Today, we are tackling the topic of laminitis and exploring those early-stage situations where your horse begins to show signs of soreness and tenderness.

What we focus on today does not include the more mechanical cases of founder laminitis but rather horses that tend to become sugar-sensitive as the grass begins to turn green in spring.   

Recognizing Sugar Sensitivity in Horses

Some horses become sore or tender as soon as lush spring grass appears. It is often due to sugar sensitivity, and these horses may also be insulin resistant. Insulin resistance can present as swelling in the eyes, sheath, udders, lower limbs, or a general puffiness in the body. It is not always related to obvious hoof problems but often reflects a broader systemic reaction to dietary sugar.

Real-Life Example

At the facility I manage, several horses broke into a lush pasture and soon showed signs of swelling and tenderness despite us urging them to move. Even horses that were not usually at risk began showing symptoms. That highlighted just how quickly sugar overload can tip the balance and why it is crucial to act early.

Step 1: Reduce Sugars

The first step in managing sugar-induced laminitis is reducing sugar intake, especially from grass. Some horses can tolerate limited pasture, while others may not. Create dry lots, use fencing or panels to limit access, and have your hay sugar levels analyzed. Watch out for feeds containing molasses, vegetable oils, preservatives, and other additives that may spike insulin and cause inflammation.

Step 2: Encourage Movement

Exercise is critical. Even when a horse is sore, movement helps lower insulin, burn sugar, and reduce inflammation. It can be as simple as walking, ponying, or hand-jogging. Any movement counts, even 20 extra minutes a few times a week. For horses not currently ridden, gentle groundwork or hand-walking is enough to make a meaningful difference.

Step 3: Add Supportive Footwear When Needed

Hoof boots with padding can help to relieve pain and make movement possible for horses in extreme pain. Movement is essential for healing, so boots are a helpful short-term solution to get your horse comfortable enough to walk. Creative options, like diapers or duct tape, can also work until you find a better solution.

When It Is More Than Just Sugar

If you have reduced sugar and increased movement, and your horse is still inflamed or tender, you may be dealing with more than just dietary sugar overload. Persistent fat pads, a crested neck, and excessive thirst and urination can point to deeper insulin resistance. 

Every Horse is Unique

Horses respond differently to diet and management. While some thrive on pasture combined with regular movement, others may continue to struggle, even when their sugar intake gets reduced and they exercise enough. Factors like breed, history, and individual constitution can influence their response. If you are following best practices but not seeing progress, you may need to explore deeper metabolic factors and consider targeted nutritional and organ support.

Final Thought

The sooner you become aware of early signs of sugar sensitivity and act on them, the better. Reducing sugar, increasing exercise, and providing hoof support when needed can make all the difference. If those measures are not enough, there is still hope, as most horses can regain their balance and comfort with the appropriate nutritional and metabolic support.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for my self-paced course, Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally.

The symptoms most horses experience from digestive issues and anxiety tend to cause them lots of discomfort. Fortunately, there is a wonderful plant horse owners can use to manage those conditions. 

Chamomile is a versatile herb with a wide range of uses for horses. It has a calming energy and a pleasant smell, and horses love it!

The Link Between Digestion and Anxiety 

There is a close connection between digestion and anxiety in horses. Stressful events like separation or fear can trigger digestive issues such as colic or ulcers. Those two systems work in a cycle. So, when one is out of balance, the other often follows. Supporting both systems is the key to breaking that loop.

A Holistic Strategy 

To help a horse heal, the owner must identify whether stress or digestion is the primary issue. Sometimes, calming the nervous system allows the gut to recover, while, in other cases, improving digestion eases emotional strain. Reducing stress even slightly can usually create enough momentum for healing.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a well-known traditional herb with a long history of medicinal use. It has yellow-centered white flowers that are easy to recognize. Chamomile contains beneficial compounds like calcium, magnesium, and flavonoids. Those minerals support the nervous system and reduce muscle tension, which is why chamomile is known for its relaxing and soothing properties.

Whole Herbs Work Best

Chamomile benefits digestion, the nervous system, muscles, immunity, and skin in horses. Its strength lies in its synergy. Due to the interaction of many compounds within it, chamomile provides a broad range of health benefits. Isolating a single ingredient can often reduce its effectiveness and cause side effects, which is why whole herbs are preferable. 

