation."

With that being said, Prof. Michael Lindinger warns that it can be dangerous to ride in hot, humid weather and to still take caution. Allowing your horse to become acclimated to the heat will teach him to drink more, helping him stay hydrated. "It only takes 17 minutes of moderate intensity exercise in hot, humid weather to raise a horse's temperature to dangerous levels. That's three to 10 times faster than in humans. Horses feel the heat much worse than we do."

"You need to get horses used to being ridden in the heat and allow them to develop the full spectrum of beneficial adaptations that come with heat acclimation."

When exercising, plan to also ride during cooler hours of the day - early morning and early evening - if your horse is not fully acclimated to the heat. Since horses have more active muscles than humans, they produce more heat and can lose up to 1-3 gallons of sweat in normal conditions while losing up to 8 gallons in hot conditions! Losing this much water means losing salt and electrolytes, which need to be replenished.

3) Supplement & Allow Free Choice Forage

Giving horse water is not going to reverse dehydration - salts have to be replaced. In fact, more water dilutes into the body, pushing the body to release more water and, thus, more electrolytes. Adding supplements and electrolytes to your horses' water or feed can ensure their levels remain stable, especially with a full day, or weekend, of competition. Springtime Supplements Hoof & Coat Formula doubles as an electrolyte formula. It contains sea salt, kelp, nutritional yeast, diatomaceous earth, and biotin. Sea salt is composed of naturally occurring potassium, calcium, magnesium, and trace elements.

4) Give a Proper Horse Cool Down

You can be sure that after a long ride, your horse will be tired and sweaty. A proper horse cool-down will help bring their heart rate back to normal and allow the dilation of capillaries close to the skin, increasing the evaporation of heat from the horse. What are the steps you should take?

• Go for at least a 10-15 minute walk
• Hose your horse off after being worked
• Encourage the horse to drink small amounts of cool water frequently
• Give extra electrolytes if you have finished a day of competing
• Ensure there is plenty of ventilation (e.g., a breeze through a stall or a fan)

5) Offer Shelter

If your horse is in the field during the day, be sure to provide an area that is shaded. This can be in the form of a run-in shed or a barn connected to a field. Pastures that offer large trees can provide shade for horses, but having a cover helps when the heat storms come running through. Giving your horse the deciding factor of going undercover or being in the sun will enable them to adapt to the changing climate.

Products mentioned in this blog...

Are Essential Fatty Acids Necessary?

How Do EFAs Help?

Keep Omega-3 and Omega-6 Naturally in Balance

Supplementing Essential Fatty Acids for Horses

1. Know where the fireworks will be in your area and around what time.
2. If you are planning a cookout, make sure your trash cans are secure to avoid your pets getting into any leftover bones or cobs of corn or other foods that could be harmful.
3. Do not leave your pet unattended outside:
   • Let your pets out a few hours after dinner and before it is dark outside and then stall-bound or house-bound your pets until the fireworks are over.
4. Create a comfort zone for your pet:
   • Check your horse's stall and dog's kennel for any hazards that could injure your pet while they are enclosed.
   • Leave a television on in your house or a radio on in your barn to distract your pets from the fireworks.
   • Have chews or toys available for nervousness - extra hay for horses in the stall.
5. Make sure your animal has proper forms of identification on them at all times:
   • Check to make sure tags and collars are secure and with the proper contact information.
   • If your dog is microchipped, confirm that your address and phone number are current.
   • If your horse wears a halter in the field (and if they have to stay in the field), then make sure you have your current name and telephone number on it just in case.
6. Try Springtime Supplements Stress Free Calmplex Chewables for Dogs or Daily Calm for Horses:
   • Stress Free Calmplex Chewables and Daily Calm are natural supplements to help your pets manage their stress naturally and without sedation.
   • Great for fireworks, thunder, vet visits, boarding, stallwalkers, high strung types.
   • Springtime uses top grade ginseng as an all-natural adaptogen that does not sedate.

