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#equinenutrition promotes healthy horse diets, emphasizing quality forage, balanced grains, essential vitamins, minerals, hydration, weight management, digestion, performance supplements, and tailored feeding plans for optimal equine health and well-being.
The horse’s hoof is a complex and vital structure, playing a critical role in weight-bearing and movement. Inside the hoof, the coffin bone (distal phalanx) is suspended by the laminae, a highly specialized, interlocking tissue that connects the hoof wall to the bone. This system ensures stability and proper alignment, allowing the horse to move comfortably and distribute weight evenly. In a healthy hoof, the laminae function effectively, maintaining the coffin bone's alignment within the hoof capsule. The hoof wall is smooth, strong, and shows no signs of inflammation, while the sole and frog work together to support shock absorption and circulation. In a laminitic hoof, the laminae become inflamed and weakened, often due to metabolic conditions, dietary factors, or trauma. This inflammation can cause the coffin bone to rotate or sink, disrupting the hoof's internal structure. Visible signs of laminitis include rings on the hoof wall, a widened white line, and tenderness when pressure is applied. Internally, the loss of laminae strength can lead to severe pain and difficulty bearing weight. #equinenutrition #equine #horsefeed #laminitis #farrier #hoof #hooves #horse #horsecare
Replying to @krista.reiswig  Navicular disease is a degenerative condition that affects the navicular bone and associated structures in a horse’s hoof. This small, boat-shaped bone is critical for smooth and pain-free movement, as it works with the deep digital flexor tendon to absorb shock and distribute weight during motion. When navicular disease occurs, the bone, tendons, and surrounding tissues experience degeneration or inflammation, leading to chronic pain and lameness. This condition is most common in performance horses, whose high levels of activity can place increased stress on their front hooves. The exact cause of navicular disease is not always clear, but it is often linked to a combination of mechanical stress, conformation, and hoof management. Horses with poor hoof conformation, such as long toes and low heels, are at an increased risk because these abnormalities create excessive strain on the navicular apparatus. Repetitive stress from intense work, such as jumping or high-speed performance, can also contribute to wear and tear on the bone and tendons. Additionally, improper shoeing or trimming can exacerbate the problem by failing to support hoof balance, while reduced blood flow to the navicular region may accelerate bone degeneration. Horses with navicular disease typically show signs of intermittent lameness, particularly in the front limbs. Lameness often worsens after exercise or when the horse is worked on hard surfaces. Affected horses may exhibit a shortened stride and adopt a toe-first landing to avoid placing pressure on their heels, where the navicular apparatus resides. Some horses also show shifting lameness, alternating between front limbs as they compensate for pain. These subtle signs can progress over time, making early diagnosis crucial for effective management. Diagnosing navicular disease involves a thorough clinical evaluation and advanced diagnostic tools. During a clinical exam, a veterinarian may use hoof testers to localize pain and assess how the horse moves at different gaits. Imaging techniques, such as X-rays or MRI, are critical for identifying changes in the navicular bone, including bone degeneration, cysts, or calcification. Nerve blocks, where local anesthetic is applied to numb the navicular region, can confirm the source of pain by temporarily alleviating lameness. These diagnostic steps allow for a comprehensive understanding of the horse’s condition and help guide treatment decisions. While navicular disease cannot be reversed, it can often be managed to improve the horse’s comfort and mobility. Corrective shoeing is a cornerstone of treatment, aiming to balance the hoof and reduce strain on the navicular bone and surrounding tendons. This may involve using specialized shoes or wedges to support the heel and encourage proper alignment. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, while therapies like shockwave treatment or bisphosphonates may slow the progression of the disease. In severe cases, surgical intervention, such as a neurectomy, can provide pain relief, although it comes with risks and limitations. Preventative care is key to reducing the risk of navicular disease in horses. Regular hoof maintenance, including proper trimming and shoeing, ensures balanced hooves that distribute weight evenly and minimize strain on the navicular region. Managing workload is also essential, especially for performance horses, where intense activities like jumping or galloping should be balanced with periods of rest. Early attention to hoof conformation issues, such as correcting long toes or low heels, can help prevent the mechanical stress that contributes to navicular disease. By adopting proactive hoof care and monitoring for early signs of lameness, horse owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of this condition developing. #horsecare #horse #hooves #hoof #farrier #horsefeed #equine #equinenutrition #navicular
