Resetting the Horse's Balance: A Guide to Proper Feeding and Well-Being

Resetting the Horse's Balance: A Guide to Proper Feeding and Well-Being

Are you finding that your horse has become nervous, is not eating well or perhaps is showing signs of digestive issues? These problems can often be traced back to imbalances in feeding, health or the environment around the horse. But there is a solution! In this blog post you will get a step-by-step strategy to help your horse return to balance and optimal well-being – both physically and mentally.

1. Feeding reset

A simple feeding strategy is a good place to start to eliminate stressors and create a stable base:

• Roughage : Free access to high-quality hay or wrap.
• Salt : Ad libitum*.
• Supreme Minerals : Ad libitum**. This supplement covers the horse's essential needs for vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, sulfur, molybdenum, selenium, iodine, iron, manganese, copper and zinc – nutrients that support the body's metabolic processes without the risk of overstimulation.
  RC O3 algae oil: This supplement covers the horse's needs for omega 3.
• Green pills and beet pills : Soaked and given in small portions several times daily to ensure blood sugar stabilization, satiety and sufficient fiber intake.
  
  * Put salt in a trough and top up when needed.
  ** Place Supreme Minerals in another trough and supplement when needed.

This approach allows your horse to find calm and balance without the stress of complex feed additives.

2. Focus on balancing metabolic processes

Metabolic processes depend on a fine balance of nutrients. For horses with special needs, oversupply of certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, can create imbalances, especially if other elements are lacking.

• Absorption from the intestine to the blood : First step in nutrient metabolism, where vitamins and minerals are absorbed and transported to the body's cells.
• Cellular uptake and function : If essential enzyme co-factors are lacking, imbalances can occur, for example in signaling substances such as histamine and dopamine, which affect the nervous system and behavior.

Important nutrients

• Iron, manganese, copper and selenium : Essential for neurotransmitter regulation and metabolic functions. Mistaken assumptions that these minerals should be avoided can lead to further problems.
• Supreme Minerals : A balanced supplement blend that contains all essential trace elements in the right proportions to support the horse's individual needs.

High-quality protein and the importance of essential nutrients

• High-quality protein : Building blocks for tissues, connective tissue and mucous membranes, as well as signaling substances.
• Sulfur and sulfur-containing amino acids : Necessary for connective tissue healing and detoxification.
• Molybdenum : Only available in Regulator Complete's products, including Supreme Minerals.
• Iron and manganese : Crucial for stress balancing and neurotransmitter formation.

3. Rule out parasites and examine physical stresses

• Tapeworms and worm check : Symptoms such as hunger and restlessness may be due to parasites. A stool test can clarify this.
• Physical tension : Tension in the neck and back can strain the vagus nerve and lead to indigestion or ulcers. A physical therapist or chiropractor can help.

4. Perspective on stomach ulcers and pain

Stomach ulcers are often symptoms of deeper imbalances such as stress or muscle tension. Tension in the neck and spine can affect the vagus nerve and worsen digestion.

Scientific documentation

Studies have shown that horses with gastric ulcers often have lower levels of zinc, magnesium and iron in saliva as well as signs of immune activation and inflammation.

• Zinc, magnesium and iron : Supports tissue healing and the immune system.
• Vitamin D : Contributes to immune regulation and general health.

Supreme Minerals is developed to meet these needs with carefully balanced levels of nutrients that help the horse return to balance.

5. Flock structure and environment

Horses with a very alert behavior may feel responsible for the safety of the herd, which can lead to stress and exhaustion. Ensure a calm herd structure and avoid overstimulating paddock environments.

6. Time for recovery

Restoring balance to the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract takes time – often several weeks or months. A calm and steady approach combined with proper feeding is essential for success.

Conclusion: Reset as a powerful tool

With this strategy, you can work systematically and purposefully to identify and resolve challenges, including detecting any reactions to other feed ingredients. By focusing on small adjustments and allowing time for the horse to find its balance, you create optimal conditions for its well-being.

Resetting through correct feeding is a powerful tool to help the horse get back on track – both physically and mentally.

Scientific reference

• Muñoz-Prieto, A. et al. (2024). Measurement of Trace Elements (Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, and Iron) in the Saliva of Horses: Validation Data and Changes in Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Animals 2024, 14, 1724.
• Kentucky Equine Research (2022). Changes in proteins in saliva and serum in equine gastric ulcer syndrome using a proteomic approach.