Key PointDetailsZinc's ImportanceEssential for enzymatic activity, protein metabolism, and immune function. Recommended daily intake: 400-500 mg for a 500 kg horse.Cellular FunctionsVital for the synthesis of collagen and keratins. Supports enzymes involved in cell reproduction and repair, including SOD for oxidative damage protection.Structural IntegrityIncorporated into "zinc finger" proteins. Maintains hoof integrity by preventing oxidation of hoof fats and oils.Deficiency SymptomsSlow hoof growth, thin hoof walls, weak connections, cracks, sole hemorrhages, abscesses, thrush, laminitis, and poor coat quality.Balancing MineralsEssential to balance zinc with copper. Recommended zinc to copper ratio: 3:1 to 4:1 to avoid copper deficiency and related issues.Zinc SupplementationAvailable in organic and inorganic forms. Organic forms like zinc methionine, proteinate, and nicotinate are better absorbed. Consultation with an equine nutritionist is advised.Consultation and CareRegular consultation with an equine nutritionist ensures balanced diets and appropriate supplementation for optimal hoof and overall health.Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in the overall health of horses, particularly in the growth and maintenance of healthy hooves. This blog will explore the importance of zinc in equine diets, its specific functions related to hoof health, and the implications of zinc deficiency and excess. By understanding these aspects, horse owners can make informed decisions about zinc supplementation to ensure their horses have strong, healthy hooves.The Importance of Zinc in Equine DietsZinc is essential for numerous biological processes in horses, including enzymatic activity, protein metabolism, and immune function. For a 500 kg horse, the National Research Council (NRC) recommends a daily intake of 400-500 mg of zinc, depending on the horse's exercise level. Despite its importance, zinc is often deficient in equine diets due to low levels in forage and interference from other minerals like iron and manganese. For more details, visit horse care supplements.Zinc's Role in Hoof HealthCellular Functions and Enzyme ActivityZinc is vital for the synthesis of collagen, keratins, and other proteins that are essential for hoof structure and strength. It supports the function of enzymes involved in cell reproduction, maintenance, and repair of epithelial tissues, including the hoof wall epidermal cells, dermis, and blood vessels. One such enzyme is superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protects hoof tissue from oxidative damage. Learn more about hoof minerals.Structural IntegrityZinc is incorporated into "zinc finger" proteins, which are crucial for cell multiplication and the assembly of keratin, the major structural protein of the hoof. Adequate zinc levels help maintain the integrity of the hoof by preventing the fats and oils in hoof tissue from oxidizing, which can weaken the protective seal and the 'glue' between keratin cells. Check out hoof and coat supplements for more information.Signs of Zinc DeficiencyZinc deficiency in horses can manifest in several ways, often visibly affecting the hooves. Common symptoms include:Slow hoof growthThin hoof wallsWeak connections within the hoof structureCracks and sole hemorrhagesAbscesses and thrushLaminitisAdditionally, zinc deficiency can lead to poor coat quality, with symptoms such as bleaching of the coat and red ends on black manes and tails. Discover more about the benefits of zinc for horses.Balancing Zinc with Other MineralsWhile zinc is crucial, it does not act in isolation. The balance of zinc with other minerals, particularly copper, is essential for optimal hoof health. Excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency, which can cause skeletal issues and further compromise hoof integrity. Therefore, a balanced ratio of zinc to copper, typically between 3:1 and 4:1, is recommended to avoid these issues. For balanced mineral supplements, visit Dodson & Horrell.Supplementing ZincZinc can be supplemented in both organic and inorganic forms. Organic forms, such as zinc methionine, zinc proteinate, and zinc nicotinate, are generally more effective for hoof health due to better absorption rates. However, it is crucial to consult with an equine nutritionist to ensure the correct balance of minerals in the diet, as improper supplementation can lead to other health issues. For expert advice and high-quality supplements, check out Science Supplements.ConclusionZinc plays a pivotal role in maintaining and improving hoof health in horses. By understanding its functions and the signs of deficiency, horse owners can take proactive steps to ensure their horses receive adequate zinc through balanced diets and appropriate supplementation. Always consult with an equine nutritionist to tailor the supplementation to your horse's specific needs, ensuring a holistic approach to hoof care and overall health. For comprehensive care products, visit NAF Hoof Support.For more detailed information on zinc and its role in hoof health, you can refer to the following sources:American Farriers JournalForageplusEquilibrium AustraliaEquus Care NutritionHoof Doctor UKAsked by YouWhat vitamin is vital for proper growth and development of the hoof?Biotin is the vitamin that is most vital for the proper growth and development of the hoof. It plays a key role in the production of keratin, which is essential for strong and healthy hooves. For more on hoof supplements, visit Hilton Herbs.What promotes hoof growth?Several factors promote hoof growth, including a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like zinc, biotin, and methionine, as well as regular exercise and proper hoof care. For comprehensive hoof care products, check out Horse First Hoof & Coat Supplements.What makes horse hooves grow faster?To make horse hooves grow faster, ensure they receive a diet high in biotin, zinc, and amino acids, along with consistent hoof care practices such as regular trimming and maintaining a clean, dry environment. For effective hoof growth supplements, visit Equimins Hoof Supplements.

