Blog
Read here our articles about related subjects to our supplements.
Why you can’t find supplements against mares in heat in our assortment
Mares and being in heat, some mares are not bothered by it at all and some mares are extremely bothered by it. We are regularly asked if we have anything against mares being in heat. And our answer is short and to the point: ‘No!
Does my horse have a magnesium deficiency?
Magnesium is an incredibly important mineral for horses. It is important for muscles, bones and the nervous system. Often owners notice magnesium deficiency quite late. While a magnesium deficiency is quite common and can have a significant impact on horses’ mood and performance.
How do you know if your horse is magnesium deficient? And what can you do about it?
How to ensure mineral-rich soil and grass for horses?
A healthy soil, with a rich soil life and plenty of absorbable minerals, gives better grass and thus better forage for your horse. Why do you actually need to fertilise the soil or provide it with extra minerals? What should you pay attention to? What is the best solution for horse pasture? And how do you take care of the oh-so-important soil life, such as earthworms?
What to do for a horse with a dull coat?
A nice shiny coat with dapples… we all want that for our horse! But reality is sometimes a lot duller. What can you do about it?
Should a sport horse be kept differently from a leisure horse?
Regularly the question comes up whether a certain advice also applies to a sport horse. After all, a sport horse is different, right? Or is it? Are there things you need to pay extra attention to with a sport horse or can you keep a sport horse the same as a leisure horse?
A mineral buffet: can horses still choose the good stuff for themselves?
We are regularly asked whether horses can really choose in a mineral buffet or whether they will always choose the tastiest. After all, is the modern horse still close enough to nature to be able to make “healthy” choices? And what about mineral buffets, are they healthy or not? And how do you offer a mineral buffet?
COPD (chronic bronchitis)
Chronic bronchitis, or COPD, is the most common respiratory disease in horses in the Netherlands. Horses that have chronic bronchitis often start coughing chronically because the airways are inflamed for long periods and less oxygen gets deep into the lungs. What can you do to reduce or even prevent COPD in horses?
Weeds or just healthy for horses?
Your horse’s pasture often contains more than just grass. This is not a problem; in fact, it is usually a good thing. After all, in the wild, horses do not exclusively eat grass. Herbs, bushes and trees are also on their menu.
Each plant has something different to offer and diversity is healthy. But of course you do not want your horse to eat poisonous plants. That is why it is good to know which plants belong in your meadow and which do not.
How to prevent stomach ulcers in sport horses?
Unfortunately, many horses suffer from stomach problems. This problem occurs in leisure horses, but many sport horses also suffer from it. It is often thought that sport horses are “different” and should be kept and fed in a different way. But is this true? And how can you prevent stomach ulcers in sport horses?
How to support your horse’s sugar metabolism?
The grazing season is in full swing and for many horses this means whole days on grass. For horses sensitive to sugars, this can sometimes be a challenge. After all, how can you make sure your horse doesn’t react so strongly to sugars?
Recognising and managing dust allergy in horses
A horse suffering from dust usually has less stamina. The nostrils are a bit open, the horse coughs and you can see the belly going back and forth a bit more often than normal. That means the respiratory rate is higher. There are roughly two things you can do against dust allergy: improve your stable management and give supplements.
What herbs can you sow in your horse pasture?
That a horse pasture is different from a cow pasture is well known to most people by now. Dairy cows, for example, need a meadow rich in protein while horses can’t use this. Horses benefit more from a meadow where they can enjoy different herbs. Read in this blog why herbs in the pasture are so important for horses and which herbs every horse can use.
How do you get your horse used to grass?
Spring is just around the corner! As the ground warms up again, the grass starts growing again too. And when the grass has grown strong enough, your horse can go out in the meadow again. Lovely, of course. But how do you make the transition to the pasture as smooth as possible for your horse to get used to grass?
Guest blog Horse & Habitat: all about seeding your pasture
Spring is a good time to start sowing. Sowing has a number of advantages. For instance, you fill bare spots with plants you would like to have there; this inhibits the emergence of unwanted plants such as Jacob’s wort. You can also improve the composition of your meadow in this way, for instance by sowing grass varieties that are lower in sugar than ryegrass.
The effect of surface on horses’ tendons
During a lameness examination the vet always looks at how the horse walks on a hard surface and on a soft surface. It sometimes happens that your horse is lame on a hard surface, but not on a soft one. A lot of information can be obtained from this for a vet! This is because the surface on which a horse walks has an effect on the body and affects it.
How to understand an equine supplement label?
Labels, what a drama sometimes to get clear what exactly is in them. It’s full of legal obligations and, ofcourse, the “sales pitch”. But even that sales pitch is sometimes very cryptically defined. So how should you actually read a label?
Guest blog Bart van Heesbeen: Prevailing beliefs about nutrition in equestrian sport
In my previous article for HELTIE horse® I wrote about natural nutrition in sport. In this follow-up, I would like to discuss prevailing beliefs in the equestrian world and whether they are correct. In equestrian sport, many different beliefs still often prevail in the field of nutrition. ‘It needs a lot of energy’ or ‘he gets fatter from a pellets.’ Maybe you can think of more.
Keep resistance breeding mare high before delivery!
Did you know that foals are born practically immune deficient? Only a small part of the required antibodies reach the foal via the placenta before birth. All other antibodies they need to cope with viruses and bacteria come from the mare’s colostrum. That is the first milk produced immediately after birth.
Is a rearing stable the best place for foals to grow up?
Most foals go to a special rearing stable for growing up after weaning. Here they usually spend about two to two-and-a-half years. But does a foal necessarily need to be reared? What does good rearing actually look like? And what are the alternatives?
Prevent resistance dip horse? Choose nettle and rosehip!
At the end of winter/early spring, many horses experience a resistance dip. Horses are busy shedding and preparing themselves for spring. This is also the period when there can be significant temperature differences with frost at night but temperatures above 10 degrees during the day. But how can you prevent resistance dip in your horse?
Roughage for horses: there’s more than (unpackaged) hay!
When we ask our customers what kind of roughage their horse gets, the standard answer is: (haylage) hay . And logical in itself, as this is also the largest source of roughage for horses. But there are several types of roughage that allow you to give your horse more variety and make it possible to feed (almost) all horses on unlimited roughage! In this blog, we would therefore like to explain to you what other types of roughage for horses there are, besides unpackaged hay/haylage.
Why there are so many ‘early’ foals
In recent years, you increasingly see foals being born in March, February or even January. Among some breeders, it seems to have become something of a competition. In nature, the period between April and June is the best time for a foal to be born. Then it is warmer and there is plenty of spring grass from which the mare can make nutritious milk. So why are there so many early foals?
What nutrition and supplements for optimal fertility stud?
Just like broodmares, stallions can sometimes use some extra support. Especially if they are also used in the sport or do a lot of breeding. Of course, not everyone has a KWPN breeding stallion in their stable, but there are quite a few people in the Netherlands and Belgium who breed with Shetland ponies or their own crosses, for instance. What should you pay attention to in the diet for optimal fertility of a stud?
Improved fertility of mares and healthy foals thanks to vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important role in improving fertility in mares. In humans, this has been known for some time. But this vitamin also has a positive effect in horses. Vitamin E is often used together with other antioxidants. It increases the fertility of mares and stallions and improves the resistance of breeding mares and their newborn foals.
Guest blog Miranda Hoogenberg from HARD to HEART
Having and breaking in a (young) horse can be so much fun, if you have the right horse… or the right help with training…..but….. having a (young) horse can be hard work…..
I see them all pass by in my work and yet I agree with: “Having a (young) horse is Fun!!!”
How to support horse with joint issues?
There are many horses with joint problems. This can be due to abrasion, injuries, their build or less optimal conditions when they were young. Whatever the cause, you as the horse owner are stuck with it! And so is your horse. What can you do for your horse with joint problems, for example osteoarthritis, OCD and kissing spines?
How to support a horse with tying-up?
Muscle stiffness, also known as ‘tying up’ or Monday sickness is an illness. It is not just a bit of stiffness. The horse’s muscle metabolism has gone haywire with muscle weakness. You need to treat muscle weakness immediately. How do you recognise muscle weakness, what can you do about it and how do you prevent this serious condition?
Help, my horse is eating sand! What should I do now?
Twice a year, we see a spike in questions about horses eating sand. Standard around February/March and usually around September/October. In itself very logical, as these are periods when the moulting is well established and horses’ nutritional needs are changing as the seasons change. But what should you do if your horse starts eating sand? Should you just let it happen or should you intervene?
Guest blog Groeifabriek: Using a horse as a therapy horse? Isn’t that weird?
Using a horse for your client’s learning goals? Isn’t that weird, levitating or basically just daycare instead of concrete work on learning objectives? Almost everyone has heard that working with animals, horses in particular, is said to have a healing effect. ‘Very nice’ I always thought then, ‘but that’s between your ears, you know’.
Why is my horse stiff? Is this muscles or joints?
A healthy horse, without problems in the joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments, moves briskly, regularly, smoothly and with body use. If you let such a horse move freely or put it on the lunge, you will see wide strides of equal size, a beating rhythm in the movement and flexing muscles throughout the body. Even in the topline. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality and horses are sometimes stiff, short in movement, irregular or tighten their backs. The question is then: why is my horse stiff?
Many horse changes in the herd causes stress and reduced resistance!
Horses at a livery stable do not always have it easy. In fact, at livery stables, the amount of changes in herds is generally higher than at a private one. And as horse owners, we all know that a horse is a herd animal. But did you also know that a change in the group causes stress and therefore reduced resistance? Read how this works in this blog.
Does your horse act normal?
Do you ever observe your horse in the pasture, paddock or stable? What do you pay attention to? And what do you notice? Do you know what is ‘normal’ for your horse? Small deviations in a horse’s behaviour can be signals of, for example, incipient discomfort, illness or social problems. Therefore, make it a habit to observe your horse regularly.
What kind of food and supplements does our colleague Sarah give her horses?
At HELTIE horse, we are all horse girls and also all have our own horse. So talking about horses, horse health and horse nutrition is also right up our alley. We always talk about healthy food, natural food, grain-free, low in sugar etc. But how do we do this ourselves? What do we feed our horses? In this part, Sarah tells us what she feeds her horses Avenca and Thorlette
Why a retired horse needs to keep moving
Many people know the saying “rest rusts”, but you only notice this when you have actually sat still for a while or when you literally are unable to move. The older we get, the more we will suffer from this. When you ask older, fit and sprightly people what they actually do, the answer is often: “Eating healthy and walking.” Exercise becomes more difficult, but you can keep moving, as long as you don’t just stop.
Horses can experience this even more than us humans. Exercise is a big part of horse life. You can compare them with nomads who moved from one place to another and never stayed in the same place for long. Movement is therefore key for horses.
