According to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, one horse in Nye County has tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). A quarantine has been issued for the facility and exposed horses.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

Vitamin E deficiency can contribute to clinical neurologic disease in horses. | Hannah Kleckner, Penn Vet New Bolton CenterVitamin E functions as an important and potent antioxidant supporting neuromuscular health in horses, said Sarah F. Colmer, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, a fellow in large animal neurology at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, during her Burst presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10, in Denver, Colorado.Horses typically get vitamin E from fresh green grass. Levels of vitamin E degrade rapidly in stored hay. In addition, individual animal factors might affect horses vitamin E blood levels, such as increased metabolism or malabsorption.Equine Motor Neuron DiseaseIf horses havent consumed enough vitamin E, they can develop equine motor neuron disease (EMND), a sporadic neurodegenerative disease characterized by muscle wasting, weight loss, muscle fasciculations (involuntary contractions of small muscle fibers), excessive recumbency (lying down), weight shifting, and a characteristic elephant on a ball stance in some cases. We are seeing less of EMND because our knowledge of vitamin E importance has improved, said Colmer. This condition is typically observed in horses with a history of limited access to pasture.Approximately 45% of EMND horses treated with vitamin E respond, but many horses must be euthanized. In some cases horses might simply stabilize and neither decline nor improve.Vitamin E Responsive Myopathy in HorsesAnother disease, vitamin E responsive myopathy (VEM), presents with less severe signs of EMND, often with a history of poor performance, said Colmer. In this population, not all horses have low serum vitamin E levels at the time of testing.Biopsies of the sacrocaudalis dorsalis medialis muscle, located at the base on the horses tail, show what appear as moth-eaten fibers suggestive of VEM. Affected horses can respond very well to vitamin E supplementation, some making complete recoveries.Vitamin E and eNAD and EDMThe neurogenerative diseases equine neuroaxonal dystrophy(eNAD) and equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) cause chronic symmetric, mild-moderate ataxia, and sometimes behavior changes. No pre-mortem diagnostic test exists for this condition, and veterinarians do not believe eNAD or EDM result from low vitamin E intake alone.It appears to be multifactorial, possibly affected by both genetic makeup of the horse, the environment (pesticides, for example), and the nutritional component, Colmer explained. Not all affected horses respond to vitamin E supplementation.Vitamin E Supplementation in HorsesWhen managing horses with any of these conditions or neuromuscular concerns, Colmer recommended increasing vitamin E intake to achieve blood levels between 3 and 6 micrograms per milliliter (g/ml). Note that this is higher than the reference range, which starts at 2 g/ml, and reference ranges, units, and targets differ between laboratories (anything below 2 g/ml is considered low, but this depends greatly on the individual horse).I often start supplementing vitamin Edeficient horses with 5,000 IU vitamin E per day and recheck blood vitamin E levels in one to two months, Colmer said. Further adjustments may be needed, so rechecking is recommended. Colmer said natural sources of vitamin E are usually preferred over synthetic.Take-Home MessageHorses need vitamin E to support their neuromuscular health, and inadequate intake can contribute to several neuromuscular diseases. Early recognition and appropriate supplementation of vitamin E can significantly improve outcomes in some conditions, and regular monitoring of vitaminE levels in the blood helps veterinarians guide effective supplementation and management.

A 15-year-old draft horse gelding in Dufferin County, Ontario, has tested positive for strangles. The horse developed clinical signs on Jan. 27, including white discharge from both nostrils and a high fever.A new horse had arrived at the farm two weeks before this horse developed clinical signs. The new horse seemed off and was isolated just prior to this gelding becoming ill.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Photo: iStockResearch-based supplements can be part of a thoughtful nutritional strategy that complements veterinary care and a low-starch, low-sugar diet for horses with metabolic problems. Always work with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to assess diet quality, nutrient gaps, and product evidence. In this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt, Liz Schatz, DVM, senior specialist of veterinary affairs at SmartEquine, explains what supplements might be beneficial for horses with metabolic problems.This podcast is an excerpt of ourAsk TheHorse Live Q&A, Choosing the Right Supplement for Your Horse. Listen to thefull recording here.About the Experts: Liz Schatz, DVMLiz Schatz, DVM, is a graduate of the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Manhattan, where she was awarded the Glenn Ray Teagarden Award for Proficiency in Equine Medicine. After veterinary school, she completed an equine surgery internship at New Jersey Equine Clinic, in Millstone Township, and a large animal medicine, surgery, and emergency/critical care internship at New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She then completed a fellowship at the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory while doing equine emergency work for New Bolton Center Field Service. She moved on to private practice for several years prior to joining SmartEquine in 2022, where her main area of interest is nutrition education. Schatz is a passionate Thoroughbred aftercare advocate and is an active volunteer for both MidAtlantic Horse Rescue and CANTER Pennsylvania. She is an avid lifelong rider and owns a horse farm in Central North Carolina, where she cares for her own OTTBs and any number of beloved vagabond animals.

