As a horse owner you will be aware that on a freezing cold day, you can warm your hands by pushing them deep inside a horse’s coat, or under their rug. But do you know why?

The heat you feel has actually been produced from inside the horse’s digestive tract, which has been powered by fermentation. So, yes it’s true, a horse does have its own little central heating system. And, you the owner, can keep this flowing by providing the correct material, and for your horse, this means fibre.

As it is digested slowly, fibre causes microbial fermentation, which in turn, automatically creates heat - heat that is sustained for a long period of time.

The calories obtained from fats and grains, can also help a horse stay warm but will not produce sustained heat and will, therefore, be used whenever the horse needs it, whether it’s keeping warm or during exercise.

Tip: If your horse has cold ears then the rest of him will probably be cold too!

Your horse’s digestive system has adapted over time to support the fact that he grazes for many hours per day. Horses have enlarged large and small colons which act as fermentation barrels for the microbial organisms living there. Therefore, if fibre is not provided as part of their diet, these organisms can die and release toxins.

Forages provide large amounts of fibre, which when broken down by these organisms release volatile fatty acids – acetate, propionate and butyrate. Acetate and butyrate can, upon absorption, be immediately used for energy or converted to fat for storage. Propionate can be converted to glucose or also converted into stored fat. Horses consuming high forage diets are provided with substantial amounts of energy, and when fermented by microbes, the fibre releases heat and gasses as a by-product.

So, in summary, your horse needs good quality fibre for optimal health. If long-stem hay or well-maintained pasture is not available, then quality hay, haylage or beet pulp can be fed to increase intake. Forage sources, although lower in digestible energy than higher starch concentrates such as corn or oats, they can provide all the energy necessary.

Respiratory issues seem to become more common the winter- whether this is because of the hay we feed, the bedding we use or because our horses spend more time indoors. For those who are struggling, we have a great range of supplements available that could help - Click here to see our full range here…or see our guide below…

Global Herbs- Airway Plus (available as a liquid and a powder)

·         For ultra quick action.
·         To help keep airways open and clear at any time of year.
·         For extra soothing action with uncomfortable throats and windpipes.
·         To provide nutritional support for the work of your vet.

Dodson & Horrell- Breathe Free

·         Blended to help maintain a healthy respiratory system.
·         Ideal for stabled horses or those suffering with respiratory problems.
·         Available as a dried blend. 

Global Herbs- Dust-X

You can use Dust-X on its own, or in more difficult situations with the product Weez. Dust-X can be used on it’s own for long term supplementation or for short periods when that bad batch of hay has appeared by accident without your knowledge. 

NAF- Easy Breathing (available as a liquid or a dried herb)

A comprehensive blend of herbs specifically chosen for their beneficial effects on lung tissue integrity.

NAF- Respirator

Provides valuable nutritional support to the respiratory mucosal immune system and the delicate capillary blood vessels that surround the lungs.
Contains a high concentration of orthoprocyanadins, a particularly potent form of antioxidant.
Recommended for horses with hypersensitivities to external airborne irritants such as dust, spores, mould, pollen. 

NAF- Respirator Boost

When speed counts, powerful Respirator Boost provides the ultimate blend of nutrients to support respiratory immunity and clear the way for optimum lung function.

Winergy- Ventilate

Winergy Ventilate is a unique pelleted supplement, scientifically proven to support your horse’s own natural lung defences. Its exclusive formulation provides powerful nutrient support through a specific combination of antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E and Selenium. 

Global Herbs- Weez

A formula designed mainly for use with PolleneX and Dust-X and sometimes AirwayPlus. Weez is traditionally used to soothe the chests of horses that have great difficulty with airborne particles in winter when dusty and in the summer when high pollen counts cause annoyance.

Don’t forget that respiratory issues can be serious, so if you’re in any doubt about your horse’s health, you should call your vet.