Natural horsemanship is the aim, but look at your horse!
Our goal is to bring horses closer to nature. Our aim is therefore to keep horses as naturally as possible. Of course, it is important to look at your horse and his/her specific wishes. Not all horses function well on being outside 24/7, just as not all horses can stand being stabled for a few hours.
Therefore, do not be blinded by the fact that your horse has to live naturally, but look at your horse. Here are some tips to keep your horse natural.
Mites in horses, start treating ASAP!
Stamping in winter. A well-known phenomenon in horses, especially those with a lot of hair on their legs. Mainly when it is damp, sultry weather and horses are in the mud a bit more often, it is often a recurring problem. Mites! How to treat it and especially how to get rid of it ASAP?
What food and supplements does Floxely, our colleague Marjolijn’s horse, get?
At HELTIE horse, we are all horse girls and also all have our own horse. So talking about horses, horse health and horse nutrition is also right up our alley. We always talk about healthy food, natural food, grain-free, low in sugar etc. But how do we do this ourselves? What do we feed our horses? In this part, Marjolijn tells us what she feeds her mare Floxely.
Why we have to increase our prices
And no, not because we want to earn more with our products! As you may have already heard on social media or in a personal consultation with us, we, unfortunately, have to increase the prices of our products on 1st January 2023. In this blog, we would like to explain the reason for this.
What are the basic values of your horse?
How well do you know your horse? Every horse has its own ‘normal’ values. For example, how much he eats and how much he defecates, but also what his body temperature, his resting heart rate and his breathing rate are. As an owner, it is useful to know these basic values. Then you can also more easily determine whether something is going on.
Supporting your horse in losing or gaining weight
A horse’s weight naturally fluctuates with the seasons. At the end of the summer they are a bit thicker and at the end of winter, when the reserves to keep the body warm have been used up, a bit thinner. Our kept horses usually get enough to eat all year round and should not fluctuate too much. And certainly not too skinny or too fat. How do you regulate the weight of your horse?
Does your horse eat sand? And do you know why?
In the winter horses sometimes get problems with sand in the intestines. This leads to diarrhea or even painful sand colic. Of course it is important that you treat a horse that has sand in its belly against this. But it is of course even better to address the cause. Do you know why your horse eats sand?
Am I giving my horse too many supplements?
Am I not giving my horse too many supplements? If I add this or that, is that possible, or will it be too much? These are questions we regularly receive from horse owners and understandable! We have customers who give 1 product, but sometimes we also hear that a large number of products are given. Sometimes the question is indeed; Are you giving your horse too many supplements? In this blog we explain what you should take into account.
Did you know that horse feathers actually keep the legs dry?
Autumn, winter, slush and rain… The combination for dirty, wet horse legs. Often we tend to shave all the hair of horses. Neatly shave legs, trim the beard, tidy up ears and so on. A sleek horse that looks neat without much hair like a real fashion model. But is it wise to shave everything so bald?
Why we are not anti-rug
Rainrugs and winterrugs for horses are a much-discussed topic in our horseworld. There are people who are fiercely anti-blanket because they believe that every horse should be able to do without a blanket. That every horse automatically produces enough coat and that the winters in the Netherlands (and other parts of Europe) are not so extremely cold, so that a rug is not necessary. That is partly true, but it is all a bit more nuanced. Here is our vision on blankets!
Can a horse unlearn a stable vice?
Stable vices are caused by stress. A stressed horse will show stereotyped behavior more often than a horse that is comfortable in its own skin. Behaviors such as weaving and air-sucking are comforting and addictive to a horse. But when your horse has a stable vice, as an owner you naturally want your horse to stop doing this. Unlearning is actually not possible, due to the addictive nature of these behaviors. What you can do? Addressing the underlying reasons for the stress.
Firework! Nine tips for a stress-free New Year for your horse
The end of the year is approaching and in many places in the country that means: fireworks! This can cause stress for horses and their owners. Can a horse get used to fireworks? And how do you make the turn of the year and the days preceding it as stress-free as possible for your horse?
Is magnesium the panacea for horses with stress?
Horses can experience stress for various reasons. This may be due to a move, incorrect (feed) management or, for example, a traumatic experience. One horse is also more sensitive to stress than the other. There are also horses that are a bit spooky during work and often have trouble with the so-called “arena gnomes”. Many horse owners then turn to a magnesium supplement, because this would be the solution. But is that true? Is magnesium the panacea for stress?
Preventing and managing stable vices in horses
‘Stable vice’ may sound quite innocent, but the associated behavior is certainly not. Cribbing, weaving, box walking are all the result of considerable stress and arise when a horse has been hindered in its natural behavior for too long. Usually because he has to stand alone in a box for too long. How do you prevent stable vices? And what if your horse already shows this kind of behavior?
Vitamin D production in horses: sun appears to have little influence!
We also learn something new every day! It is always thought that horses are comparable to humans in many things, including when it comes to the production of vitamin D. We also thought this and also that horses that are in a fly rug / eczema rug all summer, for example, that they can get adeficiency of vitamin D. There was also little scientific study on this, so the assumption was quickly made that this is comparable to humans. But now an investigation has been done!
Horse with liver problems? Then don’t do a detox!
We notice that many horse owners perform a detox on horses with liver problems. With good intentions, of course, but not really that wise. They want to support the horse and the liver so that it is back in order as soon as possible. But a detox is not suitable for that, we are happy to explain it to you!
