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.

Skin

Mites

Autumn, winter, mud and rain... The perfect combination for dirty, wet horse legs. Often, we have the tendency to shave off all the hair of horses. Trim the legs neatly, tidy up the beard, make the ears look nice, and so on. A sleek horse, looking neat without much hair, standing like a real model. But is it really wise to shave everything off?

Did you know that the feathers of the horse keep the legs dry?

Autumn, winter, mud and rain... The perfect combination for dirty, wet horse legs. Often, we have the tendency to shave off all the hair of horses. Trim the legs neatly, tidy up the beard, make the ears look nice, and so on. A sleek horse, looking neat without much hair, standing like a real model. But is it really wise to shave everything off?. Hair has a purpose! By now, it's (hopefully) common knowledge not to touch or shave off the whiskers of a horse. These whiskers are extremely important and serve a crucial function, preventing horses from bumping into things. But the hair in and around the ears also has a purpose: it prevents dirt and water from getting into the ears and protects them from external influences. Never cut/shave the ear shells, leave the hair on the inside intact! The same goes for the hair on the legs of horses, t...

Skin

Others

Rain rugs and winter rugs for horses are a much-discussed topic in the horse world. There are people staunchly against rugs because they believe that every horse should be able to be in the Netherlands without a rug. That every horse naturally grows enough coat and that the winters in the Netherlands are not so extremely cold that a rug is not necessary. To some extent, that is true, but it is a bit more nuanced. Here is our view on rugs!

Why we are not anti-rugs with horses

Rain rugs and winter rugs for horses are a much-discussed topic in the horse world. There are people staunchly against rugs because they believe that every horse should be able to be in the Netherlands without a rug. That every horse naturally grows enough coat and that the winters in the Netherlands are not so extremely cold that a rug is not necessary. To some extent, that is true, but it is a bit more nuanced. Here is our view on rugs!. Point 1: every horse is different! Some horses thrive in the winter, are completely in their element and enjoy the cold and the season. Some horses stand under the shelter at the first drop of rain, with their heads down feeling miserable. And that is not because they are spoiled by the owner, but because the horse prefers a certain type of weather. They are sometimes just like people 😉. Why wouldn't you provide a rug for the horse that is unhappy in the rain, so that its mood improves and it c...

Cannabinoids

Behaviour

Clove

Stress

The end of the year is approaching and in many places in the country that means: fireworks! This can cause stress, for horses and their owners. Can a horse get used to fireworks? And how can you make the New Year's Eve and the days leading up to it as stress-free as possible for your horse?

Fireworks! Nine tips for a stress-free New Year's Eve for your horse

The end of the year is approaching and in many places in the country that means: fireworks! This can cause stress, for horses and their owners. Can a horse get used to fireworks? And how can you make the New Year's Eve and the days leading up to it as stress-free as possible for your horse?. Horses are flight animals, who naturally prefer to run first before they look to see what is going on. It is therefore to be expected that horses are afraid of fireworks. Also carbide shooting will not be very funny for most horses, if they hear it for the first time. But... police horses can handle all those bangs. And some other horses don't seem to care much. They are apparently used to it. Start on time Below are some tips to help your horse get through New Year's Eve more easily. It is usef...

Behaviour

Stress

Stable vices arise from stress. A stressed horse will exhibit stereotypic behavior more often than a horse that is comfortable in its own skin. Behaviors such as weaving and crib biting are soothing and addictive for a horse. But as an owner, if your horse has a stable vice, you naturally want your horse to stop this behavior. Unlearning is actually not possible, due to the addictive nature of these behaviors. What can you do instead? Address the underlying reasons for the stress.

Can a horse unlearn a stable vice?

Stable vices arise from stress. A stressed horse will exhibit stereotypic behavior more often than a horse that is comfortable in its own skin. Behaviors such as weaving and crib biting are soothing and addictive for a horse. But as an owner, if your horse has a stable vice, you naturally want your horse to stop this behavior. Unlearning is actually not possible, due to the addictive nature of these behaviors. What can you do instead? Address the underlying reasons for the stress.. A stable vice, also known as 'stereotypic behavior', occurs when a horse experiences stress, often for an extended period of time. Performing repetitive behavior, such as crib biting, helps the horse release a bit of the 'happiness hormone' endorphin into its bloodstream. This makes the horse feel better and endorphin also has a numbing and calming effect. Unfortunately, this substance is also addictive. A horse will therefore be inclined to engage in this behavior repeatedly. Crib biting, weavi...

