Education Zone

Whatever your discipline, it is essential to take good care of your horse’s joints to prevent future problems occurring. Most horse owners know that regular care of legs, feet and back can help prevent future problems and prolong their horse’s working life. However, many overlook proper joint care, something that could impact on all of these areas. Daily activities and everyday life causes wear and tear and places stress on joints, so being aware of potential problems early is important. Ongoing joint care can help minimise the risk of problems or injury, aid fitness and improve all-round performance. Joints explained A horse’s joints are designed to absorb shock and bear the weight of the body, while helping them to move easily and without friction. There are three main types of joints: – Cartilaginous – these joints have limited movement, such as spinal column and pelvis – Fibrous – fixed joints, such as the skull – Synovial – these are the moveable joints, such as the fetlocks, stifles, hocks and knees As the most active joints in a horse’s body, synovial joints are also the most likely to incur injuries or problems. Each end of the bone is covered with a lubricated cartilage, which absorbs the forces placed on the joint as the horse moves, and it is when this lubrication is affected that friction can cause joints to wear as a result. How are they affected? Problems usually occur when joint damage happens faster than repair, and there are many ways in which a horse’s joints can be affected. Although care and consideration go some way to protecting from unnecessary deterioration, age and general movement will always cause wear and tear. Conformation is also key – the better a horse’s conformation, the more balanced they will be, so the less impact will be placed on the joints. Poor conformation can exacerbate joint problems, as it more stress is placed on compensating joints, causing more wear and tear. Fitness, diet, foot condition and type of work can also play a part in general joint condition. Work on hard or rough ground can affect the movable synovial joints in particular, as it creates extra shock and impact. Things to look out for Horse’s can suffer from many different types of joint injury or problem, and treatment can range from massage and hydro-therapy to intra-articular medication (the injection of a drug into the joint), depending on the seriousness. As part of the daily routine, it is important to keep an eye on joints – as you would the feet and back – and look out for any abnormalities. Signs can include lameness, heat or swelling and pain on movement or flexion. In these cases it is important to consult your vet who can advise on what the problems are, and the best course of treatment. Prevention is better than cure When it comes to joints, prevention is better than cure, so it is important to be aware of what causes them extra stress, and how this can be minimised. Warming up and cooling down after exercise is essential, as it helps keep joints supple and reduces the chance of damage or friction. Competitions do have an impact, so if you are competing, be aware of the ground condition – hard ground or rougher terrain than your horse is used to will place more stress on joints. Leaving time enough time for the horse to rest after strenuous exercise or competition will allow them to recover and reduce the chance of lasting problems. When schooling, gradually help your horse build up a resistance on different surfaces, this will help protect from injury, keep joints supple, and improve condition in the long run. What’s on the market? There are a wide range of supplements available, designed specifically to benefit a horse’s joints. These can be used to support existing conditions or problems, or just to help maintain and protect healthy joints, and are manufactured by an array of equine brands. Using protective boots is also very important, especially when competing. They give protection to legs and joints, by absorbing impact and concussion, and providing extra support. Every horse is different Although there is no way to prevent general wear and tear on your horse’s joints, there are effective ways to reduce it. Every horse is different, so it is important to look at cases individually, and help your horse build up joint resistance slowly. Conformation, age and workload all play a part in joint condition, and while these are factors that can’t be changed, others can. Proper care will ensure joints are kept in the best condition possible, increase stamina, and ultimately help prolong your horse’s working life.

Stretch & Flex Wraps are made of a modern material called Stomatex, designed to ensure your horse’s legs remain cool and dry while being well-supported and protected during exercise sessions. Both sets of wraps are wonderfully soft, pliable and flexible allowing the horse to move freely, without the feeling of restriction. The wraps have been designed with the comfort of the horse in mind, so are suitable for sensitive horses. It is important to get the correct size to fit your horse/pony. Sizes range from small to extra large including a medium narrow which has been designed specifically for those skinny leg horses (having the same cannon width as the small boot but the length of the medium). For further details see the size guide. Stretch & Flex is made from Stomatex® originally developed for human athletes. Stomatex® was designed to provide four-way stretch, to enable use around mobile joints, and an outstanding ability to keep the skin dry. It is commonly used in the manufacture of heat acclimatisation suits, padding for wheelchairs, special wetsuits and sports injury support bandages. The material mimics the way a leaf ‘breathes’, which allows the horses leg to stay cool and maintains an ideal skin temperature over an extended period of time. The way the material works is by efficiently moving trapped vapour molecules from beneath the fabric by the flexing action of minute dome shaped chambers which contain a tiny pore in the centre. This also gives it its unique appearance. To provide breathable protection, Stretch & Flex was also developed using Automotive Grade Cushioning Spacer Mesh. This mesh is strategically placed over the vulnerable tendon area for extra protection. The spacer fabric has an additional jersey fabric on the inside of the boot to create an even softer lining against your horse's leg. Ideal to act as a ‘cushion’ and comfortable to wear, the spacer fabric is also fantastic at letting heat and moisture pass through easily to get sweat and warmth away from the skin. Stretch & Flex Flatwork Wraps Our Flatwork Wraps cover the leg from knee/hock to fetlock with a similar shape to brushing boots. These are perfect for flatwork, schooling and hacking. The wraps offer supreme levels of comfort whilst protecting against minor scrapes and knocks. Flatwork Wraps have a protective cushioned panel on the inside of the leg that protects the horse's fetlock joints and splint bones. STRETCH & FLEX FLATWORK WRAPS Stretch & Flex Training Wraps Training Wraps are particularly good for young, unbalanced horses whilst training new movements, and for big moving horses. They offer extra support, designed to extend further down the leg supporting both the fetlock joint and pastern. Extra thick, soft padding protects the tendons, the inside of the cannon bone, and the fetlock joint. A wrap-around strap snugly supports the fetlock joint and prevents sand and grit from getting up inside the boot. STRETCH & FLEX TRAINING WRAPS

