The Supplemental Advantage

Horseshoer’s Secret Extra Strength Hoof & Connective Tissue Supplement Athletic talent and pedigree alone won’t carry your horse into the winner’s circle or down the trail. He needs good feet and strong legs under him. That’s why Farnam developed Horseshoer’s Secret® EXTRA STRENGTH Hoof & Connective Tissue Supplement. Formulated by an equine PhD nutritionist and endorsed by farriers, this supplement provides extra benefits where your horse needs them most, supporting tendons and ligaments as well as hooves. Veterinarian-recommended Horseshoer’s Secret® EXTRA STRENGTH supplement provides optimum nutrition—including 25 mg of biotin per 2 oz. serving—to keep hooves durable, hydrated and flexible. Plus, the unique extruded nuggets support the proper digestion of nutrients. For more information, visit Farnam.com. Laser Sheen Skin & Coat Supplement Formulated by an equine PhD nutritionist and recommended by veterinarians, Farnam® Laser Sheen® Skin & Coat Supplement provides a show-stopping shine that will capture the attention of any audience. This supplement contains ceramides—the same fatty acids found in many beauty products for humans—to help retain moisture for a velvety soft coat, as well as help support skin hydration. A proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports skin and coat health. It also contains a probiotic to support proper digestion of nutrients, allowing your horse to get the most benefit from each ingredient. For more information, visit Farnam.com.

rate and quality of hoof horn

methionine, an amino acid that contains sulfur, an element the body uses to produce keratin

lysine, an amino acid that plays a role in the formation of collagen, the absorption and retention of calcium, and tissue growth and repair

zinc, the mineral essential to the formation and maintenance of cartilage, bone, skin, hoof horn and hair

copper, a trace mineral critical to bone and hoof formation

pyridoxine (vitamin B6), an organic compound essential for the production of amino acids that support hoof growth calcium carbonate, a mineral derived from eggshells and other sources that provides calcium calcium pantothenate, a compound of pantothenic acid, which is an essential component in the synthesis of amino acids used in hoof and hair production flaxseed, the whole seeds or oil from the seeds of the flax plant; a source of omega-3 fatty acids thought to promote hoof growth

Special considerations: It takes approximately one year for a horse to grow a new hoof from coronary band to the ground. Because supplements can only influence new hoof growth, it may take many months to see results from these products.

Digestion supplements are formulated to balance the gut flora in a horse’s intestinal tract, reducing the likelihood of colic and diarrhea. Common ingredients: probiotics, combinations of bacteria and yeasts, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium, intended to support populations of intestinal flora that are necessary for digestion prebiotics, the sugars and other nutrients that provide nutritional support for the beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut yeast culture, a strain of yeast that assists in the activity of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut

dehydrated alfalfa meal, a source of highly digestible fiber

Special considerations: Many digestive supplements contain live organisms, which can be damaged or killed by exposure to heat and light. Read and follow any storage directions listed on the label. Skin and coat supplements are formulated to support the production of keratin, collagen and other building blocks of the coat and skin. Common ingredients: pyridoxine (vitamin B6), a compound essential for the production of amino acids that support hoof and hair growth; deficiency has been linked to skin inflammation and eczema in people biotin (vitamin B7), a compound that plays a key role in the production of keratin, a protein that forms the basis for hair flaxseed (linseed), the whole seeds or oil from the seeds of the flax

plant; contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to support healthy hair growth

riboflavin (vitamin B2), nutrient that aids in the production of healthy skin and hair

lysine, an amino acid that plays a role in the formation of collagen as well as tissue growth and repair

zinc, a mineral essential for the formation of bone, cartilage, hoof horn, skin and hair folic acid (vitamin B9), an organic compound necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, particularly those with short life spans, such as skin cells calcium pantothenate, a compound of vitamin B5 and a critical component of an enzyme needed in the synthesis of amino acids used in hair production niacinamide, a derivative of niacin (vitamin B3); preliminary studies suggest it may be useful in treating skin disorders in people

methionine, an amino acid that contains sulfur, an element the body needs to produce keratin; deficiencies in people can cause skin lesions

Special considerations: Poor skin and coat quality can be indicators of overall nutritional deficiencies, parasitic infection or systemic illness. Before dismissing your horse’s dull coat as a cosmetic issue, check with your veterinarian to ensure that it doesn’t signal a bigger concern. S upplements can make a big difference in a horse’s health, looks and performance but, of course, they are not magic potions. They cannot make up for poor management or nutrition, cure serious physical ailments or reverse the aging process. When you shop smart and with a clear purpose in mind, however, supplements can round out a horse’s diet for optimum health.