This week, I explore ways to help horses that find it hard to gain weight.

Many horses struggle to gain weight, which is a significant concern for their owners, particularly during winter. Despite being well-fed, those horses often remain thin, unable to build and maintain muscle mass. It is a common issue, particularly among thoroughbred breeds with high metabolisms. As those horses age, keeping weight on them becomes even more challenging.

So, today, I share various dietary strategies to help hard keepers gain weight and improve their overall health.

Factors to Rule Out Before Increasing Food

Before deciding to increase the food intake to address weight loss in your horse, you need to rule out other potential health issues that may impact their ability to maintain weight.

Equine Dental Health

Healthy teeth are crucial for a horse to chew and digest its food. Misalignment, sharp edges, missing teeth, abscesses, or sore gums can make eating uncomfortable, leading to weight loss. Symptoms like dropping food (quidding) could indicate dental issues. I recommend regular checks by an equine dentist to maintain oral health and efficient digestion.

Ulcers

Ulcers, particularly in performance horses, can significantly impact appetite and weight. Up to 80% of horses may have ulcers or related lesions. Symptoms include decreased appetite and rapid weight loss. Stress and medication can exacerbate ulcers, leading to a pot-bellied appearance and hollow flanks. Treatment often involves medication and dietary adjustments to support digestive health.

Leaky Gut

Leaky gut, caused by the over-fermentation of starches and sugars in the hindgut, leads to intestinal gas, heat, toxins, and systemic toxicity, causing weight loss, diarrhea, and laminitis. It is essential to support the hindgut and digestive health to manage and prevent those symptoms.

Parasites

Active parasite infections interfere with nutrient absorption and can cause significant weight loss. Chemical dewormers are essential, as natural remedies are often ineffective against active infestations. Parasites can cause anemia and deplete vitamins and minerals, further impacting the health and weight of a horse.

Stress and Hormonal Imbalances

Stress affects the ability of a horse to maintain weight. High stress can lead to muscle wasting, particularly in horses with conditions like Cushing's disease (PPID), so it is essential to manage stress through proper nutrition, environmental enrichment, and sometimes hormonal regulation.

Respiratory Issues

Conditions like COPD or heaves can prevent proper blood oxygenation, making it difficult for horses to build mass and tissue. Addressing respiratory health and ensuring efficient gas exchange in the lungs is crucial for those horses to maintain or gain weight.

Importance of Fiber

Fiber is essential for horses as it ferments into energy in the form of volatile fatty acids, fueling their cells. Ideal fiber levels in hay are crucial for energy and digestive health. However, too much fiber can be counterproductive if it is not digestible, requiring horses to eat more to meet their nutritional needs.

Hay and Slow Feeders

Providing hay 24/7 is essential, especially for hard keepers. Slow feeders can help to manage intake, but for horses that need to gain weight, loose hay or feeders with larger holes may be necessary to ensure they get enough calories. Owners should tailor the quality and type of hay to meet the needs of each horse.

Variety in Hay Types

Using different types of hay can help manage the dietary needs of a herd, especially when perfect hay is hard to find. It is beneficial to introduce variety and ensure the hay is palatable and meets the specific requirements of the horses. Analyzing the hay for fiber content, including lignin levels, helps ensure digestibility and nutritional adequacy.

Extruded Feeds

Horses that struggle to gain weight despite adequate fiber and forage may require extruded commercial feeds. Those feeds are highly processed for better digestibility, providing additional calories and nutrients. It is essential, however, to always choose the cleanest options and use them carefully.

Protein

Protein is vital for muscle building and tissue repair. Alfalfa is a good source of protein, but for horses allergic to it, you can consider spirulina or soy protein (preferably non-GMO). Ensuring sufficient protein intake helps prevent muscle wasting and supports overall health.

Conclusion

Maintaining the weight of horses requires a multifaceted approach, addressing potential dental, digestive, parasitic, and respiratory issues, managing stress, ensuring adequate fiber and protein intake, and sometimes using commercial feeds for additional calories. Regular monitoring and a tailored approach to the needs of each horse are crucial.

Links and resources:

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Today, I have a special guest called Peggy joining me to share her story of overcoming the health challenges she faced with her horse Cami.