Why use horse boots, wraps and chaps? With so many boots available, finding the right boots for your horse can be confusing. As riders and horse owners, we ask our horses to live and work in ways that they would not in the wild.  This may be working harder, in different ways, with more repetition, on surfaces, carrying a weight and wearing horse shoes. As a result we need to provide them with leg protection against injury from external impact, self-inflicted harm, and stress-related problems. Why wear horse boots? The current fashion trend for ‘matchy-matchy’ should not be the reason to ‘dress’ your horse in boots. First and foremost, horse boots, wraps, chaps and bandages are worn to protect the horse’s legs from injury.  Leg injuries can be caused by brushing, knocks, grazes, over reaching, penetration and concussion. But the use of horse boots and bandages can itself cause problems associated with: Heat and moisture retention Restriction of movement or blood supply Excessive weight on the leg It’s important to weigh up all of these factors when deciding what boots to choose for your horse. Does your horse actually need to wear boots at all? Consider the level of work you are doing and the complexity of the work. Dressage horses may not need the same protection as a show jumper or event horse. Minimise risk – consider the negatives of wearing horse boots To minimise risk, boots should be chosen not only for the protection and support they provide, but also for the extent to which they keep the leg cool. This can be achieved by the use of modern breathable fabrics, combined with careful design and construction of the boot. The boot should allow air to flow from the leg though the boot to prevent heat build up. Overheating horses’ legs can cause long term tissue damage. Choose boots that are made of breathable fabrics. There are a lot of modern technical fabrics that actually actively allow the legs to remain cool as they exercise. Adding small amounts of weight to the end of the leg in the form of a boot increases the effort the horse must put in to move. A heavy boot or one which retains water or moisture can lead to injuries caused by tiredness. Wherever possible choose a lightweight boot that’s comfortable for the horse to wear.  Check that the boots are made from materials that won’t absorb and hold water when going through puddles, long grass or cross country. If boots are constructed of inflexible (i.e. stiff) material or if boots are applied too tightly, they have the potential to restrict joint movement. Look for boots made with flexible fabrics that move with the horse’s natural movements. Boots, wraps or bandages should be flexible and not applied too tightly. So now we know what features and design elements to look for when choosing horse boots, let’s look at what boots to wear when! Horse Boots Features & Benefits: Boots offer a choice for every discipline at any level from amateur to professional. Convenient and easy to use, with superb protection without restriction.Ideal for: schooling, flatwork, jumping, hacking, galloping, eventing, everyday use.SHOP HORSE BOOTS Leg Wraps Features & Benefits: Designed for soft, flexible protection and support during exercise. Combine the support offered by an exercise bandage and the convenience of a boot. Offer flexible protection that moulds to the exact contours of the horse's legs allowing complete freedom of movement. Eliminates rubs and chaffing caused by hard, ill fitting boots.Ideal for: schooling and hacking.SHOP LEG WRAPS Horse Chaps Features & Benefits: Designed to offer your horse's legs extra protection during turnout or stabling. Chaps extend down over the pastern, coronary band and sensitive heel area to provide extra protection to these vulnerable areas.Ideal for: turnout, mud fever prevention, leg protection in the stable.SHOP HORSE CHAPS

In my opinion the Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps are the unsung hero of the Equilibrium Range. My horses tend to wear them more over the winter months as they are spending a bit more time in the stable and long periods of turnout can be tricky in the unpredictable winter weather. The boots are a snug and soft fit and we tend to leave them on overnight as there’s no fear of them slipping or causing rubs. I tend to use the magnet boots mainly on my more advanced horses as it helps maintain bloodflow to the legs. They are also useful for any general knocks or bumps, and the magnets are all moveable so you can target specific areas.  About Daisy: Daisy is a talented young dressage rider based in Hertfordshire. Since starting British Dressage competition in 2012 , Daisy has won 7 British Dressage National Titles as well as the Pony Club Open Dressage National title. Latest Highlights include: Selected onto The British Equestrian Federation Young Professionals Programme supported by Sport England. 1st Keysoe Premier League in the PSG riding Affinity Bay, qualifying directly for the British Dressage Summer Nationals. 3rd place at the Pet Plan Inter I National Championships riding Affinity Bay.

About Mikey is an 11-year-old Irish Sports Horse, owned by Laura Szuca since 2014. They compete in showing and dressage, although Mikey hacks regularly and jumps from time to time. Mikey is prone to filled legs, especially after working hard and in the mornings after being stabled overnight. He is also at a prime age for arthritis, and like most horses with a bit of mileage – can start his ridden sessions a bit stiff, particularly in winter. Laura says: “If I am honest, I wasn’t sure if the magnetic therapy chaps would work. Were they just a fad, and yet another way to spend my hard-earned cash on my horse? I have been using them now for over a month and so feel I have given them a fair trial to see if they could make a difference to my horse, Mikey – an 11-year-old ISH with a pretty busy life. More and more recently his legs have been swelling up overnight, and he is now at a prime age for arthritis. Having read up on the Equilibrium magnetic chaps, and having used some of their other products before that I liked, I decided to purchase some. They can be used on front and back legs (I purchased a pair for both) and they fit well, one thing I really like about the product is that you can move the magnets to where you want them, which means if you think you have a problem area somewhere in the leg you can just pull the magnets off and then put them where you want them. For me, Mikey has a splint on both of his front legs, so I figured that if I am going to pick somewhere to put the magnets, there is as good a place as any. On his hind legs I have put the magnets up high to help any onset of arthritis. He wears them in his stable overnight and they don’t move an inch! The first thing I noticed after just a few days was the shape of Mikey’s leg – honestly – I have owned him for 3 years and have never seen such definition! There is no swelling, no puffiness and his legs both look and feel great. The second benefit, which to be honest I wasn’t really expecting... Was the difference in his splints, they have reduced in size - I was shocked! He’s had the splints around 12-18 months and I didn’t think you could really do anything for them at this stage, but I can honestly say they have both reduced in size, and the one on his right fore has almost gone. A miracle? I don’t know, but the only change I have made to his well-being is using the Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps. A definite 10/10 for me!” Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps The Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps provide a quick and effective way of providing magnetic therapy to horses. They are suitable for front and hind legs, are quick and easy to put on and can conveniently be left on overnight in the stable. The magnets are also able to be positioned anywhere within the chap – so can be placed exactly where they are needed. FIND OUT MORE

