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.

Mites

Mites are pesky parasites that cause itching and skin irritation in horses. In feathered breeds, a mite infestation can even lead to Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL). That’s why it’s important to control mites effectively. But what kinds of mites are there, and how do they differ?

Different Types of Mites in Horses – and What You Can Do About Them

Mites are pesky parasites that cause itching and skin irritation in horses. In feathered breeds, a mite infestation can even lead to Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL). That’s why it’s important to control mites effectively. But what kinds of mites are there, and how do they differ?. Several types of mites can be found in horses. The main families seen in Europe are Chorioptes, Sarcoptes, and Psoroptes. These mites affect different parts of the body and burrow into the outer skin layer, feeding on skin flakes. Chorioptes – the leg mite Chorioptes mites are commonly known as leg mites. Historically, different subtypes were named after their host species — Chorioptes bovis for cattle, Chorioptes equi for horses, Chorioptes ovis for sheep, and Chorioptes caprae for goats. It wa...

Lymphatic system

Mites

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is a chronic, progressive condition affecting a horse’s legs. It often appears alongside a mite infestation — but why is that?

CPL and Mites: Why Do These Problems Often Occur Together?

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is a chronic, progressive condition affecting a horse’s legs. It often appears alongside a mite infestation — but why is that?. The tendency to develop CPL is largely genetic. Cold-blooded breeds, as well as Friesians, are particularly susceptible, while warmbloods such as KWPN horses are rarely affected. However, whether a horse actually develops CPL depends mainly on management factors — and especially on mites! Breed-specific susceptibility Certain breeds are very prone to CPL, such as the Belgian Draft Horse. Other draft breeds and Tinkers are also commonly affected. In CPL, the lymph vessels in the legs become damag...

Guest blog

Lymphatic system

Autumn is in full swing, which means as a lymph drainage therapist, you might notice more “autumn ailments.” Laminitis from lush autumn grass, filled legs because horses move less… In addition to my work at HELTIE, I, Madeleine, also work as a lymph drainage therapist (Puur Maddy). Every day I see how vital the lymphatic system is for your horse’s health and recovery. It’s often overlooked, yet it plays a key role in removing waste products, supporting the immune system, and aiding recovery after injuries. In this blog, I’ll explain what the lymphatic system does and how Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can help your horse.

Guest Blog Puur Maddy: Support an Optimal Lymphatic System

Autumn is in full swing, which means as a lymph drainage therapist, you might notice more “autumn ailments.” Laminitis from lush autumn grass, filled legs because horses move less… In addition to my work at HELTIE, I, Madeleine, also work as a lymph drainage therapist (Puur Maddy). Every day I see how vital the lymphatic system is for your horse’s health and recovery. It’s often overlooked, yet it plays a key role in removing waste products, supporting the immune system, and aiding recovery after injuries. In this blog, I’ll explain what the lymphatic system does and how Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can help your horse.. What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system consists of lymph nodes, vessels, glands, and lymph fluid. It’s as extensive as the circulatory system, running throughout the body—superficially under the skin and deeper around the organs and legs. It directly affects multiple organ systems and supports the immune system. Circulatory System vs. Lymphatic System The circulatory system is a “closed system” powered by the heart, pushing fluid into the tissues. The lymphatic system, however, is “o...

Lymphatic system

Stress

The lymphatic system is crucial for a horse’s health. This sophisticated network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes is responsible for removing waste, supporting the immune system, and maintaining fluid balance. Horses have a far more extensive lymphatic system than humans. When horses experience prolonged stress, however, this system can become strained.

The Relationship Between the Lymphatic System and Stress in Horses

The lymphatic system is crucial for a horse’s health. This sophisticated network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes is responsible for removing waste, supporting the immune system, and maintaining fluid balance. Horses have a far more extensive lymphatic system than humans. When horses experience prolonged stress, however, this system can become strained.. Function of the Lymphatic System Lymph vessels transport substances that are no longer needed from throughout the body, including damaged cells, excess fluid, and waste. Lymph fluid carries these substances to the lymph nodes, which filter the fluid and return waste products to the bloodstream. The lymphatic system works closely with the immune system. Lymph flow occurs primarily through movement and can also be stimulated through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), a gentle massage technique. Incr...

