Guiding Light Equine Nutrition

08/24/2026

Speaking from experience. Cola works wonders in these cases!

🔗: https://equimanagement.com/research-medical/research/cola-might-help-treat-gastric-impactions-in-horses/

Historically, gastric impaction in horses has a poor outcome. Researchers at Utrecht University retrospectively reviewed cases of gastric impaction to evaluate whether treatment with cola was associated with improved survival.

Of the 125 cases included, 57.6% were discharged from the hospital. Horses treated with cola had a greater likelihood of survival: 82.8% vs. 35.8%. Non-Friesian horses treated with cola had 90% survival.

08/20/2026

Any luiso owners out there?

🔬 Health & Nutrition: The Lusitano Gut Microbiome

A comparative study examined the faecal microbiota of 189 healthy horses from six sport horse breeds, kept under similar conditions.

Among the breeds studied, the Purebred Lusitano showed the lowest bacterial diversity, while Hanoverian horses showed the highest.

The study also identified differences in microbial composition between several breeds and found 27 bacterial genera whose abundance varied significantly between breeds. Interestingly, the microbial communities of Lusitano and Anglo-Arabian horses showed greater temporal stability during the study period.

🧬 What does this research tell us?

• Equine gut microbiota varies between breeds.
• Lusitanos showed particularly low bacterial diversity within this study population.
• Diet, management and environmental conditions remain important factors when interpreting equine microbiome research.
• These findings highlight the need for further research into the relationship between breed, microbiota, nutrition and health.

An intriguing scientific finding. Not a clinical verdict.

📖 Want to explore more research on the Purebred Lusitano?

Source: Massacci et al., Inter-breed diversity and temporal dynamics of the faecal microbiota in healthy horses, Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics.

EquineScience LusitanosArchive LusitanosCompany

08/12/2026

I have a very important topic up for discussion today. Saliva!!

Other than the moment when your horse smears a nice gooey glob on your sleeve before entering the show ring. (And why does it always have to be bright green?)

Or when you’re at the trailer just getting back from a ride and they “have” to rub that itch right on your back and you end up wearing some in your hair or down your back!!

Been there!!

We typically don’t really give saliva a second thought. But it does serve very important purposes for our horses.

It serves as the first stage of our horses digestive process. Saliva contains a protein enzyme called amylase which begins breaking down carbohydrates in the food inside their mouth while they chew.

The food which in science’ie terms creates a “bolus” once swallowed, enters the esophagus. The saliva helps moisten the bolus to have safe travels down the length of the esophagus.

Once in the horses stomach saliva is a bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid. The stomach of the horse has an upper and lower chamber. The bolus lands in the lower chamber where the acid resides. Horses stomachs constantly produce acid. The importance of saliva is to help keep the acid at bay in the lower chamber. When the acid gets into the upper chamber is when horses get ulcers.

Saliva is produced every time the horse eats. The more the horse chews the more lubrication the horse receives via saliva the happier their tummies are.

This is why feeding times are vastly beneficial.

Allowing your horse a snack before any type of workout initiates saliva production puts a little something in “the tank” and keeps their acid levels in check.

This is especially important during transport when they can often get stressed. A little bit of hay to chew on and some anti acid saliva for the stomach goes a long way.

Extending feeding times through slow feeders not only keeps their bellies full but helps extend the time saliva is produced to continually aid in digestion.

Feeding multiple small meals throughout the day also allows for more opportunities of increased saliva production which in turn makes for a happy belly. After all a happy belly is a happy horse? Am I right?

When it comes to horses saliva, though not really pleasant on our bodies or in our hair, is an often overlooked important part of our horses health.

Think of it this way. The more saliva we can help our horses create the more sloppy kisses we can receive!

Do you have a saliva horse story you would like to share?

Comment or post pics below 👇

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

08/06/2026

Whatcha got there?

Do you often wonder if your horse is getting balanced nutrition or if their nutritional needs are being full filled?

Perhaps you have a metabolic horse that has feed sensitivities and your vet has instructed you about certain feed restrictions. Yet you have concerns that your horse is lacking satisfaction with his current diet because you just want your horse to be happy and healthy.

Are you an avid competitor wondering whether your horse is getting adequate nourishment to meet their athletic needs? Do you have the feeling your horse could potentially perform better by receiving the right nutrient combination?