Whether you believe in magnets or not, there is something mysterious about the effect it can have on the body. And while cold, hard scientific proof is difficult to find, we do know some truths and have definitely witnessed some positive results when it comes to keeping horses legs and backs in top condition. Here are 5 things you might not have known about magnets. 1) They are suitable for all horses. Magnets can be used on all horses and ponies to maintain healthy muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. They are great to help horses that are working hard, feel the cold, or maybe those who are being brought back into work and are recruiting muscles that haven’t been used for a while. "Love these! Feel they make a difference to my old boy who’s stiff and arthritic in front. Easy to move magnets to where you want and easy to put on." Samantha Gillespie 2) Let them do their work overnight.  Using magnets doesn’t have to cause an inconvenience to your routine or require extra time. While some other magnetic products can only be used for a limited amount of time, our Magnetic Range is designed to fit into your schedule – so you can leave them on overnight and use them everyday. In an ideal world, magnets should be used for at least 4 hours if possible – making an overnight solution super convenient, especially when we all know time can be short on the yard, particularly during winter! "Fantastic fit, easy to put on and take off and to wash for daily use. And they stay on! Which is a huge bonus, unlike other boots." Helen Gallagher 3) Neodymium, Ceramic, Rubber – not all magnets are the same. There are lots of different types of magnets made up of various components, and the type of magnet can also determine the strength. You can be blinded by science but apart from strength, there are a few other things to consider – such as weight, flexibility, how they are being applied, and as they have a local or targeted effect, are the magnets where you need them to be? Our Magnetic Range use unique magnets which can be moved to exactly where YOU need them. "I love these magnetic chaps - they’re warm, magnets are easy to move around, the ideal aid for arthritic horses!" Trusted Customer 4) Just because a magnet sticks to metal doesn’t mean it will produce an effect. Every magnet will have a gauss surface strength. This is what makes it stick to a metal surface,  i.e. a fridge magnet sticking to a fridge. It is important to understand however, that this surface measurement is not necessarily representative of its effect on your horse. 5) Magnets don’t wear out. Magnets used in most magnetic products are called Static Magnets – where they have been ‘charged’ and then hold that charge for the remainder of their days. This means their magnetic field will remain constant and the results should not diminish over time, with proper care of course! Overall, magnets have been seen to have positive effects in horses for both maintaining health and performance. And while there are different types of magnets, choose one to fit into your routine, that’s comfortable for your horse to wear and above all, effective! The Equilibrium Magnetic Range Affordable, effective magnetic products suitable for all horses and ponies. Designed to be used overnight in the stable, and perfect for all horses and ponies to support mobility, aid joint function and maintain healthy tendons.  Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps Equilibrium Hind & Hock Magnetic Chaps

We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our Magnetic Range below. If you would like your question answered, please email info@equilibriumproducts.com and we will post it here with our answer. Magnetic FAQ: How do the magnets work? A magnet has two poles, North and South. Opposite poles attract and conversely like poles repel. When a magnet is placed on the body, the magnetic properties in the body’s cells will either attract those that are opposite or repel those that are alike. In this way the activity of the cells is increased. Can I start using the magnetic products on my horse straight away? Yes. It is extremely rare for a horse to have an adverse reaction to our magnets. As with all new products, you may like to try the products on your horse for a short time initially while you’re nearby to check for fit. When should I not use magnetic products on my horse? Do not apply magnets on open wounds, bruises, infection, areas of inflammations or for the first 5 days following steroid injections. It is not advisable to use magnets on a horse with a heart murmur or in the first trimester of pregnancy for you or your horse! Note: People with heart pacemakers should not carry magnetic products. What are the benefits of the Magnetic Chaps? The Magnetic Chaps can be worn to support mobility, aid joint function and maintain healthy tendons. Magnets can help maintain blood circulation for a horse stood at rest. How long will the magnets last? The magnets will not become less efficient over time. Can I wash the magnets? The magnets themselves CANNOT be washed. The Magnetic Chaps can be washed on a cool wash with a non-biological detergent. The magnets should be removed from the protective pockets prior to washing to avoid accidental damage to the washing machine and the magnets. How should the products be stored when not in use? Store in a dry place away from extreme temperatures. For example, avoid storing the magnets in a very cold place such as a tack room during winter, as the magnets may lose their flexibility. Can the Magnetic Chaps be worn for turnout? The Magnetic Chaps should only be worn in the stable and not worn for turnout as the Chaps are not designed for outdoor use. Magnets work best when the horse is at rest. Can I use Magnetic Chaps when my horse has mud fever? We advise waiting until your horses’ mud fever has cleared up before using Magnetic Chaps. This is because magnets should not be used on open wounds or if there is any risk of infection. Can I put the Magnetic Chaps on wet legs? For comfort reasons, we would recommend towel drying horses’ legs thoroughly before putting the Magnetic Chaps on. Can I purchase replacement magnets? Yes, replacement magnets can be purchased here.

We are dedicated to creating carefully designed products that improve the wellbeing of the horse.  All of our products are thoroughly researched, tested and quality checked. The Equilibrium Massage Pad has been independently tested by Myerscough College in Lancashire. The results, following 4 weeks of testing, show that the massage pad offers significant benefits to working horses, improving back flexibility, promoting relaxation and that it could help to increase stride length. There were two parts to the study: 1) The horses were measured for signs of stress / relaxation immediately before, during and after the application of the massage pads over a six week period 2) The horses were assessed in terms of flexibility and suppleness. There were two groups of horses – a treated group and a control group. Test Methods Back flexibility was assessed using the ‘Arch Dip Test’.  The Arch & Dip test is a reliable and proven indicator of back flexibility (Pelham & Schobesberger 2006). It involves the use of pressure stimulus to generate a reflex in the horses’ back. Pressure applied to a specific region in the spinal area results in the horse ‘dipping’ away from the pressure, with a more flexible back allowing the horse to exhibit a greater ability to dip away from the source of the pressure. The arch test involves the application of pressure to the horses’ midline, in order to stimulate an upwards arch reflex in the horses’ back away from the source of pressure. Similarly, a more flexible back allows the horse to exhibit a greater ability to arch the back upwards away from the source of the pressure. As a measure of relaxation, the horses also had their heart rates monitored. Results Reducing Stiffness Test results demonstrated an overall improvement in back flexibility of approx. 46%. Stride Length The trial showed that the stride length of the horses who wore the Massage Pad which was turned on increased over the test period by 12cms, whereas the control group showed little improvement. Horse owners know that a small change in stride length can make a major difference to the way of going in the horse. Promoting Relaxation Using a heart rate monitor, horses wearing the Equilibrium Massage Pad had a consistently lower heart rate than those in the control group. Conclusion The results after 6 weeks of testing indicate that 1) the horses appeared more relaxed and 2) the performance of the horse would be expected to improve due to the increased flexibility of the horses’ back muscles. Relaxed muscles will assist with flexibility and movement in particular for competition horses performing dressage movements and jumping technical fences.

