This week, I will be covering the fall flare-up.

Horses tend to face their most significant health struggles in spring and fall. It happens in spring because the grass sugars increase as the grasses transition from hay, heightening the risk of flare-ups for horses with metabolic conditions like laminitis. Yet, fall could trigger even more issues- especially in horses with pre-existing imbalances or health problems.

Fall Hormonal Shifts and Their Impact on Metabolic Conditions

As we transition into the fall, I have noticed a surge in health issues, particularly in horses diagnosed with PPID or Cushing's disease. The fall season brings about a natural rise in ACTH levels, exacerbating those conditions in horses already grappling with hormonal imbalances. That surge in ACTH also leads to elevated cortisol levels, which, if prolonged, can pose various health risks, from muscle wasting to laminitis. That highlights the need for proactive management strategies, and makes it essential for anyone owning horses predisposed to metabolic conditions to understand those hormonal shifts.

Laminitis Challenges in the Fall

Preventive measures are essential for mitigating the risk of laminitic flare-ups during the seasonal transition. Horses that have enjoyed a seemingly healthy summer outdoors sometimes experience acute episodes of laminitis as the fall sets in. The trim plays a crucial role in preventing that, as an unhealthy trim could compound the impact of hormonal triggers.

Dietary Changes in the Transition from Grass to Hay

Fall can bring significant dietary challenges, particularly for horses transitioning from grass to hay. Without proper management, an abrupt shift from grass to hay could impact the digestive system and trigger other health issues. A gradual transition- especially for horses prone to metabolic conditions, will ensure a much smoother adjustment. That is why horse owners who want to prevent laminitic episodes must know about the higher sugar concentrations in the fall grass.

Supplementation and Maintaining a Low-sugar Diet

Supplementing essential fatty acids and maintaining a low-sugar diet will go a long way in contributing to the overall nutritional support of a horse during its dietary transition in the fall.

Environmental Allergies and Respiratory Conditions

In the fall, there is a rise in environmental particulates, like pollen, which may exacerbate equine respiratory conditions, especially in horses with pre-existing issues like COPD. Switching to round bales or using hay nets could also contribute to dust inhalation and further impact any existing respiratory health issues. Strategies like adjusting feeding setups and using netting to minimize dust exposure, are essential for horses susceptible to respiratory allergies.

Temperature Fluctuations and Circulatory Impact

Drastic temperature fluctuations are common in the fall and could challenge a horse's ability to regulate its body temperature. Older horses or those with existing metabolic challenges may struggle with those temperature fluctuations, potentially leading to compromised circulation. That, in turn, could contribute to winter laminitis. Proactive measures, including proper hoof care and trimming, help to maintain healthy circulation and prevent temperature-related complications.

Strategies for Prevention and Well-being

A holistic approach is essential for navigating the challenges of fall flare-ups. Prioritizing digestive system support through gradual dietary transitions, probiotic supplementation, and essential fatty acids are needed for a horse's overall well-being. Managing their stressors, maintaining the three Fs (forage, freedom, and friendship), and promptly addressing any signs of distress will help to reduce their stress. Taking a proactive approach to hoof care, focusing on the trim, and addressing laminitic tendencies will also ensure that your horse is better equipped to handle all the potential triggers associated with seasonal changes.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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

Today, I will be exploring a concept that I call healing layers. 

Healing layers is a framework for guiding equine healing while also helping us manage our expectations. The concept is not new to this podcast or my programs, and it often gets used by healers and homeopaths. It involves dealing with equine health issues in stages and allowing the horse's body to push the problems out gradually. 

The healing layers approach is helpful when figuring out how to deal with equine health issues and understanding the consequences.

A Personalized Approach to Understanding How Horses Heal

Healing is a nuanced concept. Everyone has their way of looking at healing, especially when dealing with horses. In this podcast, we advocate for an individualized approach to equine health issues and highlight the need for each horse owner to gain a unique understanding of what healing means for them and their horse.

Setting Realistic Expectations in Horse Healing and Looking Beyond Test Results

When dealing with equine health issues, it is much better to start by looking at the bigger picture of your horse's health instead of basing all your healing expectations on test results alone. For example, if you are dealing with conditions like ulcers or equine metabolic syndrome, consider how your horse feels overall rather than just looking at the numbers on paper. Pay close attention to the horse's energy levels, look for signs of inflammation, and check its general well-being. 

Recognizing Patterns in How Horses Heal

Dealing with any current health problem in a horse is not just about focusing on that specific issue. It is about looking at the entire health profile of the horse. You can begin thinking about healing in layers by imagining a timeline of your horse's health issues. Then, start looking for patterns and notice any issues that keep returning. 

Being Patient when Helping Horses Heal

Even though we would like our horses to return to health as fast as possible, healing does not always happen quickly. We must consider the horse's age and how their diet and lifestyle over the years may impact their healing. Horse owners must also learn to be patient and understand that horses take time to heal. True healing requires commitment and a plan encompassing every aspect.

Understanding the Ups and Downs of Horse Health

It helps to think about a horse's health in terms of a journey in which their health goes up and down. When flare-ups occur during a horse's recovery, they should prompt the owner to notice any signs of progress, like less inflammation and a better attitude, because healing is not always a straight line. Sometimes, there are bumps in the healing path that require lots of patience and careful attention.

Helping a Horse to Heal One Step at a Time

The idea behind healing layers is to help your horse heal one step at a time. (For example, if your horse has ulcers, start by looking at its digestion.) It is best not to overwhelm the horse with too many changes at a time. Instead, have a focused plan that takes things step by step, peeling back the layers, one by one, to understand and address each emerging health issue.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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

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.