Today, we are diving into a case study of a horse called Monty.

His journey is an inspiring story of dedication and progress. His owner, Lisa, and I started addressing his issues in November 2023, and since then, Monty has transformed remarkably.

This case reflects many of the concepts we have discussed recently. So, listeners who face similar challenges with their horses will easily relate to it.

Monty's Background

Monty is a 16-year-old Rocky Mountain gelding. He lives with his owner, Lisa, in Minnesota. Lisa has over a decade of experience with horses, having owned them for ten years. She and Monty have extensively engaged in trail riding, exploring areas like Wyoming, North and South Dakota, and Kentucky, also participating in competitive trail challenges.

The beginning of Monty's Health Journey 

In March 2021, Monty developed laminitis symptoms, indicating a potential health issue. A blood test in May 2021 revealed high insulin levels (500), slightly elevated glucose (127), and a borderline low thyroid hormone level (1.3).

Initial Treatment and Concerns

Monty received medication to manage his insulin and thyroid levels. However, despite improved numbers, his overall health deteriorated over time. He became lethargic, had a dull coat, and showed signs of muscle wasting.

Addressing Anaemia and Nutrition

After identifying anemia and low thyroid function as critical issues affecting his well-being, Lisa and I tailored a nutrition plan, including B12, folic acid, iron, selenium, and gut-supportive supplements, and implemented it to address his problems.

Adjusting Medication and Nutrition

Over time, we shifted our focus toward a clean and balanced diet, focusing on nutrient-rich foods and supplements. We reduced his medication and adjusted his nutrition to help him gain weight, increase his energy levels, and improve his overall health. 

Exercise and Quality of Life

We also incorporated exercise into his routine, tailored to his energy levels, to improve his circulation, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being. Lisa began to notice positive changes in his energy and social behavior, indicating his quality of life had improved.

Progress and Monitoring

With regular check-ins and bloodwork monitoring, Monty showed significant improvements in his insulin, glucose, and thyroid levels, indicating we had successfully managed his health issues without relying on medications. Adjusting his nutrition and lifestyle also contributed to his overall recovery and well-being.

Key Takeaways

Monty's case study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to equine health, focusing on tailored nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. It disproves the common belief that horses with metabolic issues cannot recover without medication and highlights the effectiveness of proper nutrition and care for achieving optimal health outcomes.

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

Riva's Vitamin B12

Riva's Folic Acid

Riva's Pro-Dygest 

Today, we are diving into the best method for preventing and promoting recovery from Equine Metabolic Syndrome. 

While equine health issues often get labeled for clarity, it is essential to understand that with EMS, PPID, and PSSM, the underlying imbalances are remarkably similar and interconnected, particularly regarding metabolism. A holistic approach will address those issues while also restoring overall balance within all the biochemical processes of thehorse. 

Stay tuned to learn about the most significant imbalances to consider for prevention and recovery from EMS, their causes, and ways to prevent them.

Imbalances and Key Considerations

When addressing Equine Metabolic Syndrome, horse owners must focus on regulating blood sugar, insulin, and cortisol due to their significant impact on metabolic processes and overall health. High insulin levels can cause tissue damage, especially in the feet, while elevated cortisol contributes to various health issues, including immune-related conditions and behavioral changes. Adopting a multifaceted approach that considers these imbalances holistically is crucial for effective prevention and recovery.

Causes of Imbalances

The primary causes of imbalances in horses with EMS, PPID, or PSSM are sugar and stress. Chronic elevation of blood sugar and stress hormones like cortisol can lead to metabolic dysregulation and exacerbate existing conditions. Managing these factors through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and stress reduction techniques is essential for preventing and treating metabolic issues.

Prevention and Lifestyle Strategies

Creating a healthy environment for horses involves four key aspects:

• Lifestyle
• Diet
• Nutritional therapy
• Herbal support

Lifestyle modifications, managing stress levels, and ensuring adequate exercise and social interactions are crucial for maintaining horses' overall health. Developing a personalized diet that addresses nutrient deficiencies, regulates blood sugar, and supports metabolic function is essential, and incorporating nutritional therapy and herbal supplements can also enhance their metabolic balance and overall well-being.

Holistic Approach for Optimal Health

By combining lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, nutritional therapy, and herbal support, horse owners can significantly improve the health of their horses. A holistic approach addresses the root causes of imbalances, promotes metabolic function, and supports overall vitality. With proper management and attention to those key factors, horses can experience substantial improvements in their quality of life and metabolic health.

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

This week, we are continuing with our discussion on Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

As spring approaches in many parts of the world, horse owners are on high alert, looking for signs like weight gain, crested necks, foot inflammation, or shedding due to PPID. 

Grass and sugar levels play a pivotal role in metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, PPID (Cushing's syndrome), and PSSM, all of which require the same approach for holistic management. That involves supporting horses by focusing on proper detoxification, efficient metabolism, and their ability to convert sugars efficiently in the muscles, liver, and tissue through lifestyle adjustments where necessary and ensuring correct nutrition for a successful recovery.

Stay tuned to learn how to avoid three of the most common mistakes horse owners make, which could impede their horses’ recovery from Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

The Food Restriction Misconception 

One common misconception is that restricting food intake is an effective way to manage weight gain and reduce the sugar levels of horses. This approach stems from the belief that reducing calories will lead to weight loss. However, excessive food restriction can detrimentally affect a horse's overall health. In other words, prolonged periods without food can cause stress, increase the risk of ulcers, and lead to digestive issues like colic. Moreover, a horse deprived of food for extended periods may experience heightened levels of anxiety and frustration, impacting their well-being and behavior. While it is essential to monitor calorie intake, extreme food restriction is not a sustainable or healthy solution for managing equine metabolic syndrome.

Commercial Grain Feeding 

Another mistake horse owners often tend to make is relying heavily on commercial grains marketed for metabolic horses. While those feeds may claim to be beneficial for insulin resistance and other metabolic conditions, they often contain many ingredients that can contribute to the toxic load of the horse. Commercial grains may be high in sugars, additives, and fillers, leading to inflammation, digestive disturbances, and immune system imbalances. These feeds may not account for individual sensitivities and the nutritional needs of all horses, potentially exacerbating metabolic issues rather than alleviating them. A more effective approach is to focus on whole foods and natural supplements tailored to the horse's specific needs, promoting better digestion, metabolism, and overall health.

Relying Solely on Balanced Minerals 

Balancing minerals to match the forage is essential for equine nutrition, especially for horses with metabolic conditions. However, relying solely on balanced minerals to meet all the horse's nutritional requirements can be a mistake. While balanced minerals are crucial for maintaining proper bodily functions and supporting metabolic health, they may not address specific nutrient deficiencies or imbalances that could be contributing to metabolic issues. Additionally, some commercial mineral mixes may contain excessive or unnecessary ingredients that do not benefit the horse's overall well-being. Customizing the horse's diet with targeted nutrients and supplements based on individual needs and health goals is essential for achieving optimal metabolic function and overall health.

The Importance of Monitoring Stress Levels 

In addition to dietary considerations, horse owners must monitor and manage their horse's stress levels, as stress can significantly impact their metabolic health. High stress levels could cause increased cortisol production, linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. Other factors, like inadequate exercise, social isolation, and environmental changes, could also contribute to stress in horses. Implementing strategies for stress reduction, like regular exercise, proper socialization, consistent routines, and a comfortable living environment, can help mitigate the negative impact of stress on metabolic health. 

By addressing dietary and stress-related factors, horse owners can effectively support their horse's overall well-being and metabolic function.

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