Feeding

Inorganic or organic minerals. Sugar-free, GMO-free, soy-based or not. Basic pellets, sport feed, muesli, mash, supplements, natural, organic, back to nature, for sensitive stomachs or itchy horses. Just reading the labels on feed bags can feel overwhelming. And if you try to dive deeper into nutrition, you quickly get the impression that you’re doing it wrong – according to forums, social media, and feed brand marketing. That’s why this article goes back to basics: what horses truly need, with a healthy dose of common sense.

Horse feeding: Is it really that complicated these days?

Inorganic or organic minerals. Sugar-free, GMO-free, soy-based or not. Basic pellets, sport feed, muesli, mash, supplements, natural, organic, back to nature, for sensitive stomachs or itchy horses. Just reading the labels on feed bags can feel overwhelming. And if you try to dive deeper into nutrition, you quickly get the impression that you’re doing it wrong – according to forums, social media, and feed brand marketing. That’s why this article goes back to basics: what horses truly need, with a healthy dose of common sense.. Forage: the foundation of the ration Horses should eat forage for most of the day. Forage is a broad concept, but most owners think of hay. Yet forage includes more: herbs, twigs, straw, bark – basically everything a horse would find in nature. This makes forage the true foundation! The quality of your hay is crucial for your horse’s health. Poor quality affects the stomach, gut flora, immune system, digestion, energy, and performance. The nutrition of your horse stands or falls with forage qual...

Weight

Feeding

Wild horses in nature follow a yearly cycle of gaining and losing weight. In spring and summer, they eat more than they need and build up reserves. In winter, high-energy food is less available, and they must rely on more fibrous, low-sugar plants. They burn more energy to stay warm and naturally lose some weight.

Feeding tips for winter: Keep your horse at a healthy weight

Wild horses in nature follow a yearly cycle of gaining and losing weight. In spring and summer, they eat more than they need and build up reserves. In winter, high-energy food is less available, and they must rely on more fibrous, low-sugar plants. They burn more energy to stay warm and naturally lose some weight.. Our domesticated horses are far less influenced by these natural rhythms. While some ponies and draft breeds are still closer to the “wild” situation, warmblood sport horses rarely show the same seasonal weight fluctuation – even if kept outside year-round with unlimited grass and hay. Maintaining weight Owners generally prefer their horses to stay at a steady, healthy weight – not too fat in summer, not too thin in winter. This means adjusting care and feeding with the seasons. Avoiding overwei...

Others

Welfare

As temperatures drop in autumn and winter and rain becomes more frequent, you may feel less motivated to ride and train your horse. Especially if you only have an outdoor arena, keeping your horse fit during the winter months can be challenging. So how do you maintain your horse’s condition?

Exercise in winter: How to keep your horse fit when it’s cold

As temperatures drop in autumn and winter and rain becomes more frequent, you may feel less motivated to ride and train your horse. Especially if you only have an outdoor arena, keeping your horse fit during the winter months can be challenging. So how do you maintain your horse’s condition?. Keeping yourself warm We often tend to humanize our horses, but horses tolerate cold much better than we do. The first tip is therefore: make sure you stay warm and dry while training. As they say in Norway: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” With modern riding gear that is both wind- and waterproof, there’s no reason to skip training because of the weather. As long as it’s not pouring rain or very windy, your horse usually won’t mind moderate weather conditions. Warming up properly H...

Skin

Resistance

In autumn and winter, many horses suffer from flakes, small wounds, and sometimes even infections on their lower legs. These complaints are often grouped under the name “mud fever.” Many people think mud and wet conditions in the paddock or field directly cause mud fever. However, that is not entirely correct. So, what’s the real cause, and how should mud fever be treated?

Mud: Does my horse get mud fever from it?

In autumn and winter, many horses suffer from flakes, small wounds, and sometimes even infections on their lower legs. These complaints are often grouped under the name “mud fever.” Many people think mud and wet conditions in the paddock or field directly cause mud fever. However, that is not entirely correct. So, what’s the real cause, and how should mud fever be treated?. Mud fever is a term horse owners use for skin problems on the lower legs and in the pastern folds. These include wounds, scabs, flakes, and infections. If the problems occur higher up the leg, the condition is usually called “rasp.” Bacteria, fungi, parasites Mud fever can be caused by bacterial infections, fungi, or parasites such as mites. We usually distinguish between “dry mud fever” (scales and cracks) and “wet mud fever” (with fluid and blisters). When a horse stands on wet ground, in mud,...