Targeted Uses

Chamomile is soothing to the gut and the nervous system and can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and provide antibacterial effects. Horses with chronic digestive tension or stress often benefit greatly from this herb.

Chamomile is especially useful for:

• Digestive upsets, including colic and cramps
• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Nervous tension and anxiety

Flavonoids 

Chamomile is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Its compounds regulate cell function and boost immunity. A 2022 PubMed study identified 50 different flavonoids in chamomile, including quercetin. Chamomile also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties.

Practical Use and Dosage

Cut and sifted chamomile is ideal for horses, as it stays close to its natural form and has a good shelf life. A typical starting dose is one tablespoon, with the option to increase to two. Most horses enjoy chamomile, and its gentle nature makes it easy to introduce. Chamomile can be used short-term for specific issues or longer-term (three months) for chronic imbalances.

Chamomile for Variety 

Chamomile is a gentle herb that does not have a strong taste. So, even horses without anxiety or digestive issues enjoy chamomile added to their diet for variety. 

Homeopathic Chamomile (Chamomilla)

Chamomile is also available in a homeopathic form, Chamomilla. That remedy often gets used for digestive upsets, nervous tension, and teething-related discomfort. It can be helpful for horses that are easily overwhelmed, hard to soothe, or showing signs of intense emotional distress that is difficult to calm.

Final Thoughts

Chamomile is a powerful, multi-functional herb. It supports the nervous system, digestion, and musculoskeletal system. Whether used to address chronic conditions or balance the system, it is a safe, soothing option worth trying. 

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for my self-paced course, Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally.

This week, our focus returns to the equine diet.

Whether you are supporting overall health or addressing a particular issue in a horse, it always starts with their food. That often means identifying and removing dietary intolerances or introducing an anti-inflammatory or alkaline diet. 

Since each horse has a unique constitution, their diets must be individualized to support their specific sensitivities.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Horses

Offer a variety of fresh produce like melons, shredded beets, cucumbers, watermelon rind, apples, blueberries, and carrots. Chop them into small pieces for easy eating, and avoid feeding large amounts of stringy celery to horses with dental issues or a history of choking.

Using Cauliflower and Other Veggies

Many horses enjoy nibbling on cauliflower occasionally. However, you should only feed it in small amounts since large quantities can cause gas. Always observe how your horse reacts to new foods and adjust accordingly.

Incorporating Herbs

Add herbs (chamomile, mint, raspberry leaf, chickweed, plantain, and milk thistle) to salads or treats. Herbs provide added health benefits, especially raspberry leaf for mares and other reproductive support. Let your horse explore different herbs to see what they prefer.

Preparing and Serving Salads

Make fresh horse salads once or twice a week, using any available clean or organic produce. If using non-organic items, wash them thoroughly. For picky eaters, introduce one ingredient at a time or mix new foods into their regular mash to help them adjust.

Enrichment Through Foraging

Scatter chopped fruits, veggies, and herbs around the pasture to encourage natural foraging and gentle exercise. This “Easter egg hunt” approach is stimulating and rewarding for your horse.

Enhancing Flavor

Some horses enjoy a splash of apple cider vinegar or a little olive oil as a salad dressing. Experiment with small amounts to find what your horse likes best.

Benefits of Fresh Salads for Horses

Feeding horses fresh salads regularly promotes better overall health, shinier coats, improved hoof condition, reduced inflammation, and more contentment. Fresh, live nutrients support the cells and tissues naturally.

Moderation and Variety Are Key

Avoid feeding too much of any single ingredient. Provide a varied mix to allow your horse to enjoy different flavors and nutrients without overindulging in one thing, and always pay attention to its preferences and sensitivities.

Tips for Horses with Specific Conditions

Avoid or chop stringy vegetables like celery finely for horses with dental problems or a history of choking. Salads and fresh foods can be particularly helpful for horses managing metabolic issues (EMS) by providing live nutrients without excess sugars or fats. Introducing fresh produce gradually and mixing it with regular feed helps sensitive horses adapt. Feeding a variety of herbs and fresh foods can support inflammation reduction, hoof health, and hormone balance, especially for mares. Always observe how your horse tolerates new foods and adjust accordingly.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Free Webinar Masterclass: Four Steps to Solving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally

Register for my self-paced course, Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally.