A diet low in sugars and starch, combined with sufficient exercise and the right supplements, can help improve insulin sensitivity. It’s important to tailor the diet to the individual needs of the horse. Often, you can see your horse becoming fitter, leaner, and more energetic when you’re on the right track, but it can be helpful to have a vet check blood glucose levels from time to time.

Nutrition is Key

Nutrition plays a crucial role in both the prevention and management of IR in horses. First and foremost, the energy balance must be correct: when a horse consumes more food—or richer food—than it needs for its energy requirements, this can lead to weight gain and eventually IR. Being overweight is a major cause of insulin resistance in horses. For horses with (or at risk of) IR, a diet low in sugar and starch is recommended. Avoid grains and concentrates as much as possible. Instead, the diet should primarily consist of roughage, such as long-stemmed hay. Fibrous roughage with relatively low sugar content is much less likely to cause blood sugar spikes. Do not feed concentrates that are high in starch or fast sugars.

Mineral Deficiency Can Play a Role

A deficiency in the mineral magnesium can further reduce your horse's insulin sensitivity. Magnesium plays an important role in the regulation of glucose uptake in cells. In many cases, the insulin sensitivity of horses with IR improves with a magnesium supplement. The exact mechanism is not yet fully understood. For a horse with IR, provide suitable hay along with a balancer pellet that contains bioavailable vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, D, E, and zinc are especially important for horses with IR. Horses that don’t have access to pasture often require a vitamin E supplement. Be sure to choose a form of vitamin E that is well-absorbed by horses, as this is quite specific.

Fatty Acids and Cannabinoids

The equine body also needs healthy fatty acids like EPA and DHA, for example from algae. To further support balance, you can add plant-based cannabinoids to the horse’s diet. This can be particularly beneficial for horses suffering from itching or painful inflammation, such as in the crest area. Cannabinoids from the clove plant have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. They also support the immune system, help reduce allergic reactions, and promote physical and mental balance.

Other Herbs

Horses with IR can also benefit from a mild detox using nettle extract. This is gentle on the horse but helps eliminate toxins and strengthen the immune system. Therefore, a nettle cure in spring and autumn can be a great way to support your horse.

Exercise

In addition to proper nutrition, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and certain supplements, exercise is also crucial for horses with (or at risk of) IR. Movement is necessary to stimulate fat metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. Start gently and focus on low-intensity activity. A one-hour walk outside is, for example, very effective. Lots of cantering is less suitable—especially in the beginning. In addition to regular low-intensity training, make sure your horse also gets plenty of free movement.