Key PointDescriptionRole of MethionineMethionine is a crucial amino acid for hoof growth, aiding in the production of cysteine and cystine necessary for keratin synthesis.Protein SynthesisApproximately 93% of the hoof wall's dry matter is protein. Methionine is vital for synthesizing keratin, crucial for strong hooves.Research FindingsStudies show methionine improves hoof quality by strengthening the stratum Basale and stratum spinosum, essential for hoof integrity.Benefits of SupplementationIncludes improved hoof health, enhanced skin and hair health, boosted immune system, and better carbohydrate metabolism.Supplementation ConsiderationsAnalyse forage and diet for balanced sulphur levels. Proper soil fertilization is essential to maintain adequate methionine levels.Welcome to the fascinating world of horse hoof health! Today, were diving into the critical role of methionine, an essential amino acid that ensures your horses hooves are in top-notch condition. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a newbie to horse care, understanding the impact of methionine on hoof growth is crucial. So, lets hoof it into the details!Methionine is often the first amino acid to become deficient in a horses diet. This sulphur-bearing amino acid is a precursor to cysteine and cystine, which are vital for forming healthy collagen cross-links. These cross-links add strength and elasticity to the hoof wall, skin, hair, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.The hoof wall is composed of approximately 93% protein on a dry matter basis, making high-quality dietary protein essential for hoof health. Methionine is integral to the synthesis of keratin, the protein that forms the structure of the hoof wall. Without sufficient methionine, horses may suffer from poor hoof quality, including brittleness, splitting, and cracking.Studies have shown that methionine supplementation can significantly improve hoof quality. For instance, research indicates that methionine is located primarily in the stratum Basale and stratum spinosum of the hoof matrix, areas crucial for hoof growth and integrity. Methionine's role as a precursor to cysteine is imperative for producing quality hoof keratin, essential for strong and resilient hooves.Supplementing methionine in a horse's diet can lead to several benefits, including:Improved Hoof Health: Enhances hoof growth and quality, reducing issues such as brittleness and cracking.Enhanced Skin and Hair Health: Supports overall health of the skin and hair, contributing to a shiny coat and healthy skin.Boosted Immune System: Plays a role in synthesizing important compounds like glutathione, crucial for immune function.Better Carbohydrate Metabolism: Aids in carbohydrate metabolism, essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health.When considering methionine supplementation, it's important to analyse your horse's forage and diet to ensure balanced sulphur levels. Forage typically contains the highest levels of methionine, but soil quality can impact these levels. Proper fertilization of the soil is necessary to maintain adequate sulphur levels.Many horse owners have experienced remarkable improvements in their horses' hoof health after introducing methionine supplements. For example, one owner noted that her horse's hooves became noticeably stronger and less prone to cracks within just a few months of supplementation. Such first-hand accounts, combined with scientific research, underscore the importance of this amino acid in equine diets.There are several misconceptions about methionine's role in hoof health. One common myth is that methionine is only necessary for performance horses. In reality, methionine is essential for all horses, regardless of their activity level, to maintain healthy hooves and overall well-being.Here are some frequently asked questions about methionine and its impact on hoof growth:What is the best source of methionine for horses?Methionine can be found in high-quality forage and commercial supplements. Ensuring your horses diet includes these sources can help maintain optimal hoof health.How much methionine does my horse need?The amount of methionine needed can vary depending on the horse's size, age, and activity level. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help determine the appropriate dosage for your horse.ConclusionMethionine is a vital nutrient for horse hoof growth and overall health. Its role in protein synthesis, particularly in the formation of keratin, makes it indispensable for maintaining strong and healthy hooves. By understanding the importance of methionine and ensuring adequate supplementation, horse owners can significantly improve their horses' hoof quality and overall well-being.For more detailed information on methionine and its benefits, you can refer to the following sources:Kentucky Equine Research on Hoof QualityForageplus on Methionine for HorsesBasic Equine Nutrition on MethionineForageplus Talk on MethionineBeyond Biotin: Horse Hoof HealthAsked By YouWhat does methionine do for horses?Methionine is essential for synthesizing keratin, which is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy hooves, as well as supporting skin and hair health.What causes excessive hoof growth in horses?Excessive hoof growth can be caused by genetic factors, overfeeding, and lack of proper trimming. Balanced nutrition and regular hoof care are essential.What makes horses hooves grow fast?High-quality protein intake, particularly amino acids like methionine, contributes to faster hoof growth. Proper nutrition and supplements can also aid in this process.What amino acid is most important for growing horses?Lysine is considered the most important amino acid for growing horses, followed by methionine, as they are critical for protein synthesis and overall growth.