Types

• Spasmodic/gas colic: Perhaps the least serious type of horse colic, this is a gas buildup that produces painful pressure and, in the case of spasmodic colic, uncomfortable spasms of the colon. A common cause of this form of colic is an over-fermentation of feed in the gastrointestinal track and the inability for the intestines to move gas along. However, gas colic can become deadly when the distended bowel twists, because the gas filled intestine rises to the top of the abdomen, causing the tract to flip. Colic is generally a result of parasites, stress, poor diet, and ulcers that can cause intestinal inflammation. To reduce the chance of gas colic, fresh, clean water and supplementation, such as Springtime Bee Pollen, can be used when little grass is available and if ulcers are present. Springtime Bug Off Garlic can lower the risk of parasites and keep the immune system boosted.


• Obstructive or impaction colic: This is a blockage of sand, dirt, feed, or some other material, preventing the normal passage of food and waste. Often caused by the horse's feed, grazing practices or parasites, inadequate hydration is a major cause of equine colic. Grazing in dusty or sandy fields can lead to consumption of impacting dirt and sand. In some cases, the impaction is caused by an enterolith. Greek for "internal stone," an enterolith occurs when naturally occurring minerals in the horse's body surround a foreign, indigestible body, such a clump of hair, a pebble, or a piece of cloth. When they are small enough to pass to the small intestine yet too large to pass to the manure, enteroliths can cause partial or total blockages. In some of the worst cases, the stomach can rupture due to a distended stomach from the impaction. Parasites can also be a prominent source of colic and it is important to keep nutrition and health as a priority. While we recommend a regular deworming, Springtime Bug Off Garlic and Springtime Spirulina Wafers will not only deter bugs, but can boost the immune system and flush the body of toxins. Both will also add nutritional value to everyday feedings to keep horses healthy and happy.


• Strangulation colic: The small intestine hangs in the gut suspended from a thin sheet of tissue called a mesentery. As food moves along the intestine, waves of muscular movement become crucial for proper digestion. If movement slows or stops, the bowel will fill up and can twist. Since blood vessels connect to the small intestine from the mesentery, twisting cuts off the blood supply and hinders the movement of food and waste. The lack of blood and oxygen will then cause the bowel to die. These are dire emergencies with high mortality rates. Strangulation colic can also be caused by a lipoma (fatty tumor) of the mesentery, and these lipomas can form a strangulating kink, or ring, around the intestine.


• Intussusception colic: If food and waste moving through the intestine slows or stops, bowels moving behind can crash into the non-moving bowel, causing the intestine to pull back into itself, a condition called telescoping. This is a very serious condition, with similar effects to strangulation colic (e.g., death of intestinal tissue to lack of blood flow, food/waste obstruction, and high mortality).

Symptoms

Treatment of Horse Colic

Prevention

The global super-supplement supports the immune system for a variety of health benefits

Below you will find more information on Springtime products containing spirulina:

• Increased respiratory rate
• Horse cough that is soft and moist
• Exercise intolerance
• Nasal discharge
• Wheezing
• Heave lines. Caused by a prolonged double phase of exhalation, lines can be visible on your horse's chest and abdomen. These "heave lines" are the result of abdominal muscles making an extra effort to release air from the lungs.

Why is My Horse Coughing?

Treatments for Heaves

Removing Potential Food Allergens

• If possible, keep your horse in an open pasture where he can enjoy fresh air, as well as access to fresh grass
• Switch to pelleted food and/or pelleted hay, hay cubes or wafer-cut hay and soak before feeding
• Soak all hay before feeding and feed in a haynet
• Add natural supplements that will support a healthy allergy response and boost the immune system

Removing Potential Contact Allergens

• Change your horse's bedding daily to limit dust particles. Shredded paper, pelleted shavings or wood shavings are an excellent alternative to a straw bedding
• Keep your horse's stall clean and well ventilated. Allow barn doors to stay open during the day and night, even in winter.
• Remove dust, cobwebs and loose feed from indoor enclosures
• Turn horses out on pasture for most of the day and night

• Supplements

  • A cost effective and readily available option for heaves in horses is supplements with natural ingredients. When dealing with heaves, natural remedies may offer the benefits required, but with fewer side effects. Supplements can be easily added in and are highly palatable.
  • Supplements with Tienchi, Spirulina, or DMG can have significant benefits for horses with respiratory problems. They work to improve circulation, support a healthy inflammatory response, and fortify the immune system to effectively relieve the symptoms of heaves.



• Oral Anti-inflammatory Medicines

  • Corticosteroids help control the side effects of an allergic reaction that causes your horse's air-passage to become inflamed, thicken, and develop mucus.
  • Bronchodilators help your horse breathe more comfortably by relaxing the muscles that affect airways. They may be given for a short time period while adjustments are made to the horse's environment.



