In addition to providing honest advice, we at AskHELTIE believe it's important to have a wealth of information available for horse owners. This way, you can expand your knowledge and help your horse to the best of your ability. Together, we ensure that horses come a little closer to nature.
Stress
Triphala
What does triphala do for stress and tension?
Triphala is an Indian herbal mixture that has been used in Aryuvedic medicine for centuries. It is a natural medicine that has proven effects on animals and humans. Also for stress complaints.. Triphala is made from dried fruits originating in the Himalayan region. It is a well-known herbal powder in India. Triphala consists of three plants: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). There has been considerable research on the efficacy of Triphala for various diseases and complaints. This mixture has positive effects on a wide range of conditions. For instance, Amalaki stimulates digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, Bi...
Clove
Stress
Triphala
Chronic stress - what does it do to the horse's body?
Chronic stress, the prolonged holding of tension, can cause all kinds of problems in horses. Stomach ulcers are a well-known problem with prolonged stress, but emaciation, a lack of resistance, fertility problems and stereotypic behaviour (such as aerial sucking) are also linked to chronic stress.. Chronic Stress in Horses Chronic stress occurs when a horse experiences continuous tension or anxiety. It is different from acute stress, where a horse may startle, possibly run away, or snort and then release the tension. With chronic stress, the tension persists. This can be caused by insufficient forage, a lack of social interaction with other horses, or training at a level unsuitable for the horse. Persistent pain, such as from unrecognized lameness, can also lead to stress symptoms over tim...
Stress
How do you prepare your horse for fireworks?
Fireworks, around you you have probably heard it on a regular basis. The time has already arrived and will only get worse in the coming period. For many horses, it is not a problem and causes little/no stress. However, for some horses (and their owners) this is a very stressful period. In this blog, we therefore want to give you some tips for making New Year's Eve as stress-free as possible.. Tip 1: Provide Plenty of Forage If there’s one thing that calms horses, it’s chewing! Ensure your horse always has access to forage. Chewing has a soothing effect and also directly calms the stomach. Saliva produced during chewing neutralizes stomach acid, reducing the risk of ulcers. Tip 2: Use Calming Herbs or Supplements If you know your horse is prone to stress, consider starting calming herbs or a supplement in advance. Herbs and supplements won’t completely eliminate stress or sedate your...
Cannabinoids
Hooves
Clove
Hoof abcess & Clove: deploy only after it has been broken open!
Hoof ulcers, many horse owners recognise it. Your horse is limping from one day to the next. Really doesn't want to put any more weight on the leg and may also have some elevation and the hoof feels warm. But what is a hoof ulcer and how can clove support?. What is a hoof abscess? A hoof abscess is a localized collection of pus in the hoof caused by a bacterial infection. This abscess is located in the hard part of the hoof, which makes it difficult for the infection to drain. This creates significant pressure in the hoof, which can be extremely painful. Since the abscess has no natural exit, it must eventually break through somewhere. This is usually through the sole or the white line, but in some cases, a higher-placed hoof abscess may exit throu...
Magnesium
Minerals
Stress
The effect of magnesium on the nervous system of horses
Many horse owners give their horse magnesium. But why do so? Isn't there enough magnesium in the regular feed? And what function does this mineral actually have in the nervous system of horses?. Horses with Increased Magnesium Needs Horses that perform heavy work, sweat frequently, are pregnant, or nursing a foal often require more magnesium. Additionally, horses that are naturally nervous or excitable typically have higher magnesium needs. A Versatile Mineral Magnesium is essential for around 300 bodily processes. This mineral is crucial for the health of your horse’s bones, muscles, and nervous system. It also plays a role in energy production and metabolism. Magnesium positively affe...
Weight
Feeding
How do you keep your horse at weight in this winter?
Many horses are overweight, not only in summer but also in winter. But there are also horses that actually lose too much weight in the winter period. How can you make sure your horse stays nicely on weight in winter? We would like to give you some tips!. Losing Weight in Winter is Normal! Many horse owners become “worried” when they notice their horse losing weight. Often, they immediately resort to extra feed, supplements, and other measures. Feed companies’ marketing plays into this concern! However, did you know that it’s entirely normal for your horse to lose weight in winter? Horses naturally gain a lot of weight in summer because it’s a season of abundance. They build up reserves during this time, so it’s not surprising that horses easily...