This blog is written by Equestrian Masterclass member Grace Wilkins Maxwell.When I started back riding as an adult, I made a deal with myself: I was going to buy a house and have a family before I bought a horse, because I was worried once I was fully back into the horse world, I might never prioritize my real adult goals. I wanted to get my feet under me first, and then Id buy a horse. Then I had my son and bought three horses in the span of a year. Whoops. I finally had the finances to make it happen and a program I felt good about. My vision of how horses fit into my life was finally coming into focus. I had a foal, who was my 5-6 year plan, and when the horse I was leasing turned out to want a different job, I just so happened to talk to a local breeder who had a three year old who sounded like he would make a great adult amateur horse one day - I bought him and named him Nugget. It was perfect.I had one horse for now, one horse for later, and then later on, one horse for my son.Now, 4 years later, it hasnt really played out the way I intended. I think the biggest challenge I had with becoming a mom was that the second the world knew I was pregnant, my identity suddenly shifted to being in the context of how I related to another human being. It felt like everyone had the expectation that I would of course sacrifice anything in service to a healthy baby because thats what I was now: a mom. I knew my priorities would shift, and I love my son, but I grieved the loss of a life where I existed for who I was as a person and that was enough. As horse people, horses are our identity. Theyre in our bones, sometimes figuratively and sometimes quite literally, traced in lines of old fractures that we wear as a badge of honor. So much of equestrian sport heralds the true horse(wo)man as the person who is willing to give the most and sacrifice the most and do the most, and suddenly you have a small human to prioritize. And I have just had to give that up.Personally, I struggled immensely (and still do) with the sense that even though I was doing so much I was on the brink, it still wasnt enough. I still didnt have time to rub Nugget down with my old sisal cactus cloth that used to be part of my routine, even when it meant I missed bedtime with my son to go ride after everything was handled at 9 pm when it was below freezing. Everyone got less than they deserved, and what used to fill me up started to feel like something that was just another thing for me to fail at because there was not enough of me to go around.So, I gave up for the first time. A little bit. In the winter of 2022, I flew down to WEF and met up with Val Renihan and Chris Strucker, who encouraged me to get out of the house and come where its warm and horse show. At no point in my riding career beforehand would I ever have thought to show a horse I just met, or find a program where I could meet said horse at the mounting block and dash off to take a work call as I handed the reins to someone else (who would then care for the horse impeccably, and do all the things I couldnt do these days with the million directions I am pulled in all day) but I did, and it was incredible. I got to enjoy horses in the capacity I was capable of, and the team reminded me that I was just as much of a real horseperson as I ever was, even if that looks different these days. It took me a while to believe that truth, and to be honest some days I still dont, but it was amazing to have horses feel the joyful, and not feel like a battle against the windmills of reclaiming my identity in the context of a life that just does not allow for it any longer. Maybe Im less of a horsewoman right now because Im more of other things. 16 year old me would be horrified, to be sure. Ive had to do the mental work to get to a place where Im ok with that. I try to find joy in the parts that I can participate in, which realistically means that I cant ride a lot and when I do, its going to a horse show where I can block off the time to go immerse myself in my old identity and everything that goes with it. I still own my young stallion, who has been a joy to watch develop even if its from farther away than I would like. Nugget is now living his best life with a little girl who can come ride more often than I could. On the other side of things, Camp is now in speech therapy, and he also got kicked out of preschool for being a three year old delinquent (turns out leading the class in an original song called no naps isnt the kind of leadership thats appreciated in that context) and hes also taking swim lessons and oh of course I also have a job that never really turns off.But what Im learning is the more I give up on my plans and my old arbitrary rules on what I had to do and who I had to be, the more room that Ive been able to make for what I CAN to and who I WANT to be. In the moment, that sometimes felt, and feels, like failure, but its also always inevitably opened the door to something new that brings me joy in the present. Truth is, an identity is never just one thing, and youre never just one person, and nothing could have taught me that lesson better than being both a mom and a horseperson.