• Inhaled Medications

  • A mask inhaler system, or nebulizer, has similar results to the oral anti-inflammatory medicines listed above. The main difference is that a special mask delivers the medications, such as corticosteroids and bronchodilators, directly to your horse's lungs. This more direct method uses less concentrated forms of the drugs, which can mean reduced risk of side effects.



• Antibiotics

  • These medications treat bacterial infections that adversely impact heaves.
  • With the immune system lowered from excess mucus built up in the lungs, horses are more susceptible to contracting infections. An immune boosting supplement would be recommended until environmental changes can be made.

Help Your Horse Breathe Comfortably

Related Products

1. Horses overheat 10 times faster than humans. In hot and humid conditions, it only takes about 17 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise for your horse to overheat.Working horse muscles can reach temperatures of nearly 110°F. This is the temperature at which muscle proteins begin to cook.
2. Only 25%-30% of the sweat your horse produces is effective in cooling them as opposed to 50% in humans. Rehydration and electrolyte replenishment is essential.
3. Use the following Temperature + Humidity equation to determine your horse's schedule. If you add the temperature to the humidity, you will be able to tell if it's too hot outside for your horse. If the total index is 130 or more, there is serious risk of overheating your horse.

• 70°F + 35% humidity = 105. This is characterized as "pleasant sporting conditions."
• 80°F + 50% Humidity= 130. Below 130 your horse can cool themselves properly assuming adequate hydration.
• An index of 130-170= CAUTION! Your horse's ability to cool themselves is only partially functioning.
• An index of 170 or above= STOP. Your horse's ability to cool themselves is seriously inhibited. Extra cooling procedures should be used.
• 95°F + 85% humidity = 180. This heat index is a dangerous condition for physical exertion.

• If the mouth and gums that are dry, brick red, or very pale. The mucous membranes should be a healthy, pink color.
• If your horse has poor capillary refill time. Press your finger into his gum and remove. If the spot stays white and pale for a few seconds, meaning the blood doesn't rush right back afterward, your horse is dehydrated. 3 seconds is too long.

• A horse's eyes seem to sink into their head as a sign of fluid loss. Their tissues around the eyes may appear to be wrinkled. Horses and mules exhibiting theses symptoms should be rested, watered, and cooled.

• Similar to our skin's signs of dehydration, it is important to check for a loss of skin elasticity. If a pinch of skin pulled out from the equine's neck or shoulder stays tented for several seconds, they might be dehydrated. If it takes 2 or 3 seconds, the horse is moderately dehydrated, if it stays elevated for 6 to 10 seconds, he is severely dehydrated.
• Also, their sweat might also become thick and sticky.

• Although a horse should breathe more rapidly right after exercise, rapid breathing that continues after a few minutes -- especially without any sign of slowing down -- could indicate that there is a problem.
• Check their temperature. 102°F after an exercise cool-down might warrant a call to your veterinarian. You should know your horse's normal temperature, heart, and respiratory rates. To find the heart rate of a horse, simply find a pulse and count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply that number by four, which will give the beats per minute. Count the breaths per minute in a similar way.
• It is important to take precautions if their pulse is elevated, weak, and irregular despite rest.
• The horse's heart rate also increases as the its body tries to get more blood to the surface for cooling but has less body fluid to accomplish this.

To help cool your horse, use all parts of the Springtime's SOFEB solution:

• Shade: Get your horse out of direct sunlight and into the shade
• Offer water: Allow your horse to drink as much water as desired (not ice cold! 68°F).
• Fan horse: Stand your horse beneath a stable fan or in a breezy area
• End activity: Immediately stop the workout, ride, or farm work
• Bathe immediately: Douse the horse with cold water or a water/alcohol mix

It's that time of year again - tick season! The temperatures are warming up and the ticks are active and ready to find their next host. It's important to inspect your horses and dogs regularly to catch these bugs before too much damage is done. Check out these top five places ticks love to hide!

