Supplements: Yay or Neigh
Photo by Kirstie Marie
This post is in no way purposed to replace veterinarian advice or recommendations. If you have any concerns about your horse’s nutritional needs, talk to your vet!
To supplement or not to supplement, that is the question.
There’s a supplement for just about everything — oils, powders and pellets for every benefit or ailment under the sun. if you can think of it, it’s probably out there.
All any rider wants is for our equine partners to look and feel their best — why is it so hard to not be overwhelmed by all the choices and the stigma? While not everyone is a fan of supplements, I am pro-supplement. Of course, with my veterinarian’s guidance.
Here’s why: My horses live in the desert with zero access to grazing lush pastures. Therefore they’re missing some vitamins found in fresh grass that’s unfortunately not available in their hay. Vitamin E and Selenium being two of those key nutrients.
So Alexa, add Vitamin E and Selenium to the shopping cart.
Side note: Did you know you can get your horse’s hay analyzed? This helps see where your forage is nutrition-wise. Some hay brokers offer this service but most local Extension Offices can help with this too!
While I wish free choice hay and salt licks offered everything my two geldings needed, it’s unfortunately not the case. In addition to lack of pasture (we make up for that with perfect, rideable winters), I take into consideration their individual lifestyle and maintenance needs and supplement from there. Example: Jack (21 y/o Appaloosa) has always been a hard keeper, so high-fat feed and extra calories never hurt. Gonzo (5 y/o AQHA) is asked to make some pretty big moves on cattle so I keep in mind his joints. Working with my vet we decided to add a joint supplement to Gonzo’s regimen and a Vitamin E and weight maintainer to Jack’s.
Every horse is an individual and should be treated as such. Some things to consider: What does forage/grazing access look like for my horse? What condition is he/she in? What level of work is your horse in? Do seasonal allergies come into play?
If you’re in the market for supplements or if you’re not sure what your horse needs, your vet can help!
How I use supplements in my feed routine:
Jack: Half scoop grain (Hygain TruCare), Half scoop Hygain TruGain, 2 Scoops Horse Guard Super Gain, 1 Pump Wild Gold, 3 Scoops Redmond Daily Gold + Psyllium Monthly
Gonzo: Half scoop grain (Hygain TruCare), 2 Scoops Platinum CJ, 2 Scoops Horse Guard Super Gain, 1 Pump Wild Gold, 3 Scoops Redmond Daily Gold + Psyllium Monthly
These are linked below and there are even a few discounts thrown in!
Pro Tip: Be sure to read the fine print, your supplement company might offer Colic Surgery Reimbursement if you qualify using autoship or reach a certain threshold.
Each horse also gets an appropriate Alfalfa/Bermuda hay ration. My ratio is usually 1 flake Alfalfa to every 2 flakes Bermuda. We try to keep hay in front of them at all times because of ya know, lack of grazing. HayChix bags are the bomb dot com to keep the hay waste minimal and the horses busy.
While supplements aren’t for every horse and aren’t every horse owner’s cup of tea, I think there’s an argument for both sides!
Do you supplement? Why or why not?
Happy trails,
C
Products + discounts:
Psyllium - Varies, I usually just buy what’s cheapest! We feed this once a month to help clear out any sand or grit ingested while eating.
Horse Guard Super Weight Gain (Use my code carolinearendt5 to save!)
Not really a supplement but this has been key in my feeding routine:
HayChix Nets (Enjoy 20% off by clicking this link!)
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links — meaning I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.