How do you support a horse with sensitive intestines?
Horses have a special digestive system that is sensitive to changes in feed, poor quality roughage, too many sugars, weather changes and stress. What can you do as a horse owner if your horse has sensitive intestines and regularly suffers from cramps, light gas colic or, for example, diarrhoea?
The difference between hay, haylage and silage
Roughage for horses comes in different forms. From small bales of dry herb hay to large packages in plastic baled silage or pre-dried haylage. What are the differences in nutritional value between these various types of ‘packaged grass’? And: what is best for your horse?
Worms in your horse: many species and sizes
Horses can carry different types of parasitic worms. Most of these parasites cause problems in the intestinal tract. But there are also worms that settle in the stomach. We have listed the most important types of worms for you and give you a few tips on prevention.
The medicinal effect of rosehip
Rosehip is known by horse people as a healthy candy that you can pick right off the bush. Rose hips contain a lot of vitamin C in a very easily absorbable form. So your horse can easily use it in his body. You just have to pick a lot of rose hips to get a little effect. That is why it is useful to use a liquid tincture of rosehip.
Rosehip, a nice addition to the mineral buffet of your horse!
More and more horse owners are making a mineral buffet for their horse and this can be as extensive as you want. Green loam, nettle tincture, minerals from the Bering Sea, Celtic sea salt and you name it! Nowadays there are a lot of products that you can put through the water of your horse. And from now on you can add something to that, namely rosehip tincture!
Detox + nettle: ideal combination for keeping the horse’s body clean
Every horse gets waste products in its body. Not only through food, but also through the environment and because the body renews its cells. These waste products will accumulate in the body, making it “full” in the long run. This can cause ailments (itching, mud fever, reduced resistance, etc.) and the right nutrients can be absorbed less well. It is therefore important to clean up these waste materials. But what do you choose? A detox or nettle? If you ask us: choose both!
Transition from grass to hay: take it easy!
The days are getting shorter and while the grass is still growing a bit, the nutritional value drops in the fall. It is time to feed and in many cases horses also move to the stable and paddock. This transition can be difficult for horses because they have a very sensitive gastrointestinal system. What can you do to make this transition easier?
A happy horse: what should we as owners take care of?
Horse welfare is of paramount importance to many horse owners and fortunately also to more and more authorities. We at HELTIE horse think a happy horse is extremely important! It is therefore our goal to bring horses closer to nature, with optimal health and well-being for all horses. But what should we as horse owners actually pay attention to and take care of?
How do you prevent mental overload in a young horse in training?
When a horse comes out of rearing and goes to work, it brings a lot of changes with it. Not only because everything is suddenly expected of him, but also because the circumstances in which the animal lives are changing. The horse often spends fewer hours in the herd, sometimes in the stable at night and comes into contact with people and ‘strange’ situations much more than before.
Most people know that when training a young horse you should take it easy to let the tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints get used to the work. Short training sessions and sufficient (active) rest days in between are important to start a horse in the right way.
To compete or not if your horse finds it stressful?
If you ride dressage or jump with your horse, it is sometimes quite fun to go to a competition. At least, for you as a rider or amazon. Competitions are a good opportunity to check where you stand in training and to compete against other combinations. But does your horse really like it? And what can you do to make the experience as positive as possible for him? A few tips and tricks, even if your horse may not like it much yet.
What do your horse’s eyes say?
As horse owners, we would like to know whether our horses are feeling well. And if they might want to tell us something. One of the ways to “listen” to horses is to look closely at their eyes. Do you know what every look from your horse says? And what can you pay attention to?
Horses’ eyes are on the side of the head. This allows a horse to look almost all around; only straight behind him he sees nothing. Such a wide view is of course very useful for a flight animal, because it allows a horse to scan the entire environment while grazing. And run away quickly when a predator approaches.
The benefits of training your horse on an outdoor ride.
Training a horse isn’t always easy. Whether you’re practising the basis or you’re training on the highest level. All levels have their own challenges.
In addition to those challenges, you can also choose for different forms of training and you have the choice whether you do this indoors, outdoors, on the road or perhaps even during an outdoor ride in the woods.
Despite the fact that the preference of most riders is still for an indoor or a closed arena, training your horse on an outdoor ride is extremely valuable.
Why social contact is so important for horses
Horses are herd animals. They are naturally made to live in groups and need social contact to stay physically and mentally healthy. In the Netherlands it is not always possible to meet all the wishes of your horse. How important is social contact for your horse, what exactly is social contact and how can you help your horse if there is (temporarily) less social contact possible?
Do you know if your horse is in pain?
“If only they could talk” is something horse owners often say to each other. Because sometimes there is something wrong with your horse, but it is not immediately clear what exactly. Is he just not having his day? Or is there more to it? How easy it would be sometimes to just ask! Horses don’t talk, but they do give signals about how they are feeling. We humans just need to learn to understand those signals…
Flexible joints? Combination of housing, food and exercise!
Older horses often suffer from muscle stiffness or stiffness due to early osteoarthritis. It is important that horses keep moving in order to remain flexible. But are there also nutrients that help to keep your horse more flexible? How do you feed your horse to keep its joints healthy for as long as possible?
How do you prevent muscle breakdown in an aging horse?
As horses get older, they can suffer from muscle breakdown. This is a natural process. In humans, too, more and more muscle tissue is broken down with age. This is because the hormone balance changes, because the nerves send fewer stimuli to the muscles and because the protein metabolism of an older horse or human is getting worse.