Horses

1. Tail - Always check your horse's tail as it is one of the most common places to find a tick. Be sure to inspect the entire tailbone, especially around the top of the tail.
2. Mane - Ticks can be found hidden in the mane near the crest of the neck. Use your fingers to feel any strange bumps along the crest - you might find a nasty tick.
3. Ears - Ears are a very sensitive area for horses, which make it a favorite spot for ticks to latch on to a horse.
4. Chest - The folds of skin and warm hairy spots around a horse's chest and armpit area provide an excellent place for ticks to hide.
5. Groin - Don't forget to check the groin area as it is an easy hiding spot for ticks. Carefully inspect between the inside of the hind legs.

Dogs:

1. Ears - Behind the ears are a favorites spot for ticks. Carefully examine all around the ears, especially where there is thicker hair.
2. Neck - Ticks love to hide in the folds of skin around the neck. Check around your dog's collar as well, because it can provide another hiding place.
3. Elbows - Behind the dogs elbows and around their armpits is another favorite tick hiding spot. Not only is it a warm area, but the skin in this part is more sensitive making it an easy place to bite in to.
4. Toes - One of the least inspected places is between a dog's toes. Ticks love to nestle into the nooks and crannies, and between the toes is a great hiding place for them.
5. Groin - Another warm and hidden place to regularly inspect is your dog's groin area. This sensitive area on your dog is another favorite spot for stubborn ticks.

Ticks are always on the prowl for their next meal. Be sure to routinely check your horses and dogs for these nasty hitchhikers. It is especially important to check after spending time in the woods or after traveling through fields with tall grass. For a natural 24 hours fly and tick shield, try adding in Springtime's Bug Off Garlic to your horse or dog's daily routine!

Directions for use and how to get the most out of your Bug Off Garlic!

Bugs can be found everywhere, hiding in tall grass fields or surrounding your home. Many of the options for protection from biting insects rely on toxic chemicals with potentially significant side effects. That's why many people are looking to natural remedies to help protect themselves and their loved ones from unwanted pests.

As Springtime celebrates 40 years of providing natural supplements, you could say that we know a thing or two about the helpful and natural ways to protect against bugs. Garlic has been a part of Springtime customers' lives for almost 25 years, and it continues to be the go-to solution for natural insect protection and immune support for their dogs, horses, and the people who love them. Over the years we've heard a lot from customers on how they incorporate garlic into their lives and the lives of their animals.

Here are some pointers we have received to help you make the most of your garlic experience!

Start out slow and increase gradually!

Sudden changes in our lives can be jarring. Customers have found that the best approach is a slow, gradual introduction of less than the minimum amount and working up to the recommended amount at a slow and steady pace. Doubling and tripling is always an option once your horses or dogs have become accustomed to the garlic.

The more you give the better!

Garlic works differently for everyone and some need a little extra to get the job done. If it's your horse, your dog, or you, gradually increasing to an amount that shows you that bugs are steering clear is exactly what you need to do! But Springtime wants to help keep your horses, dogs, and your defense against insects strong and we recommend giving as much garlic as it takes. That's the beauty of a natural garlic supplement, you can never give too much!

Daily and year-round.

Once garlic is in the system, there is consistent protection through the year. Doubling or tripling the doses when bugs tend to surge (early spring and late fall) is recommended to increase protection. In areas of high infestation, such as tall grasses, bushes, woods, trails, overgrown areas, woodpiles, etc... The nasty little ticks are much more likely to find your pet as a tasty snack. As the seasons change, do some research to find out what time of the season ticks get extra hungry in your area. Ticks usually tend to latch on more aggressively and vigorously if it is their first meal of the season coming out of hibernation or their last meal when they are getting ready to hide away for the winter.

Give it time.

As with any natural supplement, garlic needs to make itself at home in your dog's system. This can take up to 2-4 weeks, but once it's settled in, with constant use, it will continue to protect your dog from fleas and ticks.

Don't forget about the health benefits!

As garlic shields against pesky bugs, it also promotes friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Garlic is a known prebiotic, which are substances that create favorable conditions for probiotics. This is one of the reasons garlic has been used for many years to support a healthy immune system.

Horse owners, tune in! In Part One of our Handy Autumn Checklist series, the Springtime team provided a slew of helpful tips for taking care of your dog's health as the season changes. Now, it's time to discuss how to keep your horse's health in tip-top shape this fall. As many of us know, humans and their canine companions are not the only ones susceptible to seasonal allergies, illnesses and other health conditions as temperatures drop. We must also be extra charitable to our noble steeds who may be put at risk if their nutritional and physical needs are not met. Below are a handful of tips for keeping your horse healthy as we wrap up 2020!