Cannabinoids

Clove

Magnesium

Stress

Horses can experience stress for various reasons. This can be due to moving, incorrect (feeding) management or a traumatic experience, for example. Some horses are more sensitive to stress than others. There are also horses who are a bit spooky during work and often struggle with the so-called "arena ghosts". Many horse owners then turn to a magnesium supplement, as this is believed to be the solution. But is it really? Is magnesium the miracle cure for stress?

Is magnesium the miracle cure for horses with stress?

Horses can experience stress for various reasons. This can be due to moving, incorrect (feeding) management or a traumatic experience, for example. Some horses are more sensitive to stress than others. There are also horses who are a bit spooky during work and often struggle with the so-called "arena ghosts". Many horse owners then turn to a magnesium supplement, as this is believed to be the solution. But is it really? Is magnesium the miracle cure for stress?. Different types of stress Horses can experience different types of stress. These forms can be divided into 2 groups: acute stress & chronic stress. If the horse is startled by an unexpected situation, found a trailer ride stressful, or was tense during a competition, then it is acute stress. The horse has experienced stress, but can quickly let it flow away and continue with "normal" life without long-lasting effects. In chronic stress, the body experiences prolonged stress causing...

Stress

‘Stable vice’ may sound harmless, but the associated behavior certainly is not. Cribbing, weaving, box-walking are all the result of significant stress and arise when a horse is restricted in its natural behavior for too long. Usually because they are kept alone in a box for too long. How do you prevent stable vices? And what if your horse already exhibits this kind of behavior?

Preventing and managing stable vices in horses

‘Stable vice’ may sound harmless, but the associated behavior certainly is not. Cribbing, weaving, box-walking are all the result of significant stress and arise when a horse is restricted in its natural behavior for too long. Usually because they are kept alone in a box for too long. How do you prevent stable vices? And what if your horse already exhibits this kind of behavior?. A stable vice is a form of repetitive behavior that was originally developed to relieve stress. By performing the repetitive behavior, such as cribbing, the horse releases a dose of endorphins into its blood. Endorphins are hormones that make the horse feel better, this substance has a numbing and calming effect. Endorphins are also addictive. A horse will therefore tend to repeat this behavior over and over again to get another 'hit.' What stable vices are there? The most well-known stable vice...

Skin

Feeding

We learn something new every day too! It is always thought that horses are comparable to humans in many ways, including the production of vitamin D. We also thought this and also that horses that stand in a fly sheet/eczema sheet all summer, for example, can develop a vitamin D deficiency. There was very little scientific study done on this, so the assumption was quickly made that this is similar to humans. But now there has been some research done!

Vitamin D production in horses: sun appears to have little influence!

We learn something new every day too! It is always thought that horses are comparable to humans in many ways, including the production of vitamin D. We also thought this and also that horses that stand in a fly sheet/eczema sheet all summer, for example, can develop a vitamin D deficiency. There was very little scientific study done on this, so the assumption was quickly made that this is similar to humans. But now there has been some research done!. What is the importance of vitamin D? Vitamin D comes in 2 forms: D2 and D3. Horses get vitamin D2 from their diet (grass, hay, and herbs, for example), while horses produce vitamin D3 themselves. Vitamin D plays an important role in many processes. It is involved in: The absorption of calcium and phosphorus Supporting the immune system Preventing unintended cell division and cell mutations Regulating the production of keratin in the skin Various neurological functions The sun may have little inf...

Detox

Organs

We notice that many horse owners perform a detox on horses with liver problems. With good intentions, of course, but not actually very wise. They want to support the horse and the liver so that they are back in order as soon as possible. But a detox is not suitable for that, we are happy to explain to you!

Horse with liver problems? Then don't do a detox!

We notice that many horse owners perform a detox on horses with liver problems. With good intentions, of course, but not actually very wise. They want to support the horse and the liver so that they are back in order as soon as possible. But a detox is not suitable for that, we are happy to explain to you!. A detox stimulates the liver Every form of detox (herbal combination or, for example, pure milk thistle) has the function of putting the liver to work extra and stimulating it to clean the body. It is a semi-annual cleansing for horses that are healthy and feeling well. Firstly, a detox should never be applied to a horse with reduced health, because a detox is intense and can also cause problems. We therefore always recommend contacting us or a therapist before applying a detox to your horse. An...