Maybe you have an aging horse whereby you’ve noticed their metabolism has changed and you’re not sure how to adjust their feed accordingly. They’ve been your trusted stead and you’d like for them to have some longevity.

I can help you with any of these scenarios. As your personal Equine Nutrition Advisor it’s my goal to help your horse achieve their optimal wellness.

We start by looking at where your horse’s health is now and discuss what goals you have for your horse’s health.

We take a holistic approach looking at your horse’s history, environment, temperament, training, genetics and current diet. Assess where we can make improvements in your horse’s nutrition and develop a program tailored to your horse’s specific needs.

Through consistency, dedication and trust your horse will be the winner every-time!!

By giving them the opportunity to live contently.

Have the ability to achieve peak performance.

Support them towards gaining additional years in the saddle.

There are amazing potential outcomes when we can dial in nutrition. Each horse is an individual and each horse is worth the effort.

I do on farm or virtual consultations.

My services are based on custom tailored feed programs. Whether you are looking for a quick assessment of your current program, nutritional adjustment recommendations or a complete balanced program. I can provide you the support you need to make well informed decisions about your horses health.

Reach out today! I’d love to talk horses!

07/26/2026

Managing a horse’s weight can sometimes be more challenging than we realize.

First off every horse is an individual.

With different genetics, history, environments and health constraints.

Adding to that what’s realistic for us as owners and barn managers we usually need to exercise more creativity and patience with ourselves and the given circumstances.

Weight change is a marathon not a sprint.

An achievable weight loss rate for horses is about a 1/2 lb - 1 lb per day.

The difference between a single body condition score (BCS) is 50lbs.

So if you’re looking to drop your horse’s weight by 2 BCS that’s going to be roughly 3-4 months time. Plus we must factor in the time of year. For instance winter with severe weather conditions certainly influences the rate of weight loss.

There’s lots of factors to consider when putting a horse on a weight change plan.
🧩 Current diet plan. Start with what’s in front of you. Lay it all out to see exactly what they are currently receiving.
🧩 How long the horse has been overweight. The longer their body has been carrying the excess weight the more conditioned it is to having it and can pose difficulties when attempting to shed it.
🧩 Health conditions such as lameness or insulin dysregulation play a huge role in how horses lose and gain weight.
🧩Genetics must be taken into account different breeds are predisposed to certain health and weight standards.

There’s certainly a lot of pieces to every horse’s weight loss program. Sometimes we don’t know exactly how to start or what the best approach maybe for our particular horse.

That’s where the value of enlisting an Equine Nutrition Advisor such as myself is so helpful. An Equine Nutrition Advisor has the knowledge and has done the research for you to assist in achieving your horse’s health goals effectively, efficiently and safely.

Do you love talking about you horse? 🐴 I love hearing about them!🥰

Let me see a pic of your baby!! 🐴

Do you have any health or nutrition questions about them? I’d love to chat it up with you!! 💬

Leave a comment 📣

Send me a message📩

Better yet send a pic🖼️

In this episode we discuss a challenge many horse owners face: fat or overweight horses. From disciplines where a “round” horse is seen as ideal to the health risks of carrying extra weight, we cover why managing body condition matters.

07/12/2026

Let’s talk about the little powerhouses Chia Seeds!!

These nutrient dense guys are a great source of calcium, omega-3 fats and all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

They also are excellent house keepers for our horses guts!!

Since they turn into a mucilage by absorbing 10-12 times their weight in water.

They can help sweep out the digestive tract. Making them an excellent choice for sand colic prevention and adding them as our little helpers when deworming.

Dosage is 1 tbsp per day.

Duration would be a minimum of 5 days (when using as a deworming aid).

I buy a small bag from the grocery store by Red Mill. I give it for at least a month so my horses get the health benefits of them too.

Because after all they are a food and the more diversity we can provide to our horses in their diet the better their microbiome, the better their health!

07/01/2026

When you’re done celebrating 🎉 our Country’s Birthday 🎂 by eating some juicy watermelon. 🍉

Save those rinds for your pony friends!! 🐴 A great low sugar high fiber treat! Our horses love them! 😋

I have ours mixed in with some scrumptious dandelion greens. 🥬High in Vitamin K & A packing a nutritious punch 🤛of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium!🌈

Have a Happy 4th of July Everyone 🥳

06/29/2026

Our horses hoof health plays an important role in their overall health.