I give the whole supplement industry a healthy dose of side eye with an occasional addition of mare glare.I mean, it's completely unregulated and as a general rule IF (a big if) the stuff you think you're paying for is even in the bucket, the odds of there being any research whatsoever that said ingredient is even bio-available to the horse in that particular form is something like zero. Don't even get me started on the other vagaries like assuming you have the correct ingredient in the supplement in the correct dose and it is bio-available to the horse, HOW THE HELL DOES IT GET TO THE JOINT? Like. Do horses actually eat glucosamine and then the body is like "hey don't need this here but let's fedex it to the right hock STAT?" Or you know. Does it just get peed out. Because that seems more obvious.
 |
| he's clearly suffering |
Cough. So yeah. Not a supplement feeder here.
But I started Courage on cheap ass feedstore magnesium a month or so ago.
And I'm not saying I believe in it.
But he has been turning right pretty reliably and seems less sore through his shoulders and is more more tractable about certain things, which is interesting.
Possibly just correlations. Still interesting.
So tell me. Where do you stand on supplements? What do you feed and why?
Girl I am with you 100000% on joint supplements. Total, complete waste of money. I have seen horses on hoof supplements (i.e. straight biotin) grow more foot, so that's something. And skin & coat supplements do have some value (or you can just feed more fat...). Everything else? Especially joint, immune, or calming supplements? Total BS in my opinion. That said, I do have Dino on a DMG supplement that I put him on when he was having tying-up episodes. It's supposed to help the muscles flush lactic acid faster, and he stopped tying up when I put him on it. Plus it's cheap. So homeboy is staying on that stuff forever. Otherwise? It's a marketing scam. Please give me the thoroughly researched and proven drugs instead.
ReplyDeleteLate to this party, but there is some good evidence on calming supplements that include valerian. Which is basically the plant form of valium. And it's suuuuuuuper illegal to show on.
DeleteMagnesium though? No clue. But my horse is kinda intolerable without it so I'm all aboard the Mg train.
Choo choo.
My guy has arthritis, pretty mild, but he does get stiff in the colder weather or if he's not ridden for a couple days. I started him on Dumor Joint, which didn't make a huge difference. Then I tried Yucca, a natural joint supplement, and there is a HUGE change. His joints are less stiff, it's honestly not even noticeable now unless it's REALLY cold or if he's been sitting in the same place forever, and he's way more comfortable. Even his movement under saddle has changed.
ReplyDeleteI'm a believer in supplements, I've seen a lot of my horses change for the good with them. My old mare had very bad arthritis and weight issues and was on supplements for both, and it solved her issues.
Yucca has been proven to show some anti-inflammatory response, so I'm not surprised you notice a difference. It will test for the USEF, though.
DeleteSo. I like to think I'm not an idiot (may or may not be true), and I agree with you about the science behind a lot of supplements. That said, I do believe in the three I give Miles.
ReplyDeleteProBios: Miles occasionally used to get the runs (GROSS) and I asked my vet about it. She recommended ProBios and ever since I've had 0 issues.
SmartOmega 3: Miles' coat genetics SUCK. When I say that, it's really, honest to god true. I started him on SmartShine (which worked well for my previous horse), but wasn't thrilled. Ever since I switched him to SmartOmega 3 I've had 0 issues of fungus (rain rot, scratches, etc.) with the same grooming regimen. His coat in general look and feels healthier too.
SmartHoof: So... this is the one where I wouldn't blame anyone if they called my shit out on. My farrier was a little skeptical, but to be honest at the time I was DESPERATE. While in large part I think the improvement I've seen in Miles' problem foot is due to my incredible farrier, I can also see a distinct difference in quality of the new hoof that's growing in. So for now, Princess Twinkle Toes is staying on SmartHoof
All of those seem to be backed up by real science. Probiotics are very useful for any animal with digestive issues relating to gut flora, and the other two supplement vitamins/fats that may be not be otherwise be adequately found in the diet of your horse.
DeleteThey're all really tough to figure out if your horse needs or not without expensive testing, so in those specific cases it rarely hurts to try for a month or two to see if you get results.
I feed 3/3 of these, they are winners!
DeleteI give Stinker supplements. I am 100% sure it makes me feel better and I'm not totally convinced on the rest. It started with a joint supplement due to vet recommendation. I am sure quite a bit gets peed out but I do think some is absorbed.