Fight Off Parasites: Deworm!

As temperatures decrease, parasite activity can increase. You want to do a thorough fecal egg count to determine if your horse needs to be dewormed. Parasite activity can vary depending on where you live in the country and the type of climate you experience. Common parasites found in the gastrointestinal tract of horses and other grazing animals are strongyles. Many horses become affected by strongyles from grazing and consuming contaminated grass, which is why many choose to deworm their horses in late summer and fall. Stabling during the cold months is one of the best ways to prevent strongyle infections and inhibit larval buildup, especially as parasite activity can act up in the fall.

Secure the Barns or Stables: Check for Drafts!

Horses are resilient creatures and can withstand chilly temperatures, often without requiring thick winter coats to keep warm throughout late fall and winter. However, when was the last time you took inventory of your horse's shelter area to check for imperfections? While horses can fare well in colder climates, it doesn't hurt to do a quick evaluation of your horse's stable. Check for drafty areas in your barn, such as cracks or holes near doors and windows, that can let the outside in. You don't want to completely eliminate any means for airflow, but try to make some necessary upgrades to your horse's area for shelter to ensure they're as comfortable and warm as possible during the colder months!

Focus on Equine Self Care: Check Hooves, Hydration and Exercise Levels!

The fall may be the perfect time for you to focus on giving your horse the checkup they need nutritionally and physically. For instance, your horse's hooves should be tended to in the fall and throughout the winter. While most people who don't show in the winter actually pull shoes, which allows the hoof to grow more naturally, those who do keep shoes may add snow pads. They made also use something that adds traction, such as borium. As horses are not eating grass during the winter, their hooves tend to grow slower as well, which means you may be able to extend check-ups to every 6-8 weeks rather than every 5 weeks. Hoof and Coat Formula for Horses contains naturally-occurring electrolytes, trace minerals, B vitamins and biotin for optimal mineral replenishment and sound hooves. Shop Hoof & Coat Formula here!

Nutritionally, a horse's needs may adapt or change just as a human's would! For one, your horse may begin to drink less water in the colder months, which is why you should focus on the importance of electrolytes. Drinking less in the winter is typically normal behavior for horses (many humans drink less water during cold months, too!), however, you should still try monitoring your horse's water intake to ensure proper hydration. You can check their gums, which should feel slippery or slimy if they are properly hydrated. You can also check to see if their eyes are more dimmed or dull than they typically are, or if they are acting more lethargic than usual. If your horse is showing signs of dehydration this fall or winter, implement a hydration strategy that is measurable or even speak to your vet if the problem continues.

There is also no reason to decrease physical activity just because the temperatures are shifting! If your horse suffers from joint discomfort that gets exacerbated with cool temperatures, that means you should actually continue with light exercise to keep them fit and agile. It may also relieve stiffness and tension. If you're looking for a high-quality supplement to support your horse's stiff joints as the cold weather comes, our Joint Health Formula for Horses lubricates joints and helps maintain healthy cartilage and ligaments. Shop Joint Health Formula for Horses here!

Speak to a Team Member at Springtime Supplements to Learn More!

This list of tips could go on and on, but these are three essential tasks that we believe are imperative for monitoring your horse's health during the fall. As the seasons change, make sure your horse's health is in tip top shape by monitoring hydration and nutrition, ensuring they have a warm place to seek out shelter and preventing internal parasites. Contact our customer service experts at Springtime Supplements today to learn more about horse care.

Flies are a barn owner's biggest nuisance, especially in warm weather. Not only are flies annoying and can bite or sting your horses, they also can spread a number of diseases. Here, the horse lovers at Springtime Supplements offer some tips to control the flies and keep your herd happy and comfortable.

Prevention is the Best Treatment

The easiest way to manage flies is to not have them. This may be easier said than done, though. Keeping up with the following habits can help you to create a no-fly zone in your barn:

Control Moisture

Flies need wet areas to breed and lay their eggs. Make sure to keep stalls dry and clean. They should be mucked thoroughly at least once a day, and twice if your horse is spending a majority of the day inside. In addition, you should take the time every few months to strip your horse's stall. Stripping includes removing all shavings and cleaning the rubber mats underneath. The mats create a dark, moist environment, which is perfect for fly larvae and other bacteria to breed.