Nutrition for the older horse: choose a tailor-made ration!
Older horses often need adapted nutrition. Most horse owners know that. But it’s not like you buy a bag of senior food on your four-legged friend’s 18th birthday and then you’re done. One elderly horse is not the other, so always keep a close eye on your horse.
Osteoarthritis and dental problems: support your horse as it gets older
If your horse is becoming a senior, he may develop ailments of old age. Sometimes you as an owner do not immediately realize that. Not surprising, they are slow processes. Part of aging is that your horse’s joints and teeth begin to wear out. What can you do to ensure that your horse remains mobile and can chew well for as long as possible?
Do you know what the benefits are of a detox for your horse?
A detox, or a cleansing of the horse’s body, has several advantages for the horse. Many horse owners are a bit afraid of a detox and we understand that, but if you use it deliberately, it is a very nice action for your horse. Read this blog to find out which benefits a detox has for your horse.
Did you know that it is not always wise to give your horse a detox?
In the spring and autumn you hear and read a lot about detoxing horses. We also participate in this, because a detox is a natural phenomenon in horses and has health benefits. But a detox is not without danger and should always be given well-considered. That is why we want to tell you in this blog why a detox is not always wise. Do you want to give your horse a detox? Always consult us first or do it after consultation with a therapist.
7 tips to get your horse to drink in strange terrain
If you ride competitions, go on a multi-day hike, do endurance or want to go on long outdoor rides, it’s nice if you can keep your horse hydrated. A horse that drinks too little not only loses moisture, but also a lot of energy. In addition, the risk of colic is higher if a horse drinks too little. That’s why we give you seven tips to get your horse to drink when you’re on the road.
Ticks in horses: what about that?
Ticks occur in the summer, when it is warm and dry. They mainly live in long grass and shrubbery. A tick can go a year without food and then just wait for a cow, horse, deer or human to pass by. Then the tick bites itself and starts sucking blood, up to 600x its own weight! Some ticks transmit diseases. Protecting your horse against ticks is quite difficult. It is wise to regularly check your horse for ticks. In addition, you can put herbs and essential oils through the horse feed to make the blood unpalatable for these annoying critters.
Ancient herb Triphala supports weight loss and metabolism in horses
Triphala is a herbal mixture that has been used in India for centuries as a natural medicine. This includes complaints of the gastrointestinal system, but also stress and to stabilize the blood sugar level. Research in humans and rodents, among others, has already shown that Triphala has strong medicinal properties. This traditional supplement can also be used in horses: for example, for insulin resistance.
For which conditions should triphala be used in horses?
Triphala is a “herbal mixture” of 3 dried fruits from the Himalayas. It has been used in India for centuries for its great medicinal properties. In this blog we would like to explain to you which disorders in horses you can use triphala for.
Horse with melanoma? Combine triphala with black cumin!
Unfortunately, some horses get melanomas. These are tumors that mainly occur in grey horses around the tail/anus. Some melanomas can cause a lot of problems and discomfort for the horse. But did you know that a combination of triphala and black cumin can help with melanomas?
How do I support my horse with sweet itch?
If your horse has sweet itch, then you must constantly pay attention in the summer months that the itching does not get out of hand. A total approach works best for this. That means: several measures together. You have probably already put a blanket on your horse and lubricate the chafing spots with a soothing cream. What else can you do to support your itchy horse and prevent him from chafing his mane and tail?
My horse has insulin resistance (IR) – is it still safe to graze?
Horses with insulin resistance (IR) are at greater risk of laminitis than horses with an optimally healthy sugar metabolism. A horse with IR, recognizable by, for example, a hard mane comb and fat pads at the tail, may not graze unrestrictedly on sugar-rich grass. But can you never put such a horse or pony in the meadow again? Or are there still options? After all, many horses are very happy with grazing…
We as owners like to make our horses happy. But unfortunately unlimited pasture time is not for every horse. Cold-blooded horses, ponies and horses that have previously had laminitis are particularly at risk for the painful condition laminitis.
Hatsjoe! The 5 differences between pollen allergy and dust allergy in horses
A tickle on the nose, snot, coughing and even shaking the head… sometimes your horse suddenly gets problems with his airways. And riding a horse with a tickle in the nose or mucus in its throat is not pleasant. But where does this come from? Is it a pollen allergy? Or is it due to dust? And what can you do about it?
Why can horses get laminitis from grass?
In the spring, at the beginning of the grazing season, it is always wise to start grazing quietly. Your horse’s intestines and digestive system must first adapt to eating grass before your horse can go out in the pasture for whole days. There is also the risk of laminitis. For some horses, this danger persists throughout the grazing season. How come? What does grass do in your horse’s body? And which horses are at increased risk of laminitis?
Can horses have hay fever or a pollen allergy?
Does your horse cough and spit a lot in the spring and summer? Or is he standing in the meadow shaking his head without flies being the cause? A pollen allergy, or hay fever, can be the cause. Pollen allergy is irritating for your horse, itching, coughing and a runny nose and some horses will shake their heads when they suffer from pollen.
Did you know that many horses benefit from the mineral silicon?
Silicon is a relatively unknown mineral in the horse world. Horses need silicon for all kinds of bodily functions. In addition, this mineral is a building material for bones, connective tissue, coat and hooves. Horses often get too little silicon through their daily diet.
Sweet itch: Don’t forget the detox for your horse in Feb / March!
