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
Hormones
Feeding
Why we do not have supplements for heat cycles in our assortment
Mares and heat cycles, some have no problems with it while others may struggle with it extensively. It is common for us to receive inquiries about whether we have anything to offer for mares experiencing heat cycles. And our answer is simple and straightforward: 'No!'. In this blog, we will explain why we are not fans of supplements for mares in heat. Heat cycles in mares are natural! Every mare is expected to go through heat cycles if she is not pregnant. Heat cycles typically occur from around March to October. If the fall season is long, heat cycles may start a bit later, while a long summer may extend the duration. Generally, there are no heat cycles during the winter months. A mare's cycle lasts an average of 21 days, meaning you will witness heat cycles...
Hormones
Others
# Why there are so many 'early' foals
In recent years, it is becoming more common to see foals born in March, February, or even January. For some breeders, it seems like a competition. In nature, the period between April and June is the best time for a foal to be born. It is warmer and there is plenty of spring grass for the mare to make nutrient-rich milk. So why are there so many early foals?. As the days get longer and the grass starts to grow, the mare's hormone system kicks in. Although the first heat cycle often occurs in February, there is usually a higher chance of conception in April, May, and June. This is the natural breeding season. The horses have shed their winter coat, their immune system is in order, and there is plenty of nutritious grass available. Shift A mare is usually pregnant for over 11 months. After the foal is born, it takes about a week for the first heat cycl...
Behaviour
Hormones
Stress
Many changes of horses in the herd cause stress and reduced immunity!
Horses in a boarding stable don't always have it easy. Turnover in boarding stables is generally higher than in private ownership. And as horse owners, we all know that horses are herd animals. But did you also know that changes in the group cause stress and therefore a decreased immunity? Read in this blog how this works.. Stable herd = safety and security Horses naturally live in herds, with a clear leader and mutual friendships and relationships. Each horse holds a certain place in the hierarchy in relation to another horse. They make way for one horse and not for another. This creates a balance in the herd. And this balance is important for overall safety and feelings of security. The herd can then peacefully graze, rest, play, groom, and relax. Stress only occurs when there is danger, but once the danger is go...
Weight
Hormones
Feeding
Salmon oil
How to prevent muscle breakdown in the aging horse?
As horses age, they may suffer from muscle breakdown. This is a natural process. In humans, as well, more muscle tissue is broken down as the years go by. This is due to changes in hormone levels, decreased nerve stimulation to the muscles, and a decline in protein metabolism in an older horse or human.. Maintaining muscles requires a lot of energy. However, a horse also needs them. It is important that an older horse, even in winter, receives enough energy to maintain its muscles. Unlimited roughage is always the best foundation. Additionally, it is wise to add healthy fats to the diet, such as salmon oil. This provides a lot of energy and the appropriate omega-3 fatty acids for horses, namely EPA and DHA. This way, a horse has the necessary fatty acids readily available through the oil without...
Behaviour
Hormones
Stress
Stress and hormones in your horse: What can chaste tree do?
Chaste tree is well known among many horse lovers. It is mainly used as a supplement for mares who suffer greatly from their heat. However, this herb, and its extracts, can be used more broadly. Chaste tree acts on the hormonal balance and the regulation of stress in *all* horses. It can make your horse more stable and ensure that he or she has enough energy to work properly.. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), also known as chaste tree, originates from the Mediterranean region. Chaste tree is a medicinal plant. It has traditionally been used to regulate women's menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms. Mares that become very heated and also show signs of pain, behavioral changes, or even lameness often benefit from chaste tree. But this herb can also help geldings and stallions manage (extreme) hormonal reactions. Hormones and stress An imbalanced hormonal system cause...
Hormones
Stress
Feeding
Horse isolates itself: stress at the cellular level?
Stress at the cellular level is not a well-known phenomenon, but all horses (and humans) actually deal with it. It is a natural defense mechanism. The cells in the body respond to threats from the environment, with the goal of restoring balance as quickly as possible. However, if the cause of stress persists, these biological reactions can become chronic. A horse will often withdraw into itself and isolate itself from people and stimuli. It may seem like a bombproof animal, very calm, but often it is a sign of discomfort.. The balance in the body can be disrupted by factors such as nutrition, contaminants, or molds, but also by danger, improper training, or stable management that does not suit a horse's nature. The cells of a horse respond to such disruptions, often with a general response that is the same for any type of disturbance, and also a specific response to each type of disruption. This 'cellular stress' is a universal defense mechanism that is very important for the psychological and physical health of a...
Weight
Hormones
Insulin resistance
Feeding
Sweet itch
My horse is already getting fat from a single blade of grass! How is that possible?
Many horses quickly become overweight when put in the pasture. It seems like they gain weight from just a single blade of grass. These horses are often referred to as 'easy keepers' because they don't require much feed. However, managing these types of horses is often not easy for owners. How is it possible that your horse gains weight so quickly? And what can you do about it?. The answer is not so much in the grass itself, but in your horse. Many horses consume too many sugars, for example in the form of concentrate or rich hay. Due to the dry summers of the past year, the hay is much higher in sugars than usual. Concentrate feed often contains a lot of sugar and starch, which are easily absorbed and lead to a higher blood sugar level. Not designed for fast sugars In the wild, horses eat a lot more cellulose from coarse plant stems. This cellulose is converted by the...
Behaviour
Hormones
# Mares are allowed to be temperamental, it is nature
Mares do not have a very good reputation in the horse world. They are often immediately associated with bad behaviors, annoying temperaments, and being witches of horses. But the majority of mares have a normal temperament and are not at all difficult, so the reputation is not fair. Besides, temperamental behavior is simply a part of nature. In many cases, we therefore do not recommend trying to change this. Read more about mare temperament in this blog.. What is mare temperamental behavior exactly? During the temperamental phase, the mare shows her fertile period, as ovulation occurs at the end of the temperamental phase and there is the greatest chance of fertilization. Mares typically have a cycle of 21 days (some slightly shorter, some slightly longer) and the temperamental phase lasts about 5 days. During the temperamental phase, mares urinate more, the urine is often different and smells stronger. Some mares are a bit dreamy during these da...