Be sure to examine your pastures as well to eliminate any standing water. Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for flies and mosquitos. Regularly clean out feeders and water troughs or any other receptacle that may collect water. Make sure that this practice extends to the rest of your barn as well. Ensure that leaks are repaired in a timely fashion and create good drainage where needed.

Manage & Remove Manure

Manure is a fly's meal of choice, so removing its main food source will greatly decrease the chance a fly will stick around your barn. Make sure that you are mucking stalls or round pens at least once a day. If possible, have manure piles removed from your property at least once a week, especially during the summer. It is also important that you keep manure dry, usually by covering it with a tarp. Wet manure piles will allow flies to feast and breed rapidly.

Install Fans

Moving air makes it difficult for flies to land. Installing box fans on your horses' stall doors will not only keep them comfortable and cool during the summer months but will also provide relief from pesky flies. Large fans can be placed at the end of barn isles to keep air circulating. However, be sure that all plugs and cords are tucked away where they can't be chewed on.

Keep Food Hidden

To limit what flies can eat in your barn, make sure that all potential food sources are covered. Keep lids on trash cans and make sure that all grains and feeds are in air-tight containers. If you have other furry barn helpers such as dogs or cats, don't keep their food out in the open.

Turn Off the Lights

Lights can attract flies and other insects. Be sure that you turn off isle, tack room and feed room lights when they're not in use to keep bugs at bay.

Managing Flies in Your Barn

Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to prevent any flies from entering your barn. Here are tips to help cut down on the number of flies who have already found their way into your barn:

Fly Barriers

Using physical barriers such as fly sheets, fly masks, fly boots and fly screens can help to keep flies away from your horses. Fly sheets are lightweight mesh sheets that protect your horse's body from flies. They are cool enough that most horses are comfortable wearing them during the day, even during the summer. Fly masks cover your horse's face and can even extend protection to your horse's nose and ears. Made of the same lightweight mesh that fly sheets are made out of, fly masks protect your horse's eyes from pesky bugs. Fly boots act similarly to fly sheets and fly masks, but provide fly protection from your horse's coronet band to their knee. These different forms of fly protection come in a variety of sizes and styles to offer protection to horses and ponies of all sizes.

Installing fly screens, or large hanging pieces of mesh, in the entryways or windows of your barn can provide another barrier to flies trying to get to your horses. By preventing flies from snacking on your herd, you'll cut down on the number of bugs in your barn.

Flytraps

Flytraps provide active management of flies that currently live in your barn. There are a variety of types of different fly traps, including sticky tape and attractant traps, so it is important to thoroughly research which trap will be best for your barn.

Fly Parasites

Sometimes the best way to fight bugs is, well, more bugs. Fly parasites are tiny low-flying wasps that are harmless to humans and animals that feed on flies when they are in the immature pupal stage, preventing them from ever hatching. Introducing these bugs to your barn's ecosystem offers a natural way to cut down on the number of new flies hatching.

Supplements

Believe it or not, simply adding supplements can help to cut down on the fly population in your barn. Springtime Supplements' Bug Off Garlic offers a 24-hour shield against biting insects including flies, when given daily.

Before or after exercise?

Stretching safety

1. Neck

1. Facing your horse, stand on one side of them. Allow them to sniff the carrot or treat, and lead their nose to the ridge between their shoulder blades. Their hooves should be in place!
2. Once they reach the desired degree, you can give them the treat!
3. Repeat and then switch sides. (BONUS: Use the same technique to stretch their upper neck, leading their chin to their chest.)

1. Shake out your shoulders and gently (and slowly) move your neck through its entire range of motion.
2. Turn your neck from left to right, lower your chin to your chest and tip your head back as far as it will go.
3. Finally, move your neck laterally left and right by bringing your ear to the corresponding shoulder.

2. Shoulders

1. Face your horse and stand slightly to one side.Gently pick up your horse's foot (the one on the side you are on), and place your other hand behind the same knee.
2. Start to slowly back away from the horse, gently bringing the leg forward (but also keeping it low!)Then, slowly lift upward until you feel some tension, but make sure your horse is comfortable and not straining too much.
3. Slowly return the leg back to its resting position. Repeat this process a couple or a few times. Then switch legs.

