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.
Detox
Is it justified to be afraid of doing a detox for the horse?
Many people are hesitant to do a detox for their horse. They are often afraid that the horse will suddenly develop all kinds of ailments or that a detox is very intense. But is this justified? And what should you pay attention to if you decide to give your horse a detox? Read more about this in this blog.. What is a detox? Detoxifying, detoxing, cleansing, and purifying. All terms that have the same goal in mind, namely to cleanse the body (liver and kidneys) of accumulated toxins. In nature, horses regulate this themselves by seeking out certain plants that help with the removal of toxins. Unfortunately, horses in the Netherlands do not have this free choice enough, so toxins are not expelled and the body's natural filters become clogged. You can compare it to a filter in your car. Throughout the...
Vitamin E
Do you also experience choice stress when looking for a vitamin E supplement for your horse?
There are dozens of Vitamin E supplements available for horses on the market. Powder or liquid, synthetic or natural, with or without selenium, and with or without grape extract. Do you know what is best? In this blog, we will guide you on what to look out for so that you can make the right choice for your horse.. Prevent overdosing on vitamin E (and selenium) It is possible to give your horse too much vitamin E, so be careful. Overdosing can lead to horses absorbing other nutrients and minerals less effectively. Negative effects have been shown at doses of five to ten times higher than the daily maintenance of 1000 IU for a horse weighing 550kg. Also, be cautious with vitamin E supplements containing selenium. Although many horses can benefit from a small amount of selenium, especially since Dutch hay of...
Vitamin E
Do you know why vitamin E is indispensable in the diet of horses?
Vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins for the health of your horse. It is a powerful antioxidant, absolutely necessary for the muscle health and nervous system of your horse. Grass contains more than enough vitamin E, in a well-absorbed form. But if your horse is not in the pasture, for example in winter, a deficiency of vitamin E is imminent. However, horses that suffer from muscle problems (such as PSSM) also benefit from extra vitamin E.. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant Vitamin E is essential for supple muscles. During movement and training, small damage occurs in the muscles and waste products (free radicals) are released. This is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E repairs the damage and ensures that the waste products are neutralized. This prevents stiffness and cramps. The more a horse works, the higher its need for vitamin E. Vitamin E is also indispensable for the nervous system. In addition, the immune system can be com...
Skin
Sweet itch
Note: this is why summer eczema often has a resurgence in September!
The end of the summer eczema season is finally in sight. The temperatures are starting to drop and the days are getting shorter. Many horse owners think they can stop treating summer eczema. However, they are often in for a surprise. Because horses often experience a resurgence of itching in September and October. Keep reading for the cause and tips to alleviate a resurgence.. Mosquitoes in moist grass Mosquitoes lay eggs in water or in moist soil. In September and October, the nights are much more humid, which is ideal for mosquitoes to lay eggs. When the temperature rises, these eggs hatch en masse. That is also the reason why you can still see swarms of mosquitoes in September and October. If summer eczema horses no longer have a blanket on and no other precautions have been taken, you will see the itching resurface. Change in diet Did you know that far fewer horse...
Electrolytes
Minerals
Feeding
Is a salt lick sufficient for your horse in warm weather?
Most horses have access to a salt lick, but it is often difficult to assess whether these salt licks are being used. Some horses will consume the salt lick in one go, while others may take years to finish one. But what should you do in warm weather? Should you give electrolytes, or is it not necessary?. Salt lick is part of the basics In addition to good and sufficient roughage, you can see the salt lick as a basic element that every horse should have access to. The horse can then choose to use it as needed. Salt licks come in different types, the most famous being the Himalayan salt lick and the red salt licks (nowadays they are white). But there is also a liquid salt lick made from Bering Sea water) concentrate, as well as flavored salt licks. Salt licks have in common that they mainly contai...
Others
Silicon
Young horses in rearing: growing up strong with silicon
A young horse in rearing needs lots of free movement and the right nutrition. Only then can it develop into a powerful (sports) horse with a strong physique. A horse that is ready in its body to gradually start working and then sustain health for many years. Sufficient silicon in the daily ration of young horses supports the formation of strong bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints.. Bone formation Absorbable silicon in the diet of horses (and humans) stimulates bone-making cells called osteoblasts. Additionally, bone-resorbing cells, called osteoclasts, are inhibited by silicon. Silicon promotes better bone density, increased collagen formation, and reduces bone and collagen breakdown. Silicon builds the musculoskeletal system The main component for cartilage, joint fluid, tendons, and ligaments is glucosamine, which is produced by the body itself. Studies show that supplem...