ReplyDeleteHe is on a joint supplement (not sure if it is doing anything because he had a host of issues when I started him on it). A gut/ulcer supplement (have seen improvement in attitude) and magnesium (to balance the calcium in his alfalfa). The magnesium is the only one I have actual scientific research on... But I do trust my vet on the joint supplement.
I'm a pro-supplement person, even for joints (because I've done a ton of research on it) but I won't get into that. The most success I have had is with Tri-Amino. Fiction has been on it a little over a month and I have seen a huge increase in muscle mass that I was unable to get with 4+ months of solid work. So there's that.
ReplyDeleteI have had Ashke on Smartflex Rehab pellets for a couple of years now. Every time I take him off he starts showing issues with short striding and being a little bit off. This is a chronic issue and the Smartflex helps. And yes, I have tried other things but nothing works as well as the pellet he is on. So, whether it is magic in the pellet or the HA, glucosamine, and MSM (along with others) it seems to help him.
ReplyDeleteBy far, my favorite bone/joint supplement is Doc's OCD. I found it when I was looking for bone support for Mikey after his surgeon wasn't sure he'd make a full recovery after they cleaned up the fracture bed mess in his hock. They have pages and pages of reviews, some with x-ray evidence of the product working (breaks and then several months later you can't even tell the bone was fractured). I 100% stand by it, my horse was sound and working 3rd level, better than before, 5 months after what could have been a career ending injury. I was planning on having x-rays taken this Feb to see how the joint looked, but as we all know, that can't happen. As to the 'do supplements really get where they need to be', how does the body get regular nutrition where it needs to be? It knows how to deal with what's absorbed from the food the person/horse eats, otherwise we'd all be up shit creek. Not saying there isn't some loss of nutrients or some or all gets peed out, but completely writing it off is wrong too.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first got Roger, he was very ulcer-y, he had a hard time gaining weight and he looked like complete crap. We started him on the SmartGut supplement, which made a HUGE difference. Roger also has osseletes (I can NEVER spell that word) from racing, so putting him on a joint supplement makes sense for us to help keep him sound and reduce his ankle inflammation. Once we solved the ulcer stuff, we started him on on a feed-through dose of Farrier's Formula for his typical TB feet, and I've absolutely noticed a difference in the overall quality of his hooves, and the longevity of wearing his shoes. Every time the farrier comes, he is amazed at the rate and quality of hoof that Roger grows.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'm a big believer in supplements (in conjunction with good nutrition) because I've seen the difference they make with my own eyes, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I used to feed about $50 a month worth, but with Simon's budget cuts I dropped everything. Can I tell a difference? Absolutely not.
ReplyDeleteI recently heard the best way to tell if something is working is to feed it for a while, then stop for a month and see if not feeding negatively effects the horse. I've done that too, when things just got out of hand or I needed to budget cut.
DeleteThis. Exactly this. My horse gets zero joint supplements in his daily diet. I don't have the money, and they never did anything when he was on them.
DeleteI feed Riley cheap feedstore magnesium too and swear by it. A 50lb bag has lasted almost a year! He was once on farrier's formula and it DID make a big difference, but I'm not so sure about the joint supplements!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge believer after Ries didn't need anymore injections. I also like the peace of mind. Knowing I am doing the best I can for my horse means a lot to me. That said, I researched the best bang for your buck supplement.
ReplyDeleteDie hard supplement believer.
ReplyDeleteReasons: smartpak makes it so easy. *I* have seen a difference in both my boys. For real. So for me its a solid investment.
B is on hoof/coat/gastro supp and magnesium. I'm not a huge believer of joint supplements, but Yankee has been on them since I've owned him and I notice a slight difference when and if I take him off. So he stays on them. Might be dumping money down the drain, but it seems to help just little bit. What I REALLY swear by is the gastro/coat/feet supps. Yankee's feet are terrible. Like so bad. The supp truly helps. I can't really explain it, it just makes his feet grow in strong. Same with B! And it helps their tails grow :) The coat supp made a world of difference this winter for B. He has weirdly dry and sensitive skin and I can attest this shit I'm paying for worked. And in summer he has this extra shine he doesn't get just from feed. Also Mag....true believer. I''m really rambling, but yeah count me in on the gain train for supps, I'll gladly hand them my money for what its done for my OTTBs coats, feet and digestion
Magnesium supplementation is actually something I've been thinking of experimenting with. It seems to be very difficult to test for, beyond vague symptoms, because there is rarely a level in the blood. That said, supplementing magnesium oxide is pretty damn safe (ORALLY! DO NOT INJECT MAGNESIUM, OMG.), as the horse doesn't seem to be able to absorb more than it needs. That's cool. I like safe.