In recent years, animal physiotherapy, including massage and magnetic therapy, has grown in popularity as a way to support the musculoskeletal health of horses. These therapies aim to prevent injuries, promote recovery, and enhance performance, making them a staple for owners and trainers seeking optimal care for their equine partners. Massage, defined as the manipulation of soft tissues, offers a range of benefits including injury prevention, relaxation, fatigue recovery, and increased mobility (Hemmings, 2001). By improving flexibility and reducing musculoskeletal pain, massage can significantly enhance a horse's performance (Gellman, 1998). While manual massage techniques have long been the traditional approach, advancements in technology have introduced electrical modalities, expanding the options for therapeutic intervention. The Benefits of Equine Massage Massage isn’t just a luxury — it’s a powerful tool to promote a horse's physical and mental well-being. Here's a closer look at its key benefits: 1. Improved Flexibility and Relaxation Tension in the muscles and soft tissues is one of the most common causes of poor performance in horses. Tension can manifest in various ways, such as stiffness, shortened stride length, or behavioural issues like hollowness, bucking, or even rearing. Regular massage helps release this tension, promoting relaxation and improving back flexibility. By maintaining a healthy, supple back, horses are better equipped to perform to their full potential. 2. Enhanced Blood Flow and Circulation Massage stimulates blood flow to the treated areas, promoting vasodilation — the widening of blood vessels. This increased circulation brings an enhanced supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which is crucial for maintaining muscle health. Post-exercise, massage aids in flushing out metabolic waste products like lactic acid, which can otherwise contribute to soreness and fatigue. 3. Reduction in Injury Risk By keeping muscles pliable, soft, and free of adhesions, massage reduces the risk of strains or tears. Regular massage sessions with a qualified therapist can also highlight any musculature changes, and allow you to identify any potential problems.  4. Behavioural and Psychological Benefits Massage doesn’t just address physical issues. The release of endorphins during massage sessions provides a sense of relaxation and comfort, making it an effective tool for managing stress, but also giving the horse a 'feel-good' sensation.  When to Use Massage Incorporating massage into your horse's routine can be beneficial in various scenarios. Here are some practical applications: For horses on box rest: Massage helps maintain circulation and prevent muscle atrophy during periods of restricted movement. After exercise: Helps with muscle recovery by removing toxins and promoting repair. Before exercise: Serves as a valuable part of a warm-up routine, increasing circulation and encouraging relaxation to prepare muscles for activity. After travelling: Helps to alleviate stiffness and discomfort caused by prolonged periods of standing in a trailer or lorry. On rest days: Supports overall maintenance and recovery, ensuring muscles remain supple. As a reward: A relaxing massage can be a great way to bond with your horse. Manual vs. Technology-Assisted Massage Traditional massage techniques, performed manually, remain widely practised and effective. However, the introduction of electrical modalities, such as massage pads or handheld devices, has made equine massage more accessible and consistent. These tools can target specific areas, provide adjustable intensity, and are convenient for use both at home and on the go. These do not replace the roles of qualified therapists, but can assist in between sessions and potentially prolong the time between sessions depending on the horse.  Conclusion Equine massage is a versatile, science-backed practice that contributes to your horse’s overall health and performance. By integrating massage into your care routine, you can help reduce the risk of injuries, improve flexibility, and enhance relaxation — all while strengthening your bond with your horse. Whether you choose manual techniques or technology-assisted options, regular massage offers an investment in your horse's long-term well-being. If you’re new to equine massage, consider consulting a certified veterinary physiotherapist to develop a programme tailored to your horse’s specific needs. With consistent care, you’ll likely see the benefits reflected not just in their physical health, but in their performance and temperament as well.  

Headshaking doesn’t mean an end to riding. Nose nets and other facial coverings have played a large part in returning many head shakers to normal function. They remain the most successful, preventative, home treatment for headshaking. A recent trial showed the use of nose nets halved the severity of headshaking symptoms in 50% of the horses studied with some improvement in symptoms seen in up to 80% of sufferers. In addition, our research has shown that nose nets do not appear to work by actively filtering out pollen particles and stop them from being inhaled – the holes are just too big! Instead, it is thought that they may work by distorting the airflow to the nose and their presence may distract or comfort the horse. British Dressage and British Eventing have now accepted the use of nose nets in competition. Face and ear nets can also be effective in alleviating headshaking which may suggest that for some horses there is a different cause or that these nets also have a distracting or protective role. Alleviating headshaking Creating a good relationship with your vet and trusting their judgement is an essential start to managing headshaking.  Drugs are available such as commonly used cyproheptadine and carbamazepine. Surgical techniques can be used to cut faulty nerves that are thought to cause headshaking. The success of these methods is variable but is increasing as we learn more about the condition. Keeping a diary of headshaking attacks may help you to identify potential triggers or times when the headshaking is worse. As a rule, preventing an attack is better than attempting to ride the horse through one. Remember, most head shakers are suffering from an underlying clinical problem that causes the headshaking. Some owners report improvements when their horses are stabled during the day and turned out at night in the summer. In addition, wetting hay reduces the possibility of any respiratory complications. A recent report concluded that acupuncture is unlikely to be of benefit in the majority of cases. With careful management, the outlook for many head shakers is bright and a happy and rewarding relationship can still be maintained.  Although it seems that in terms of potential causes we’re doing more ruling out than ruling in research is progressing and the future is promising.

Headshaking explained Maybe you’re just getting to grips with a new mount this spring or you’re bringing on your youngster.  Imagine your horror when you find your horse starts headshaking. Your dreams of being able to compete or even hack safely begin to crumble around you.   But don’t despair – headshaking need not mean the end to your horse’s riding career.  New research is helping vets and owners to better understand this condition and give practical solutions for managing the problem. What is headshaking? Nowadays it seems that everyone knows someone with a head shaker.  But what is a ‘head shaker’ and what distinguishes them from a horse with a short-term irritation or behavioural problem? Most horses shake their heads from time to time to get rid of flies or when frustrated. Horses that simply nod their heads when stabled or as they turn home from a ride, may not be head shakers but ‘nodders’, a condition that is responsive  to changes in management. ‘Nodders’ do not usually cause great problems to themselves or their owner. True head shakers do so persistently and for no apparent reason. They exhibit sharp, jerky vertical and horizontal head movements.  The severity of the movements can vary from small flicks to huge, sweeping arcs which threaten to hit the rider on the nose or unseat them. Experts now recognise that head shakers also exhibit symptoms that suggest the horse is suffering from irritation within or around the face and muzzle.  Head shakers that also snort excessively during an attack will try to rub their face or act as if a bee has gone up their nose. They may even run their nose along the ground or strike the ground during the attack.  Moreover the unpredictability of the length and occurrence of these attacks can severely limit a rider’s ability to compete or even ride safely. By Dr Katy Taylor De Montfort University

