Author Archives: Emily L.

Feeding “George”: A Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) Horse

Previously, I introduced you to George, my ‘Heinz-57’ PSSM positive horse.  Though his test results came back positive for Type 1 PSSM, his diagnosis does not mean his athletic career is over. With some diligence and routine, George is able …

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Posted in Care and Management, Changing Horse Feed, Diseases and Disorders, Feeding Management, Horse Feed, Starches & Carbohydrates
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Meet “George”: A Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) Horse

I’m proud to introduce you to George, a “Heinz-57” draft cross, and my current equine partner.  He is the result of a ½ Thoroughbred, ½ Percheron (dam) x ½ Hanoverian, ½ Paint horse (sire). I’ve had the privilege of knowing …

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Prevention and Management of EMS in Horses

There is no treatment or cure for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), so taking preventative measures though diet and exercise are the best defenses against the development of EMS.  Here are some great defensive strategies to help prevent your horse from …

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Posted in Care and Management, Diseases and Disorders, Starches & Carbohydrates
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What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?

EMS is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder in horses, similar to metabolic syndrome in humans, that is characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, and regional adiposity (abnormal fat deposits), which can predispose affected horses to chronic  laminitis. What types of horses are …

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Using Hay Replacers for Horses

When times of severe draught or other weather phenomenon result in poor quality or availability of pastures and hay, horse owners often turn to complete feeds (i.e. feeds that contain a full diet of roughage, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other …

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Posted in Feed Costs, Feeding Management, Hay/Pasture, Weather-Related Feeding
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Leading a Horse to Water…

Water is the most essential and important nutrient for you and your horse and should be available to your horse at all times. Good hydration is vital to optimal health and performance. With all of the bad things that can …

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Posted in Care and Management, Changing Horse Feed, Feeding Management, How To, Weather-Related Feeding
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Supplementing Horse Diets with Omega Fatty Acids

As you look at your horses’ diet, it is important to remember that horses need a balance of both omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for optimal health and performance.  One isn’t necessarily better than the other; they simply have different …

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Posted in Changing Horse Feed, Feeding Management, Horse Feed, Horse Nutrition, Supplements
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Omega Fatty Acids: What do they do for horses?

Adding supplementary fat in your horses’ diet is a great way to provide concentrated calories as well as some other functional benefits to your horse; but what sources of fat are best?  Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are a hot topic in …

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Posted in Horse Feed, Horse Nutrition, Supplements
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