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Replying to @krista.reiswig Navicular disease is a degenerative condition that affects the navicular bone and associated structures in a horse’s hoof. This small, boat-shaped bone is critical for smooth and pain-free movement, as it works with the deep digital flexor tendon to absorb shock and distribute weight during motion. When navicular disease occurs, the bone, tendons, and surrounding tissues experience degeneration or inflammation, leading to chronic pain and lameness. This condition is most common in performance horses, whose high levels of activity can place increased stress on their front hooves. The exact cause of navicular disease is not always clear, but it is often linked to a combination of mechanical stress, conformation, and hoof management. Horses with poor hoof conformation, such as long toes and low heels, are at an increased risk because these abnormalities create excessive strain on the navicular apparatus. Repetitive stress from intense work, such as jumping or high-speed performance, can also contribute to wear and tear on the bone and tendons. Additionally, improper shoeing or trimming can exacerbate the problem by failing to support hoof balance, while reduced blood flow to the navicular region may accelerate bone degeneration. Horses with navicular disease typically show signs of intermittent lameness, particularly in the front limbs. Lameness often worsens after exercise or when the horse is worked on hard surfaces. Affected horses may exhibit a shortened stride and adopt a toe-first landing to avoid placing pressure on their heels, where the navicular apparatus resides. Some horses also show shifting lameness, alternating between front limbs as they compensate for pain. These subtle signs can progress over time, making early diagnosis crucial for effective management. Diagnosing navicular disease involves a thorough clinical evaluation and advanced diagnostic tools. During a clinical exam, a veterinarian may use hoof testers to localize pain and assess how the horse moves at different gaits. Imaging techniques, such as X-rays or MRI, are critical for identifying changes in the navicular bone, including bone degeneration, cysts, or calcification. Nerve blocks, where local anesthetic is applied to numb the navicular region, can confirm the source of pain by temporarily alleviating lameness. These diagnostic steps allow for a comprehensive understanding of the horse’s condition and help guide treatment decisions. While navicular disease cannot be reversed, it can often be managed to improve the horse’s comfort and mobility. Corrective shoeing is a cornerstone of treatment, aiming to balance the hoof and reduce strain on the navicular bone and surrounding tendons. This may involve using specialized shoes or wedges to support the heel and encourage proper alignment. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, are commonly prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, while therapies like shockwave treatment or bisphosphonates may slow the progression of the disease. In severe cases, surgical intervention, such as a neurectomy, can provide pain relief, although it comes with risks and limitations. Preventative care is key to reducing the risk of navicular disease in horses. Regular hoof maintenance, including proper trimming and shoeing, ensures balanced hooves that distribute weight evenly and minimize strain on the navicular region. Managing workload is also essential, especially for performance horses, where intense activities like jumping or galloping should be balanced with periods of rest. Early attention to hoof conformation issues, such as correcting long toes or low heels, can help prevent the mechanical stress that contributes to navicular disease. By adopting proactive hoof care and monitoring for early signs of lameness, horse owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of this condition developing. #horsecare #horse #hooves #hoof #farrier #horsefeed #equine #equinenutrition #navicular
Ringbone is a degenerative condition affecting the joints and surrounding structures in a horse's lower limb, specifically the pastern or coffin joint. It is characterized by the formation of excess bone growth (osteophytes) around these joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and lameness. Ringbone is classified into two types: high ringbone, which affects the pastern joint, and low ringbone, which involves the coffin joint. Both conditions can significantly impact a horse's mobility and quality of life, especially in advanced stages. This condition is typically caused by chronic stress or injury to the joints. Factors such as poor conformation, including upright pasterns or an uneven gait, can place excessive strain on these areas, leading to inflammation