Nettle

Detox

Digestion

Feeding

Horses have a unique digestive system, which is sensitive to changes in feed, poor quality forage, too much sugar, weather changes, and stress. What can you do as a horse owner if your horse has sensitive intestines and regularly suffers from cramps, mild colic, or diarrhea?

How do you support a horse with sensitive intestines?

Horses have a unique digestive system, which is sensitive to changes in feed, poor quality forage, too much sugar, weather changes, and stress. What can you do as a horse owner if your horse has sensitive intestines and regularly suffers from cramps, mild colic, or diarrhea?. Actually, all horses have a sensitive digestive system, but it is more pronounced in some animals than in others. Horses need a lot of fiber to optimize their digestion. Fiber is the basis of a horse's diet. Sufficient forage, with plenty of fiber and of good quality, is therefore the first requirement for horses with sensitive intestines. Check for mold in the forage and supplement any shortage of good forage with high-quality forage substitutes. For example, alfalfa, (soaked) grass pellets, or...

Digestion

Feeding

Roughage for horses comes in different forms. From small bales of dry herbal hay to large packages of plastic-wrapped silage or pre-cut silage. What are actually the differences in nutritional value between these various types of 'packaged grass'? And: what is the best for your horse?

# The difference between hay, pre-cut, and silage

Roughage for horses comes in different forms. From small bales of dry herbal hay to large packages of plastic-wrapped silage or pre-cut silage. What are actually the differences in nutritional value between these various types of 'packaged grass'? And: what is the best for your horse?. Roughage is vital for horses. The fibers from roughage are the main source of energy for the digestive system. In the large intestine of your horse, a wide range of microorganisms convert the fibers into volatile fatty acids. These are then absorbed by the intestines and used for energy supply, heat production, building materials, and vitamins. Fiber-rich roughage is therefore super important for the health of a horse. From ryegrass to natural hay Most of the roughage we give to horses in the Ne...

Guest blog

Digestion

Janneke van der Wal from Worm&Co advocates for customized worm management for each horse. Many people give a heavier deworming treatment with Moxidectine at the beginning of winter each year – against redworms, tapeworms, and bots among others. We asked Janneke if this is actually necessary and how you can know.

Guest blog Janneke from Worm & Co: To deworm preventively in winter or not?

Janneke van der Wal from Worm&Co advocates for customized worm management for each horse. Many people give a heavier deworming treatment with Moxidectine at the beginning of winter each year – against redworms, tapeworms, and bots among others. We asked Janneke if this is actually necessary and how you can know.. "Routine deworming every few months throughout the year is really unnecessary," Janneke explains. "About 74% of horses in the Netherlands are dewormed unnecessarily. And every unnecessary deworming treatment leads to resistance in worms." That's why Worm&Co uses fecal egg counts and a detailed questionnaire, so that each individual horse can be dewormed accordingly. Only deworm when it is truly necessary. Janneke says, "Every horse carries gastrointestinal worms. Tha...

Rosehip

Feeding

More and more horse owners are creating a mineral buffet for their horse and this can be as extensive as you want. Green clay, nettle tincture, minerals from the Bering Sea, Celtic sea salt, and so on! Nowadays, there are a lot of products that you can add to your horse's water. And from now on, you can also add rosehip tincture!

Rosehip, beautiful addition to the mineral buffet!

More and more horse owners are creating a mineral buffet for their horse and this can be as extensive as you want. Green clay, nettle tincture, minerals from the Bering Sea, Celtic sea salt, and so on! Nowadays, there are a lot of products that you can add to your horse's water. And from now on, you can also add rosehip tincture!. Healthy extra for horses Many horses love rosehips and they are also extremely healthy for horses. You can give them fresh, in dried form, but nowadays rosehips are also available in tincture form. The advantage of a tincture is that you can extract a greater medicinal effect from the rosehips, it is a more concentrated form. Suitable for all horses and a tasty, healthy addition. Rosehip to mix with feed A tincture of rosehip can be given to horses in various ways. The easiest way is through the...

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