Peggy lives in Alabama. She has two horses, one of which is a 36-year-old Arabian Quarter Horse cross. The other is Cami, a 13-year-old Oldenburg Quarter Horse mare. I began working with Peggy in 2021 when Cami had several challenging health conditions.

Initial Contact and Reason for Appointment

After hearing me on a podcast, Peggy initially contacted me to help her 36-year-old horse, Sterling, who was struggling with FICO water syndrome. During our discussions, she realized that her other horse, Cami, who was dealing with chronic uveitis, could also benefit from my understanding.

Background on Cami

Peggy bought Cami in 2020 during the pandemic. She found her online and learned that Cami had only been away from her breeder for about eight months. Initially, she had a stress-free life on 40 acres with a herd, but her next home was stressful. She was kept in a stall 24/7 with little outdoor time and no herd contact, which was a drastic change for her.

Initial Health Concerns

When Peggy brought Cami home, she knew she had eye issues, and the vet confirmed a minor irritation. Peggy initially managed it with medication, even considering the possibility of removing the eye if necessary. However, as Cami settled in, various other health issues emerged, including weight gain, crusty neck, and anxiety.

Treatment and Medications

Peggy tried multiple medications to manage Cami’s eye issues, including oral anti-inflammatories and ointments. Taking her to an ophthalmologist was challenging due to her anxiety around trailering, so Peggy had to manage treatments at home with my help and with that of her vet. It required significant teamwork and research.

Initial Attitude and Goals

Peggy was determined to save Cami’s eye, feeling that surgery was not a viable option due to her reactive state and the stress it would cause her. She began using positive reinforcement and clicker training to help her administer the medication, which allowed us to manage the symptoms but not solve the underlying problem.

Holistic Approach and Realizations

Reducing stress and holistically addressing equine health is essential for managing chronic conditions like uveitis. Peggy explains that Cami’s health conditions worsened in a less stressful environment as her body began to express the underlying imbalances.

Health Deterioration and Progress

Peggy recalls how Cami developed a cataract and went blind in one eye after a severe reaction to annual vaccinations. That led to a visit from an ophthalmologist and required intense medication to save the eye. That period was the beginning of our understanding of how her hypersensitivity led to complex health issues.

Managing Multiple Health Issues

Cami’s immune system was hypersensitive. She reacted to various triggers like vaccinations, ant bites- and even organic fly sprays. Although the increased sensitivity was a sign of her body healing, it also added a layer of complexity to her care.

Initial Treatment Strategy

My first treatment program for Cami focused on improving her digestion, regulating her insulin and blood sugar, and reducing oxidative stress rather than directly addressing the eye issue. Peggy began to notice improvements in her overall health, including weight loss, a shinier coat, and healthier hooves.

Importance of Detailed Observation

Regular photos helped Peggy monitor changes and effectiveness of treatments and helped her make informed decisions regarding Cami’s care. Daily observation and documentation were also required to track her progress.

Milestones in Treatment

By October 2021, Peggy was able to reduce Cami’s nonsteroidal medications while maintaining stability in her condition. That was significant as it demonstrated that the holistic approach was working.

Setback and Relapse

In the summer of 2022, stress from fireworks caused a significant setback in Cami’s condition. Peggy had to sedate her to manage her anxiety, which led to a chronic flare-up in her eye condition that culminated in a severe corneal ulcer and abscess. That was challenging and required a shift in our treatment focus.

Goal Setting and Medication Realization

Realizing that the medication was not helping Cami due to her hypersensitivity, we decided to stop all her medication despite our concern about eye flare-ups, potential loss of the eye, or worse outcomes.

Nutritional Support and Holistic Approach

In one instance, Cami had a flare-up, but instead of reacting with more medication, we supported her nutritionally. Inflammation tissue salts proved effective, calming her condition without additional medication. That incident highlights the importance of nutritional and holistic support in Cami's healing process.

Peggy's Emotional Journey

Although Cami's problems were simple, involving friends and food, Peggy acknowledges that impulsive reactions to equine health issues complicate the situation. So, owners need to understand that removing long-term medications can initially worsen symptoms before improving them as the body adjusts to healing naturally.

