Based on some reading here and articles in general I was reminded of the benefits of flax and decided to add them to the old mares diet. She’s on unlimited hay, sparse pasture, twice daily soaked plain bp and tim/Alf hay cubes. Powdered vit/min supplement ran out a few weeks ago and I haven’t found a replacement yet.
At any rate… about a half cup of while flax seeds mixed into her soaked meal just before serving and tonight she was decidedly improved in her hind end. She’s very hitchy when picking up the hind feet and has issues with one hip/stifle where she drags a hind toe. The drag is much reduced and tonight she was able to lift the hinds very relaxed.
She’s also on previcox, but honestly I’m never sure it’s actually doing anything.
Total fluke? Could flax have that dramatic of an impact? I’ve experienced a similar dramatic change for myself with b12 and nerve problems - so I’m pretty curious, and open minded that it’s possible.
She’s a pet living out her days, so no riding, but I’m on a never ending mission to make things as perfect as possible for her.
I feel like I see changes in hair and coat just a few days after starting flax, so it’s definitely possible.
I’ve also seen skin crud disappear in a matter of days once flax is introduced, without any other treatment.
Although I can’t personally say I’ve observed any changes in soundness. But if the horse’s omega 3 to omega 6 ratio was seriously out of whack prior to flax, it’s plausible inflammation could be reduced.
Interesting. Her hair coat is really nice - even her mane is “silkier” - not something she has ever boasted before. I’m really curious to see if the ease of movement remains or improves.
My horse’s coat started gleaming within a week of starting flax. His normally itchy belly seems to be clearing up too.
@Pehsness I am very interested in this flax situation! I had my guy on that Omega Equine supplement for almost 4 months and recently discontinued it. At $60 a month I did not feel like I had seen any real results. What kind of flax are you using? Where do you buy it?
Last year I put my new horse on about 3/4 C of unground flax seed due to brittle tail hair and faded coat. Her coat, mane and tail are glossy - people have stopped and asked me if she is wet as she is so shiny (bay). I think it took a few weeks for me to noticing the change. A 45lb bag costs between $38-$45…depending on where I buy it. It lasts about 10 months. So at $4 per month, it’s an easy decision.
I’ve had my guy on Omega Horseshine (ground flax) for years now. Every time I’ve tried to save money and leave it out because I felt he didn’t need it anymore always resulted in skin crud/hives coming back, so he and any other horse I own will always be on it. Flax is just good stuff.
I just bought some bulk flax seeds… Not ground. I got them at a bulk food store, so not the most cost effective but I was anxious to try them. I’m going to see if the feed store has them.
Circling back, the hitch is back so it was a fluke, but I’m definitely seeing seeing an improvement in her overall. Dapples galore (On a red roan that’s saying something) and her eye is softer - I can read her like a book and can tell she just feels looser and more comfortable. Whether or not that’s the flax I don’t know… But we’ll keep on it for the dapples alone!