ReplyDeleteMagnesium acts by helping to relax muscles (calcium increases muscle contraction, fyi), so a horse with very low magnesium levels may be susceptible to "the thumps" or muscle spasms. This is also the reason that it is suggested for use with excitable horses.
There is some indication that athletes tend to deplete their magnesium stores faster than more sedentary creatures. This may be due to magnesium's role in ATP synthesis. If you work out really hard, you use a TON of ATP (stored energy), and it's hard to synthesize enough during rest to recoup. That creation process uses a lot of magnesium. So, you can suggest that a hard working athlete may be subject to weak and spasm-y muscles (and not just the big ones, but very often the cardiovascular muscles are effected) if they are not receiving the right amount.
Anyway. That got science-y. Yay!
Great Post! I'm not really into supplements. Given that my own primary care physician told me that human grade vitamins pretty much just make expensive pee, I'm inclined to believe horse supplements do even less.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to go the route of additional support, I'd go the route of an injectable, like a Pentosan, Adequan or Legend.
I don't really believe in joint supplements.....imo, my money is MUCH better spent on adequan. Not to offend anyone, but I think joint supplements are a racket. My upper level jumpers do get Purina Super Sport, which is an Amino acid supplement. It helps with muscle recovery and growth. My vet recommended it to me after reviewing some very impressive studies. They also get flax seed oil. It's done a great job on their coats. I also give powdered omeprazole and electrolytes when needed. Personally, I'd rather spend money on real medicine and vet work than supplements. I may be the unpopular opinion, but if my horse is having joint issues, it's getting an injection, not supplements. Also (and I KNOW many people may not agree with this) if I have a marish horse or spooky gelding, I have no issue with giving it depo or regumate, as opposed to trying calming supplements (many of which will test positive at shows). I like using approved, safe, medications and therapies that my vet recommends and that have zero chance of testing positive.
ReplyDeleteMagnesium and Cocosoya: Calm, sane horse and shiny coat with no ribs. #winning Also #stayingonbothforever.
ReplyDeleteJust started Fiction on Cocosoya for some extra fat. Looking forward to seeing if there is a change!
DeleteMoe is on a fat supplement, which has helped him gain and maintain weight. He's also currently on Sand Clear since my vet recommended it.
ReplyDeleteGina gets a muscle recovery supplement that has helped her a lot. Last year, I received a sample of Red Cell Competition; in the month that I fed it, Gina was less stiff, more energetic, and built more muscle. I could definitely feel a difference in the months afterward when she wasn't on it. She's now on a muscle recovery supplement that's less expensive than Red Cell Competition but has the same effects.
I used Red Cell on a horse I had a while ago--that stuff does seem to do what it says!
DeleteI feed a qualifying gut supplement solely for enrollment in the SmartPak Colicare colic surgery reimbursement program. I am considering insurance instead of that, but in the meantime it's a small amount of piece of mind. I will say Eli's coat darkened significantly once I started him on it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a supplement user but with a vet to make sure I'm not batty. Theo gets biotin to support hoof growth (and make his tail more ridiculous). Originally it was to help grow out the mess from his abscess as quickly as possible. It's proven, it's trusted, increasing available biotin makes hooves and hair grow faster because there's more building blocks for the body to use. Okay, great, I can trust that. MSM is another one I'm comfortable with because it is another product that different parts of the body will take up and use when it's available and has solid medical research to back it up, including use in humans. Vitamin E and Selenium are very short in the grass and hay out here, so I'm having Theo tested tomorrow to see if he needs those supps. If the tests say yes, he'll get the dose my vet recommends with some help from my Smartpak rep to make sure I get all of the math right. He's on a muscle builder supplement because his muscle development stalled and it didn't look like he was getting enough lysine from his grain. Add lysine and some other amino acids, got more muscle because a deficiency was fixed without upping his grain and turning him into a chub butt. So yes, I supplement, but cautiously and for specific things where my vet thinks it's necessary or appropriate. I don't use HA, there's no evidence of it being available when ingested, that's injections only for me. I do feed glucosamine but that's mostly because it's in every freaking supp. It's cheap, it's nice to know his body has it available if it needs it for repair work, but I don't expect much from it. Most of it just gets peed out in his field, anyway. The grass sure doesn't have joint problems. :p
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, and probiotics. Seen good results from those with horses that ship and show a lot, keeps them level when shock might disrupt their microbes. Horses that don't travel or compete? I don't bother.