and eventual bony changes. Repetitive motion from activities like jumping or hard training on uneven ground can also contribute to the development of ringbone. In some cases, trauma, such as a direct injury to the pastern or coffin joint, can accelerate the onset of this degenerative process. Horses with ringbone often exhibit signs of discomfort, including swelling around the affected joint, reduced range of motion, and noticeable lameness that worsens with exercise. As the condition progresses, the bony growth can lead to joint fusion, which may stabilize the joint but often results in permanent stiffness. Diagnosing ringbone involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging, such as X-rays, to assess the extent of bone growth and joint involvement. While ringbone cannot be cured, management strategies can help alleviate pain and slow disease progression. Proper hoof care, including corrective trimming and shoeing, is essential to reduce strain on the affected joints and improve weight distribution. Anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, and regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections, may also provide relief. In severe cases, surgical options like joint fusion (arthrodesis) can be considered to improve comfort. #equinenutrition ##equine #horsefeed #farrier #hoof #ringbone
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Ringbone is a degenerative condition affecting the joints and surrounding structures in a horse's lower limb, specifically the pastern or coffin joint. It is characterized by the formation of excess bone growth (osteophytes) around these joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, and lameness. Ringbone is classified into two types: high ringbone, which affects the pastern joint, and low ringbone, which involves the coffin joint. Both conditions can significantly impact a horse's mobility and quality of life, especially in advanced stages. This condition is typically caused by chronic stress or injury to the joints. Factors such as poor conformation, including upright pasterns or an uneven gait, can place excessive strain on these areas, leading to inflammation and eventual bony changes. Repetitive motion from activities like jumping or hard training on uneven ground can also contribute to the development of ringbone. In some cases, trauma, such as a direct injury to the pastern or coffin joint, can accelerate the onset of this degenerative process. Horses with ringbone often exhibit signs of discomfort, including swelling around the affected joint, reduced range of motion, and noticeable lameness that worsens with exercise. As the condition progresses, the bony growth can lead to joint fusion, which may stabilize the joint but often results in permanent stiffness. Diagnosing ringbone involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging, such as X-rays, to assess the extent of bone growth and joint involvement. While ringbone cannot be cured, management strategies can help alleviate pain and slow disease progression. Proper hoof care, including corrective trimming and shoeing, is essential to reduce strain on the affected joints and improve weight distribution. Anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, and regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell injections, may also provide relief. In severe cases, surgical options like joint fusion (arthrodesis) can be considered to improve comfort. #equinenutrition ##equine #horsefeed #farrier #hoof #ringbone
Alfalfa is a popular forage choice for horses due to its high protein and calcium content, making it especially beneficial for young, growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses with high nutritional demands. Unlike typical grass hays, alfalfa is a legume, which means it naturally contains higher levels of nutrients, particularly protein and calcium. This makes it a valuable addition to diets needing higher nutrient density, but it also requires careful balancing to avoid excess nutrients that horses may not need. When fed in large amounts, alfalfa can indeed lead to excessive urination in some horses. This is primarily because alfalfa’s high protein content increases nitrogen in the body, leading to increased water intake and subsequent urination as the kidneys work to expel excess nitrogen. Horses fed excessive amounts of alfalfa may also show signs of increased water consumption due to its higher mineral content, which can prompt thirst. While this is not inherently harmful, it can create an unnecessary strain on a horse’s kidneys and may lead to other imbalances if their intake of other forages or grains is not carefully monitored. Alfalfa provides additional benefits for horses that need energy-dense forage, as it is relatively high in calories compared to most grass hays. Its nutrient profile can help horses maintain or gain weight without relying solely on grains, which is especially advantageous for senior horses, hard keepers, or horses in heavy work. Alfalfa also has a naturally low sugar content compared to many grass hays, making it an appealing choice for horses sensitive to non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), such as those prone to metabolic issues. In addition, alfalfa’s leafy texture and palatability often encourage picky eaters to consume more forage, promoting better overall fiber intake, which is essential for digestive health. The natural buffering effect of alfalfa also helps maintain a healthier gastric environment, making it beneficial for horses susceptible to ulcers or digestive upsets. This buffering effect can help mitigate the effects of stomach acid, offering additional support for equine digestive health when included as part of a balanced diet. #equinenutrition #equine #horsefeed #alfalfa
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Alfalfa is a popular forage choice for horses due to its high protein and calcium content, making it especially beneficial for young, growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses with high nutritional demands. Unlike typical grass hays, alfalfa is a legume, which means it naturally contains higher levels of nutrients, particularly protein and calcium. This makes it a valuable addition to diets needing higher nutrient density, but it also requires careful balancing to avoid excess nutrients that horses may not need. When fed in large amounts, alfalfa can indeed lead to excessive urination in some horses. This is primarily because alfalfa’s high protein content increases nitrogen in the body, leading to increased water intake and subsequent urination as the kidneys work to expel excess nitrogen. Horses fed excessive amounts of alfalfa may also show signs of increased water consumption due to its higher mineral content, which can prompt thirst. While this is not inherently harmful, it can create an unnecessary strain on a horse’s kidneys and may lead to other imbalances if their intake of other forages or grains is not carefully monitored. Alfalfa provides additional benefits for horses that need energy-dense forage, as it is relatively high in calories compared to most grass hays. Its nutrient profile can help horses maintain or gain weight without relying solely on grains, which is especially advantageous for senior horses, hard keepers, or horses in heavy work. Alfalfa also has a naturally low sugar content compared to many grass hays, making it an appealing choice for horses sensitive to non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), such as those prone to metabolic issues. In addition, alfalfa’s leafy texture and palatability often encourage picky eaters to consume more forage, promoting better overall fiber intake, which is essential for digestive health. The natural buffering effect of alfalfa also helps maintain a healthier gastric environment, making it beneficial for horses susceptible to ulcers or digestive upsets. This buffering effect can help mitigate the effects of stomach acid, offering additional support for equine digestive health when included as part of a balanced diet. #equinenutrition #equine #horsefeed #alfalfa
I have been feeding the Unbeetable Forage pellets for several months now, but it’s not a fortified feed and required a lot of supplementation. The forage pellets acted as more of a base! Now they are coming out with a complete feed that I just ordered a whole pallet of!!!! Now, keep in mind that the Vit E is synthetic not natural so you may have to supplement additionally. Of course each horse has individual needs as well but this is a really great feed moving forward. Less junk more nutrition! 🐴⭐️🙌 Also, this is not a sponsored post and is my sole opinion. #foragebased #equinenutrition
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound with a wide range of benefits for both horses and humans. Sulfur plays a vital role in the body, contributing to the health of connective tissues, joint function, and immune system support. MSM is often included in dietary supplements for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular choice for addressing joint health, recovery, and overall well-being in both species. MSM is well-known for its positive effects on joint health, primarily due to its role in maintaining cartilage integrity and reducing inflammation. In horses, MSM is commonly used to support performance and manage conditions like arthritis, joint stiffness, and inflammation associated with exercise or aging. It helps alleviate discomfort and promotes mobility, particularly in performance horses or older equines that experience wear and tear in their joints. MSM is also believed to enhance recovery by reducing oxidative stress and muscle soreness after strenuous activity. MSM has also been associated with immune system support in both horses and humans. By reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, MSM contributes to a healthier immune response, helping the body fight infections and recover more effectively from illness or injury. #horsefeed #equine #equinenutrition #nutrition #msm #jointpain #horse
Replying to @Angell Performance Horses great thing to keep boredom down but doesnt help much with sodium intake 💕 #foragediet #equinenaturopathy #horsenutritionist #equinenutrition #feedinghorses #holistichorsehealth