Working Hunter with NIF qualifiers

Advertisement feature If your horse is a good-doer, who maintains weight easily on grass and conserved forage alone, you might wonder whether they need a bucket feed at all. While they may not require extra calories, there are still important reasons to provide a suitable feed especially when it comes to supporting and maintaining healthy hooves.UK pasture and conserved forage are often low in trace minerals such as copper, selenium and zinc. Although required only in small amounts, these minerals play vital roles in a number of bodily functions. Maintaining a balanced diet is key to supporting skin, coat and hoof condition.Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses FreeDengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie, high-fibre feed, which contains essential nutrients for maintaining healthy hooves. Its alfalfa inclusion provides a natural source of calcium and other important minerals that help support the structural integrity of hoof horn. Healthy Hooves Molasses Free also provides a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet and supplies a full range of B vitamins, including biotin, which is widely recognised for its role in maintaining strong, healthy hooves.A source of sulphurHealthy Hooves Molasses Free also contains methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM), a source of bio-available sulphur. Sulphur is found throughout the body, but is particularly crucial for maintaining hoof structure as it supports hoof horn both strength and flexibility. Horses on restricted grazing typically consume less sulphur than those on plentiful pasture, making supplementation especially valuable for good doers to maintain a balanced dietNaturally low in sugar and starch just 2.5% and 1.5% respectively Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is also suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. When fed at the recommended rate of 500g per 100kg of bodyweight, it provides all the required vitamins and minerals, including optimal levels of biotin and MSM to maintain hoof health from the inside out.Serens story: It was touch and goNaomi and SerenSeren, who is owned by Naomi, is Dengies Healthy Hooves Molasses Free pony on the packaging. Naomis world was turned upside down when Seren suddenly developed laminitis, and for a time, it was touch and go. Thanks to the support of a vet, Seren eventually made a full recovery, and the pair are now back to enjoying the activities they love. During Serens recovery, Naomi spent a lot of time researching low-sugar feeds suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis and discovered Healthy Hooves Molasses Free, which Seren has been fed ever since. Naomi explains: Serens recovery was a long road but with a fantastic farrier, a great team of vets and dietary management, including soaked hay and low sugar and starch feeds, my pony is looking and feeling better than ever.For more information or nutritional advice for your own horse, get in touch with Dengie. Related contentFat horses: why the equine obesity epidemic matters now more than everThis is how being fat affects a horses bodyHorse weight loss plan: 10 ways to lose those excess pounds *Sponsored*Is your horse fat or is it muscle? Equine vet explains the differenceThe post A feed to support and maintain healthy hooves, even if your horse is a good-doer *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.

