This Spring Think Of Supplements For Your Mount

Equines, just as people, are unique and have
certain health needs and special requirements,
according to the age of the horse, whether it is
pregnant, lactating, stressed, getting more
mature or any other elements that should be
considered. It is important that the horse's
diet includes the right quantity of nutrients
for its level of exercise, the condition of the
horse, and also the time of the year.

For instance, in spring when rain and sunshine
increase spring grass produces an excess of
potassium. When horses get extra potassium from
eating the spring grass, it reduces their
magnesium uptake. Since horses do not store
magnesium well, it can leave them deficient in
this nutrient and this is one of the different
supplements that can be of use to your horse
this spring. It is important that the horse gets
enough of this mineral, since it helps in muscle
function, keeps blood sugar level and even helps
to regulate the horse's moods. The uptake in
magnesium is sometimes aided by sodium and that
is one reason to have salt licks or loose sodium
available at all times.

Horses love to graze and although their
digestive systems are able to handle forage
foods such as grass, they can get too much of a
good thing. The spring grass has a high sugar
content which can unbalance a horse's minerals
and vitamins and disturb the natural bacteria in
the intestines. If this occurs, the horse may
exhibit symptoms such as spookiness,
excitability, muscle soreness, stress, diarrhea
and skin problems.

Another issue that arises from too much spring
grass intake is caused by a mycotoxin fungus on
the grass that may not be visible but will
affect the horse. It can cause skin problems,
diarrhea, anxiety and abnormal behavior. Some
horses are very sensitive to this fungus while
others appear to be immune. If any of these
problems occur there are two main treatment
options.

Treatment Options

If any of these problems occur there are two
main treatment options. The horse can be kept
from eating spring grass at all and just given
its regular feed and hay. If this is not
practical then try giving a toxin binder
supplement that includes B Complex Vitamins B1,
B6, St. John's Wort and magnesium. These
ingredients promote normal nervous system
function and prevent unwanted behavior and
discomfort from nutrition deficiency. Do not
look for the least expensive binder on the
market as it may not have enough effective
ingredients. A change in the horse should be
noticeable in about two weeks.

Spring is also a good time of year to check out
the general condition of your horse. Horses
should have a good worming when needed and a
good feeding program should be planned for each
individual horse. Teeth should be checked so
that food can be well chewed to aid in digestion
and the hooves should be in good condition.
Regular brushing and grooming will help shed the
winter coat and let the sleek summer coat to come
through. This is essential to the horse's comfort
and temperature regulation in the summer.

A bit of research and a talk with the
veterinarian will no doubt produce other ideas
and different supplements that can be of use to
your horse this spring. Excellent care and
continued good treatment will help ensure you
have a delightful, healthy animal that you can
love and enjoy for many years.

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If you are in any doubt of supplements to use for
your animal or the symptoms are different from
those described, please consult your vet.
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