An introduction to Laminitis What is laminitis? Equine laminitis is a painful condition of the feet affecting horses and ponies. It is the most common cause of lameness in the UK. The lameness ranges from being barely noticeable to severe. Laminitis involves inflammation in the sensitive tissues of the foot (laminae). These tissues connect the lowest bone within the hoof (pedal bone) to the hoof wall. As the condition develops, this connection starts to weaken, causing the pedal bone to rotate and point towards the sole (sinking). There are two types of laminitis: acute and chronic. Acute laminitis Early stages of the condition Considered a vet emergency Clinical signs present but pedal bone hasn’t moved Can be treated to prevent it becoming chronic Chronic laminitis Later stages of the condition Pedal bone has moved within the hoof Ongoing foot problems are more likely such as lameness and foot abscesses What causes laminitis? Laminitis arises when the blood flow to the foot is interrupted. This results in certain areas not receiving sufficient blood but blood carries oxygen and vital nutrients. Therefore, cells in the foot become damaged which causes inflammation and pain. Laminitis is a complex condition with several possible causes. About 90% of laminitis cases are caused by underlying hormonal (endocrine) disease ‐ mainly Cushing’s Disease and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). The remaining 10% may be caused by: carbohydrate overload eg if your horse gets into the feed-room; toxaemia, due to toxins released by bacteria during some illnesses such as colic, diarrhoea, liver or respiratory disease, or from a retained placenta after foaling; concussion, perhaps due to working on hard surfaces; excessive weight bearing, when lameness in one limb causes the horse to carry too much weight on other limbs. What are the clinical signs of laminitis? Laminitis can affect all four feet, but most commonly affects the front. The typical stance is with the affected horse standing with his hind-legs well underneath his body and leaning back to take weight of his front toes. He may also have hot feet with a strong (digital) pulse felt at the back of his fetlock. Other possible indicators are: signs of pain such as reluctance to move, facial tension, and a lack of interest in his surroundings; general stiffness; or weight shifting while at rest. He may also have a ‘pottery’ walk caused by placing the heel down before the toe, or lameness that is exaggerated on a hard surface. How can I prevent laminitis? Laminitis may be prevented by ensuring your horse is of correct weight and body condition score. Feed him an appropriate diet with sufficient exercise to prevent weight increases. Latest research suggests avoiding diets containing too much sugar (including molasses) which affects insulin levels. Monitor for underlying metabolic conditions and causes of laminitis, such as Cushing’s Disease and EMS. For horses with a past history of laminitis, it is essential that you follow the advice from your vet, farrier and nutritionist to manage your horse effectively. How is laminitis treated? There is no cure for laminitis, but early treatment and management will improve the chances of recovery. Your vet should be called early on in all cases of laminitis. Box rest is necessary to minimise movement and prevent further damage until your horse becomes sound. Pain‐relieving medication can be administered, such as phenylbutazone (bute). X‐rays will check for pedal bone movement and daily monitoring of foot temperature and digital pulse is advisable. Feet may be trimmed appropriately or shod with special shoes to alleviate pressure and prevent further damage. Try to eliminate recurrence of laminitis by reducing grass intake and feeding an appropriate diet, read more about feeding the laminitis prone horse. Did you know? Restricting access to fresh grass can have a negative impact on the level of vitamin C in horse's systems as they use grass to generate vitamin C. Supplementing vitamin C in the diet is therefore beneficial for horses and ponies on a restricted grass diet. What is the prognosis of laminitis? Horses can recover from episodes of acute laminitis and, if treated promptly and effectively, chronic laminitis can be avoided. It is essential to act quickly and work alongside your vet, farrier and nutritionist to improve the prognosis. Hoof damage may cause ongoing problems which need to be managed accordingly. Horses that have suffered one attack of laminitis are more susceptible to suffering laminitis in the future, so careful monitoring and good management is key. With a timely diagnosis, prompt and appropriate treatment, and effective management, it is possible for horses to return to their former use and have a good quality of life. Thank you to vet, Rachel Harrison-Osborne of Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, for her input to this article. Helpful resources https://www.laminitisclinic.org https://www.talkaboutlaminitis.co.uk https://www.laminitis.org/laminitis.htm https://www.thelaminitissite.org/laminitis.htm https://www.bhs.org.uk/welfare

Why are tendons important? Tendons are important for transmitting forces from muscle to bone. The equine flexor tendons are important for supporting the fetlock joint during standing and locomotion, and for energy efficient movement, but at peak performance the digital flexor tendons are operating close to failure strains. Why does injury occur? Because of this balance between efficiency and failure, tendon injury frequently occurs as the result of repetitive overloading. There may be increased likelihood of tendon injury if there is underlying tendon degeneration - related to increasing age and/or cumulative exercise. Rest, however, is not necessarily a good thing - a 4-6 week period of box rest has been reported to lead to a deterioration in tendon strength. Generally subtle damage tends to occur before severe damage or rupture and the middle (core) part of the tendon is more likely to be affected than the edges. When severe damage occurs, there is cycle of inflammation and then repair. However, the repaired tendon is less elastic than original tendon so reinjury is frequent, either to the repaired tendon or the interface between the normal and repaired tendon. Flexor tendon injury is more likely with greater loads, so increased weight of horse and rider, greater height of fences and faster speeds will potentially increase the risk of injury. The more times the tendon is stretched near its limit can also increase the risk of injury, for example by increased number of fences or distance galloped. In general, jumping appears to be associated with deep digital flexor tendon injury in the pastern and foot, and jumping from a high height or jumping at speed are associated with superficial digital flexor tendon injury. As the muscles become tired, uncoordinated movement can result in excessive forces on a tendon. Foot conformation can also influence tendon loading so foot balance is important in both prevention and management of injuries. Although repetitive overloading is probably the most likely reason for tendon injury, damage to tendons can also occur as a result of direct trauma. Laceration of the entire tendon will stop the continuity between muscle and bone. For a digital extensor tendon, this is rarely a major problem, unless a tendon sheath becomes infected. However, for the digital flexor tendons, a loss of support for the palmar aspect of the distal limb is potentially extremely serious. The involvement of a tendon sheath can also affect the prognosis. Signs of tendon damage For a complete rupture or laceration of the deep digital flexor tendon, the toe of the foot becomes raised from the floor as the pedal bone loses support from the tendon. If there is complete laceration or rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon, there is reduced support for the fetlock joint, which may appear to drop. However, in most cases, there is not complete laceration or rupture, so the signs of damage can be less obvious. Swelling, heat and pain on pressure over the affected tendon are the most likely signs of damage, although for tendons within the carpal canal the horse may resent flexion of the knee, and for tendons within the digital flexor tendon sheath (behind the fetlock joint) the horse may resent flexion of the fetlock. When there is injury to the deep digital flexor tendon within the foot or pastern, the horses usually shows signs of foot pain. Diagnosis of tendon injury Nerve blocks may be used to locate the site of damage. Injuries to the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons above the pastern are most frequently diagnosed using ultrasonography (ultrasound examination). For tendons within a sheath, tenoscopy (keyhole surgery) can often be useful to see the surface of the tendon. For injuries to the deep digital flexor tendon within the foot or pastern, pain is often improved by nerve blocks to the foot, and in the past would have been confused with 'navicular disease'. Deep digital flexor tendon injury can occur either in conjunction with or in the absence of navicular bone abnormalities. Tendon injury may also be found in conjunction with damage to ligaments within the foot such as the impair ligament or collateral ligaments of the coffin joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best method for diagnosing tendon or ligament damage within the foot, and has shown the importance of both tendon and ligament damage within the foot. As MRI is increasingly being used in veterinary practice, it is now possible to diagnose tendon and ligament problems that could not previously have been diagnosed, ensuring that affected horses are treated in the optimal way. A horse with complete laceration of the deep digital flexor tendon after becoming entangled in wire - resulting in the toe being lifted off the floor. MRI of a horse with damage to the deep digital flexor tendon (arrow) just above the navicular bone. On this MRI picture, it is possible to see the details of the tendons, bone, articular cartilage and other structures within the foot that are not possible to see using other types of imaging. Rachel C Murray MA VetMB MS PhD Diplomate ACVS MRCVS Many thanks to the Animal Health Trust for this article and images