9 min read Last updated: January 2026 Worried your horse wont eat after colic and unsure whats normal versus a warning sign? This guide gives you clear, vet-backed steps on when to feed (after meaningful faeces, often 2448 hours post-op), the red flags to call your vet (fever >38.6C, fewer droppings), and simple UK winter tips to keep hydration and recovery on track. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Recognise Red Flags What To Do: Track appetite and droppings every feed; if no appetite plus fewer droppings or signs of pain, call your vet immediately. Why It Matters: Early action prevents rapid deterioration from recurrent colic. Common Mistake: Waiting a day to see if they perk up. Area: Follow REACT Signs What To Do: Use the BHS REACT checklistwatch for Restlessness, Eating less, Abdominal pain, Clinical changes, and Tiring/depression; escalate promptly. Why It Matters: Structured monitoring catches deterioration early. Common Mistake: Focusing only on eating and ignoring heart rate, gums, or behaviour. Area: Feeding After Colic What To Do: Do not feed until meaningful faeces pass; then start with small portions of good hay and a wet mash, increasing over several days, feeding from the ground. Why It Matters: Gentle reintroduction protects motility and reduces aspiration risk. Common Mistake: Offering concentrates or full rations too soon. Area: Hydration & Electrolytes What To Do: Provide constant fresh water, offer wetter mashes, and discuss measured electrolytes with your vet; warm water in cold weather to encourage drinking. Why It Matters: Hydration supports gut function and recovery after anaesthesia. Common Mistake: Assuming a full bucket means adequate intake. Area: Daily Health Checks What To Do: Twice daily, record temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, gum colour/CRT, gut sounds, manure output, behaviour, and incision status. Why It Matters: Trends guide safe step-ups in feed and exercise and flag complications early. Common Mistake: Checking once a day or without writing readings down. Area: Controlled Exercise Plan What To Do: Start short, frequent hand-walks on good footing, then progress to controlled turnout and light ridden work as cleared by your vet; rug appropriately. Why It Matters: Movement supports gut motility and mental well-being. Common Mistake: Turning out unsupervised too soon or skipping movement entirely. Area: Manage Forage Changes What To Do: Transition from grass to hay gradually and monitor closely during autumn/winter; use slow feeders and small, frequent portions. Why It Matters: Sudden diet switches increase colic risk in UK conditions. Common Mistake: Swapping to full hay overnight. Area: Prepared Vet Calls What To Do: When phoning the vet, have vital signs, last feed/water, faeces timing/amount, behaviour changes, and any medications with doses and times ready. Why It Matters: Clear, complete information speeds decision-making and treatment. Common Mistake: Calling without measurements or dosing details. In This Guide Is loss of appetite after colic normal? When should you feed after colic or surgery? Which complications should you watch for at home? What are the chances of survival and return to work? How to manage nutrition and hydration in the first month How much exercise and turnout is safe during recovery? When to call the vet and what to tell them Loss of appetite after colic is worrying, but the right early decisions make a big difference. Heres how to judge whats normal, when to call the vet, and how to feed, hydrate, and exercise your horse back to form with UK-specific tips for autumn and winter.Key takeaway: Brief inappetence can be part of recovery if your horse is comfortable and passing faeces; no appetite plus fewer droppings or distress is a colic warning contact your vet immediately.Is loss of appetite after colic normal?Yes a short-lived dip in appetite can be normal in early recovery if your horse is comfortable and producing faeces; ongoing inappetence alongside reduced droppings, restlessness or depression-like behaviour is a red flag. The British Horse Society (BHS) advises using REACT and contacting your vet at the first sign of deterioration.After any colic episode, your first job is to watch behaviour and manure output closely. Key REACT signs include restlessness or agitation, eating less, reduced droppings, and clinical changes like raised heart rate or pale gums. As the BHS puts it:Colic cases can quickly deteriorate so early recognition and prompt veterinary attention is vital to increase the chance of recovery for the horse.In the UK, risk often rises in autumn and winter when wet weather, mud, and sudden forage changes (e.g., grass to hay) are common. Stable and livery yard routines should include extra checks in prolonged rain and during diet transitions. Learn more about REACT from the BHS: BHS colic guidance.When should you feed after colic or surgery?Only reintroduce feed once your horse has passed a significant amount of faeces; for many surgical cases, small amounts of hay and wet mash are offered 2448 hours post-op, then increased gradually. Start with forage-first, wet, easily digestible feed, and feed on the ground to reduce