Tag Archives: weight

Spring Pastures

Posted on May 2, 2020 by

In most areas of North America, pastures are coming to their verdant peak.  This beautiful flush is also a powerhouse of nutrition for the horse. Spring grass has abundant supplies of  vitamins and omega-3 essential fats which likely contribute to … Continue reading →

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Hard Keepers

Posted on November 4, 2018 by

Overweight horses are grabbing all the headlines but horses that tend to be very thin can also be a major headache for their owners.  While obesity is clearly to be avoided, there is such a thing as too thin. Photo:  … Continue reading →

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Spirulina for Insulin Resistance?

Posted on November 15, 2017 by

First, I’m a huge fan of supplemental Spirulina platensis and have been for many years. There has been buzz this fall surrounding a study that supposedly shows Spirulina supplementation reversed Equine Metabolic Syndrome [EMS]. Spirulina platensis under the microscope. The … Continue reading →

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The Skinny Older Horse

Posted on November 5, 2017 by

Impending winter weather and loss of good pasture make all owners of thin senior horses anxious.  Some things to consider when a horse is underweight span all age groups, but seniors have additional considerations. Transverse ridges on the chewing surface … Continue reading →

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Understanding Fat and Fatty Acids

Posted on April 30, 2017 by

Fat is much more than a storage form of calories.  The membrane of all cells contains fat. Fatty substances form a waterproof barrier in skin and hooves.  Some classes of hormone are derived from fat/cholesterol.  Some fats help regulate the … Continue reading →

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Here We Go Again

Posted on June 2, 2016 by

The advice to feed overweight, insulin and leptin resistant horses free choice hay 24/7 just won’t die.  Even following the suggested limitations on hay of low sugar and WSC with digestible energy no higher than 0.9 Mcal/lb, an easy keeper … Continue reading →

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Mid-Winter Check List

Posted on February 15, 2015 by

It won’t be too long before we can switch from cursing cold and snow to mud and shedding hair.  In the meantime there is still a stretch of winter to contend with and it’s a good idea to take stock … Continue reading →

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Vanishing Toplines

Posted on September 8, 2014 by

    Vanishing, or poorly developed, toplines, is a very common complaint of owners.  Successfully addressing it depends on finding the cause. The obvious sign of a poor topline is prominence of the spinal vertebrae along the back.  The tissues … Continue reading →

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