With the mild winter and the spring already beginning, you can see horses shedding their winter coats everywhere. At the same time, they are growing their summer coat, which allows them to manage thermoregulation in the summer. This process is very taxing on protein metabolism and therefore puts strain on the liver and kidneys.
At the same time, however, the metabolism is less fit than if the horses were shedding their coat in the autumn. Less movement in the winter paddocks results in a slower removal of metabolic waste from the connective tissue.
Herbal support during the shedding process
Many horses tend to develop stocked-up legs, especially in the morning. Minor skin and hoof problems can also be observed in many horses, such as mud fever, itching, and slight thrush. None of these are dramatic issues, but they are early signs that the metabolism is working hard.
Herbal support during this time has proven effective for horses. Just a few more days, and the first plants will begin to stretch their shoots towards the sun. Many of these plants will then be eagerly consumed by the horses. . The first birch leaves are a popular addition to the diet, helping to stimulate kidney urine production.
The first dandelions are also eagerly eaten. Folk medicine describes it as a “blood-cleansing” plant, and its liver-supporting properties are now well known. The bitter substances it contains also stimulate peristalsis, helping to get the sluggish winter gut moving again. If there is still yarrow in the pasture, it will be grazed by the horses, and the last rose hips are carefully picked from the bushes.
Yarrow is one of the plants that support liver function, while rose hips, with their seeds, provide high-quality fatty acids that the skin can really benefit from at this time. Observing horses with access to pastures, you can clearly see their enthusiasm for this “natural pharmacy.”
Unfortunately, in only a few regions is there enough space to allow horses to graze year-round, so they can get their herbs directly from nature. Winter sand paddocks or species-poor pastures are more the rule than the exception.
Supplementing with herbs deliberately
We recommend the targeted supplementation of herbs during the shedding season to stimulate the metabolism, helping your horse get through this challenging time more easily. OKAPI Four Season Feeds are ideal, as they contain the herbs that horses would naturally seek at this time of year: plants that support the liver and kidneys.
If you still have dried and stored rose hips from last year, now is the perfect time to finish feeding them, as most horses will soon prefer the fresh pasture grass over the rose hips. Rose hips, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or the OKAPI Wild Seed Mix can be fed alternately, providing your horse with valuable fatty acids for skin and hormone health.
A treatment with zinc and sulphur
If your horse tends to have issues with coat development and struggles with poor hoof quality, a treatment with zinc and sulphur might be beneficial at this time.
These trace elements are particularly essential for the formation of horn structures and are therefore needed in higher quantities during the shedding season. You can give OKAPI Zinc Plus and OKAPI Sulphur Plus on alternating days, for example, mixed into a handful of soaked sainfoin pellets. OKAPI Sainfoin contains a high amount of condensed tannins, which can help your horse defend against strongylid infestations at this time.
🇬🇧 We are an experienced team of therapists specializing in feed consultation and integrated therapies for horses. With extensive experience in treating metabolic issues, we focus on natural, species-appropriate feeding and proven naturopathic remedies to enhance your horse's health. Benefit from our expertise to ensure the well-being of your horse.
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