aspiration risk.After medical management or surgery, the gut needs time to regain motility. Use your vets plan, but the practical framework is consistent:Wait for manure: Do not reintroduce feed until your horse passes a meaningful quantity of faeces. Vets sometimes use mineral oil as a transit marker.Start small: Offer a handful to a flap of hay with a wet mash (e.g., beet pulp or bran) and increase the quantity over several days.Go forage-first: Keep concentrate feeds minimal to avoid overload while the gut recovers.Feed on the ground: This helps drainage and reduces aspiration risk in the early phase.Evidence from BEVA respondents (Diplomates of the European College of Equine Internal Medicine) indicates many horses with small intestinal strangulating or small colon lesions are offered feed 2448 hours after surgery. Expect a gradual return to normal rations over 13 weeks, guided by faeces production and comfort. See: BEVA feeding practices.Which complications should you watch for at home?Fever over 38.6C is the most common post-operative problem (27.7% of cases), and recurrent colic can occur in 2050% of horses. Monitor temperature and gut sounds daily and call your vet immediately if REACT signs return.What to check twice daily at home:Temperature: >38.6C indicates pyrexia and needs a call to your vet (post-op data).Behaviour: Restlessness, rolling, sweating, depression-like signs, or reluctance to move.Manure: Quantity, consistency, and frequency fewer droppings are a concern.Heart rate and gums: An increasing heart rate, pale or tacky gums, or a prolonged capillary refill time indicate clinical change.Incision: Heat, swelling, discharge, or pain around surgical sites.The Merck Veterinary Manual lists loss of appetite, depression, and decreased bowel movements among the most common colic signs; these may persist briefly, but worsening signs need urgent assessment. Reference: Merck: Colic in Horses.Quick tip: Keep a digital thermometer and a basic stethoscope on the yard so you can report accurate readings to your vet. In wet UK weather, do checks under shelter to get reliable measurements.What are the chances of survival and return to work?Short-term survival after colic surgery is around 68.5% across all horses and approximately 80% in those that recover from anaesthesia; of these, 79.1% survive to discharge and 85.9% are alive one year later, with 76.4% returning to their previous or intended function. Survival varies with lesion type and severity, and early intervention improves the outlook.Recent studies give a realistic, encouraging picture:Short-term survival: 68.5% for all horses undergoing surgery; around 80% for horses that recover from anaesthesia (PMC).Hospital discharge: 79.1% of those recovering from anaesthesia leave hospital alive; one-year survival is 85.9% (Frontiers in Veterinary Science).Return to use: 76.4% return to intended function (athletic or breeding) within a year (Frontiers).Pain severity matters: Survival rates range from around 50% to over 80%, highest in mild pain and lowest with severe distension or cardiovascular compromise (Merck).Pro tip: Dont wait and see if your horse looks uncomfortable. Early recognition per the BHS REACT protocol and prompt veterinary care genuinely shift these percentages in your horses favour.How to manage nutrition and hydration in the first monthHorses commonly lose about 8% of bodyweight during recovery, so prioritise hydration and forage-based calories delivered in small, frequent meals. Reintroduce soft wet mashes and good-quality hay gradually over 13 weeks, guided by faeces output and your vet.Evidence and practice points to use with your vets plan:Hydration first: Provide constant fresh water; use wet mashes and discuss electrolyte supplements to support rehydration, especially in cold UK weather when drinking may drop. Elevated plasma lactate and free fatty acids are common after anaesthesia, so replacing fluids and salts is helpful (metabolic data).Feed timing: Many surgical cases can be offered feed 2448 hours post-op (per BEVA respondents), but only after passing faeces (BEVA).Forage target: Once fully recovered from anaesthesia, aim towards around 8 kg/day of hay initially, adjusted to size and vet advice (PMC).Meal structure: Start with small hay portions and soft mashes (beet pulp or bran), then increase over days. Use hay nets or slow feeders to prevent gorging.Feeding position: Feed on the ground early on for safety and normal posture.Supplements: Consider electrolyte and gut-support products; many owners use trusted brands like NAF supplements during recovery as advised by their vets.Quick tip: If your horse goes off water in winter, offer slightly warmed water and wetter mashes. A salt lick plus measured electrolytes (as directed by your vet) can encourage better drinking.How much exercise and turnout is safe during recovery?Hand-walk several times daily once your horse has recovered from anaesthesia, then reintroduce turnout and ridden work gradually under your vets guidance. Keep your horse warm and dry in UK weather to support comfort, movement, and gut motility.Movement helps the gut and the mind. Early on, walk in-hand in short, regular sessions on good footing, avoiding