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.
Behaviour
Guest blog
Guest blog HOPE for Horses: what are we doing?
Heady title of this blog huh? I agree, but it should perhaps be discussed at some point. Because, what are we doing in horse country?. Not too long ago, I helped an incredibly sweet girl with her horse (and they're not alone). The first time I saw them, a few things about this horse caught my attention. Thick neck, little muscle on the neck, no muscles on the back. So, a very thick neck, but the muscles elsewhere on his neck were simply gone. Not every horse has a nice "fat neck," but you can see when the balance is off in the horse's body. Additionally, sensitive all over the back. Barely able to walk "normally&...
Feeding
Hay is hay, right?
A horse needs to eat hay. Every horse owner knows that, of course. But what exactly is hay? What are the differences? And which type of hay is good for which type of horse? You'll find out in this article.. Roughage comes in various types and sizes. For horses, hay is the most suitable, preferably unpackaged. Many horses in large stables receive pre-dried hay, packaged in large bales. Additionally, there is silage, which is more suitable for dairy cows. Meadow Hay What most people understand as hay is technically called 'meadow hay'. This is the hay that comes from 'normal' grasslands, with a small variety of grass and clover species. Most Dutch meadow hay comes from pastures with grass and clover,...
Feeding
Pasture
A pasture full of sugar cubes, what now?
The title of this article may sound a bit strange, but let us explain. Analyses show that Dutch grass has recently contained an enormous amount of sugar. So much so, that it is actually not healthy for horses. Especially if the animals are sensitive to obesity, EMS, laminitis, insulin resistance or summer eczema. The hay that comes from those grasslands often has a high sugar content as well!. The sugar content in hay is determined by a number of factors. These include a combination of weather conditions, the moment of mowing, fertilization, and the types of grass used. What can you do about those fields full of sugar cubes? How can you make the pasture healthier for your horse? Types of Grass Many horses in the Netherlands are still on former cattle pastures. And Dutch hay often comes from these grasslands as well. Cows need a lot of energy because they need to produce as much milk a...
Minerals
Feeding
Pasture
Copper and zinc deficiencies in pasture and roughage
Today, it is often heard that some soils have insufficient levels of copper and zinc. This could have implications for the nutritional value of grass and hay. Does the shortage of minerals in Dutch soil have consequences for our horses? And what can you do about it?. According to Pavo's roughage monitor, grass and roughage in the Netherlands almost always have low concentrations of the trace elements zinc and copper. These minerals are involved in important bodily functions. They do not need to be present in large quantities in the diet, but it is important that your horse gets a little of both. Since Dutch soil is often rich in iron and manganese, horses rarely have a deficiency in those elements. Peat Soil and Sandy Soil On soils with high phosphorus, high...
Cannabinoids
Clove
Black cumin
Why a combination of black cumin and cloves works so well
Clove and black cumin are supplements that are often used for the same conditions. These plant extracts have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A combination of black cumin and clove is most powerful for acute situations and new injuries. If your horse needs chronic support, for example for allergies, insulin sensitivity, or summer eczema, then clove can also be used alone.. Liquid supplements of black cumin and clove are both powerful extracts made from the whole plant. A clove supplement is even made from several types of clove plants and is therefore of a totally different composition than cloves bought in the store. Black cumin extract also comes from the entire plant, a plant that is not the same as the cumin seeds found in the supermarket. These are special supplements for horses, although black cumin oil is also available for humans. What does thymoquinone fr...
Cannabinoids
Clove
Black cumin
What is the difference between cloves and CBD?
There are many different products containing cannabinoids on the market. Often, this involves CBD, which is extracted from the cannabis plant. The clove plant also contains many different cannabinoids and is very suitable for supplements. One advantage of cloves is that they meet strict human food requirements. Cloves are therefore much purer than many CBD products and are also more concentrated.. Cannabinoids are the signal substances of the ECS, the endocannabinoid system. Normally, mammals' bodies produce enough cannabinoids themselves, but in stressful situations or health problems, a deficiency can occur. A supplement can help the body regain balance and health. The body of a human, horse, or dog can also use cannabinoids from plants for the same functions as the self-produced cannabinoids. Very convenient! When cannabinoids? Supplements containing cannabinoids are given to horses, f...
