The Equine Paradigm

09/09/2025

My 24 year old PRE has Okapi minerals . I know they are in the correct format and do not contain Organic Selenium . They do contain Sodium Selenite , the inorganic form of Selenium which the horse is able to excrete if the mineral reserves are full unlike Organic Selenium often known as Selenium yeast .
Why is it a problem if we feed Organic Selenium ?
The horse is unable to excrete the excess which is stored in the tissues including connective tissue which then weakens over continual supplementation. Think tendons and ligaments .. suspensory ligaments in particular.. 😳
It is also responsible for IR in some horses as the Selenium takes over the cell and blocks the uptake of glucose …
Check your feed and supplements people .. Organic Selenium is in much of what we feed our horses .. 😔.

05/06/2025

01/04/2025

Dr Fritz is coming to the UK to do a series of lectures on her approach to nutrition and the hindgut of the horse. My horses have thrived on her approach. Book online and come and hear what Dr Fritz has to say... it will completely make you rethink what you feed your horse....

14/03/2025

16/02/2025

🐴 Are You Feeding Your Horse Correctly? Here’s How to Create a Balanced Ration!
Feeding your horse isn’t just about hay and oats. A well-balanced feeding ration keeps your horse healthy, energetic, and content. But what ingredients really belong in the feed bucket?

📌 The 4 Pillars of Healthy Feeding:

✅ Forage – The Foundation of Every Diet 🌾
Horses need at least 1.5–2kg of hay per 100kg of body weight daily
Avoid forced forage breaks – horses should have consistent access to roughage
Supports digestion and keeps the gut healthy

✅ Concentrates – Only When Needed! 🏇
Sport horses and brood mares have higher energy demands and benefit from quality proteins like sainfoin and alfalfa
Horses in intense competition may also tolerate some oats or barley
Leisure horses and good doers often don’t need concentrates at all!

✅ Minerals & Trace Elements – The Invisible Foundation 💎
Mineral feeds balance nutrient deficiencies in hay or pasture grass
Choose mineral feeds that include inorganic trace elements for better absorption

✅ Salt Lick & Fresh Water
A salt lick is a must-have in any horse’s diet to maintain electrolyte balance
Fresh, clean water is one of the most underestimated factors in horse nutrition

⚠️ Important: Every horse is unique! Adjust the diet based on weight, training level, and the quality of the hay to meet individual needs.

📌 Save this post & share it with your horse-loving friends! 💚

08/02/2025

This is a great article regarding the use of boiled linseed and its benefits ..

Key Points at a Glance Linseed is a very tasty and valuable feed for horses Linseed is an important source of Omega-3 fatty acids Golden linseed is not

13/01/2025

Sainfoin is available from Simple Systems... I feed my horses a handful a day as a good protein source ...

Introduction Most horse owners tend to struggle with their horses being overweight. With hay nets, slow feeders and all sorts of tricks, it is made

07/12/2024

🌿 Large Intestine Dysbiosis: An Underrated Issue for Horses 🌿

Did you know that an imbalanced gut microbiome in your horse’s large intestine can lead to serious health problems, from poor digestion to reduced overall well-being? 🐴 In our latest article, we explore the causes and symptoms of large intestine dysbiosis and provide actionable tips to restore balance through proper nutrition and care. Learn how to support your horse’s gut health and prevent long-term issues.

👉 Read the full article here: https://wissen.sanoanimal.de/en/2020/11/20/large-intestine-dysbiosis-an-underestimated-problem/?utm_source=FB%2FIG&utm_medium=LIB_06.-13.12.2024&utm_campaign=large-intestine-dysbiosis-underestimated-problem