Phileo Equine - UK & Ireland

06/05/2026

We often think about genetics when it comes to performance… but what if your horse’s microbiome is just as important?

Inside the hindgut lives a vast microbial community that doesn’t just support digestion. It produces metabolites that can influence how genes linked to energy use, muscle function and recovery are expressed.

In other words, performance isn’t just written in DNA. It’s shaped by what’s happening in the gut.

Our latest article explores the link between the microbiome and how genes are read.

Read more here 👇
https://phileoequine.com/our-blog/more-microbes-than-genes-the-influence-of-the-microbiome-on-genetic-potential-and-athletic-performance

28/04/2026

We often think of the gut microbiome in terms of digestion… but what about its role in colostrum quality?

There is growing evidence that a mare’s hindgut microbiome may influence the transfer of immunoglobulins into colostrum – a critical factor for foal health in those first hours of life.

A great reminder that gut health isn’t just about the horse in front of you – it can shape the next generation too.

Explore the science behind it in our latest article 👇

The importance of maternal health and nutrition

21/04/2026

Could your mare’s diet today be influencing her foal’s health years down the line?

The concept of ‘foetal programming’ highlights how nutrition and metabolic signals during pregnancy can shape how a foal develops, adapts and performs later in life.

Get it right, and you support long-term resilience.

Get it wrong, and the effects may not show until much later.

We break down the science – and what this means in practice – in our latest article.

Find out more 👇
https://phileoequine.com/our-blog/dam-nutrition-the-microbiome-and-colostrum

16/04/2026

Prof Christopher Proudman shares why feeding is a valuable route to supporting healthy gut microbiomes in horses.

Prof Proudman presented University of Surrey research at our Equine Gut Microbiome Conference in November 2025.

14/04/2026

How much thought do you give to your mare’s nutrition before and during pregnancy?

It’s normal to focus on genetics and foaling outcomes, but emerging research shows the maternal environment may shape a foal’s future far more than we once thought.

From growth and metabolism to long-term soundness, early development matters.
In our latest article, we explore why mare management before and during pregnancy is so critical – and what it could mean for your foal’s future.

The importance of maternal health and nutrition

09/04/2026

Equine nutritionists Clare McCafferty and Nicole Groyer explain the importance of the equine gut microbiome and its interest among the industry as they attended our Equine Gut Microbiome Conference in November 2025.

07/04/2026

Should we rethink how we manage modern equine athletes?

Genetics and training will always matter, but a growing body of research suggests microbial stability may be a missing piece in supporting calm, focused and resilient horses.

Targeted nutrition and targeted use of specific strains of pre-, pro- and postbiotics could help support both physical performance and mental wellbeing.

Ask any athlete: peak performance isn’t just about muscles, it’s about mindset too.

Check out our article, which takes a look at how the gut microbiome could be influencing equine performance and behaviour:

In today’s equine industry, there is a growing focus on developing athletic potential through informed and considered management.

02/04/2026

70-80% of the immune system is located in the gut… That matters for breeding mares.

Immune balance plays a key role in embryo implantation, uterine health and recovery after foaling. When the hindgut becomes unstable, gut integrity becomes compromised leading to “leaky gut” and the release of endotoxins into circulation. As a result, systemic inflammation can increase – potentially affecting reproductive performance.

In our latest article, we explore the emerging links between the equine microbiome, inflammation and fertility.

Read the full article 👇
https://phileoequine.com/our-blog/could-gut-health-be-influencing-your-breeding-results

Home

30/03/2026

"Everyone's microbiome is different..." Dr Gerard Moloney of University College Cork explains where he sees the future of microbiome research...

Dr Moloney was a speaker at our Equine Gut Microbiome Conference, held in November 2025 at the Curragh Racecourse.

26/03/2026

Did you know the horse’s gut may influence hormone balance?

Certain gut microbes – known as the estrobiome – help regulate how oestrogen is processed in the body. Research in other species shows this can directly affect fertility, and scientists suspect similar mechanisms may exist in horses.

This means gut microbes could influence oestrous cycles, follicle development and early embryo survival.

Our latest article explores the growing science behind the microbiome and breeding performance.

Read more here 👇

Fertility in horses is often approached through the lens of reproductive anatomy, hormone profiles and semen quality – and rightly so. However, another topic gaining increasing scientific attention...

23/03/2026

Equine nutritionist Dr Stephanie Wood of the Equine Science Academy tells us how she plans to share her learnings from the Equine Gut Microbiome Conference as she works with clients...