Diet & Nutrition
-
25 Important Salt Facts for Horses
1. Research in Alberta, Canada, has shown that the placement of mineral or salt blocks in pastures significantly affects horses’ consumption. Horses consume more when blocks are placed in areas where they naturally gather. Interestingly, placing them near the water source…
-
Magnesium, Cellular Energy, and the Regulation of the Equine Fascial–Muscular System
Magnesium is often described as a “calming mineral,” but in horses its role is far more complex. Rather than simply relaxing tissues, magnesium functions as a physiological regulator, supporting the metabolic conditions that allow fascia, muscle, nerves, and joints to coordinate…
-
Digestion Starts With the Nervous System: How Massage Supports the Gut–Brain Connection in Horses
Most people think digestion begins in the mouth — when a horse takes the first bite of hay or grass.But true digestion begins before a single chew. It begins in the nervous system. For the gut to function, the body must…
-
The Effects of Vitamin E on Fascia, Muscle, and Nerves
Why Deficiency Is More Common This Time of Year—and Why Thoroughbreds Are at Higher Risk The Effects of Vitamin E on Fascia, Muscle, and Nerves Why Deficiency Is More Common This Time of Year—and Why Thoroughbreds Are at Higher Risk Vitamin…
-
Protein Timing for Performance: How When You Feed Matters as Much as What You Feed
Muscle development and recovery aren’t just about how much protein a horse gets — they’re also about when that protein arrives. For years, equine nutrition focused on total daily intake. But emerging research shows that the timing of protein feeding around…
-
What Does Quidding Mean and What Can I Do About It?
Quidding in horses refers to the act of dropping partially chewed food from the mouth. This behavior often indicates discomfort or difficulty in chewing, typically due to dental issues. Common causes of quidding include: 1. Dental Problems: • Sharp points on…
-
How Inflammation Disrupts Nutrient Use — and How Massage Can Help Recovery
Inflammation is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a natural and necessary part of the healing process. On the other, chronic, acute or unresolved inflammation can become a hidden saboteur of performance. Whether from overtraining, injury, stress, or metabolic dysfunction,…
-
Possible Causes of Girth Sensitivity in Horses
If your horse reacts when you tighten the girth, ulcers might be the first concern—but they aren’t the only possible cause. Girthiness can stem from a variety of factors, including: • Myofascial Restrictions – Tight, sore or restricted fascia, whether superficial…
-
How Inflammation in Muscles and Fascia Affects Energy Restoration
Localized or systemic inflammation—whether caused by stress, injury, or exertion—can disrupt the ability of muscles and fascia to efficiently restore glucose and energy to cells. This disruption often stems from a chronic, low-grade inflammatory process that progressively impairs normal tissue function.…
-
Managing Exercise Resistance in Horses with PSSM2-ER: The Role of Massage, Stretching and Micro-Movements
Exercise resistance in horses with PSSM2-ER (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Type 2/*Muscle Integrity Myopathy (MIM), – Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) typically manifests as a reluctance or inability to perform physical activities that require muscle effort, particularly exercise that is more intense or sustained. Here’s…