In this episode, I explore a widespread nutrient deficiency among horses, focusing on the remarkable benefits of one particular nutrient.  

Magnesium has multifaceted properties, making it as indispensable for horses as it is for us as humans. 

Magnesium deficiency in horses is a common concern. Today, I tackle that problem head-on, sharing the process I use to determine the nutrient that would be most effective for the unique health profile of each horse.

The Prevalence of Magnesium Deficiency in Horses: A Startling Reality

Magnesium is a vital mineral for the wellbeing of all horses. Yet, reports show that approximately twenty percent of horses are deficient in it. While horses can adapt to functioning with less than optimal nutrient levels, about fifty percent of horses suffering from illnesses or health issues have a magnesium deficiency, and there are various ways in which those magnesium deficiencies can show up. 

Common Signs of Magnesium Deficiency in Horses

Common signs of magnesium deficiency include anxiety, nervousness, muscle spasms, tension, muscular pain, stiffness, and sometimes even insulin resistance. Recognizing these symptoms can be a vital step in improving the health of your horse.

The Multifaceted Role of Magnesium in Horse Health

Magnesium plays a multifaceted role in equine health, with its primary functions revolving around bone and muscle function, nervous system support, and sugar metabolism. Magnesium is an essential mineral for healthy bones, as it aids in calcium absorption. It is also crucial for muscle relaxation because it is an effective antispasmodic. Moreover, magnesium supports the nervous system by regulating neurotransmitters, facilitating nerve transmission, and managing the stress response in horses. It also plays a pivotal role in sugar metabolism and energy production, making it especially valuable for horses with insulin resistance. Understanding these roles can go a long way in helping you identify when magnesium supplementation might be beneficial for the needs of your horse.

Causes of Magnesium Deficiency in Horses 

Several factors could lead to magnesium deficiency in horses, making it vital to assess the specific risk potential of your horse. Inadequate magnesium levels in grass and hay are common culprits, as is stress induced by confinement, loneliness, and food restrictions. 

Understanding the Risk Factors

Diarrhea, the use of diuretics, and exposure to toxic heavy metals can all deplete magnesium levels. Medications like proton pump inhibitors could hinder digestion and magnesium absorption, and overtraining- both physically and emotionally, could create stress that depletes magnesium stores. 

Becoming aware of these risk factors can help you identify whether or not your horse might be at risk of magnesium deficiency.

Choosing the Right Form of Magnesium for Your Horse

Not all magnesium supplements are created equal. It is essential to understand the difference between organic and inorganic forms of magnesium because that could impact your horse's ability to absorb and benefit from it. Organic forms of magnesium, such as citrate, gluconate, and bisglycinate, are more bioavailable because they are attached to carbon-containing molecules, closely resembling natural compounds found in plants. In contrast, inorganic forms, like magnesium oxide and magnesium sulphate, lack carbon in their chemical structure and are less easily recognized and absorbed by a horse's body. 

Opting for organic magnesium forms could significantly improve the absorption and utilization of this essential mineral in your horse.

The Hidden Challenge of Competition for Mineral Absorption 

Many minerals found in commercial feed programs, including magnesium and calcium, compete for absorption in the body of a horse. When inorganic minerals get broken down into ions, they can interfere with the absorption of other minerals. That highlights the need for a careful approach to mineral supplementation, as horses may only absorb a fraction of what they get.

The Complex Interplay of Minerals

Recognizing the interplay between various minerals and how they get absorbed allows us to understand why some horses continue exhibiting nutrient deficiencies despite regular supplementation. That is why it is essential for you to understand the nuances and familiarize yourself with the specific nutrient profile of your horse if you want to make informed choices around supplementation.

In today's world, horses live in environments far from their natural habitats, so they often face challenges like insulin resistance, laminitis, and sugar sensitivities. 

Many frustrated horse owners think they are meeting all the requirements for the health of their horses, yet they have seen little to no improvement- sometimes even a decline in their horse's well-being. 

Today, I aim to shed light on this critical aspect of horse care by helping you navigate the complexities of equine nutrition.

The Insufficiencies of General Standards 

After seeing many horses struggling despite receiving what appeared to be an adequate supply of multis and nutritional requirements, I realized that meeting the general standards was not quite enough because, in so many cases, horses showed no improvement or got stuck in a plateau. 

The Challenge of Meeting General Equine Nutritional Requirements

That demanded a closer look. So, over the past five years, I have been focusing on it and becoming increasingly aware of how much our horses need that they are simply not getting. I saw horses with subtle signs of poor health, like dull hair coats, brittle hooves, runny eyes, and a heightened sensitivity to allergies- all indications that those horses may not have all the nutrition they need.

The Flaws in Traditional Nutrient Requirements

Even though guidelines for nutrient requirements exist, it is crucial to understand their limitations. Those guidelines often rely on studies conducted decades ago, which may not reflect the conditions horses face today. Many individual variations and countless factors could deplete nutrients for each horse, making it extremely challenging to apply general guidelines universally. The reality is that each horse has unique nutritional requirements, and it is a mistake to assume that the basic guidelines will ensure the optimal health of all horses. 