What is an overreach injury? An overreach injury occurs when a horse steps on the back of a fore limb heel with the toe of a hind limb. In extreme cases an overreach injury can be potentially life threatening for a horse. This is because there are several extremely important structures on the back of the leg. What factors increase the risk of an overreach injury? Overreach injuries are more common in horses with short backs and/or active hind legs! They are also more common in muddy conditions, when the horse's front foot may stay on the ground for a second longer than it normally would, allowing the hind foot to come into contact with the heel bulbs before the front leg has been lifted. The horse must also be well trimmed and shod; too long a toe on the hind feet can increase the risk of the horse over reaching. What are the most common areas affected? The horse more often will cut into his heel bulbs when he over reaches, which, although rarely life threatening, may well mean a few weeks, or more, off work, whilst the wound heels, and this could indeed end your competition season early. How to tell? An overreach injury can vary in appearance; it could present as small cuts and abrasions, heat and swelling with no wound, or as deep lacerations and open wounds. How to treat an overreach? A heel bulb wound is very difficult to keep clean, due to its proximity to the ground. It is also very tricky to bandage this area, as any bandages will just end up like a bracelet around the pastern. Some heel bulb injuries can be so severe as to require the horse to have a foot cast applied, to allow the wound to heel without movement. For minor cuts and abrasions it is advisable to keep the horse in as clean an area as possible leaving the wound to heal, cleaning it once or twice a day depending on the severity. Always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure how deep the wound is or at any signs of infection. What’s the most sensitive area? The most serious would be if the horse struck into the back of his pastern. A few millimetres under the skin, on the back of the pastern, lies the lower portion of the tendon sheath. This tendon sheath is a synovial structure, which means it as important as a joint as far as infection goes. Higher up - overreach injuries on the back of the leg may also end up with the horse in surgery, due to lacerating tendons on the back of the leg, or once again going into the tendon sheath just above the fetlock. How serious is this? If a horse overreaches and cuts into the back of his pastern, he may well end up on the operating table. If the injury penetrates the tendon sheath, then it will require surgical flushing and closure. How do you prevent overreach injuries? Overreach injuries can be prevented by correctly fitting over reach boots.  If overreach boots are too big they may end up being trodden on by the hind feet, resulting in a nasty fall. Keeping hind toes short will also reduce the risk of injury. Natalie McGoldrick - MRCVS

  Dietary management for EMS or Cushing's Disease For a pony or horse suspected of having Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or diagnosed with Cushings Syndrome, diet and exercise management is essential. Try and keep them fit with a target body condition score of 5 (out of 9) on the Henneke Body Condition Scale for horses. Feed little and often, and encourage them to eat slowly, to avoid large peaks and troughs in blood glucose and insulin – keep meal sizes small (less than 1kg for ponies, 2kg for horses). Manage the diet to ensure a low starch and sugar content – the target is below 10% total starch and sugar in the overall diet: Use feeds that are high in fibre and low in starch and sugar – Laminitis Trust approved main meals are a good indication of these nutritional parameters. Feed low sugar forage Hay and haylage can contain up to 10-15% sugar (they contain little starch). The sugar content can be checked by feed analysis, or alternatively the forage can be soaked. 12-16 hours soaking will deplete the sugar content by half. (However in warm weather reduce this significantly to prevent the soaking water becoming foul and smelly.) Soaking haylage may seem counter intuitive given it is already moist, but the purpose of soaking is to remove readily soluble sugars from the material, which will not happen otherwise. (Steaming doesn’t reduce the sugar content by as much as soaking) Ensure the diet is fully balanced and contains plenty of antioxidants

Feed management of the competition horse with Cushing's Disease The main challenges for the competition horse with Cushing's Disease are ensuring your horse has sufficient energy, strength and endurance to compete whilst reducing the risk of complications caused by Cushing's Disease  (PPID).  Pergolide, the main medicine used to treat Cushings Disease is not permitted in competition and there is a need for a withdrawn period before competing – this makes managing the diet even more crucial.  Managing a much increased risk of laminitis whilst feeding for competition:  Managing the laminitis is achieved via a high fibre / very low starch and sugar diet. However very low starch and sugar diets have been associated with a drop in performance / top line  in high performance horses. By low starch and sugar we are talking about 10-12% total starch and sugar in the overall diet. This means: Feeding soaked hay rather than haylage. Haylage can be higher than 10% sugar; soaking hay reduces its soluble sugar content.  Soak for 6-12 hours – 12 hours can reduce the sugar by up to 50% but may not be practical in warm weather) Hard feed: Feed several small meals to avoid any large peaks in glucose and insulin There are few very low starch and sugar hard feeds, but they do exist. Or: use a feed balancer – these are generally low in starch and sugar and are well supplemented with vitamins and minerals, but as your horse’s work intensity increases, or if he needs more condition, additional supplementation of energy would be required. Supplementing Vitamin B12 before and after competition helps to increase energy levels. Managing weight loss/muscle tone A rich supply of amino acids from quality protein sources would help with this.  Standard commercially available conditioning feeds can be 20-30% starch and sugar so are best avoided. Supporting the immune system PPID results in increased circulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  This depresses the immune system (as well as increasing the risk of laminitis).  To provide extra support to the immune system, feeding high doses of antioxidants is recommended.  Vitamin E and Selenium supplements are the best known for this –  avoid any herb-based products in case of potential interactions with the Pergolide and any other medications the horse might be receiving. Boosting the diet with Vitamin C is a useful respiratory supplement and will help support the immune system.