DeleteI use feed through supplements for Tucker's hooves (SmartHoof) and gut health (UGard, SmartDigest) but from what I've read and heard from my vet, the feed-through joint supplements won't do enough if you have joint pain or inflammation. I tried pentosan injectable, but he had a weird reaction to it (lethargy, rare but possible side effect) so right now I'm not doing anything for his joints. I figure I'd rather just inject the joint itself when we get to that point, and for now just try to keep him sound through consistent and correct work.
ReplyDeleteI'm open to supplements if I have a specific issue that needs addressing, but otherwise I don't go for them.
ReplyDeleteKachina is on a simple diet of free choice high quality hay (slow feeder net). The lady who's horses share a pen with Kachina tosses in a scoop of Hoffman's mineral in the tire a couple times a week so Kachina gets a little of that too. I'm fine with Kachina getting the Hoffman's, but I'm not sure I would supply it myself if the situation changed.
I only supplement after I get a diagnosis. I don't feed through for joint support OR hoof care. Horses who need it, get joint supplements IM or right in the joint. Horses who need other supplements get bloodwork first.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same as SarahO - only for a specific issue. Riva has been taking Lubrisyn HA for 2 yrs - she injured her knee as a yearly and gets stiff easily (Radiographs showed arthritis as a 3 yr old). The Lubrisyn has made a noticeable difference. Will need to eventually inject, but for now, this works.
ReplyDeleteThinking of putting the newbie on a calming supplement - she is very sensitive to sudden noise - but need to research more and possibly just do a ton of desensitizing.
I think there are majikal supplements that don't do anything, and then there are actual things that the body may be missing for some reason that can be absorbed and utilized. Like magnesium - if you're deficient in that then you can really have a problem. But then you have to figure out WHY you're deficient in it, and how it relates to other things that can also cause a deficiency, or whether you also are absorbing too much of something else and therefore not able to uptake something... Etc.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge believer in meeting a horse's vitamin and mineral requirements. You just have to, otherwise your system won't be functioning as well. It's the same in any living creature. Or if you have a problem that can be treated directly with oral supplementation or medication - ulcers, or instance - that's easy to fix, with management changes along with it. Joints are harder to get to, tendons too as they are avascular - I've seen some respond favorably to Cosequin and some not. Sometimes it just makes the owner feel better.
But I think people miss the most important thing - feel good forage, all the time, and you won't need much else.
While I agree that the supplement industry is shady, the idea that something that is swallowed won't affect a problem elsewhere isn't correct. Do you ever take Advil for a headache? You swallow it, but it affects your head. Yes, I know it's a general reduction in inflammation that causes the decrease in pain and even that's really simplifying it, but my point still stands: things that are swallowed can affect other parts of the body. That said, I feed the supplements that my vet has instructed me to feed in the amounts instructed. And the amounts are NOTHING like the canisters will tell you. For example, my vet recommends 20,000 UI of MSM per day. If you get one of the mixed joint supplements it'll probably have 2,500-5,000 UI of MSM in it. That's really not going to do anything for your horse. I'd advise asking your vet what he/she recommends.
ReplyDeletemy mare gets gastric supps that are predominantly magnesium and calcium to help guard against ulcers. not sure if they help or not. she also gets msm since it's seemingly wildly accepted as a more or less effective anti-inflammatory (oh, and cheap lol). if i had owner approval, i'd be looking at IM injections for joint support...
ReplyDeleteyeah I'm so right there with you supplement wise. The only thing I'd treat orally would be MAINTENANCE stomach issues (for a real issue I'd treat it with ulcer/gastroguard). because they eat it so to your point, it's going directly to the source. I dont even supplement electrolytes I just give free choice salt block.