Joints
Minerals
Silicon
Healthy joints in growing horses
When you have young horses, you want them to grow up healthy. So that as an adult horse they are strong enough to do fun things with you and have a long and healthy life. Healthy joints are essential for this, but not always obvious. How do you make sure your young horse develops healthy joints?. Whether your young horse is being raised in a rearing facility or at home, the most important things it needs for healthy joints are good roughage and plenty of free movement. A lot of free movement. In addition, minerals also play a crucial role. Preventing OC(D) Two major causes of joint problems in horses are OC (Osteochondrosis) and OCD (Osteochondrosis Dissecans). OC involves flattening or malformation of parts of the joints, while OCD also includes loose fragments of bone (chips) in a join...
Joints
Silicon
Neck Osteoarthritis in Horses: Genetic or Not?
The long neck of horses plays an important role in movement and balance. Abnormalities and pain in the neck can therefore have significant consequences for the function of a (sport) horse. The movement from back to front over the topline is essentially interrupted when there is a problem in the neck.. Often, the neck is the first thing people look at in a dressage horse. For jumping horses, the neck is an essential instrument for basculing over the jump. But the neck is not an isolated area. When there is a blockage in the neck, a horse cannot move fluidly as a whole. Osteoarthritis in Horses Osteoarthritis is a condition affecting cartilage in the joints. Cartilage wears down over time, but this process can accelerate with crooked or incorrect movement patterns or due to overloading. Injurie...
Silicon
.png)
Did you know that silicon is sensitive to cold?
Slowly, we are moving towards winter. The days are getting shorter and temperatures are starting to drop. Periods of warm sunshine alternate with frost at night. As long as it is dry, you won't hear horse owners complaining about these kinds of days! It will require some adjustments, but above all it will take some time to be careful with supplements. Because not all supplements like being cold, especially silicon is sensitive to this.. Silicon Prefers a Stable Temperature Hydrolyzed silicon is a product where a silicon molecule is bonded to two water molecules. The benefit of this is that the silicon is very well absorbed by the horse, making it fully usable. However, to keep this bond stable, it’s essential to maintain a stable temperature. High temperatures aren’t ideal, but cold is even worse. For best results, store the silicon at a temperature between 5 and 35 degrees Celsius. Prevent Silicon Crystallization! At excessive...
Joints
Clove
Silicon
.png)
Why do horses with osteoarthritis have a harder time in winter?
In winter, some horses get off to a harder start, needing more time to warm up for training and sometimes walking stiffly in the paddock or when coming out of the stable. What causes this? And what can you do to support your stiff horse in winter?. Stiffness and ‘difficulty getting started’ are often caused by osteoarthritis, especially in older horses. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your horse’s joints is damaged. This can be due to ‘normal’ wear and tear but may also result from abnormal movement patterns as the horse compensates for pain elsewhere, or from excessive or one-sided training. Injuries or falls can also cause cartilage wear. Cartilage is slow to heal, and when the cartilage pads become too thin, the cushioning function...
Joints
Clove
Silicon
.png)
What is the SI joint and why do you often hear about SI problems in horses?
You regularly hear that horses have a problem with their SI joint. This joint lies deep inside the body and thus cannot be seen. The associated symptoms are regularly somewhat vague and sometimes difficult to treat. So what exactly is the SI joint? And why do we often see complaints in this region?. The SI joint is the connection between the sacrum (Sacrum) and the ilium (part of the hip). Technically, it isn’t a real joint in the usual sense of the word, as there is no cartilage or joint fluid present. This means: no cushioning and no lubricant. Transmitting Forces S and I, sacrum and ilium, are connected by a ligament. The SI joint connects your horse’s back to its pelvis. The SI transfers forces from the engine, the hind legs, to the torso and the rest of the horse's body. The SI is thus...
Algae
Skin
Minerals
Silicon
Salmon oil
Why does a horse's immunity decrease during shedding?
When animals shed or are molting, it significantly affects their immune system. This also applies to horses. Good nutrition is especially important during this time because your horse needs a lot of energy, vitamins, and minerals to shed its coat properly. How can you prevent a dip in immunity during shedding?. The physical effort required to shed an old coat and grow a new one demands a lot of energy and nutrients. As a result, the horse's body can pay less attention to fighting off diseases. During this period, the skin may become more sensitive, and small cracks and irritations can allow bacteria and parasites to enter. Moreover, producing a new coat requires extra energy, leaving less energy available for the immune system. Good Nutrition is Essential Good nutrition is therefore crucial during the...