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.
Algae
Weight
Salmon oil
Horse on a diet? Don't forget the Omega-3 fatty acids!
Is your horse on a limited diet to help it lose weight? Don't forget the essential fatty acids like Omega-3. Your horse needs these essential fatty acids daily in its diet. Not only for essential bodily functions, but also for processing sugars in the body. A recent study on Omega-3 from fish oil has shown that horses in training had lower percentages of fats and cholesterol in their blood after four weeks. The blood sugar levels after training also decreased, leading to less muscle fatigue.. Why winter is the ideal time Winter is the perfect time to help your horse lose weight. Horses naturally gain weight in the summer and then use those reserves in the winter. In nature, this serves as a kind of detox. The fat tissue that is broken down also stores waste products. Because we feed our horses throughout the winter, many horses go into the grass period too fat. And in the spring, the grass is full of sugars. Is your horse overweight? Then winter is the right time to start with a modi...
Digestion
Feeding
Packaged hay/pre-cut hay is often the cause of manure water in horses.
Does your horse frequently have a dirty tail and does a lot of water come out with the manure? This is usually the result of disrupted gut flora. Not all horses can handle the slight acidification that occurs with packaged hay or pre-cut silage. The fermentation process in this packaged hay then leads to poor digestion and the formation of manure water. What is the solution?. Many horse owners try everything when their horse walks around with a dirty tail and constantly has manure water coming out. Unfortunately, supplements usually have little (or only a temporary effect) on this problem. By the way, manure water is not the same as diarrhea. Difference between unpackaged and packaged (pre-cut) hay A good bale of roughage smells fresh, is nicely stemmy, and the grass inside it is in bloom. It is important that the grass is dry enough at the time it is baled, otherwis...
Others
Rain blankets, winter blankets, outdoor blankets: What do you choose for your horse?
In the blog "Is a horse better off with or without a blanket in the winter: the eternal and yearly recurring discussion" we talk about blankets. But do you know the difference between all the types of blankets that are available? Often, different terms are used for the same type of blanket. Read this blog to learn about the types of blankets and when to use them.. Rain blanket or unlined blanket A rain blanket is an unlined, waterproof outdoor blanket. These blankets usually have a smooth lining, but fleece is also an option. Keep in mind that fleece can be rougher on the coat and can be compared to 50-100 grams of filling. Rain blankets are thin blankets that are most commonly used and can be used in many situations. At the beginning and end of the winter season when temperatures are still high, these blankets are often used. These blankets ensure that h...
Others
# Is a horse better off with or without a blanket in the winter: the eternal and annually recurring discussion
An issue where the horse community often stands diametrically opposed: blankets in the winter. Often you are pro-blanket or you are anti-blanket. Blankets come in different variations and thicknesses. In this blog, we want to tell you more about whether blankets are necessary in the winter months and what to look out for. So that you can decide for yourself what is best for your horse under which circumstances.. Horses are less likely to get cold than humans Once the longest day has passed (June 21st), ponies/horses start preparing their coat for the winter period. Especially the hardy breeds start shedding almost immediately after the longest day, warmblood breeds are often a bit later. Ponies and horses are able to develop a well-insulating and waterproof winter coat. The ideal outdoor temperature for horses is between -5 and 10/15 degrees Celsius, which is their comfort temperature. What is considere...
Nettle
Do you choose dried or liquid nettle for your horse?
Almost every horse owner feeds their horse nettle at some point since nettle is known for its healing properties and because horses find it very tasty. But is it a suitable supplement for your horse? And is it better to give nettle fresh, dried, or in liquid form?. Nettles have been praised for their healthy properties since ancient Greek times and have been used for centuries as a medicinal herb for both humans and animals. Many beneficial effects are known from science. However, nettles still have a bad reputation with many people. It's a weed, it stings, it causes itching, and it's an annoying plant that spreads along roads and meadows. But nettles are really super healthy, both for humans and horses. People often make tea from them, cook nettle soup, o...
Others
5 tips to get your horse safely through the autumn/winter
Begin October, or when the weather changes, a lot changes for horses and owners. Horses are not only busy growing their winter coats, but owners are also starting to think about how to best get their horse through the winter. That's why in this blog, we have a number of tips.. 1 - Choose the housing that suits your horse Always outside or partially in the stable. 24/7 outside sounds great to most horse owners. And the majority of horses will also prefer this. But 24/7 outside is not ideal if it doesn't meet the "requirements" of your horse. Not all horses find peace in a herd, usually the herd is unstable or the horse is low in rank. And a 24/7 outdoor space must always have a dry place to stand and lie down, which can be a challenge in the Netherlands. Choo...
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...