ReplyDeletebut as far as joint stuff? I'll just save my money and do joint injections or adequan.
My mare is a double dose of SmartDigest solely because it keeps her winter runs away. Single dowse doesn't do it - only double. No idea why.
ReplyDeleteAs far as research on supplement goes you're right that there are no FDA regulations or anything, but there is some research: Kentucky Equine Research (KER) is owned by a Ph.D. In equine nutrition, has vets on staff etc, and published in scientific journals. I interned won them while I was in college and also went though an associate training program. I don't actually use their products because they aren't as available in my area and they are expensive as HELL. You get what you pay for though, and I wish I could afford them.
I see both sides. I think at some points the endless supplements are ridiculous and there has got to be a better way. On the other hand after putting my horse on Cosequin ASU about 10 years ago she went from lame to sound without anything else being done sooo I guess that worked? Science or something, I don't actually know how.
ReplyDeleteThe only other thing I have her on is Moody Mare and that made a huge difference in her temperament (we went from unrideable during heat cycles to I didn't know when she was in heat). This makes slightly more sense to me because it's herbs that are known to regulate hormones, which in my head are easier to locate than joints.
Very scientific, I know.
I agree with you on the feed through joint supps. If I do go with one, it is most likely MSM. But my opinion is constantly changing on the information and research studies I gather. I figure adding magnesium can't hurt, and as I have mentioned to you, I know it has made at least a difference in the sensitivity of Bacon's skin. I do think the gut supplements are helpful, as well as hoof/skin supplements, but I am unsure about the others. It all depends on your special pony!
ReplyDeleteOh man. I have been thinking of posting about the supplements I have Mo-Mo and Tu-Tu on, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'll give you the run down of what and why:
ReplyDeleteThule had some (we thought) joint issues last year and was stiff after playing or when she got up in the morning. I put her on Adeptus Nimble Mega, as per the recommendation of several happy customers at work. I did notice a difference. She was still off after playing (hello partially torn ligament) but was no longer stiff when she got up in the morning and was willingly jumping up on our bed again.
Then I had a vendor training session with the maker of the supplements and got a free month trial, so why not. I put Cosmo on the same thing Thule was on, but horse version. He had been on smartpak joint and I think I could tell a difference. We were dealing with feet issues at the time, so the line is not as clear as with Thule.
http://www.adeptusnutrition.com/
Cosmo was also on previcox for old man stiffness. I wasn't super excited about that, plus we have to take him off it to show. Another big supplement at the store is an organic mushroom- based line. One of the sales girls swore by it, so I gave it a try. There was about 4-5 days were the previcox was out of his system and the new supplement was not full in his system where I could tell he did actually need support from previcox. But then the new supplements loaded and he definitely felt better than when he was on the previcox.
http://mushroommatrix.com/store/equine/equine-matrix.html
So I have seen differences in both my 4 legged friends and do feel the supplements help them. That said, they are expensive and if I didn't work at the store, I would not have tried them. I also recognize every horse is different and results may vary. This is what is currently working for us.
Apollo gets a handful of them, but they're all proven and/or vet recommended, and they're all pretty basic.
ReplyDeleteCool Calories: purely for the fat content. I could buy Amplify and feed that, but it's more expensive in the long run. Keeping weight on him is a little challenging, so grass hay + alfalfa hay + CC helps.
MSM: This is one of those joint supplements that is actually proven - one of the few. I'm thinking of getting him on an injectable to support the hock injections, but my vet recommended the MSM. It's one of the molecules that attaches to the chain of cartilage in the body, so ... science!
Source HF: Another vet recommendation. Apollo's hooves are crap. That plus the mild navicular means I need to be careful about getting him all the hoof support I can - so in at night, pads and pack with the shoes, Keratex and Durasole, and a good hoof supp. My farrier and I have noticed a HUGE difference in the quality of his feet since I started him on the Source HF as opposed to the Accelerator or Maximizer I had been using. So ... I'll take that as evidence.
Vitamin E: I had Apollo tested for EPM, since we're now in possum land, and his titers came back as "exposed but no active infection," basically. Two were high, one was really low. Vitamin E is known to help mitigate it if it shows up, and it'll help ward it off just in case. Vet suggested the supp in addition to what's in Cool Calories and the feed I use.