Weight
Feeding
# Why long grass is better than short grass
Most horses are back on the grass by now. It is often thought that short grass is better for horses. A common remark is for example "my horses are in a poor pasture, so they only get a little grass". But is that really the case? Just imagine how tall the grass would be if you had fenced off a piece? That's right, that piece would be quite high. This means that the horses in the poor pasture with short grass have all ingested that grass. In addition, longer grass contains less sugars than short grass. We will explain exactly how that works in this blog.. Side note: it is still important to slowly build up the grazing season for horses that are not on grass 24/7. Long grass does not mean that you can immediately put your horses on it 24/7. Build it up slowly and keep an eye on the fructan index. Very useful to have as an app on your phone. Short grass vs. long grass for horses We have listed the characteristics of grass for you. Because long grass and strip grazing is definitely recommended for all horses. See below in this table the differences...
Joints
Others
Feeding
How can you support the aging horse?
From the age of 15, horses are considered "older." This is a point where many horses start to experience joint difficulties and the first signs of aging. However, every horse is different. Some horses still happily trot around at 25, while others may experience some discomfort at 15. Therefore, we will provide you with guidelines for caring for your aging horse.. Check the teeth of an aging horse Horses' teeth wear down over their lifetime. As a horse ages, more dental problems may arise, causing them to have difficulty chewing and therefore lose weight. It is important for all horses to have their teeth checked annually, but especially for older horses. Loose teeth, excessive tartar, diastemas (spaces between the teeth), or the condition EOTRH can cause discomfort, leading to decreased food intake by the horse. In some cases, it may be necessary to adju...
Guest blog
Guest blog Lion van den Hoek: Blockages in nerve pathways: common but often ignored
For an animal that relies on movement like a horse, a healthy nervous system is crucial. When something is wrong with a (sport) horse, it often manifests as underperformance or lameness. Many of these symptoms can have their origin in problems with the nervous system. This is not always considered, but it is quite common. We spoke with horsetherapist Lion van den Hoek, who specializes in PEMF, or Pulse Electro-Magnetic Field therapy. This therapy focuses on removing blockages in the nerve pathways and allowing energy to flow freely through the horse's body.. Lion van den Hoek has been working in the international show jumping sector for 13 years, as a groom, sports masseur, and trainer. Since 2016, he has been working with NES Health Equine, which he now does from his company Equine Dreams. Van den Hoek's mission is to work from a place of calm and give horses the opportunity to develop themselves. What does the nervous system do? "The nervous system is a communication network that regulates contact between all parts of the body. Signals are se...
Electrolytes
Giving electrolytes: better before or after training?
Now that the temperatures are rising again and both horses and riders are coming out of training sweating, replenishing mineral deficiencies with electrolytes may be wise. In which situations is it a good idea to supplement with electrolytes? And when and how is the best way to give electrolytes, before or after exertion?. A sweating horse loses a lot of salts and other minerals. On hot days, a horse can produce up to 10 to 15 liters of sweat per hour when working. Horse sweat is also very salty. While humans adapt to hot weather and excrete less salty sweat, horses continue to lose large amounts of minerals through their sweat. To replenish all those lost minerals, you can give (liquid) electrolytes to your horse. What do electrolytes do? Electrolytes include: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phos...
Electrolytes
Electrolytes for horses: better absorbable thanks to vitamin B2
Summer is coming! On warm days, your horse sweats extra during training or on a trail ride. A sweating horse can lose a lot of salts and other minerals. To replenish those minerals, many people give electrolytes, often in liquid form. Research shows that these electrolytes are better absorbed in combination with vitamin B2. Electrolytes are ions of salts, acids, and bases that are in liquid form in the body. Horses (and humans) need these electrolytes for the proper functioning of the nervous system, to recover after exertion, and for muscle flexibility. Warm weather = 10 to 15 liters of sweat A horse can sweat as much as 10 to 15 liters per hour during heavy exercise and/or warm weather! This also means a significant loss of sodium, chloride, and potassium. Potassium regulates the water intake of organs, bones, an...
Salmon oil
Salmon oil for horses: Are horses fish eaters?
Salmon oil is a well-known dietary supplement for dogs. But in the horse world, there seems to be still a "taboo" on salmon oil. Because horses are not fish eaters, right? But salmon oil has very positive properties which make it a good addition for horses as well.. Did you know that horses in Iceland are often fed herring in winter since it's a good source of protein and fat? This used to be very common because obtaining a good protein source was challenging. So, it's not unusual to feed fish to a horse, however, nowadays you see that fish is not given fresh but in supplement form. More is also known about the benefits of fish oil and why salmon oil is an added value for the horse. Why would you feed salmon oil to horses? There are several reasons to give...