Breathe easy this winter
Help to manage your horse’s respiratory system with Horslyx Respiratory
WE ALL WANT our horse or pony to be in the peak of health. In trained horses, especially those who compete, the main limitations to optimum performance are respiratory issues. In a study of horses referred for veterinary examination because of poor performance, four out of five (81%) had respiratory disease, so it’s clear that if your horse struggles with respiratory issues, competitive success is likely to be elusive.
Winter is an especially worrying time for equines with respiratory challenges because being stabled for longer periods of time can lead to an increased risk of problems. Management and care of these horses and ponies is therefore essential.
Reducing the risk
Air quality is a major concern for horses and ponies with respiratory issues. When your horse is confined to a stable the air quality inside is likely to be poorer than it is in the open air. Unfortunately, some equines can struggle to maintain weight if kept outside and many horses will need stabling for longer periods during the winter because of bad weather. Aiming to improve the air quality in your horse’s stable by assessing the type and quality of bedding and forage used should be paramount. Using a dustextracted bedding and feeding goodquality forage (or steaming forage) can all help to reduce the risk of respiratory issues. However, even if you’ve done all you can, your good work can soon be undone if the stable next door is using dusty straw and poor quality hay!
Can feed ingredients help?
Certain ingredients can be beneficial in supporting a healthy respiratory system. Menthol, eucalyptus and aniseed can help to keep airways clear of mucus so your horse is able to breathe more easily. Antioxidants are the body’s natural defence against damage caused by free radicals. They play an important role in maintaining the health and integrity of the body’s cells and help to support and maintain a healthy immune system, which aids healthy lung function.
The antioxidant vitamin C plays a key role in respiratory health. Being water soluble, it’s found in high concentrations in the f luid lining the airways.
Respiratory support
Horslyx Respiratory Balancer has been formulated to provide a unique two-pronged approach to supporting a healthy respiratory system. Ingredients such as menthol, eucalyptus and aniseed support the airways, while the high specification balancer package includes the antioxidants vitamins C and E, selenium, chelated copper and zinc to help provide optimum lung support. Horslyx Respiratory Balancer is available in 650g, 5kg and 15kg packs.
AS THE TEMPERATURE drops, our horses’ coats grow thicker and require maintenance to keep them looking their best. However, with a full bath often not the ideal option during cold weather, owners should maintain a regular grooming routine to remove dirt, dead hair and dandruff. This promotes a healthier skin and coat, as well as stimulating circulation and hair growth. What’s more, grooming also provides you with the opportunity to check for any abnormalities, such as inflamed or dry patches on the skin, allowing you to treat potential problems before they develop into something more serious.
Developed by professionals
Achieving professional results needn’t be a time-consuming or expensive task. Perfect for weekly use, the trusted and improved FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool has been developed by professional groomers and continues to provide a gentle and efficient way to remove up to 99% of loose hair when used for at least 10-20 minutes per week. While retaining popular existing features, such as the FURejector button, ergonomic handle and stainless-steel edge, the product also has improved benefits for your horse. These include a skin guard and curved edge which allows the tool to evenly glide through the coat, conforming to your horse’s natural shape for maximum comfort, as well as an edge guard to protect the tool’s teeth when stored.