Nutritional Deficiencies and Chronic Health Challenges

Horses facing chronic health issues, from insulin resistance to laminitis and digestive problems, are often grappling with nutrient deficiencies. Those conditions can hinder their recovery and well-being, as horses require the essential building blocks to regain their health. I address that by looking at various nutrients, categorizing them into macronutrients and micronutrients, and emphasizing what each one does for a horse's health.

Overlooking Critical Nutrients

The emphasis on specific nutrients, like Vitamins A, D, and E, mandated by regulatory agencies, tends to overlook other essential nutrients like B vitamins and Vitamin C, which can significantly impact a horse's health. A lack of attention to these overlooked nutrients could lead to nutritional imbalances, which may not get detected with conventional testing methods. That is why it is crucial to recognize that horses require more than the minimum to thrive, and the absence of clinical signs does not necessarily mean that a nutrient is unnecessary.

Individual Factors Affecting Nutrient Status

A myriad of individual factors can contribute to nutrient deficiencies in horses. Lack of exercise, overmedication, overtraining, high stress levels, feed toxicity, illness, and imbalances in sugar, protein, and fats can all play a role. Those factors, when combined with inadequate nutrition, could lead to a substantial decline in a horse's overall health.

The Holistic Approach to Equine Nutrition

In light of all these challenges, we need to take a holistic approach to equine nutrition and address the individual needs of each horse. We must learn about the various nutrients, their roles, and how they can benefit the health of our horses. 

The Importance of Becoming Proactive Researchers

The lack of readily available information on nutritional therapy and holistic health highlights why it is essential for horse owners to become proactive researchers. By keeping in mind that each horse is unique and may require a specific approach to address its individual nutritional needs, we can work toward improving the well-being of our equine companions.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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

The use of beet pulp in equine diets has sparked a wave of controversy, igniting fiery debates and arguments within the equestrian community. 

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of beet pulp, and people want to know if it is safe and beneficial for their horses or if it could be harmful. 

In this episode, I share safe feeding practises and explain what you need to watch out for when feeding beet pulp to your horse to help you decide whether or not it will benefit your horse.

Understanding Beet Pulp

Contrary to common misconceptions, beet pulp is not a high-sugar feed. It is primarily the fibrous material left behind after sugar extraction. It has an 18% crude fiber content that includes insoluble and soluble components, with a significant amount of pectin. Pectin is highly digestible and easily absorbed by horses, making beet pulp an exceptional source of dietary fiber. Given the importance of gut health and digestion, beet pulp offers a viable option for horses that require additional fiber, detoxification support, and improved microbial balance.

Debunking Sugar Myths

Concerns about sugar content often overshadow the benefits of beet pulp. While it originates from the sugar beet industry, beet pulp is not inherently high in sugar. It is essential to distinguish between sugar content and the glycemic index, which measures how carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels after consumption. The fiber in beet pulp mitigates its glycemic index, making it a suitable option for sugar-sensitive horses. Pelleted beet pulp, for example, ranks at approximately 69 on the glycemic index scale, well below the 100-mark set by oats. By soaking and rinsing beet pulp, the glycemic index can be further reduced to about 34, making it a crucial consideration for exceptionally sugar-sensitive horses. 

Concerns about Toxicity and GMOs

There are some concerns regarding the potential toxicity of beet pulp. Yet those issues largely depend on the manufacturing process and supplier practices. Chemicals used to remove beet tops, inorganic iron content, and soil mineral composition are all factors that affect the toxicity risks of beet pulp. Conducting thorough research and selecting reputable suppliers allows horse owners to minimize those concerns. The debate surrounding genetically modified organisms has prompted a growing demand for non-GMO beet pulp. Horse owners can find those products through diligent research or networking with fellow equestrians. Even though some concerns exist, the overall health benefits of the fiber content of beet pulp outweigh the potential toxicity issues, particularly when focusing on gut health and detoxification.

Feeding Practices To Ensure Safe Consumption

Choking is a concern when feeding horses beet pulp, especially when it is served dry or inadequately soaked, so proper feeding practices are essential to ensure safe consumption. Beet pulp can expand up to four times its volume, necessitating a four-to-one ratio of water to beet pulp during soaking. Soaking for two and a half to three hours, preferably with warm water, facilitates this process and prevents the pulp from absorbing vital fluids from the horse's digestive tract. I recommend a cautious approach for horses with compromised gut health or a history of digestive issues, starting with small quantities of soaked beet pulp and gradually increasing it to ensure their digestive systems can adapt. While choking incidents are rare, proactive soaking and proper feeding practices can mitigate this risk.

Is Beet Pulp a Valuable Addition to Equine Nutrition?

Beet pulp does emerge as a valuable addition to equine nutrition. Despite the ongoing debates and concerns, the potential benefits of beet pulp for digestive health, microbial balance, and detoxification remain substantial. Beet pulp provides a safe source of dietary fiber, especially for horses requiring additional support. However, horse owners must still exercise caution regarding toxicity and GMO concerns. Ultimately, the overall benefits of beet pulp outweigh the potential risks, and it remains a valuable option for promoting the well-being of a broad spectrum of horses.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website