Oats are a traditional and popular grain feed for horses, providing a readily digestible energy source with moderate starch levels. They are high in fiber compared to other grains, making them one of the safer grain options for horses prone to digestive issues. Whole oats retain their husk, which adds additional fiber and slows the release of energy, while crimped or rolled oats are often easier to digest, especially for young or senior horses. Oats contain essential nutrients, including phosphorus, but are relatively low in calcium, so they often need to be balanced with a calcium-rich feed or forage like alfalfa. Commercial grain pellets, often formulated specifically for equine nutrition, are designed to provide a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and a controlled amount of protein and fat. These pellets can vary greatly in nutrient composition depending on their intended use, such as maintenance, performance, or senior horses. They often contain a blend of grains, fiber sources, and added vitamins and minerals, providing a convenient, nutritionally balanced feed option. Pelleted feeds are especially beneficial for horses with specific dietary needs or those that struggle with textured grains, as the nutrients are evenly mixed in every pellet, ensuring consistency in each bite. Alfalfa pellets offer a high-fiber, protein-rich option and can be used as a partial or complete forage replacement in diets. Alfalfa is naturally high in calcium and provides a good source of quality protein, beneficial for horses that require extra support for muscle development or recovery, like growing horses or those in heavy work. As a forage-type pellet, alfalfa helps mimic the natural high-fiber diet horses evolved to eat and can be easier to digest than long-stem hay for horses with dental issues. However, due to its high calcium content, it’s important to balance alfalfa with other feeds, especially for horses not needing the additional calcium. #feedinghorses #horsefeed #equine #equinenutrition #grain
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Oats are a traditional and popular grain feed for horses, providing a readily digestible energy source with moderate starch levels. They are high in fiber compared to other grains, making them one of the safer grain options for horses prone to digestive issues. Whole oats retain their husk, which adds additional fiber and slows the release of energy, while crimped or rolled oats are often easier to digest, especially for young or senior horses. Oats contain essential nutrients, including phosphorus, but are relatively low in calcium, so they often need to be balanced with a calcium-rich feed or forage like alfalfa. Commercial grain pellets, often formulated specifically for equine nutrition, are designed to provide a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and a controlled amount of protein and fat. These pellets can vary greatly in nutrient composition depending on their intended use, such as maintenance, performance, or senior horses. They often contain a blend of grains, fiber sources, and added vitamins and minerals, providing a convenient, nutritionally balanced feed option. Pelleted feeds are especially beneficial for horses with specific dietary needs or those that struggle with textured grains, as the nutrients are evenly mixed in every pellet, ensuring consistency in each bite. Alfalfa pellets offer a high-fiber, protein-rich option and can be used as a partial or complete forage replacement in diets. Alfalfa is naturally high in calcium and provides a good source of quality protein, beneficial for horses that require extra support for muscle development or recovery, like growing horses or those in heavy work. As a forage-type pellet, alfalfa helps mimic the natural high-fiber diet horses evolved to eat and can be easier to digest than long-stem hay for horses with dental issues. However, due to its high calcium content, it’s important to balance alfalfa with other feeds, especially for horses not needing the additional calcium. #feedinghorses #horsefeed #equine #equinenutrition #grain
Replying to @Elizabeth One of the most important things you can do it make certain you aren’t feeding soy oils, veg oils, canola oils, sunflower oils in ANY amount. Then stack them full of antioxidants and omega 3s.  #equinemelanoma #grayhorse #equinenaturopathy #horsnutrition #equinenutrition
Replying to @equarier ginger can be great for colds and workout recovery ✨  #equinenaturopathy #horsenutrition #horsenutritionist #equinenaturopath #equineremedies #equinenutrition #equineherbalist
Replying to @Beth I dont recommend products with canola oil. It is highly ulcerative to the digestive tract.  #foragediet #equinenaturopathy #feedinghorses #equinenutrition #horsenutritionist #holistichorsehealth
Replying to @Abigail V donthey get pasture or free choice hay of some kind too? #horsenutrition #equinenaturopathy #horsenutritionist #equinenutritionmatters #equinenutrition #equinenutritionist
