When grass is not enough
Hilton Herbs supply a ready-to-use supplement called Linseed and Fenugreek, which you can feed without the usual hassle of boiling linseed. The US distributor is Chamisa Ridge. Another supplier is Scats Countrystores, whose own-brand horse & pony nuts contain fenugreek, garlic, oregano and chamomile.
Clivers
Also known as goosegrass, clivers supports the lymphatic and endocrine systems, helping a horse to drain out any toxins from his system. It is excellent for horses which experience muscle tightening during or after exercise.
Nettle
This is a fairly strong stimulant, getting the circulatory system going and good for horses competing in strenous activities. It is also a good source of vitamin C and a rich source of sodium and iron - two more of the minerals a horse needs to stay healthy.
Garlic
This is an outstanding supplement in any horse's diet, but for a young horse it helps fight infections, clears the airways, and prevents skin problems. It is rich in vitamin B, and in sulphur. The only problem I've found with it is that my horse, who will happily eat cheese and pickle sandwiches, won't touch anything with garlic in it! The smell and taste of raw garlic can put many horses off - fortunately, manufacturers have come up with some useful supplements which supply garlic with the smell taken out.
A word of warning
Herbal remedies are not a panacea. If your horse has health problems, you should first consult your vet, and take her/his advice before adding herbs to the diet. You should also make sure there is nothing else that is wrong, such as a generally poorly-balanced diet, or badly-fitting tack.
You should also be careful about the dosage you give. Herbs can be used to poison as well as to cure, and if you get the dosage wrong you may seriously harm your horse. Always follow the instructions carefully from the packaging of any herbal supplement you feed. If in doubt, consult a recognised herbalist: you can try calling any of the companies and organisations above and asking to speak to their herbalist. Hygain (see above) offer help from their webpage, via their nutritionist, David Nash.
It's also no good expecting herbal remedies to be a quick fix. Liquid herbal products take about 10 days to work, dried herbs can take up to three weeks. What's more, different horses react to herbal remedies in different ways: you should always be careful when adding
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