With the New Year Comes Winter's Chill and Its Impact on Our Horses
As we welcome the new year, we also face the typical winter days, where temperatures sometimes don’t even reach the freezing point during the day. The winter mornings, where we can see our breath and the entire nature is covered in a layer of powdered sugar, are picturesque. However, this weather often brings good spirits and energy to our four-legged friends.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all, we recommend regular turnout for our horses, even in cold temperatures. Horses are much better equipped to handle the cold than we are, and they generally feel more comfortable outside in the fresh air than in the warm stable. Of course, this should always be considered individually. Most healthy horses can do well without a blanket in cold, dry weather. Older and sick horses often benefit from a warming blanket, and sport horses with very little coat or clipped horses should definitely be blanketed.
Magnesium and Tryptophan for Inner Calmness
Despite having plenty of space to move around on the paddock or pasture, some horses may become particularly exuberant during work in cold temperatures. Our reliable companion can benefit from an effective combination of magnesium, vitamin B12, and L-tryptophan to promote calmness and relaxation. For stressed, nervous, or excitable horses, this combination can be a great support, regardless of the outside temperatures, and contribute to overall well-being. Just like in humans, stress and excitement can affect the digestive system. If you also want to support the digestive tract of your nervous horse, Hestevard ProSetol is the best choice. In addition to magnesium and tryptophan, ProSetol supports the digestive system with live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae [1].
Warm Up Properly in Cold Weather!
Regardless, horses should be thoroughly warmed up, especially in cold temperatures, to avoid damage to the musculoskeletal system. We recommend riding or leading the horse at a walk for at least 10 to 15 minutes before starting more intense work. Especially during free running, horses can burn off a lot of energy, but if they haven’t warmed up, it can lead to unpleasant injuries, which we want to avoid.
Healthy Tendons and Joints – Preventing Damage
If you want to do something extra for your horse's musculoskeletal system, Hestevard Hesteflex is a great choice. The combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate provides the natural building blocks for joints. MSM and Indian frankincense support the body's own anti-inflammatory processes. Vitamins E and C contribute to joint protection through their antioxidant properties. For acute joint issues, such as existing osteoarthritis, Hestevard BozMerix can help. Older horses also benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of microencapsulated curcumin combined with omega-3 fatty acids and ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiables) [2][3].
You can obtain Hestevard products ProSetol, BozMerix, and Hesteflex through your veterinarian. If your veterinarian does not carry Hestevard products, feel free to contact us. As a direct customer, you can also easily order Verlasspferd from our online shop, by phone, or by email.
Sources:
[1] Roettger, S. & Zentek, J. (2009) “The Importance of Live Yeasts in Horse Feeding Practice.” Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr. - Vet. Med. Austria 96(2009), 167 – 170
[2] Eyles-Owen, S. (2018) “Dietary Turmeric Reduces Inflammation and Improves Mood and Mobility in Horses with Fetlock Joint Inflammation,” YS Journal
[3] Kawcak, C.E. et al. (2007) “Evaluation of Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiable Extracts for Treatment of Horses with Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis,” American Journal of Veterinary Research, Editorial Type: Bone, Joint, and Cartilage