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of organisms like oats, barley, yeast, and certain fungi, known for their immunomodulatory and digestive health benefits in horses. These molecules interact with receptors on immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, enhancing the horse's innate immune response. This makes beta-glucans particularly effective in improving resilience against infections and mitigating stress-related immune suppression, a common concern for performance and competition horses. In the digestive system, beta-glucans function as prebiotics, fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption. They bind to toxins and pathogens, protecting the gut lining and reducing the risk of conditions like gastric ulcers and colic. Additionally, their ability to stabilize blood sugar levels supports energy metabolism, making them beneficial for sustained energy during endurance activities and rigorous training schedules. Beta-glucans also play a role in reducing oxidative stress by providing antioxidant protection at the cellular level. This is particularly important for horses undergoing intense physical exertion, as oxidative stress can lead to muscle fatigue and tissue damage. Research indicates that regular supplementation with beta-glucans can improve immune resilience, promote gut integrity, and enhance overall performance, making them a valuable addition to equine diets. #horse #nutrition #equinenutrition #equine #horsefeed #betaglucan
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Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of organisms like oats, barley, yeast, and certain fungi, known for their immunomodulatory and digestive health benefits in horses. These molecules interact with receptors on immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, enhancing the horse's innate immune response. This makes beta-glucans particularly effective in improving resilience against infections and mitigating stress-related immune suppression, a common concern for performance and competition horses. In the digestive system, beta-glucans function as prebiotics, fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption. They bind to toxins and pathogens, protecting the gut lining and reducing the risk of conditions like gastric ulcers and colic. Additionally, their ability to stabilize blood sugar levels supports energy metabolism, making them beneficial for sustained energy during endurance activities and rigorous training schedules. Beta-glucans also play a role in reducing oxidative stress by providing antioxidant protection at the cellular level. This is particularly important for horses undergoing intense physical exertion, as oxidative stress can lead to muscle fatigue and tissue damage. Research indicates that regular supplementation with beta-glucans can improve immune resilience, promote gut integrity, and enhance overall performance, making them a valuable addition to equine diets. #horse #nutrition #equinenutrition #equine #horsefeed #betaglucan
Replying to @Robert Josey I just don’t see the benefit. I think its primarily marketing and hype IMO.  #equinenaturopthy #horsenutrition #equinenutrition #horsenutritionist #equinenutritionist
Replying to @Katelyn Donnelly unfortunately its best to not choose either. They are both about the same inflammation wise - and even NSC wise for a metabolic horse.  Id quit both - start on a timothy cube or pelley with weighed hay. Add some fat (ground flax) and salt to start.  #metabolichorse #equinenaturopathy #horsenutritionist #equinenutrition #feedinghorses #holistichorsehealth
Replying to @1234577890 hope this helps 💕 #equinenaturopthy #horsenutrition #equinenutrition ##equinenutritionist #equinenaturopath
Replying to @CynzAngelz most everything I offer has a payment plan available 💕 #equineeducation #horsenutritionist #horsenutrition #equinenutritionmatters #equinenutrition
Replying to @Jazz hope this helps ya!  #foragediet #equinenaturopathy #horsenutritionist #equinenutrition
Forever grateful for @Dr. Audrey Christie & her knowledge!! 🤓✨👏🏼 #equinenutrition #horse #horsesoftiktok #horsegirl #barrelracer #barrelhorse
Replying to @Mountain Meadow Farm this is a long one but hopefully it helps point you in the right direction! #horsenutrition #equinenaturopathy #horsenutritionist #equinenutritionmatters #equinenutrition #rupturedtendon #equinenaturopath
#onthisday ground flax, chia, coolstance copra.  We want to avoid oil unless used for medical intervention like colic.  Unlimited free choice long stem forage is best (when horses can tolerate it) bc that keeps their “internal heater” running.  #equineeducation #horsenutritionist #horsenutrition #equinenutritionmatters #equinenutrition #equinenaturopathy
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#onthisday ground flax, chia, coolstance copra. We want to avoid oil unless used for medical intervention like colic. Unlimited free choice long stem forage is best (when horses can tolerate it) bc that keeps their “internal heater” running. #equineeducation #horsenutritionist #horsenutrition #equinenutritionmatters #equinenutrition #equinenaturopathy

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