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.

June has arrived, and everything is turning green again. With no more mud and ice around, it becomes much easier for horse owners living in wet and snowy areas to get their horses moving as they should once more. 

This week, I share some tips to get your horse moving in spring, which is particularly important if your horse is on grass, with few other options.

Movement Matters

Spring and summer grasses are rich in sugars, which can be risky for horses with metabolic issues like insulin resistance or laminitis. Supplements may help manage those conditions, but regular physical activity is essential for maintaining their metabolic balance and general health.

Small Steps

Small, regular efforts are more effective for horses than occasional intense workouts. Just 15 minutes of walking a few times a week can help to improve circulation, metabolism, muscle tone, detox pathways, and mood in horses. 

Encouraging Natural Movement

Some horses are naturally less active when hay is readily available. You can encourage more movement by spreading their hay stations out, placing food and water at opposite ends of a paddock, or using slopes and snow to make horses do a little work for their meals, even in winter.

Engaging the Body and Mind

Scavenger hunts for alfalfa pellets or small pieces of carrot or cucumber will encourage your horse to move and provide mental stimulation without overfeeding. If your horse is not getting ridden, consider groundwork or short walks to boost circulation and muscle use. Use hoof boots for extra comfort if needed, and increase exercise gradually as your horse improves.

Make It Work for Both of You

Combine exercising your horse with your fitness goals. If your goal is 10,000 steps a day, you can spend some time walking your horse around the pasture or driveway. For minis or horses that cannot be ridden, ponying or trotting them alongside another horse or a slow-moving vehicle can be an effective alternative.

Prioritize and Plan Movement

Make scheduled movement a priority for your horse. Aim for 2–3 sessions of 15-30 minutes per week. Over time, even brief, consistent activity will offer meaningful improvements. Supplements can support equine health, but movement is still a non-negotiable for managing sugar levels in horses, building their strength, and maintaining their long-term well-being.

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.