42/ MAY 2018 THE RIDER
Equine Wellness: Health and Nutrition with Jean Klosowicz, Superior Equine Health and Nutrition Inc.
Spring Nutrition Checkup Finally, we have spring!
With snow melting and pastures grasses starting to pop up out of dormancy, we need to adjust feed, stable management and routines for the changing season ahead. With a fresh change in nutrition practices, horses will be able to better meet the demands of competition and pleasure rid- ing in the months ahead. Let’s take a look at a few of the areas of equine nutrition and manage- ment that will require more at- tention during the spring. Pastures and Dry Lots:
After months of eating hay, many horses are very anxious to get back out onto pastures - es- pecially at spring, when grasses are sweet and tender. However, not all horses should be on pas- ture. If your horse has any form of the metabolic dysfunction, has had a laminitis, and/or is over- weight pasture is not recom- mended at this time. Spring pastures, high in calories, sugars and protein are best suited to growing horses, lactating mares, hard keepers and the like, pro- viding they are healthy and sound. Horses that keep good weight on otherwise, and are in
light work or maintenance should only have pasture time during mid to late summer, when grasses are not so rich. If you do put this type of horse out, then you may want to consider using a grazing muzzle to control un- wanted calories. Alternatively, you may consider to keep the horse in a dry lot most of the day, and graze in the evenings or very early mornings when NSC’s are low.
Pastures and dry lots need
to be checked for poisonous weeds from spring to fall. If your horse suddenly shows un- usual symptoms after being out on pasture including colic, call your vet immediately as some of these plants are very dangerous. For more information on pas- tures weeds (poisonous and non- poisonous) check the OMAFRA site for equines. You should be able to identify the main ones in your area and take the necessary precautions by restricting access or eradicating them. Some
weeds are not so much poison- ous as they are very high in sug- ars or starches. For example the dandelion and chicory plants are very high in NSC’s. So even though you may keep your horse in a dry lot, check to see what your horse is munching on as it may still be a problem weed. Whether you keep your
horse on pasture or on hay, you will require supplementation with vitamins and minerals, es- pecially iodine, selenium, copper and zinc. Work with a nutrition- ist to find out what is best for your horse. When feeding hay, check that the hay does not con- tain mold, poisonous weeds, weeds with barbs, or no more than 10% non-poisonous weeds. Many horse owners overlook checking for “quality” of hay, re- sulting in horses getting ill and in some cases dying. So be par- ticular, and be diligent.
Digestive Tract Health: A healthy digestive tract is key to
having a healthy horse. Nutrients are better absorbed, the immune system functions better and the horse has less chance of colick- ing. When horses are in training, competitions, and working hard, increased stress levels can greatly affect the digestive tract health and even lead to ulcers. To keep the digestive tract healthy, mini- mize stress as much as possible, allow for outdoor time especially if horses are stalled, provide meals in small amounts but often throughout the day, use slow feeder nets or bags for feeding hay, provide plenty of fresh, clean water, and allow horses to play and have companionship (to re- duce stress). And finally, don’t forget to deworm as necessary, preferably after doing a FEC (fecal egg count).
Increased Energy and Protein Needs: If your horse is part of a breeding program, then Energy and Protein needs will increase at spring time too, especially lactat- ing mares. Did you know that lactating mares require more pro- tein than any other age, class or use? According to Dr. Eleanor Kellon, “Failure to provide it compromises her muscle mass ... she can also break down key tis- sues like tendons and ligaments to free up the protein she needs to make milk”. If you have your horse started in training and con- ditioning programs, and expect good performance, then expect to increase energy and protein. The common energy sources come from fat, fibre, starch and protein for a horse. For a racing horse, the main form of energy needed will come from starch (carbohy- drate) feeds. Fats, on the other
hand, are an important energy source for low intensity exer- cise like trotting and cantering. But remember that horses re- quire each but in varying pro- portions depending on the activity level.
Special Considerations:
Laminitis, , EMS, Insulin Dys- regulation and PPID: If you
have a horse with specific health conditions, spring time can often be a difficult time to change the feeding program, routine and management to accommodate the horse’s particular needs. I en- courage you to research studies as much as possible, work with your veterinarian and a nutritionist to find out what will work the best. Sometimes you may have to try different feeds/supplements and management methods, but it will be well worth it and definitely will mean improvements in your horse’s condition.
Questions on equine nutri- tion? Or need assistance for de-
veloping a suitable feeding pro- gram? Please contact me for a consultation. I will be happy to help.
Cheers!
Jean Klosowicz, Equine Nutrition Consultant & Educator Superior Equine Health and Nu- trition Inc. Bruce Mines, ON
www.superiorequinenutrition.com www.feedmyhorse.ca fb: @SuperiorEquine
All articles are for general
information purposes only and are not intended to replace the ad- vice of a veterinarian, or provide a diagnosis for your horse.
Horse Sport Celebrates 50 Years with Special Issue
The May 2018 50th Anniversary Issue of Horse Sport celebrates its longevity with a special
issue dedicated to both the history of equestrian sport in Canada and the venerable magazine itself. Highlights include: · a special foreword by Canadian Olympian, Eric Lamaze · how the magazine got its start and evolved over the years · a stunning collection of iconic images by Canadian equestrian photographers · a timeline of the most exciting memories of the past half-century · the unique history of equestrian fashion · commentary by top riders and in- dustry leaders including Ian Allison, Tom Gayford, Cindy Ishoy, Akaash Maharaj, and Kelly Plitz · current and future trends within the horse sport industry “We’ve been working on
this special issue for some time and are totally thrilled with the result,” commented Horse Sport publisher Jennifer Anstey. “Rave reviews have been coming in from readers across North America who have been delighted with the surprise in their mailbox.” Originally published as
The Corinthian, Horse Sport has been Canada’s authority for eques- trian sport since it was first pub- lished in 1968. This special volume is the largest issue ever published and makes a unique gift or treasured keepsake. Available at a newsstand near you including Chapters, Coles, and Loblaws stores or order online at
horse-canada.com/product/50th- anniversary-issue-horse-sport/
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We at The Rider would like to wish a Happy 50th Anniversary to Jen- nifer Anstey and the team at Horse Sport and congratulations on a wonderful issue.
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