Temperatures are rising, horses have started shedding. Spring is really coming! Does your horse have sweet itch? Then this (February / March) is the ideal time to do a detox in preparation for the season. Read more about this in this blog.
Why deworming based on Fecal Egg Count is not always reliable
Many people do a fecal egg count before deworming their horses. That in itself is a good idea, because in this way you can combat the parasites in the horse’s belly in a more targeted way. But unfortunately you cannot rely solely on this method. Certain types of worm infections are not or hardly visible in the manure, especially in winter.
Are you familiar with the medicinal properties of the clove plant in horses?
The clove plant has a versatile effect for both humans and animals. For example, it naturally has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. But it also optimizes the ECS system. This system is the body’s signal generator. So we are not talking about the clove as you know it from the supermarket, but about the plant and the flowers. Curious about how it works? We will tell you all about it in this blog!
Does your horse already have a water bucket with nettle?
Nettles have a powerful antibacterial effect, are high in antioxidants and are a good source of various minerals. A cure with concentrated nettle extract can help your horse to cleanse its body, clean up waste products and improve digestion. That is very simple, because your horse knows how much he needs!
Why horses can more easily get a vitamin E deficiency during the winter
February and most horses have not been on the grass for several months. As the owner we are fed up with the rain and mud and we cannot wait until spring arrives and everything is fresh green again and the horses can go back onto the land.
Fortunately, we can usually continue training with our horses in the winter period, but the horse sometimes feels a bit stiffer and recovers less easily after intensive training. Would there then have been a shortage of vitamin E?
Improve the fertility of your mare or stallion with vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important role in improving fertility. This has been known to humans for some time. But this vitamin also has a positive effect on horses. Vitamin E is often used in conjunction with other antioxidants. It increases the fertility of mares and stallions and ensures better resistance in brood mares and their newborn foals.
Do’s and Don’ts: How to let your horse gain weight in a healthy way
Is your horse too skinny and would you like to let it gain weight? Then you have a huge choice in foods that all indicate that they are incredibly healthy and that your horse can gain weight well. But are these foods really healthy for your horse? And which one can you choose best for your horse? Read in this article which foods you can best choose. Can’t quite figure it out? Ask our specialists for free advice.
Underweight in horses: difficult to solve?
Is your horse too skinny? Underweight occurs regularly, for example in older horses. Letting an overweight horse lose weight is already difficult, but often solving underweight in horses is even more difficult. How is that actually? Perhaps we are doing something wrong in our management and are we quickly reaching for fatteners? How should it be done?
Good resolution for 2021: your horse at a healthy weight!
At our customer service we get people on the phone every day who tell us about the complaints of their horses such as itching, coughing and a bad coat. They then ask us which supplements could help with this. When we then inquire whether the horse may be overweight, we often get the answer: “Yes, he is a bit too fat”. In many cases, those extra pounds are at the root of the problem. And the symptoms will not disappear without doing something about that cause. Not even a supplement. In short: the horse must lose weight!
Why does my horse eat sand? And what is the solution?
At this time of the year we regularly hear that horses have sand in their intestines and sometimes even get colic or diarrhea. How does that sand get in? Why do horses sometimes eat sand? And more importantly, how do you prevent sand build-up from becoming a problem and even causing colic? We list the causes and solutions for you.
Fireworks stress: Are you taking it into account this year?
New years eve is often an exciting moment for horse owners. Because how do the horses get through the night? Won’t they be shocked by the noise and the flares? There will be a fireworks ban in 2020 (in the Netherlands), but carbide shooting is not prohibited in many places. There are also people who will not care about the fireworks ban. How do you help your horse through the New Year? We have five tips for you!
Filled Legs: 6 tips to prevent them
In winter, many horses get less exercise. They are more often in the stable and especially during the holidays they train less. This can cause filled legs: thicker, raised (hind) legs that do not feel warm. What exactly is this, can it harm and what can you do about it? We give you six useful tips!
Curious about the effect of HELTIE horse® Stress on your horse? Try now for free!
New Year’s Eve is approaching and despite the fireworks ban, it is expected that there will be quite a bit of popping. A large part of the horses will go through the New Year without any problems and have little trouble with it. But there are horses that experience a lot of stress around the turn of the year. These horses may benefit from a supplement for support. That is why we are giving a free 100ml HELTIE horse® Stress sample with all orders (regardless of the order value) until December 28th. Read more about HELTIE horse® Stress in this blog.
Laminated in winter, that is not possible, is it?
It’s cold, the ground is hard and your horse stumbles a bit. Then it makes sense to think it’s through the subsurface, right? While it is certainly possible that your horse is sensitive to walking because the bottom is frozen stiff, something else could be going on. Especially if you also see that something is wrong in the stable or in the arena. Your horse can also get laminitis in winter. Another possibility is winter hoof pain or winter laminitis. What’s up with that?
Horses on the grass in winter: dangerous or not?
Some have their horse or pony grazing on the grass 365 days a year without problems, while others are horrified at the thought of putting the horse on grass in winter. Because how dangerous is grass in the winter or can you graze horses in frost without any problems? Read more about that in this blog.
CPL (Chronic Progressive Lymphedema) in horses: symptoms and treatment
Large (draft) breeds of horses are sensitive to CPL (Chronic progressive lymphedema). This incurable condition may be partly genetic and affects the lymphatic system and the elastic function of the skin. Characteristic are the thick ridges on the legs of the horse. Read on this page what CPL is exactly and if you can do something against it.