situations that might trigger rolling. As healing progresses, your vet may approve controlled turnout, then light ridden work.Comfort and safety kit that helps in UK conditions:Rugs for warmth and dryness: Choose breathable, weather-appropriate layers e.g., winter turnout rugs for wet, windy days and stable rugs for cosy nights. Many owners trust brands like Weatherbeeta rugs for reliable fit and protection.Visibility for hand-walking: Short winter days demand hi-vis gear for you, especially if you must use yard lanes or bridleways.Leg protection: Use horse boots and bandages if your vet advises, particularly during early, careful exercise.Grooming and skin care: Regular, gentle grooming keeps skin healthy under rugs and helps you spot swelling or incision changes early.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend laying out a weekly plan with your vet, adapting for UK weather. Damp, cold days can stiffen muscles and reduce motivation to move suitable rugs and a brief warm-up on the yard before walking out can make sessions smoother.When to call the vet and what to tell themCall immediately if pain persists despite analgesics, your horse rolls or sweats, appetite doesnt return after passing faeces, there are few or no droppings, temperature exceeds 38.6C, heart rate rises, or gums look pale. Early recurrence can signal complications; a small minority (around 4.6%) require a second surgery (relaparotomy).When you ring your vet, have these details ready:Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and gum colour/capillary refill time.Time and amount of last feed, water intake, and any supplements.Faeces: when last passed and how much.Behaviour changes: restlessness, rolling, sweating, reluctance to move.Medication given: name, dose, and time.Remember the BHS REACT framework (BHS guidance) is aligned with UK veterinary standards (RCVS) to prevent suffering through prompt intervention.Quote this to your yard team so everyone acts fast:If you notice any signs of distress or changes in a horses behaviour, think REACT and immediately contact your vet. BHSBrief conclusion: Act early, feed smart, and monitor closely. With timely veterinary care and careful home management, most horses recover well and many return to full work within a year.FAQsHow long until my horse eats normally after colic surgery?Many horses are offered small amounts of feed 2448 hours post-op (for specific lesions, per BEVA), but only after passing faeces. Expect a gradual return to normal over 13 weeks with forage-first, wet mashes and careful increases (BEVA).What temperature is considered a fever after colic surgery?Anything over 38.6C is classed as pyrexia and warrants a call to your vet; its the most common post-operative complication, occurring in around 27.7% of cases (PMC).Can colic return after surgery?Yes. Recurrence rates between 2050% are reported; one large study found 29.6% over 1 month to 7 years. Early recurrence during hospitalisation may require reassessment and, rarely, a second surgery (Frontiers).Is depression a normal recovery sign or a problem after colic?Mild, short-term dullness can occur, but depression-like behaviour is also a core colic sign alongside inappetence and fewer droppings. If dullness persists or worsens, think REACT and contact your vet (Merck; BHS).What should the first meals be after colic?Small amounts of good-quality hay plus a wet mash (such as beet pulp or bran) are standard. Increase gradually over days, feed on the ground, and only start once meaningful faeces have passed.How much hay should I offer early in recovery?Once fully recovered from anaesthesia and with your vets go-ahead, work towards around 8 kg/day initially (adjusted to your horse), delivered in small, frequent portions and increased as tolerated (PMC).Whats the overall survival chance after colic surgery?About 68.5% for all horses undergoing surgery and around 80% for those that recover from anaesthesia; 79.1% of these survive to discharge, 85.9% are alive at one year, and 76.4% return to intended function (PMC; Frontiers).At Just Horse Riders, were here to help you put a practical plan in place. For safe winter walking and comfortable recovery, explore turnout rugs, supportive boots and bandages, cosy stable rugs, high-visibility rider hi-vis, and recovery-supporting supplements with trusted options from brands like Weatherbeeta and NAF. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop SupplementsShop Turnout RugsShop Stable RugsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Boots & Bandages

