tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post7061955899536239600..comments2024-01-06T02:00:05.220-07:00Comments on SprinklerBandits: Teach Me Tuesday: SupplementsSprinklerBandithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02948487857418394022noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-40897168763178381092016-03-20T09:09:19.641-06:002016-03-20T09:09:19.641-06:00Every few months I calculate the price of giving i...Every 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)Bakersfield Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05571487914424695283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-29889322607923651392016-03-20T09:03:41.575-06:002016-03-20T09:03:41.575-06:00I think you've answered your own question. :0)...I think you've answered your own question. :0)<br /><br />Owners 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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.Bakersfield Dressagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05571487914424695283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-35689466547676804322016-03-17T05:43:32.186-06:002016-03-17T05:43:32.186-06:00This is so interesting. A lot of people at my barn...This 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! :)Martidollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02615603986854526853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-48726510298414374642016-03-16T22:19:43.924-06:002016-03-16T22:19:43.924-06:00I completely agree with your take on supps. Howeve...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. Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15925650148327532110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-55222943424802420752016-03-16T20:41:15.361-06:002016-03-16T20:41:15.361-06:00FYI, Big D's has a better price on Actiflex! h...FYI, 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 :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08309741021554882459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-30659631083843655202016-03-16T20:33:11.601-06:002016-03-16T20:33:11.601-06:00As someone in the vet industry, I am sooooo on boa...As 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.<br /><br />Yes, yes I did have a lil captain morgan and root beer in the shower. Why do you ask?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08309741021554882459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-75272998754446114522016-03-16T20:08:17.844-06:002016-03-16T20:08:17.844-06:00I actually do believe in some supplements. I do t...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!Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15696541621503810267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-4309527861400872682016-03-16T16:42:57.964-06:002016-03-16T16:42:57.964-06:00Late to this party, but there is some good evidenc...Late 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.<br /><br />Magnesium though? No clue. But my horse is kinda intolerable without it so I'm all aboard the Mg train.<br /><br />Choo choo.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13834098473974912416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-77666993367206638512016-03-16T06:43:58.932-06:002016-03-16T06:43:58.932-06:00Not a ride currently but when I did horse work alm...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.<br /><br />When 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.Sarah Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05810588784530212255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-35232155555876107992016-03-16T02:25:19.312-06:002016-03-16T02:25:19.312-06:00I am on the fence.
I used to be totally against....I am on the fence. <br /><br />I 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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.AnEnglishRiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09999878298171714712noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-56442727290154876842016-03-16T01:08:56.836-06:002016-03-16T01:08:56.836-06:00Salem gets MSM (proven anti-inflammatory) & vi...Salem 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.Frizzlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084225669041286128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-36436968995159330142016-03-15T21:47:11.690-06:002016-03-15T21:47:11.690-06:00I believe 150% in Platinum Performance and swear b...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.Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03512501054637565887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-67064065822523393062016-03-15T21:01:36.738-06:002016-03-15T21:01:36.738-06:00So.....I think maybe you don't give enough cre...So.....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. <br /><br /> I 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.Kitty Kathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10320015015309570032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-20601208230061398182016-03-15T19:54:09.241-06:002016-03-15T19:54:09.241-06:00No supplements here, but we do get our hay tested ...No 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.Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438372155463437107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-64082831400706157512016-03-15T19:47:23.337-06:002016-03-15T19:47:23.337-06:00Oh, and - I got a test of Quiessence and ViaCalm w...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.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12717721719853988310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-64987366740193856942016-03-15T19:44:30.238-06:002016-03-15T19:44:30.238-06:00Apollo gets a handful of them, but they're all...Apollo gets a handful of them, but they're all proven and/or vet recommended, and they're all pretty basic. <br /><br />Cool 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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />* Electrolytes: It's hot here. And humid. And I ride my horse. Ergo, electrolytes.<br /><br />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!Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12717721719853988310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-40969103371912299452016-03-15T18:16:48.931-06:002016-03-15T18:16:48.931-06:00Oh man. I have been thinking of posting about the ...Oh 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:<br />Thule 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.<br />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.<br />http://www.adeptusnutrition.com/<br />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.<br />http://mushroommatrix.com/store/equine/equine-matrix.html<br />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.Careyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03624374504547832814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-23602663472542737412016-03-15T15:32:14.401-06:002016-03-15T15:32:14.401-06:00I agree with you on the feed through joint supps. ...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!HolyBullyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10938188769695663261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-4066364755210113072016-03-15T15:14:49.436-06:002016-03-15T15:14:49.436-06:00I see both sides. I think at some points the endle...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. <br /><br />The 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. <br /><br />Very scientific, I know. Aliciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07500126230379142357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-52802742685363921572016-03-15T14:59:26.822-06:002016-03-15T14:59:26.822-06:00My mare is a double dose of SmartDigest solely bec...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. <br /><br />As 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.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16411599470246102708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-66527122890808448322016-03-15T14:46:14.016-06:002016-03-15T14:46:14.016-06:00yeah I'm so right there with you supplement wi...yeah 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.<br /><br />but as far as joint stuff? I'll just save my money and do joint injections or adequan.Purple Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179696153116063779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-65967814352533682302016-03-15T14:35:33.058-06:002016-03-15T14:35:33.058-06:00my mare gets gastric supps that are predominantly ...my 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...emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05686949099663199382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-19511595401424732002016-03-15T14:15:08.334-06:002016-03-15T14:15:08.334-06:00While I agree that the supplement industry is shad...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. Olivia @ DIY Horse Ownershiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16138490796669110523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-55460454106890895652016-03-15T13:24:00.013-06:002016-03-15T13:24:00.013-06:00I think there are majikal supplements that don'...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.<br />I 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.<br />But I think people miss the most important thing - feel good forage, all the time, and you won't need much else. Andreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15902291220984883182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647406862592675556.post-81793611763411136152016-03-15T12:41:50.460-06:002016-03-15T12:41:50.460-06:00I feel the same as SarahO - only for a specific is...I 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.<br />Thinking 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.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10313417800020012776noreply@blogger.com