As spring approaches, it is time to start thinking about parasite management.

Parasites are a complicated topic that often gets oversimplified when searching for information. A holistic approach always considers the intestinal immunity of each horse, as that varies from horse to horse. However, parasite management tends to become more complex in herd environments where group dynamics play a role.

The Impact of Parasites on Horse Health

Parasites can have widespread effects on a horse’s body. They contribute to inflammation, disrupt the nervous system, and place stress on multiple organs. Horses with allergies are particularly susceptible because their immune systems are overactive, making it harder to manage infections. If a calm horse suddenly becomes anxious or unmanageable, parasites could be a hidden factor.

Parasites and Ulcers

When horses struggle with digestive issues, an unresolved parasite infection can complicate their recovery. So, it is essential to address parasites first, as parasites, especially encysted strongyles, damage the intestinal lining, which could exacerbate or trigger ulcers.

The Importance of Early and Proper Treatment

Promptly addressing parasites is essential for preventing long-term health damage to your horse. Horses with allergies or ulcers are particularly vulnerable, as parasites tend to exacerbate their symptoms. Parasite treatments should be specific to the condition of each horse. It is also essential to consider the possible effects of parasite die-off with older or weaker horses, and veterinary guidance may be needed.

The Effectiveness of Herbal Treatments

While herbs have some anti-parasitic properties, they cannot be relied on to eliminate a significant infestation, as fecal testing has shown that herbal remedies alone do not effectively reduce parasite counts. Chemical dewormers are the most effective option for controlling parasites, especially in high-load cases.

Managing Parasite Resistance

Overuse and improper use of dewormers can cause parasite resistance, making it harder to eliminate infections. Even when treated, some horses still carry high parasite loads, and parasites can mutate to withstand certain chemicals. Rotating dewormers and strategically targeting different life stages of parasites are essential strategies for long-term parasite management.

Key Takeaways for Responsible Parasite Control

A strategic, science-based approach to parasite management is crucial. Regular fecal egg counts can help track parasite levels, and a well-planned deworming schedule prevents resistance from developing. Supporting the microbiome with good nutrition will also help in building overall resilience against infections.

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One of the most common mistakes horse owners tend to make is opting for supplements before evaluating their horse’s diet.

Today, we are taking a closer look at supplements and whether or not they are necessary for horse health.

Diet First, Supplements Second

No supplement will fully correct the underlying issue if a horse is fed an unbalanced diet. Nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and stress often occur due to poor feeding practices. So, horse owners should consider the diet before adding supplements for their horses, and get a hay analysis to uncover any nutritional gaps, as metabolic issues or insulin resistance often improve after simply adjusting the diet.

A Holistic Approach to Supplementing

Horses do not have the same diverse foraging options of the wild in domestic settings. So, supplements may be necessary in many cases. Nutritional therapy, using targeted nutrients to support healing and prevent diseases, can be a powerful tool for overcoming many equine health issues.

Choose High-Quality, Bioavailable Supplements

Many supplements contain cheap fillers, poorly absorbed forms of minerals, or ingredients that may even exacerbate any existing health issues. It is essential to select supplements with bioavailable ingredients that the horses can effectively utilize. Source only high-quality products with minimal additives for maximum effectiveness. Hair tissue mineral analysis can also offer valuable insights into deficiencies and imbalances that standard blood work may not detect.

Avoid Over-Supplementation

Many horse owners fall into the trap of adding multiple supplements without a clear strategy. Over-supplementation can create imbalances, cause nutrient competition, and lead to unnecessary expenses. A well-planned supplement regimen should be based on the needs of each horse to ensure that every ingredient complements rather than conflicts with their overall nutritional plan.

Conclusion

Supplements can be beneficial but are not always the solution for horse health issues. A well-balanced diet should always come first. Supplements should be targeted tools for correcting deficiencies and supporting recovery. By selecting high-quality, bioavailable ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives, horse owners can maximize the benefits of supplementation and ensure their horses receive optimal nutrition.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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Today, we are bringing you a rerun of Episode 16. This episode explores alfalfa, a highly nutritious feed that often leaves horse owners uncertain due to the many conflicting opinions on its proper use and ideal feeding amounts.

Join us as we tackle the ins and outs of incorporating alfalfa into your horse's diet and debunk some of the common misconceptions surrounding it.

Diverse Uses of Alfalfa

Horse owners can use alfalfa for many different purposes. Some use it to provide extra calories during the winter, while others use it to help their horses gain weight. Some owners like to use alfalfa as a source of energy to enhance a horse’s performance and contribute to muscle building. Others claim that using alfalfa prevents issues like chronic diarrhea and fecal water syndrome in their horses.

The Equine Microbiome

Horses get their energy from fermenting fiber. Alfalfa may help with issues like chronic diarrhea or fecal water syndrome because it impacts the tiny organisms in the microbial populations of the hindgut. I spoke about the equine microbiome in Episode 10, so you can go back and listen to that episode to refresh your memory if you need to.

Toxicity Issues

Diets high in alfalfa can lead to potential feed toxicity issues, like leaky gut, due to the shift in microbial populations and increased body acidity caused by those diets. You need to know the horse's history and monitor the amount and duration of alfalfa feeding to avoid complications. 

Understanding Alfalfa as a Forage

Contrary to common belief, alfalfa is a legume and is not part of the grass family, a difference that impacts its macronutrient composition. With a protein content ranging from 14 percent to 25 percent, alfalfa can be a valuable supplement for horses. It does contain a high lignin content, making it less digestible and less efficient than grass as an energy source.

Alfalfa as a Protein Supplement

Despite its limitations as an energy source, alfalfa shines as a protein supplement for horses. Horses with protein deficiencies or higher protein requirements, such as young horses, rescue horses, or seniors, can benefit from alfalfa supplementation. For older horses with slower metabolic rates, alfalfa can be particularly helpful in meeting their nutritional needs.

In Conclusion

While alfalfa may have some limitations and not necessarily work as a replacement for grass, it can still be a valuable supplement for horses as it contains essential nutrients, like protein in particular. 

By learning about the role of alfalfa and understanding its benefits, horse owners can make informed decisions on incorporating alfalfa effectively into the diets of their equine companions.

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 Resolving Equine Metabolic Syndrome Naturally, now.