* Electrolytes: It's hot here. And humid. And I ride my horse. Ergo, electrolytes.
I think it's a solid balance, actually, without any majyk. I do know that Apollo is now healthy, shiny, sound, and springy, so ... I think the whole program, from forage to feed to supplement to housing to work, is working for us!
Oh, and - I got a test of Quiessence and ViaCalm when Apollo had to be on stall rest. I can say, without any qualms at all, that they work on him. He was chill and relaxed. Quiessence is a calcium/magnesium supplement, and his muscle response has seemed to improve a lot with it. So I'll stick with it, especially ramping up to shows, since it doesn't test and isn't banned. ViaCalm isn't kosher, so that's out.
ReplyDeleteNo supplements here, but we do get our hay tested and feed a ration balancer if needed. Also, I own two fat-ish welsh cobs that seem to stay fat and shiny on air, so I might not be the best example.
ReplyDeleteSo.....I think maybe you don't give enough credit to the GI tract. It does absorb nutrients and stuff so that we ya know, live. So yes, some things while not as optimal can go from gut to organ/area. Potassium finds its way to the heart, calcium to bone, etc.
ReplyDeleteI started Holly on Smart calm and joint supplements because I wanted the Smart calm and with the whole free shipping at $40 it was cost effective to add joint stuff. I don't care of the calm supplement is placebo, if it isn't harmful and makes me even just think she's calmer, then it's worth it right now. I will reserve judgement in the joint formula, but figured if even a little bit absorbs and helps, cool. I am skeptical, but figured I'd try. I do electrolytes in water during summer.
I believe 150% in Platinum Performance and swear by it. That's purely anecdotal, but they've done a lot of clinical research around it. As for anything more, we've never had a need for it (easy keeper QHs certainly don't need help getting their calories...) so I don't have much more to say. Mostly, I love everything PP: products, customer service, the entire company.
ReplyDeleteEvery few months I calculate the price of giving it to both of my boys. I know other people who use it and LOVE it. It's just so darned expensive. And when I realize that I can afford to give it to one horse, I balk. Which horse gets it? They're both being actively ridden and schooled. One is currently showing and the other is getting closer to the show ring. I wish they offered a two for one. :0)
DeleteSalem gets MSM (proven anti-inflammatory) & vitamin e because he had EPM. The MSM also helps with joint issues and is super cheap. I also give whole flax seed, both for the super healthy (and anti-inflammatory) omega 3 fatty acids and, let's face it, the shiny coat factor. I'd like to always have him on spirulina and chia seeds, too, but they're super expensive and not totally necessary. I agree that most supplements are total crap, which is why I mostly go with "whole food" supplements.
ReplyDeleteI am on the fence.
ReplyDeleteI used to be totally against. I mean, you can do obvious things like feeding more oil for a shinier coat (my nutrition professor pointed out you could eat more oil for shinier coat as a human too but that's not a desirable look on our skin). I was raised a skeptic and don't buy in to anecdotal evidence.
But my mother has arthritis in one knee so bad that it used to be very evident in her gait. She had to have a cortisol injection to be comfortable at my sisters wedding. She started taking some joint supplement and the difference is huge. She walks like normal. If she doesn't take it you can tell.
So maybe there's something to them. Maybe the body can use them appropriately. I think if I had an old stiff arthritic horse it would be worth considering.
I didn't feed Don any supplements. He was fine. Skye doesn't get any. She used to be on something for allergies that worked fantastic but it went off the market so now when she breaks out in hives we just ignore it as long as it doesn't seem to bother her. I found some stuff in our work pharmacy that looks similar to what she was on and I'm going to see if they'll sell it to me even though I don't own the horse.
Not a ride currently but when I did horse work almost all of our horses got selenium (low levels in grass/hay), and more than a few got joint supplements.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to my own critters my slightly dysplastic dog got MSM and a joint supplement (bounced between Next Level and Corta-Flx). I could see a difference in her movement when she wasn't on a joint supplement. And the MSM was borderline magic at keeping her sound.
