Sea buckthorn: an enormous source of power for horses
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a striking shrub with bright orange berries that naturally occurs in Europe and Asia. In the equine world, sea buckthorn is increasingly used as a natural source of power, not only because of the berries but also the leaves and bark. Each part of the plant contains unique substances that can support the health, vitality and resilience of horses in various ways. In this blog, we explore the special properties of sea buckthorn and the added value of the whole plant.
Skin
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Sea buckthorn
20 November '25 • 2 min reading time
The power of sea buckthorn berries
The orange berries of sea buckthorn are known as one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. The berries naturally contain a high concentration of antioxidants, including vitamin E, carotenoids and flavonoids. This makes sea buckthorn berries a powerful ally for:
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Supporting the immune system The combination of antioxidants helps the body neutralise free radicals. As a result, the immune system of horses can respond more strongly to external challenges.
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Healthy skin and coat The berries naturally contain omega 7, a fatty acid known for its role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. This can contribute to a shiny coat, good skin condition and optimal care of sensitive areas.
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Digestion and gut flora Sea buckthorn berries provide fibres and bioactive substances that can support gut health by maintaining a balanced gut flora.
Sea buckthorn leaf: an underestimated part of the plant
While the berries often receive the most attention, sea buckthorn leaves are an equally valuable part of the plant. The leaves contain a different composition of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and catechins, which offer specific benefits:
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Natural support for inflammatory responses The leaves are known for their mild anti-inflammatory properties. They are used when horses need support with stiff muscles or sensitive joints.
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Soothing for stomach and intestines The soft, tannin-rich leaves can help calm the stomach lining and support healthy digestive function.
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Great support for sport horses Thanks to the high amount of antioxidants, the leaves can help remove waste products released during exercise, supporting sport horses in their recovery.
The bark: deep support from within
The bark of the sea buckthorn plant may be the most remarkable part. It contains unique lignans, complex fibres and plant compounds that act on deeper processes in the body.
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Supporting the immune system at a cellular level Compounds from the bark have been studied for their ability to activate and support cellular defence mechanisms.
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Supporting the liver and metabolism The bark is known for its positive influence on the liver’s natural detoxification processes and may contribute to a healthy metabolism.
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Extra fibres for strong intestinal activity The coarse fibres from the bark stimulate intestinal peristalsis and support healthy digestive activity.
Why the whole plant offers more power than just the berries
When berries, leaves and bark are combined, a synergistic effect occurs. This means that the substances in the different plant parts reinforce each other: • The berries provide fast-acting antioxidants and essential fatty acids. • The leaves offer calm, balance and additional polyphenols. • The bark supports deeper bodily processes such as metabolism and immune regulation. Together, they form powerful, natural support for horses, promoting vitality, resilience, skin and coat condition, digestion and overall balance.
For which horses is sea buckthorn interesting?
Sea buckthorn is widely applicable and often used for: • Horses that need extra immune support • Horses needing support for skin, coat or sensitive areas • Older horses that benefit from extra antioxidants • Sport horses recovering more quickly after exertion • Horses needing support for digestion
Conclusion
Sea buckthorn is much more than a beautiful shrub with bright orange berries. It is a true powerhouse for horses, especially when the whole plant is used. Berries, leaves and bark each have their unique properties and complement one another perfectly. Thanks to this broad action, sea buckthorn is becoming increasingly popular as natural support for equine health.