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When grass is not enough

© Sally White

When horses live wild, they are born with a lot more knowledge about herbs and minerals than we could ever hope for. As they roam the pasture, they can instinctively select the right foods that help them grow strong hooves, heal quickly, or take away pain.

But for most horses, life is restricted to pastureland which is mainly laid down to grass, or to a stable where the main feed is made of processed grains. Searching for a wide variety of medicinal and health-giving herbs is simply not an option for them. Fortunately, help is at hand, and we can provide many of the herbs which would be naturally available in the wild.

In the herd, there are three groups of horses who are in particular need of the strength- and health-giving properties of natural herbs. One is pregnant mares; another is elderly horses. The third group is that of young horses, who are growing quickly and forming new bone and tissue all the time. They need more energy, because they are so much more active in learning about everything around them. And they are also more vulnerable to disease and illness, since a weakly foal has fewer defences against attack.

Here are some of the best herbs to use as supplements for young horses.

Kelp
Otherwise known as seaweed! This is an invaluable mineral source, rich in iodine. Cornish Calcified Seaweed is also rich in calcium - another of the 21 minerals a horse needs to stay healthy. Kelp helps a horse form healthy bones, teeth and cartilage, and helps him digest protein and energy more efficiently.

Suppliers of kelp include a Canadian group, Kelp Products International Inc. Or you can get Icelandic kelp from www.kelpproducts.com.

Rosehip
This herb, distilled from the essence of roses, is a general conditioner, helping to improve hoof quality and growth. It is also a source of vitamin C, boosting the immune system, and helping healing. You can make a rosehip tea to add to the feed when your horse needs a boost, by using 4-5 teabags, or a couple of dessertspoons of granules, to a litre of boiling water. Once this is cool, you can use half in the morning feed and half in the evening. Horses seem to love this, especially if it is fed pleasantly warm.

Fenugreek
Fenugreek works with the digestive system to make sure that the horse gets the most from the food he eats. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, and helps with general condition.