Homeopathic Treatment and Natural Healing

In another incident, Cami reacted to homeopathic sulfur with facial blisters, indicating the healing process was underway. Although alarming, that reaction was a positive sign in the healing process.

Metabolic Imbalance and Detoxification

Correcting metabolic imbalances and detoxifying the body is crucial in the healing process, as oral medications contribute to the toxic load, making it difficult for the liver to function efficiently. Addressing those issues is essential for achieving a healthy metabolism and overall healing.

Holistic Support and Divine Intervention

Peggy believes in divine intervention and the power of a positive mindset. Throughout the healing journey, she maintained a hopeful and positive attitude, visualizing a healthy outcome for Cami. She maintains that that, combined with consistent holistic support, played a significant role in her recovery.

Visualization and Positive Energy

Peggy continuously visualized a healthy eye to maintain her positive mindset. She highlights the importance of owners managing their energy and intentions, as horses are sensitive to the emotional state of their owners, which can significantly impact their recovery.

Shifting Perspective on Healing

Peggy shifted her perspective on healing and health as she learned the importance of knowing what her animals consume. She now prioritizes holistic diets for her horses and herself, as she understands that true healing requires time and consistent effort.

Trusting the Process

Trusting the healing process and letting go of attachment to the outcome, combined with good nutrition and holistic support, led to successful recovery. The dedication and consistency have certainly paid off, as Cami is now a healthy and content horse.

Links and resources:

Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website 

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

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This week, we are looking at uveitis, sometimes known as moon blindness in horses.

Uveitis is a big concern for horse owners because it can lead to blindness and, in severe cases, even result in the horse losing an eye. Even in traditional medicine, the exact cause of this complex and chronic condition remains elusive. 

So, today, I approach uveitis from a holistic perspective, exploring its various facets and potential treatments.

Understanding Uveitis

Uveitis, indicated by the suffix itis, denotes inflammation, specifically chronic inflammation of the uvea, which is one of the layers of the eye. The uvea comprises three structures- the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, which could get damaged in uveitis cases.

Possible Causes and Holistic Approach

The causes of uveitis are diverse and often unknown. A holistic approach considers dietary, lifestyle, and nutritional interventions to reduce inflammation and potentially save the affected eye. Many believe uveitis is triggered by infections or autoimmune responses, leading to continuous inflammation and tissue damage.

Genetic Predisposition

Appaloosa horses are eight times more likely to develop equine recurrent uveitis, indicating a genetic predisposition. Despite that, horse owners should focus on mitigating the condition with an appropriate diet and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.

Stress and Toxicity

Stress and toxicity are significant triggers for uveitis flare-ups. Stressful events, like separation from the herd or lifestyle changes, can exacerbate the condition. Toxins from medications or vaccinations can also overload the immune system, leading to increased inflammation.

Free Radical Damage

Free radicals cause considerable damage to tissues, contributing to conditions like uveitis. Antioxidants play a role in neutralizing free radicals, as they protect the tissues from oxidative stress and potential DNA mutations.

Connection to Metabolic Disorders

Horses with metabolic disorders like insulin resistance or Cushing's disease are more susceptible to uveitis. Those conditions cause chronic inflammation and tissue breakdown, particularly affecting the eyes.

Importance of Liver Health

A healthy liver is crucial for eye health, as the liver is responsible for metabolism and detoxification. Supporting liver function through proper diet and supplementation can help reduce the toxic load on the body, protecting the eyes from further damage.

Dietary Considerations

Dietary management is essential, as a diet that minimizes metabolic stress and supports liver function helps to manage the progression of uveitis. It is crucial to eliminate excess sugars, fats, and proteins, as they can exacerbate inflammation and put additional pressure on the liver. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber and essential nutrients.

Antioxidants and Supplements

The antioxidants most beneficial for uveitis include zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and Coenzyme Q10. Those help reduce inflammation and support overall eye health. However, supplementation should be approached cautiously and tailored to the individual needs of each horse.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies like Apis, derived from honeybees, can reduce inflammation and swelling in uveitis cases. However, addressing underlying factors such as stress and metabolic imbalances is also essential.

Conclusion

Managing uveitis requires a comprehensive approach that includes dietary adjustments and addressing underlying health issues. By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, owners can improve the outcomes for horses suffering from this chronic condition.

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