Equine Herb Supplements

Why does the modern domestic equine need dietary supplements?  Many of today's horses live in conditions that are different from their free roaming, range running ancestors.  They are often kept in stalls and turned out into pasture areas that are lush, but lacking in the natural variety of grasses and weeds that equines would normally self-medicate and eat.  We have established fixed eating and exercise patterns. We often feed them individual meals of hay and grain instead of the animal being able to graze throughout the day. This is not the ideal pattern for the digestive system of an animal whose body is naturally designed to eat small amounts of food almost continuously. Also, we often perform competitively or ride regularly with them, asking their bodies to produce expended periods of energy output. These facts make reasoning to supplement our equines' food, for their optimal health, legitimate.

Here are five herbs that are easy to find, inexpensive and safe to feed your horse (Mule savvy friends please fill me in - I believe the fenugreek may be too sweet for your fur babies). Remember, any time you add something new to your equine's diet, it needs to be done slowly over time to allow the digestive system to adjust to the new foods. Watch your companion closely to ensure that it does not have a unique reaction to any of them.  In order for herbs to be of the most therapeutic benefit, they need time to work.  Expect to use a herbal supplement regimen for at least four to six weeks in order to see benefits.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) The flowers are packed with phosphorus and calcium, they regulate and strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system.  One of nature's most gentle sedatives, chamomile can be used in cases of anxiety, hyperactivity and sleeplessness. It is a carminative, supporting the digestive system and is an effective anti-inflammatory. I have used it externally and internally to treat allergic reactions.
Add 1/4 cup of flowers, soaked in water for 5 minutes, once daily

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale) This herb is n=an excellent addition to a horse's diet. High in vitamins A.B.C and D, and potassium rich, dandelion functions as a tonic by stimulating liver function, bile production, and kidney function. It helps the body clear itself of toxins and is believed to purify the blood. It is a strong botanical when used in rehabilitation or conditioning mixes, especially for equines that undergo the stress of competition.
Add 1 cup of dried dandelion leaf to your horse's feed, once daily

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Horses love the flavor of these seeds that function to strengthen the respiratory system, mucus membranes and support sinus function, especially in cases of upper respiratory infection, sinus issues or congestion. Fenugreek has strong regulating and stimulating properties on the lymphatic system, helping lymph to move effectively through the body. This is particularly helpful in cases of anhydrosis (aka "the puffs").
Add 2 tablespoons of seeds to your horse's feed, once daily

Nettles (Urtica dioca) Nettles are one of nature's richest sources of iron and also contain histamine, serotonin, potassium, silica, and vitamins A and C. Nettles support the immune,  respiratory, urinary and reproctive systems. Additionally they strengthen hoof and coat health.
Add 1/2 cup of dried nettles to feed, once daily
* If you use fresh nettles, allow them to wither in the sun for 4 hours to remove the sting, or pour boiling water over them first and them to cool.*

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) Raspberry leaf helps regulate hormonal shifts in mares , strengthens and tones the uterus which aids in fertility, pregnancy and foaling. It is and astringent and is used effectively for diarrhea, bleeding gums, and wet cough.
Add 1/2 cup of dried leaves to your mare's diet daily

I find these three methods the easiest way to add herbs to the diet:
* Fresh or dried herbs in separate feeders so they are free to choose which herb their bodies need
*A combination of fresh and dried herbs added to their daily grain ration
*Dried herbs allowed to soak in a little water for 5 - 10 minutes then added to their daily food ration