Others

Welfare

When summer ends and temperatures start to drop, horse owners often wonder: Is my horse feeling cold? Should I put a rug on? Should I bring him into the stable earlier? And what if it rains heavily?

Is my horse cold?

When summer ends and temperatures start to drop, horse owners often wonder: Is my horse feeling cold? Should I put a rug on? Should I bring him into the stable earlier? And what if it rains heavily?. Like other mammals, a horse wants to maintain a stable body temperature. This is easy when the outside temperature falls within the so-called "thermal comfort zone." In that range, the horse does not need to use extra energy to stay warm or cool down. A different comfort zone than humans The comfort zone for horses is lower than for humans. An unclipped horse has no problems with temperatures between 5 and 25 °C. That means at 10 °C and dry weather, your horse won’t be cold, even thoug...

Salmon oil

Diseases

Horses with PPID often develop a long, thick, and curly coat. Medication for PPID may slow hair growth slightly, but often only to a limited extent. Should you do something about this coat – and if so, what?

Managing Coat Problems in Horses with PPID

Horses with PPID often develop a long, thick, and curly coat. Medication for PPID may slow hair growth slightly, but often only to a limited extent. Should you do something about this coat – and if so, what?. The typical PPID coat is very warm and can cause itching. This becomes particularly uncomfortable during the increasingly hot summers. In addition, horses with PPID have slow wound healing, and wounds are harder to detect and treat under a thick coat. That’s why many horse owners choose to fully or partially clip their PPID horses. Preparation Clipping a PPID horse can take considerable time. This is due not only to the thick coat but also to the horse’s potentially sensitive skin. Your horse mi...

Insulin resistance

Diseases

PPID is a condition in which the horse's hormonal balance is disrupted. It often occurs in older horses. With PPID, there is too much cortisol in the bloodstream, and the regulation of insulin — the hormone responsible for sugar metabolism — is often disturbed. Both mechanisms increase the risk of laminitis.

Why are horses with PPID more prone to laminitis?

PPID is a condition in which the horse's hormonal balance is disrupted. It often occurs in older horses. With PPID, there is too much cortisol in the bloodstream, and the regulation of insulin — the hormone responsible for sugar metabolism — is often disturbed. Both mechanisms increase the risk of laminitis.. In PPID (formerly known as Cushing’s disease), the function of the pituitary gland is impaired. This happens because the signals that regulate the pituitary gland weaken as the horse ages. The disrupted pituitary function leads to an overproduction of glucocorticoids in the bloodstream. These hormones weaken the hoof structure, affect the blood vessels in the foot, and contribute to or worsen insulin resistance in the horse. Mechanisms As PPID progresses, the middle part of the pituitary gland p...

Nettle

Insulin resistance

Feeding

When a horse develops PPID, it’s crucial to pay close attention to its diet. PPID causes hormonal fluctuations and dysregulation. As a result, many PPID horses become insulin resistant, which can lead to laminitis (hoof inflammation). A well-balanced ration and herbal support are therefore important considerations for managing PPID.

Herbs Recommended for Horses with PPID

When a horse develops PPID, it’s crucial to pay close attention to its diet. PPID causes hormonal fluctuations and dysregulation. As a result, many PPID horses become insulin resistant, which can lead to laminitis (hoof inflammation). A well-balanced ration and herbal support are therefore important considerations for managing PPID.. Horses with PPID should consume minimal sugars. Low‑sugar hay or soaked hay forms the cornerstone of a healthy diet—especially important if your horse has previously experienced laminitis. The hay should serve as the base of the ration. Additionally, your horse needs a high-quality balancer with essential vitamins and minerals. Soaking hay reduces nutrient content, so supplementation of amino acids and omega‑3 fatty acids may also be beneficial. Regulating Blood Sugar Spikes In addition to prope...

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