Racehorse stars that have clocked millions of pounds and multiple victories between them will take centre stage at 11am on Thursday 5 February, as they are set to take part in a Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parade at Tattersalls, in Newmarket. The parade, which will take place in the paddock at Tattersalls, will include eight former racehorses, who have gone on to enjoy a multitude of disciplines between them, including showing and dressage.Among those parading will be Mischief Magic, who was a six-time winner for owner Godolphin. This now six-year-old won over 600,000 during his career, which included a Group One victory in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Mischief Magic now resides at Godolphins rehoming yard and enjoys taking part in ridden demonstrations for visitors.Another former racehorse taking part in this parade will be Skysurfers, who is still going strong at the age of 20, and most recently won theRoROpen Elementary Dressage Championships atBlenheim Palace under Claire Anderson. Celebrating versatilitySkysurfers was trained by Saeed bin Suroor while in racing and won over 580,000, including breaking thetrack recordwhen winning the Group Two $1m Godolphin Mile under Frankie Dettori in Dubai in 2011.Barracuda Boy (pictured above with Danielle Carr), who has enjoyed multiple success in the show ring, will also parade. He ran 53 times during his six-year career on the Flat, and most notably once broke the track record over five furlongs at Haydock Park.David Catlow, managing director of RoR, said:Parades like this are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the versatility and quality of former racehorses and the people who support them after their racing careers end.Seeing these horses thriving in such a wide range of disciplines really brings home just how adaptable they are, while helping racegoers better understand the importance of long-term care and responsible rehoming.Weregrateful to everyone involved for helping us share these positive stories and for shining a spotlight on life after racing.More from Your Horse Groundwork exercises for horses to build trustEx-racehorses shouldnt carry more than 17% of their bodyweight, says RoRSafeguarding the wellbeing of all former racehorses: RoR updates its eligibility criteriaNew scheme offers training and support for ex-racehorses transitioning into second careerThe post Retraining of Racehorses stars to parade for fans tomorrow appeared first on Your Horse.

Advertisement feature If your horse is a good-doer, who maintains weight easily on grass and conserved forage alone, you might wonder whether they need a bucket feed at all. While they may not require extra calories, there are still important reasons to provide a suitable feed especially when it comes to supporting and maintaining healthy hooves.UK pasture and conserved forage are often low in trace minerals such as copper, selenium and zinc. Although required only in small amounts, these minerals play vital roles in a number of bodily functions. Maintaining a balanced diet is key to supporting skin, coat and hoof condition.Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses FreeDengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie, high-fibre feed, which contains essential nutrients for maintaining healthy hooves. Its alfalfa inclusion provides a natural source of calcium and other important minerals that help support the structural integrity of hoof horn. Healthy Hooves Molasses Free also provides a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet and supplies a full range of B vitamins, including biotin, which is widely recognised for its role in maintaining strong, healthy hooves.A source of sulphurHealthy Hooves Molasses Free also contains methyl sulphonyl methane (MSM), a source of bio-available sulphur. Sulphur is found throughout the body, but is particularly crucial for maintaining hoof structure as it supports hoof horn both strength and flexibility. Horses on restricted grazing typically consume less sulphur than those on plentiful pasture, making supplementation especially valuable for good doers to maintain a balanced dietNaturally low in sugar and starch just 2.5% and 1.5% respectively Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is also suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis. When fed at the recommended rate of 500g per 100kg of bodyweight, it provides all the required vitamins and minerals, including optimal levels of biotin and MSM to maintain hoof health from the inside out.Serens story: It was touch and goNaomi and SerenSeren, who is owned by Naomi, is Dengies Healthy Hooves Molasses Free pony on the packaging. Naomis world was turned upside down when Seren suddenly developed laminitis, and for a time, it was touch and go. Thanks to the support of a vet, Seren eventually made a full recovery, and the pair are now back to enjoying the activities they love. During Serens recovery, Naomi spent a lot of time researching low-sugar feeds suitable for horses and ponies prone to laminitis and discovered Healthy Hooves Molasses Free, which Seren has been fed ever since. Naomi explains: Serens recovery was a long road but with a fantastic farrier, a great team of vets and dietary management, including soaked hay and low sugar and starch feeds, my pony is looking and feeling better than ever.For more information or nutritional advice for your own horse, get in touch with Dengie. Related contentFat horses: why the equine obesity epidemic matters now more than everThis is how being fat affects a horses bodyHorse weight loss plan: 10 ways to lose those excess pounds *Sponsored*Is your horse fat or is it muscle? Equine vet explains the differenceThe post A feed to support and maintain healthy hooves, even if your horse is a good-doer *Promotion* appeared first on Your Horse.