Equine Balanced Support

12/21/2025

Incorporating Treats During Desensitization or Novel Stimulus Exposure

Horses are often exposed to unfamiliar or potentially frightening stimuli — new objects, loud noises, veterinary equipment, trailers, or environmental changes. Carefully timed treat-based positive reinforcement during such exposures can help horses form more favorable associations, reducing fear responses and promoting calm behavior.

Studies indicate that horses trained using positive reinforcement — including treats — adapt more quickly during desensitization tasks and show fewer stress‑related behaviors such as avoidance, tension, or escape attempts. For instance, when learning to accept hoof handling or trailer loading, giving treats for incremental steps of calm or exploratory behavior helps the horse build confidence without pressure.
This method supports gradual exposure: beginning with low-level stimulus, rewarding calm or investigative behavior, and slowly increasing challenge as the horse remains relaxed. Over time, the horse learns that the previously scary stimulus predicts safety and reward — transforming fear into trust.

For optimal results, ensure rewards immediately follow calm or positive responses (not after panic or flight). Consistency and patience are key; with repetition, the horse internalizes the expectation that “new doesn’t equal danger,” which improves welfare and expandability for future training or experiences.

12/20/2025

🎁 It’s Day 20 of the Little Horse Advent Calendar! 🐴

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Sign up now via — we’re in the final stretch! 🎁✨

Today’s feature? Ramard Relief Gel — trusted relief for joint, tendon, leg, and muscle discomfort.
With Arnica, MSM, and Calendula, it targets swelling and soreness fast. Odorless, colorless, and sting-free, it’s perfect for pre-work, post-work, and on-the-go use. A vet-recommended favorite for safe, effective support.

12/20/2025

12/20/2025

B Vitamins as Essential Cofactors for Energy Metabolism

B vitamins are integral to a horse’s ability to convert feed into usable energy. Vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and biotin (B7) serve as cofactors in enzymatic reactions that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins — the primary macronutrients in a horse’s diet. Without sufficient B‑vitamins, these metabolic processes become less efficient, meaning the horse may struggle to derive full energy from its feed. A deficiency could translate into reduced stamina, lower performance, or sluggish recovery after work.

In practical terms, a horse engaged in regular training or athletic work has heightened energy demands. During intense exercise, the body relies heavily on pathways that require B‑vitamin–dependent enzymes to regenerate energy molecules, metabolize lactate, and restore glycogen stores. Ensuring adequate B‑vitamin availability supports these processes and helps maintain endurance, muscle function, and overall vitality.

Moreover, because B vitamins are water‑soluble, horses cannot store them — they must be supplied or synthesized daily. Thus, a consistent supply via diet or endogenous production is critical, particularly during periods of heavy work, growth, or recovery.

While overt deficiency of B‑vitamins in horses is rare under normal feeding conditions, providing balanced nutrition — including high‑quality forage and, when needed, supplementation — helps guarantee that metabolic demands are met. This foundation underpins sound performance, robust health, and resilience against stress or heavy workloads.

12/20/2025

Support muscle, nerve, and immune health with natural d-alpha-tocopherol. Ideal for hay-fed horses or those with limited pasture access.

12/19/2025

Grooming Enhances Comfort and Performance

Grooming contributes directly to a horse’s comfort under saddle and overall performance. Dirt, dried sweat, and loose hair under tack can cause chafing, sores, or pressure points that compromise saddle fit and rider communication. Brushing before and after exercise ensures that areas under the saddle, girth, and bridle are clean, dry, and free of irritants.

A properly groomed horse moves more freely. Removal of debris allows even contact between the saddle and the back, helping distribute pressure evenly. This reduces the risk of rubs and sore spots, especially in performance horses or those ridden frequently.

Post-ride grooming also offers physical relief. Brushing helps remove sweat and dirt, loosens muscles, and promotes circulation — aiding in recovery and reducing stiffness. Grooming after exercise becomes a time to assess any heat, swelling, or sensitivity that may indicate early-stage injury.

For show horses, grooming enhances appearance and highlights muscle tone and coat quality, but even for casual riders, a clean horse is more pleasant to handle and less prone to skin problems. Clean legs, for instance, are easier to ice, wrap, or treat if needed.
Ultimately, grooming ensures that equipment functions as intended and that the horse remains physically comfortable during and after work. This translates into better movement, focus, and willingness — critical components of both health and performance.

12/19/2025

🎁 It’s Day 19 of the Little Horse Advent Calendar! 🐴 (now featuring humans too!)
Want to win a gift basket filled with wellness must-haves — including something for you?

Sign up now via and follow along with every daily reveal! 🎁✨

Today’s feature? Micro Max — a trace mineral powerhouse made for people.
With over 58 natural trace minerals from North Atlantic seaweed, it supports energy, healthy hair, skin, nails, and overall wellness. No fillers, synthetics, or animal products — just clean, food-grade nutrition with real results.

12/18/2025

🎁 It’s Day 18 of the Little Horse Advent Calendar! 🐴 (and 🐶!)
Want to win a gift basket filled with wellness favorites — for both horse and hound?
Sign up now via .blue and don’t miss a single daily reveal! 🎁✨

Today’s feature? Source Plus for Dogs — the trusted supplement made just for canine companions.
It supports cellular function, metabolism, digestion, joint health, and coat quality — all powered by sustainably harvested seaweed and decades of animal wellness expertise. Perfect for active pups, senior dogs, or those needing an immune boost.

12/18/2025

Foals Sleep Much More Than Adults

Foals, especially during the first few months of life, sleep much more than adult horses — both in duration and in depth. While mature horses average 2.5 to 5 hours of sleep per day, foals may spend 12 to 14 hours per day resting, with a significant portion of that in recumbent positions.

Sleep plays a critical role in the foal’s neurological development, growth, and immune function. Because foals are less concerned with predator avoidance and more dependent on their dams for protection, they are freer to lie down for extended periods. During the first weeks of life, foals often lie flat out in lateral recumbency for REM sleep, and may engage in both daytime and nighttime rest.

As foals age and their musculoskeletal systems mature, they gradually adopt more adult-like sleep patterns. However, disturbances in early-life sleep — from environmental noise, lack of bedding, health issues, or stress — can impair development. Ensuring quiet surroundings, adequate bedding, and protection from harsh weather supports healthy foal sleep behavior.
Monitoring a foal’s resting patterns is a key part of neonatal care. Excessive restlessness, reluctance to lie down, or prolonged drowsiness can be early signs of illness or discomfort and warrant veterinary evaluation.

12/17/2025

🎁 It’s Day 17 of the Little Horse Advent Calendar! 🐴
Want to win a gift basket full of equine wellness essentials?
Sign up now via .blue and keep up with each daily reveal! 🎁✨

Today’s feature? Source Original — a powerhouse micronutrient supplement for whole-horse health.
Made with natural seaweed, it supports digestion, coat condition, and immune function — and fits into any feeding program with ease. It’s nutrition that fills in the gaps and elevates overall well-being.

12/17/2025

Anyone in the Calabasas CA area!? You can meet some of the Mini Therapy Horses!! And finish up your holiday shopping - we are looking forward to some pictures from those of you who get to be there this saturday 💞💞💞

Here’s your chance to hug two of our incredible therapy horses and help us to help others at the Calabasas Saddlery❤️👏🏼💝🦄