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Showjumper Harriet Biddick is aiming for a fourth British Speed Derby victory following a memorable tack malfunction during last years attempt.In 2023, the Somerset rider was poised to set a new record in the class aboard Silver Lift. However, when Harriet was nearing the end of the course, her horses bridle slipped off as he landed after the Irish Bank.They managed to jump through the treble of Hickstead planks despite having no bridle, and it looked like Silver Lift might continue on to jump the final spread, but unfortunately, the gelding cantered past the last fence and Harriet retired.If Harriet had won the class she would have become the first female rider to do so four times, plus Silver Lift would become the only horse ever to win four times.While Harriet didnt manage to secure a record victory, a video of the incident was viewed more than 50 million times across social media, and a photograph of the pair taken by Tilly Berendt was later chosen as the British Equestrian Media Associations Moment of the Year.Credit Tilly BrentNIKON D3 f/2.8 1/6400s 300mm ISO320As well as dealing with the disappointment of missing out on a record win, Harriet had the frightening moment of navigating a bridleless Silver Lift round the International Arena. Harriet was in the early stages of pregnancy with her second child, and so a potential fall was more concerning than usual. Fortunately, Silver Lift soon came to a stop at the entrance to the arena.It was quite a daunting moment in my head, as I knew I couldnt jump off him, said Harriet. It wasnt ideal but I just let him figure it out and pretended nothing had gone wrong. When he started getting faster, I remember thinking, this is getting a bit silly now, but I was trying to talk to him and calm him down.I mean, it shows how honest the horse is hes amazing to cope with what he coped with that day and to stop at the entrance afterwards. Hes got a heart of gold.Harriet and her jockey husband Will Biddick welcomed baby Oliver in December, a younger brother for their first son Archie. At this years Al Shiraaa Hickstead Derby Meeting, both children will have the opportunity to watch their mum potentially make history in the British Speed Derby (Saturday 22 June), but for Harriet, its more important to make amends for last year after an incident.I feel like I owe it to the horse because he was going so well last year, and he deserved to win it last year, she added. Hes 19 years old now, so its now or never, but he feels really good and I owe it to him to try again.Images by Tilly BerendtFurther readingShes made so many people happy: Video of horsey reunion goes viralMagnificent miniature donkey image wins equine photography competitionThe post Harriet Biddick bids for fourth Hickstead victory after viral bridle mishap appeared first on Your Horse.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.After the soggy excitement of the mornings CCI5* cross-country at Luhmhlen, the afternoons sunny Memer Trophy CCI4*-S felt almost relaxed, despite a red-hot field vying for Olympic selection and a tough, technical track with a tough-to-catch time.Plenty did happen on course, and our field of 66 starters has thinned to 53 to present at tomorrows horse inspection ahead of showjumping but much, too, stayed unchanged.Like our leader, for example: Michael Jung and the indomitable fischerChipmunk FRH remain in the top spot, though they didnt quite catch the time a feat that just two riders, Germanys Anna Siemer on FRH Butts Avondale and New Zealands Clarke Johnstone on Domasco, managed.Instead, they added two time penalties, thinning their leading margin down to just 0.3 penalties going into showjumping, which doesnt even give them a second in hand.Michael Jung and Kilcandra Ocean Power. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The reason for that, Michi explains, comes from a change of plans in two striding patterns on the course, which he rode first with Kilcandra Ocean Power, who sits sixth overnight after adding 5.6 time penalties.On two lines, I added one extra stride. It was, I think, 6AB. In the beginning I thought, its a nice six strides, but I rode it as seven strides with my first horse, and it felt good, and so I did the same with Chipmunk. I did the same at a vertical to a skinny it was seven strides, where normally I prefer to do six, but I didnt get the nicest jump on the vertical, so I stayed quiet for the seven strides. It was the only thing I wish I could have done different, but everything else was a pretty good feeling.That puts him on pretty remarkably solid footing though was he ever not? for selection for the German Olympic team with one phase left to come.Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.His nearest competitor also looks, at this point, to have her team spot pretty well in the bag. Thats British Olympian Laura Collett and her three-time five-star winner London 52, who won the CCI5* class here last year and looked every inch as on-the-ball today as he did twelve months ago. They added just 1.6 time penalties to retain the second-place spot theyd held after dressage.Im absolutely delighted with him, says Laura. I just wanted to make sure at every combination and just give him a really good, confident ride, and let him travel around, and just try and make sure he stayed in one piece and understood all questions.The four-star track here, she says, is a much more intense iteration of the Luhmhlen track she knows so well from last year. In the 5* you have a lot more time between the fences to regroup and think about the next fence, but in the 4*, it came thick and fast, and you had to be really on your game and on your line and the horses had to think quickly, she says. Luckily, London 52 is very good at doing either hes good on the long courses and hes good on the short, and hes just been an absolute pleasure to ride.Now fifteen, London 52 only appears to be levelling up again.Hes just getting better and better with age. He wasnt a natural cross-country horse, so hes had to learn to go cross country, and he really does trust me, and I trust him now and I think thats the biggest thing weve just built up a partnership over the years. I know how lucky I am to ride a horse like him, and every time I go out ,I enjoy him for what he is, which is just a spectacular horse.Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The Brits are one of the major nations targeting this competition as a way to gauge who should get the slots for Paris but if the selectors had hoped that todays competition might make their job a bit easier for them, theyll be sorely disappointed. World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir sit third overnight, up from seventh, after adding 1.2 time penalties, and Tom McEwen and JL Dublin step up from tenth to fourth overnight, having added exactly the same amount of time penalties.We had a great round today he was pretty bold everywhere, and he was always looking for flags, and he was fast, says Yas. Hes an absolute pleasure to ride cross country he absolutely loves it. Its just great fun to ride him round, and of course to climb up to third after Dressage is also really exciting. I know Im sat on a very good jumping horse for tomorrow, so well see!Yasmin and Banzai originally teamed up years ago with the Paris Olympics in mind as their specific long-term goal, and their round today wont have hurt them in the pursuit of that.Of course its my goal. Its my dream, she says. So Im doing absolutely everything I can to try and put myself in the right place for the selectors. At the end of the day, its their decision on who they take to the Olympics, and I really hope that I make the cut. We had a great result in Kentucky 5* a few weeks ago, and hes obviously come here to have a bit of a spin around the 4* and get ourselves onto the podium, hopefully, so were very excited to finish just as well.Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Tom, too, was full of praise for JL Dublin, who also finished very well at Kentucky earlier this year, where he was second and Yas and Banzai were third.Dubs was phenomenal; he absolutely flew aound, he says. He was quick, he was sharp, he was on it. It was really nice; he felt very fresh after his Kentucky trip, so absolutely delighted with him. We came here and got the job done, and thats very good.Toms scant few time penalties, which represent three seconds over the optimum time, came at the very end of the course.I came here with the intention of being as close to the time as I could, and I was on the time the whole way, but actually, just through the woods at the end was really cut up, so I thought, theres no point preparing for something if youve got no horse, he says. So I just looked after him all the way back. But Im super delighted. Itll be really tight tomorrow, and I have seen how busy it gets in the afternoon, which he will absolutely love. So Im really looking forward to it!Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Germanys Olympic individual champion Julia Krajewski rounds out the top five with Nickel 21, who finished third here last year, after adding 3.2 time penalties and stepping up from 11th place, while fellow Tokyo Olympic team member Sandra Auffarth slips from fifth to seventh and just below Michi and Kilcandra Ocean Power, having added 5.6 time penalties with Viamant du Matz.Calvin Bckmann and Altair de la Cense. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Young talent Calvin Bckmann climbs from 27th to eighth with Altair de la Cense off the back of a very good round, which added just 1.2 time penalties to their score sheet, while two Frenchmen finish up the top ten: Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy climbed from 19th to ninth with 2.8 time penalties, and Astier Nicolas and AlertamalibOr rise from 15th to 10th with 3.6 time.Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight. Photo by Tilly Berendt.US-based Aussie pair Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight had an excellent round to add 3.2 time penalties, boosting them up from 55th to 28th place.And so, really, there are no changes in the hunt for Olympic places so far, though there certainly could be tomorrow so join us again for an in-depth analysis at the close of play, where well take a look at the potential impact of the competition in full.Tomorrow will begin with the mornings horse inspection, which the CCI4*-S will take part in from 8.00 a.m. (7.00 a.m. BST/2.00 a.m. EST), and then this class will showjump after the CCI5*, starting at 12.15 p.m. (11.15 a.m. BST/6.15 a.m. EST). You can follow along with all the action on Horse & Country TV, and right here on EN. Go Eventing!The top ten following cross-country in the Memer Trophy CCI4*-S.ENs coverage of the Longines LuhmhlenHorse Trials is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, your go-to source for science-backed nutritional support across all types of horses, disciplines, and needs. Click here to learn more about what KPP can do for your horse thank you for supporting our wonderful sponsors!Longines Luhmhlen:Website | Entries | Timetable | Live Scores | Tickets | Livestream | ENs Coverage