Why you cannot use the same cream for every type of mud fever in horses
Mud fever is a collective name for scabs and wounds on the lower legs. Mud fever usually starts in above the hoof and often extends over the lower legs if left untreated. Many people do not know that skin complaints called “mud fever” can have many different causes. Bacteria, mites, lice, fungi. And… each cause requires a different treatment!
Magnesium or herbal supplements for stress. What is the difference?
There are many supplements on the market that are said to affect stress in horses. Many of these supplements are based on magnesium or herbs. For the correct effect it is important to choose the right supplement (s) for the right situation. In this article we explain the difference in effect of stress supplements based on magnesium and herbs.
Osteoarthritis in horses: a “happy athlete” still possible?
Many horses experience stiffness and start-up problems over the course of their life. “It’s a diesel” is often said. If a horse is a bit older, these complaints can be caused by osteoarthritis, but that is not always the case. What can you do to keep your horse supple for as long as possible? And how do you ensure that your horse remains a happy athlete even with mild arthrosis?
Forgotten cause in horse stomach ulcers: chronic stress!
You have probably heard that many horses in the Netherlands have stomach ulcers, often without their owner being aware of it. Stomach ulcers can arise because a horse, for example, gets too little or too irregular roughage, due to medication or is trained on an empty stomach. But there is another important cause: chronic stress. How do you know if your horse suffers from chronic stress? What are you doing about it? And how can you prevent stomach ulcers from stress?
This is why you should not train your horse on an empty stomach
Horses produce stomach acid all day long, unlike humans, where stomach acid is only produced when we eat something. To neutralize the horse’s stomach acid, the horse needs to eat. The food stimulates saliva production and this saliva makes the stomach acid less acidic. This ensures that stomach ulcers are prevented. What many people do not know is that it is therefore better not to work with the horse on an empty stomach. We will explain further why this is the case in this blog!
Which plants support the respiratory tract of horses?
There are many supplements for sale for the respiratory tract of horses, but which herbs / plants / trees actually have a positive effect on the respiratory tract? Read in this blog which we recommend if you want to support your coughing horse or horse with other respiratory problems.
Willem: “After a tragic loss, I started researching how I can prevent injuries in my horses”
Willem Joëzer de Jong is a Dutch 30-year-old dressage rider from the Frisian village Tzum. He competes horses up to the Intermediar 2 level, has his own training stable, gives instruction and trains young horses. Willem has been an ambassador of HELTIE Horse for several months and tells us a bit more about his horses, his stable and his vision.
Laura: ‘Toxins in straw were the cause of my horses high liver values’
Laura Scheepers is a Dutch show jumper and she runs together with her mother Joyce LS Stables in Sevenum. She is also an ambassador for HELTIE horse®. Laura trains young show jumpers, not only for herself but also for her clients. Laura had to deal with strange complaints with her horses this year. An extensive search eventually led to the straw.
9 tips for keeping older horses on weight in winter
Winter is always a difficult period for older horses. They lose weight quickly and are sometimes a bit stiff. As an owner, you don’t want your horse to get too thin. That is why it is wise to start with measurements on time. After all, it is much more difficult to get an older horse fatter again once it has lost weight. We give you nine top tips for keeping your older horse on weight this winter.
Is a horse better off with or without a rug in the winter: the eternal and annually recurring discussion
A topic where the horse community is often diametrically opposed: rugs in winter. Often you are pro rugs or you are anti rugs. Rugs come in different variants and thicknesses. In this blog we want to tell you more about whether rugs are necessary in the winter months and what you should pay attention to. So that you can decide for yourself what is best for your horse in which circumstances.
How do you support your aging horse?
From the age of 15, horses are seen as “older”. In many horses this is a point where the joints get a bit more problens and the first ailments of old age develop. But of course every horse is different. One horse is still happily hopping around at the age of 25, while the other horse indeed has some discomfort at the age of 15. We are therefore going to give you tools for the care of your aging horse.
Do you choose dried or liquid nettle for your horse?
Almost every horse owner feeds his or her horse nettle, as nettle is known for its medicinal properties and because horses find it very tasty. But is it also a suitable supplement for your horse? And is it better to give nettle fresh, dried or in liquid form?
Sand eating horse? The mineral silicon may be the solution
From one day to the next your horse is suddenly licking the sand in the paddock. You’d never seen him do this before. Why is your horse suddenly eating sand now? This can have various causes, such as a shortage of the mineral silicon or boredom. Read more in this blog about what causes sand eating and what you can do to prevent it.
Silicon for your horse: which form is most absorbable?
The mineral silicon is gaining in popularity. This makes sense, because silicon is an extremely important substance that helps to keep tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints, coat and hooves in good condition. There are therefore more and more products with silicon available. When purchasing, pay particular attention to the absorbability, because silicon can occur in many forms. And not all of these forms work. How can you know if the silicon is really absorbed into your horse’s blood so that it can do its job?
Is it justified that people are afraid of doing a detox on the horse?
Many people are reluctant to detox their horses. They are often afraid that the horse will suddenly develop ailments or that a detox is very intense. But is this right? And what should you pay attention to if you decide to detox your horse? Read more about this in this blog.
What are the consequences if you do not detox your horse?
The usefulness of a cleansing treatment is still much underestimated by horse owners. The comment you often hear is that horses in nature do not get a detox cure, why should we then give our horses this? This statement is incorrect, because horses in nature do look for cleansing herbs such as thistles. Read more in this article!