Cannabinoids
Clove
How cloves support the self-healing ability in horses
An extract of cloves is a powerful supplement to support the immune system and self-healing ability of horses. This is because there are many different types of cannabinoids in the clove plant. Scientists have discovered that these substances help regulate the immune system.. The ECS system (endocannabinoid system) is present in the bodies of all mammals, including humans and horses. All body cells have receptors that receive and transmit signals. Through these signals, various body processes are controlled. The ECS system has two types of receptors: CB1 receptors: These are mainly found in the cells of the central nervous system, including the brain. Additionally, these receptors are present in a number of organs. CB2 receptors: These are primarily found in immune c...
Cannabinoids
Clove
Why is clove such an effective herb for horses?
You've probably read that clove is a powerful herb for horses. A clove extract can help bring your horse into mental and physical balance, while also providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects without making your horse drowsy. How is that possible? What is the secret of the clove plant?. The endocannabinoid system is a system of receptors and transmitters present in the body of all mammals. This system was only discovered about 30 years ago, and scientists are learning more every day. The endocannabinoid system influences the physical and mental balance of an animal (or human) and plays a significant role in the immune system, illness, and stress. When a horse is sick, the body's equilibrium is disrupted. You can help restore this balance by supporting the endocannabinoid system...
Cannabinoids
Clove
Black cumin
How quickly do you see results from clove in horses?
Cloven extract is a popular supplement for horses and ponies. It is very versatile because it is pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory, but also because it promotes inner peace and balances the entire body. Therefore, it is a popular product for conditions such as laminitis, arthritis, stress, and summer eczema. But how quickly do you see results when you start with a clove extract?. Always give an extract, never whole cloves! A clove extract is completely different from the cloves you can buy in the supermarket. The effects are therefore completely incomparable. If you want to give your horse clove, always choose an extract specifically sold for horses. This way, you avoid giving the wrong products. A clove extract is made from the entire clove plant and multiple types of cloves are used. This gives a clove extract a wide range of effects. Results depend on the condition Ge...
Cannabinoids
Clove
Black cumin
How do you feed clove or black cumin to your horse?
Some supplements are strong in smell and taste, which can make it difficult to get horses to eat them. Supplements containing clove and/or pure thymoquinone from black cumin are known for this. So how do you actually feed clove/black cumin to your horse? And we also like to give you tips on how to feed it to picky eaters.. Not from the supermarket! If you want to give clove or black cumin to your horse, always choose a supplement that is suitable for horses and never a herb from the supermarket. Clove extract is not the same as the clove you buy at the supermarket to season your food. Clove extract is made from the entire clove plant and often contains multiple types of clove plants so that the product contains as many different types of cannabinoids as possible. The same goes for black cumin, always buy a horse s...
Nettle
Skin
Dandelion
To wash or not to wash horses with mud fever?
Everywhere you see shampoo bars and other shampoos being promoted a lot for mud fever, wounds, and other skin conditions. And then with the advice to wash daily, for example. But is that really wise for mud fever? Do you want the legs to be washed daily or are you perhaps doing more harm with that?. Washing disrupts the skin balance Shampoo bars are all the rage, not only for yourself but also for horses. And yes, generally these are "healthier" than a shampoo from a bottle, but these shampoo bars also have disadvantages. Shampoo bars degrease extremely, if you have ever used such a bar yourself then you notice that your scalp feels extremely clean and your hair becomes a bit stiff. This means that all skin oil is removed and thus also the protection of the skin. The skin balance...
Nettle
Skin
Lymphatic system
Dandelion
What is the difference between CPL and einschuss in horses?
Einschuss (elephant foot) and CPL (Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema) are conditions affecting the legs of a horse. In both cases, the lymphatic system plays a crucial role. Fluid accumulates and the horse develops swellings in the legs. What is the difference between these two leg problems and how can you help your horse?. What is einschuss? Einschuss usually occurs due to a small wound on the horse's leg, which may sometimes be hard to find. An inflammation of the lymphatic vessels occurs, which can spread to the blood vessels. Einschuss is recognizable by the fact that it always occurs on one leg. Swelling in einschuss often starts at the base of the leg and rapidly expands. A minor injury can lead to a severe acute inflammation, resulting in a swollen and warm leg. The horse may also have a fever and feel letha...