There is nothing more frustrating than when your horse either turns his nose up or doesn't finish his feed.  Some may be plain fussy, but others seems to go off their feed as the showing season progresses. Tempting stressy horses is a challenge as they can seem to melt away in front of you. For some horses the root cause is physical and for others it’s psychological. Careful considerations For the horse that starts to turn his nose up unexpectedly, consider what might have changed – from a step up in work level to a new batch of feed or forage.  Also consider if there may be any underlying issues such as worn teeth or gastric ulcers. Amongst the physical causes of poor appetite, top of the list could be digestive discomfort, usually in horses eating small amounts of forage.  The discomfort could be from gastric ulcers - a reduction in forage means less chewing time and a build up of stomach acid. Discomfort in the large intestine may also be a cause of poor appetite as a result of starch overflow (from a high cereal meal) into the hindgut disrupting the delicate microbial balance there. Something as simple as a new batch of forage can precipitate this, even in horses that usually cope OK on such a regime, but so can stepping up the hard feed as work increases or for more condition.  Also don’t forget the power of spring grass which is lush and sugary at this time of year. For horses for which the excitement of the day ahead gets in the way of settling into their feed, tricks like feeding at the front of the stable, frequent small meals , turning out, or providing a companion may help. Finally for sudden loss of appetite in a horse, especially those that are good eaters, you cannot rule out illness or disease, so if in any doubt, check the vital signs and consult with your vet. Tips for tempting fussy feeders:  Turn out to chill out:  increase the time turned out, especially if the horse can have a pick of grass while out.  Variety: research has shown that horses increase their time spent eating if they are offered variety whether it is in the forages offered or in feed toppings, as this helps recreate the natural browsing instinct and extends eating time.  Go for a high fibre diet:  As well as that supplied by forage and chaff, look to add extra fibre in cunning ways , such as with a fibre block or changing the hard feed to one high in fibre. Gorse:  this old wives tale does seem to work.  A stick of gorse in the manger is said to encourage appetite, even if it sounds a bit prickly! Added vitamins: Vitamin B12 injections are often used as a pick me up, and to perk up a jaded appetite.  B-vitamins are produced by the hindgut so if there is anything amiss with its function, a course of B vitamins may help. Make the meal more tempting:  offer less per meal, and feed more meals per day; also mix in something highly appetising to make the meal more interesting by using products such as : Simplyirresistible is a healthy & delicious feed-topping bursting with goodness, designed to liven up mealtimes and support a healthy gut. Made from only natural ingredients and available in two tasty varieties, simplyirrestistible can be sprinkled on top of hard feed, chaff or forage to add flavour and variety to dull everyday feeds. Simplyirresistible can also be fed to good doers on restricted diets, to tempt picky eaters or ideal to feed  with medication or supplements in a hard feed. Each variety is packed full with an array of delicious tastes and textures, is full of natural plant antioxidants and contains a proven probiotic to support digestive health and help the horse get the most out of its feed. Ruth Bishop BSc (Hons) Dip Eq S Ruth is well-recognised in the world of equine nutrition, as a consultant and as a former technical director of a large horse feed manufacturer.  She also wrote the Dr Ruth nutrition column in Horse and Hound for many years, and is the author of the Horse Nutrition Bible (David & Charles).  She has in the past provided nutrition inputs to the British Equestrian Federation World Class Performance squads.  

What are the challenges of feeding a laminitis prone or overweight horse? We understand that when you have a horse or pony that is prone to laminitis – such as one that easily gains weight or has had laminitis before – managing his diet and alleviating boredom is priority. Dietary guidance is readily available. This includes restricting or removing grazing time, turning out at night, reducing the soluble carbohydrate content of the diet, or implementing a weight loss programme with limited amounts of feed and increased exercise. In practice, however, this means a laminitis-prone horse spends more time indoors without much to eat.  As an example, an overweight pony on a restricted diet could receive, per day, as little as 2 slices of hay, a scoop of balancer and a scoop of feed specifically formulated for laminitis. Such meagre portions may be effective against laminitis, but this routine can mean long periods without food. This can lead to behavioural problems linked with boredom or result in gastric health issues.  Horses are grazers which mean they are born snackers! They are designed to eat 24/7. So, how can we manage laminitis and weight and still ensure our horses get the grazing time they need?  Vitamunch offers a healthy snack for laminitis and weight management Brighten up the life of your overweight or laminitis-prone horse or pony with Vitamunch – the healthy equine snack with added benefits. Our range of Vitamunch healthy snacks offer a unique solution to ensuring your laminitis-prone horse has access to food over longer periods of the day and night. If your horse is at risk of laminitis, then adding Vitamunch to his feeding regime can help, because: the quality-assured, high fibre, low calorie, low sugar composition with added vitamins and minerals complies with published dietary recommendations for laminitic horses; the timothy fibre base of Vitamunch is beneficial for horse’s digestive system; Vitamunch snacks are eaten slowly because the compressed form encourages nibbling, and when fed in the innovative Munch Net, eating time is extended even further; portion control is easy since each Vitamunch snack weighs just 1kg Struggling to get your horse or pony to eat their medication? Our horses and ponies seem to be great at sniffing out anything different in their feeds, especially if they are receiving small portions for weight reasons. Simply Irresistible is designed to disguise medications and supplements, and contains a probiotic too, to help support the digestive system. Not sure your horse is getting everything they need? Generally, a good quality diet of fibre and hard feed is usually sufficient to meet your horse’s daily nutritional needs. However if your horse is a good doer on a restricted diet, there’s a chance they might not be getting everything they need. A multivitamin, such as Simply Sunshine, could help fill the gaps to support a balanced diet.