1. Holding a dressage whip or lead shank, raise your arms overhead and lower them behind your back.
2. The tighter your shoulders are, the wider grip you will need.
3. Be mindful of your shoulders, and how it would feel to maintain keeping them back while riding. Hold for 30 seconds. (BONUS:Increase the intensity of this stretch by narrowing your grip, or increasing the hold time.)

3. Back/Spine

1. Grasp the tail just above the end of the tail bone and visually align the tail with your horse's spine.
2. Slowly and gently pull straight out from your horse's back, hold for a few seconds, and then slowly release.
3. (Note: Releasing slowly is important because letting go quickly can put pressure on the tail, which can be uncomfortable for them.)

4. Hips

1. Stand next to your horse, and pick up their leg as though you are going to pick up their hoof.
2. Place one hand on his fetlock, and hold his hock with your other hand.
3. Pull his leg backwards past the tail (as well as forward toward the front limbs until it is fully extended.) Feel free to rest your elbows on your knees to support your back while holding the extended leg.
4. Continue holding the extended leg until your horse leans into the stretch.
5. To lessen the stretch, you can place both of your hands hind his fetlock.-

1. Place your back foot on the ground, and drop the corresponding knee.
2. Tuck in your pelvis and brace your core so you aren't arching your back. Hold this for 2 minutes each side.
3. As your range of motion improves, you can place your back foot up on a couch, chair, or table.

5. Legs

1. Stand in front of the leg you're working with and pick up the horse's foot, as though you were about to clean it.
2. Place your hands on the leg between the fetlock and cannon bone, holding the leg in the palms of your hands.
3. With your knees bent, lift up slowly. You must lift with your legs, and must keep the horse's legs in line with his body.Be very careful to not pull it out to the side. When you lift, their shoulder blade will move up. Pause and count to three.
4. Then lower the shoulder and slowly return the foot to the ground.

1. Begin on all fours with heels against the wall, knees slightly apart.
2. Lift your left leg and place your knee against the wall.
3. Place the foot of your right leg flat on the floor.
4. Slowly raise your torso until you're upright, in a neutral spine position. Make sure your hips are square to the front of the room. Only go as far as you can with this stretch. You may not be able to raise your torso at all when you begin.
5. Switch sides and repeat.

Barn Owners - Take that Vacation!

When to Travel

Finding a Pet Sitter

Setting Up Barn Details

Portion Out Supplements

Stock Up on Feed and Forage

Prepare for Barn Emergencies

Paying your Pet Sitter

Connect with your Pet Sitter when you Reach your Destination

Gamma oryzanol is a mixture of antioxidant compounds that occurs naturally in rice bran oil. Gamma oryzanol is believed to support healthy muscle tone and performance, which has made rice bran oil a popular supplement among athletes and animal breeders. Gamma oryzanol contains antioxidants, which are known to remove damaging free radicals, to protect body cells and tissues. Gamma oryzanol was first extracted from rice bran oil in Japan in 1953, and rice bran oil has since gained a reputation as a very healthy seed oil.*

The science behind the supplement

Gamma oryzanol is a collection of ferulated sterols, which the body can metabolize to provide circulating ferulic acid. These ferulic acid esters are thought to have support healthy hormone function, resulting in anabolic effects on healthy muscle growth and normal recovery from fatigue. Studies have indicated that gamma oryzanol also activates the higher center of the endocrine system and the automic nervous system, helping to promote healthy balance in both systems.

Gamma oryzanol shown to be effective in scientific study

The antioxidant activities of gamma-oryzanol from rice bran were investigated in a study¹ published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry. The study found that gamma oryzanol "exhibited significant antioxidant activity in the inhibition of cholesterol oxidation." Gamma oryzanol components of rice bran oil were also shown to have greater antioxidant properties than vitamin E.

¹Antioxidant activity of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and gamma-oryzanol components from rice bran against cholesterol oxidation accelerated by 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride. Xu Z1, Hua N, Godber JS. J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Apr;49(4):2077-81.

²Anti-aging efficacy of topical formulations containing niosomes entrapped with rice bran bioactive compounds. Manosroi A, Chutoprapat R, Abe M, Manosroi W, Manosroi J. Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology, Thailand 2012 Feb;50(2):208-24