Do you also have stress when you are looking for a vitamin E supplement for your horse?
There are dozens of Vitamin E supplements for horses available on the market. Powder or liquid, synthetic or natural, with or without selenium and with or without grape extract. Do you know what is best? In this blog, we tell what you should pay attention to so that you can make the right choice for your horse.
Do you know why vitamin E is indispensable in the ration of horses?
Vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins for the health of your horse. It is a powerful antioxidant that is absolutely necessary for your horse’s muscle health and nervous system. Grass contains more than enough vitamin E in an easily absorbable form. But if your horse is not in the pasture, for example in the winter, a vitamin E deficiency is lurking. But horses with muscle problems (for example PSSM) also benefit from extra vitamin E.
Why grape extract has a synergistic effect in a vitamin E supplement for horses
Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant and absolutely necessary for the health of the horse’s muscles. It also contributes to the health of the nervous system. Read in this blog why adding grape extract to a vitamin E supplement is an added value.
Why a high-dose vitamin E for horses never can be 100% natural
Vitamin E is available in various forms. Often a distinction is made only between synthetic and natural vitamin E. But supplements that are high in Vitamin E cannot be 100% natural. Read how that works in this blog.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Symptoms, Causes and Prevention
Recently you have been hearing more and more about the “Equine Metabolic Syndrome” or EMS. Horses with EMS have a disturbed metabolism due to obesity. Their hormones are out of balance, they underperform and can develop laminitis. What are the symptoms and causes of EMS and what can you do about it?
Mineral deficiency? Silicon remedies mineral deficiency!
To function and perform properly, a horse needs sufficient vitamins and minerals. It is often difficult to know whether your horse is realy getting enough. What makes it extra difficult is that minerals and vitamins mutually influence each other. Recent research shows that the mineral silicon plays a central role in many bodily processes and also helps to absorb certain vitamins. How is that exactly? And is there an easy way to remedy mineral deficiencies in horses?
Is a lick for your horse sufficient in warm weather?
Most horses have access to a lick, but it is often difficult to estimate whether these licks are used. Some horses eat the lick at once, so to speak, and other horses do years with 1 lick. But what do you do with warm weather? Do you need to add electrolytes or is that not necessary?
Why long grass is better than short grass
Most horses have been on the grass for a while now. At the moment the grass has grown a lot (if there is no mowing) and the horses find the long grass less and less tasty. But that longer grass is healthier for the horse. Read in this blog why that is.
When do you give HELTIE horse Joints and when HELTIE horse Silicon?
At HELTIE horse® we have two supplements aimed at your horse’s joints: The herbs of HELTIE horse® Joints and the mineral silicon in our HELTIE horse® Silicon. We are often asked which supplement can be given when. What is the difference?
Providing electrolytes: better before or after training?
Now that temperatures are rising again and both horses and riders are sweaty from training, supplementing mineral deficiencies with electrolytes may be wise. In what situations is it a good idea to replenish electrolytes? And when and how best to give the electrolytes: before or after exercise?
Rearing young horses: growing up strongly with silicon
A raising young horse needs a lot of free movement and proper nutrition. Only then can he grow into a powerful (sports) horse with a strong frame. A horse that is ready in its body to work slowly but surely and then keep it healthy for many years. Sufficient silicon in the daily ration of young horses supports the production of strong bones, tendons, ligaments and joints.
How the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of horses works
Scientists only discovered in the early 1990s that humans and animals have an endocannabinoid system. This system is the “signal generator” in the body. It checks at cell level whether there is a problem. The system then sends a signal to the brain so that it can send the correct auxiliary chemicals to the relevant cell. In this way, the endocannabinoid system regulates certain processes in the body, such as pain, inflammation and the immune system. Read more about how this system works in horses in this article.
Six differences between glucosamine and silicon
Glucosamine products and silicon are the two main options for stiffness or joint problems. But which product should you use when? What are the differences? And which supplement works best? We have listed the information for you.
The benefits of a liquid lick, made from concentrated sea water
Almost all horses have a lick in their stable. Sometimes it hangs there for years to dust, in other cases the stones are almost gnawed up and the owner starts to doubt whether his horse is ingesting too much salt. Dosing is difficult. And what is actually in such a stone? A liquid lick for horses offers a solution.
Improve the quality of grass and roughage with Meadow Minerals
The quality of the grass in your pasture determines the nutritional value that your horse receives through grazing or through the hay you harvest. Many pastures in Europe are quite poor in minerals. Therefore, especially on poor soils, it can be a good idea to improve your grass quality with meadow minerals. Then you get more yield and better roughage quality.
Silicon stimulates the production of glucosamine in horses
Gewrichtsklachten zoals artrose komen bij paarden regelmatig voor. Als gevolg van ouderdom, maar ook door intensieve belasting. Vooral de gewrichten in de benen zijn kwetsbaar, kogel- en sprongblessures zijn bekende problemen. Veel mensen voeren een glucosamine-supplement om hun paard soepeler te maken. Maar onderzoek toont aan dat je veel beter silicium kan geven om je paard weer op gang te helpen. Hoe zit dat?
TIP: make an extra drinking bucket with minerals!
A horse is very capable of deciding what nutrients it needs. HELTIE horse® Minerals may also be added to drinking water. That is why you can also make two water bowls, one with fresh water and the other with a dash of HELTIE horse® Minerals.
