Supplements?

[MsM]

When I bought my current horse 3 1/2 years ago, I was happy to have a healthy young horse. So no supplements, YAY! Being a chunky Morgan, he was getting Carb Guard and plenty of grass hay.

Then about a year ago, he went lame. An MRI found some disruption to the DDFT and inflammation in the foot indicative of early Navicular Syndrome… So he was put on stall/small paddock rest. His grain was nearly eliminated. I started him on a supplement for the vitamins and minerals he might be missing. I used Horse Tech High Point Grass or Platinum Performance over that time. I also added MSM for the anti-inflammatory properties.

Happily he came through rehab well and has been sound. We have increased his grain ( 2/3 scoop twice a day) and decreased the vitamins over time. I have spoken to the vet about trying to maintain him and prevent inflammation and he suggested that Equithrive with resverotrol seemed to have some good evidence and results, so I have ordered that.

Now I am debating which, if any other supplements to use. Vet likes the ones I have used and mentioned a couple of others, but has been non-committal about the necessity. Of course, they all sound wonderful in the ads! And I will spend what it takes to give him the best chance to stay sound and happy. But my Yankee soul balks at the idea of spending for stuff he doesn’t need.

WWYD?

[Scribbler]

Ideally you should run a hay test to see what minerals are lacking. We already know hay is lacking vitamin E.

Alternately start with a good vitamin mineral supplement. Even young healthy horses benefit from this.

[JB]

If he’s a “chunky Morgan”, he doesn’t need Carb Guard or any grain/regular feed. At most a ration balancer, but maybe at most just a good well-fortified v/m supplement like the High Point Grass you’ve used. I’m not a fan of Platimum Performance - not well fortified, especially for the price.

To the HPA I’d add Nutramino for the amino acids.

And that’s it - usr a cup or 2 of whatever is needed to mix the supplements, and call it a day.

I do agree if he’s only getting hay, then he needs additional Vit E - aim for around 2IU per pound body weight total, so whatever the HPG gives, plus whatever would be needed to make up the difference.

[walktrot]

When it was time for my gelding to start a joint supplement the vet said Cosequin was widely used. I told him my supplements come from HorseTech (biotin and vit E). The horse has a mysterious lump on his left knee which has been there since I bought him in 2001, It has never affected his movement but has gotten stiffer. I emailed Rod, the owner pf HorseTech, with detailed information and asked for a recommendation. He sent samples of HylaSport CTS with added soft tissue support and liquid silica because the bioavailability is better. Horse gobbles it down and licks the bucket clean. Range of motion in his knee has improved.

Needless to say, the cookies were in the box and shipping is still free. Customer service is the best. Rod really knows his stuff as they say and is always available to consult. This is a true family business. They are celebrating their 20 year anniversary this month. Rod was signing holiday cards, 1600 so far. There was a hand-signed card with the cookies in our last order. Who else does that?

[Hayburner]

I give the Equithrive Complete pellets for preventive maintenance as suggested by a lameness vet after an injury. I also supplement vit E.

as Walktrot suggested contact Horsetech for Rods suggestions, great company!

[J-Lu]

I suggest doing an analysis of your horse’s diet. WEIGH the grain he gets and use the manufacturer’s labeling to determine what your horse is getting. Is your horse on pasture or hay? Most extension services will analyze your hay and soil for free or a cheap rate. Equianalytica will analyze your pasture forage. You can easily find horse nutrient requirements online and you can compare what your horse is getting to established baselines for horses.

I suggest a diet balancer, rather that grain, for a chunky easy-keeper horse!! I feed Purina Enrich Plus now, and it seems in alignment with my previous balancer that isn’t made anymore and in accordance with my horse’s daily needs based on forage analysis.

I’m a geek, I love balancing the diet! Ha!

[Sansena]

Can you synopsize what it is that you’re hoping to improve with your horse by supplementing?

If you’re concerned about the low grade lameness issue, I’d definitely go with Cosequin ASU.
Also agree, vitamin E and possibly selenium if you’re in a Se depleted area.
Otherwise, hay testing will reveal any nutritional deficiencies your horse is facing. Beyond that, it’s up to you on what you’d like to see improved by supplementation.