I actually do believe in some supplements. I do think though that some owners go WAY overboard and pump their horses with all these different supplements, even though most aren't doing a thing. Libbys currently on a hoof supplement (http://www.doversaddlery.com/hrsshoers-secrt-xtra-strng-75/p/SB-220303/?ids=x1clzjhby4yu5v5olvckteax) which also has some tendon support. Shes also on Actiflex (http://www.doversaddlery.com/acti-flex-4000-gallon/p/X1-220206/?ids=x1clzjhby4yu5v5olvckteax) and finally shes on a Linseed oil supplement because the hay down here has been less then consistent. I try to steer clear of Smartpak supplements only because I'm a skeptic and think they mess with the potency of other brands so more people will buy their own house brands. I know I'm nuts!
ReplyDeleteFYI, Big D's has a better price on Actiflex! http://www.bigdweb.com/Acti-Flex-4000-Solution-Gallon-Plus-Free-Quart/productinfo/4898/ Not sure if you just used the Dover link because it was easier, but just wanted to make sure you were aware :)
DeleteAs someone in the vet industry, I am sooooo on board with "if it's not gonna hurt and it makes the owner feel better, go for it." Pearl gets Actiflex from Big D's (best bang for your buck with the ingredients) + another 10g of MSM, and I dunno if it has anything to do with the supp or if it's the previcox (I did a bute trial with her years ago the first winter I owned her and she had hella winter creakies, and it did nothing), or more turnout, but she is wayyyy less creaky at 18 than she was at 13. Tried quietex and MagRestore to quiet her down and it did nothing-- she's just a hot'un under saddle. I added Tri-amino and Vit E and it helped a ton with her topline/actually sorta having one. She also gets a hoof supp because it makes me feel better, and flax, and while I haven't noticed any crazy hoof growth, her tail and coat are much better. Oh, and I added a probiotic a couple months ago because she was having some loose poops and it cleared right up.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes I did have a lil captain morgan and root beer in the shower. Why do you ask?
I completely agree with your take on supps. However, my horse gets Vitamin E & Selenium because my vet (and other sources) have said that our west coast hay is deficient in those. I haven't noticed a difference when I've run out from time to time, so who knows, but it's cheap and I feel better knowing I'm following the vet's recommendation.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. A lot of people at my barn feed supplements (as do I) but i love reading about all the supps people's other horses are on. I buy supplements probably more for my peace of mind than anything. But I have a fat QH who is turning 13 this year. He is on Equinox 365 year round (They just switched to Bug off but he has been on the Omega 3 over the winter. It really makes his coat glisten He has been on it about 6 months now and seriously he has dapples that won't quit. I had him on MSM/Magnisium for a while. He has some hefty fat deposits and I was trying to get some weight off him. SO I started him on the SmartMetobolean...he has been on dozens of other that did DIDDLY for his weight and fat deposits and possible insulin issues. OMG....i may be throwing money out of the window BUT he has leaned up tightened up, and looks AMAZING. he doesnt even have a jiggly crest anymore. It took about 4-6 months for it to start making a diff but it does work.Darn expensive stuff too LOL. I will keep him on it over the summer...THAT will be the test...but he is on 10-12 hour turnout with grass (Even in winter there is grass) and hay and a bit of ration balancer and usually i would be worried and want to muzzle him. It really does help so i am not so worried. Anyone with fatty horses should try it. But i do agree some things are just too nutty to try (I got something else last summer cant remember but seriously HE gained weight on it)! Great blog! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you've answered your own question. :0)
ReplyDeleteOwners don't DELIBERATELY throw away money on supplements. Like you, they think they see a difference and are happy to continue if it feels like it's working. You say that you aren't a supplement feeder, but then you tried something and felt like you saw a difference. I think that's how it happens for most people.
Just because we don't understand how it works doesn't mean it isn't effective. I used Adequan for a number of years on a teenaged mare who I was still competing on for endurance races (50 and 100 milers). I don't understand how it works, but it did. She needed it every two weeks, but I couldn't afford that so I timed her monthly dose so that I gave it exactly two weeks before her next race. The difference it made in her way of going was amazing and easily seen.
Izzy gets a daily dose of Quiessence (magnesium) to treat muscle tension and to help his nerves function better. He's been on it for a full year, and I don't know if it works, but my vet recommended it. This summer, I am going to take him off of it for two weeks to see if I notice a difference.
You're right - some supplements just create expensive poop, but many others are effective for different horses, and even if we don't know why they work, some just do.