Equine Nutritionist, Ruth Bishop BSc (Hons) Dip EqSc considers some good general principles of the nutritional management of the competition horse, looking at how to feed your horse before, during and after an event. Feeding and nutrition have important supporting roles as one component of your management “tool box”, alongside training, veterinary monitoring, good farriery, physiotherapy, sports psychology and the like. It requires both long term and short term strategies: long term its about finding a combination of forage, feeds and supplements that work for your horse, whilst short-term competition-day feed tactics can help ensure the best performance on the day, and help recovery afterwards. Horses are of course individuals – the way they hold condition, their temperament, and the work and training level they are at are unique to each. However what and when you feed your horse influences all of these – as well as their basic health. As a horse’s workload increases, many physiological changes take place, from increased blood flow to the tissues, increased tissue damage (often at a microscopic level) that requires ongoing repair, and changes in bone density. All these mean that the horse requires an increased plane of nutrition: not only in terms of energy, but also in relation to amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s also a paradox of feeding that the harder we work horses, the more we challenge the natural function of the digestive tract by feeding against its design. Inner health is key The digestive tract as a whole is a huge organ that accounts for about 15% of a horse’s total weight when full, and is designed for the evolutionary horse that roamed plains, constantly eating fibrous feedstuffs. This means they have a relatively small stomach and small intestine, followed by a large fibre-fermenting hindgut. Given its size, ensuring the digestive tract functions correctly is essential for health and behaviour. The challenge with competition horse is that we often want and need to feed them differently to free roaming grazing animals, with small discrete meals and restricted forage. For the competition horse, forage, and more importantly, the fibre it supplies, are essential for inner health as the large intestine comprises approximately two thirds of the digestive tract. Changes to the diet or restricted forage can affect hindgut function and may cause colic or other digestive upset. Forage and fibre can also help to protect against gastric ulcers. Horses have evolved to consume ad lib fibre and so its relatively small stomach produces gastric acid continuously to begin the digestive process. However saliva is only produced when chewing, so that if there is a gap between feeds, acid builds up in the stomach with the result that it can reach unprotected parts of the stomach, causing ulcers. Since fibre takes longer to chew than compound feeds, it reduces the time for that acid to build up. Fibre is also thought to produce a fibrous “matrix” within the stomach that prevents gastric acid from “splashing” into unprotected parts of the stomach. Increasing the length of time a horse spends eating fibre via short or long chopped fibre sources reduces the risk of gastric ulcers. The importance of good forage Given that it forms the largest part of many horse’s diets, forage is often taken for granted as an inert base to the diet, contributing bulk but not much else. As a result it receives little attention in terms of understanding its quality and contribution to the diet. There are many kinds of forage available e.g. grass, hay, haylage, and each is inherently variable in their moisture energy and protein contents, and so can have a major impact on a competition horse. Additionally a concern with hay is its potential dust content in relation to respiratory irritation and disease. Haylage is largely dust-free, but is consumed faster than hay, and can be nutritionally richer, which may not make it the ideal replacement in every case. Another challenge with haylage can be portion control – large bales or compressed small bales and variable moisture contents make it difficult to measure the precise amount of fibre the horse receives. These considerations are especially important in relation to the fine-tuned diets of competition horses, such that all competition diets should begin with a forage plan. Consider which forage; how much (little or large) does your horse work best off; can you source quality and consistent material; does this provide a decent base level of fibre (e.g. at least 50% of intake) and if not how other sources of fibre can be incorporated into the diet to help support digestive health. Power, control and condition Another main feeding challenge is maintaining the balance between power, control and condition, especially as work intensity increases. Generally one of three things happens – You increase the feed rate as the amount of work increases but this negatively affects the horse’s behaviour As work rate increases or the competition season gets going, your horse drops condition. This is difficult to replace with increased feed because it has an adverse affect on his behaviour. You have a good doer who although you want to feed more to support more work, just gets bigger. With modern feeds there are plenty of options in the balance of energy sources to help manage each of these scenarios. Energy sources available to horses from their feed and forage are: Fibre: fermentable in the hindgut, made up of plant cellulose, hemicellulose and pectins. The nature of the fibre affects the speed at which the microbes in the hindgut break it down and therefore its energy content. Starch and sugar (also known as non-structural carbohydrates): these are digested by enzymes in the small intestine and are rapidly available. Oil: Horses can digest and utilise oil well as an energy source. Nutritionists recommend that for every 100mls added, extra Vitamin E is added to the diet to help cope with the added free radicals such high oil produces. Competition day itself Whilst competition day is what you have been building up for, it also represent a massive change in daily routine for the horse with added travel and excitement. There is much debate as to what to feed on competition day. It’s tempting to withhold forage on the way there to keep the horse light, but the current consensus is that feeding concentrates less than 5 hours before a competition is not beneficial. This is because not only does it take several hours to digest and process a meal, but the horse has already got stored in its muscles the energy needed for the day ahead. Competition day management should therefore be focused on health – so provide plenty of water, and in terms of actual feed, feeding small amounts of forage in the morning allows the horse to chew, provides fibre into the delicate stomach and hindgut, and has a lesser metabolic impact than a starchy meal. In summary, when feeding the competition horse, little should be left to chance. Day to day digestive health is paramount, but so is making sure the overall diet is calculated and fine-tuned for the individual. Competition day management is also important to get the best out of the horse on the day. Munch Fibre Blocks provide a convenient way to feed quality forage before, during and after competition. The compressed 1kg blocks of timothy grass, each with added vitamins, minerals and herbs are sealed in packs which can be stored without opening ready for use at any time. Restricted forage? For competition horses that keep their condition well and for whom forage and other feeds are restricted, feeding munch™ blocks provides a low energy, portion-controlled way of providing high quality fibre together with vitamins and minerals in the diet. Each munch™ block weighs 1kg and when fed in the unique munch net can last over an hour. For haylage based diets that tend to be eaten more quickly than hay, a munch™ block offers a consistent, high fibre, low energy, long-lasting addition for horses standing in for long periods of time. On competition day, munch™ blocks provides a perfect fit on competition day. It makes the ideal morning fibre “chaser” to keep the digestive system healthy ahead of the day’s work; it can provide a boredom breaker for long periods waiting in the lorry or trailer, or on late running days. Fortified with additional vitamins and minerals it provides additional nutritional support on the day, and the compact, packaged form mean it fits well into any travelling situation with minimal mess; Find out more about the full munch™ range of healthy snacks with added benefits. Feeding Post Competition After the competition is over, feeding and nutrition tactics should focus on rehydration and replacement of energy reserves and nutrients. The effort of competing together with the excitement of the day mean the horse has used up muscle energy reserves – how much or little depends on the intensity of the effort. Fast or intense work efforts such as cross country, polo, endurance, show jumping or point-to-pointing utilise muscle glycogen stores, which provide instant energy during work, but once used up take 72 hours to restore. (Less intense work efforts are unlikely to have used up muscle glycogen however). After sweating Generally, after the competition, offer plenty of water plus electrolytes after exercise, taking care for it not to be too cold or for the horse to drink too much in one go. When it is particularly hot or humid or the horse is competing in particularly hard work the horse may need an electrolyte replacer added to its feed or water. Also offer plenty of forage for the horse to nibble at. A small hard (concentrate) feed, once the horse is cool and relaxed, will begin to replenish lost glycogen stores or bodyweight. Electrolytes, principally sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium, are responsible for the correct function of nerves and muscles. They also help maintain normal hydration and are integral in maintaining the functioning of the digestive system, and the other vital organs. One litre of horse sweat contains around 3.5g of sodium, 6g of chloride, 1.2g of potassium and 0.1g of calcium