Supplements for the skin may contain some of or a combination of the following ingredients:

• Added protein - the protein content of the horse’s diet has a big impact on coat condition
• Omega 3 oil – can support irritated skin
• Omega 6 oil  - contributes to normal cell function
• Flaxseed or Flax oil – improves the coat’s condition and is associated with healthy and resilient skin
• Vitamin A - used to support eye function, reproduction, and the health of bones, skin, and muscles.
• Vitamin E – nourishes the skin and promotes a shiny coat.  It neutralises free radicals to support the natural defences of the horse’s skin.
• Biotin – associated with supporting skin, hair and hoof health.
• Trace minerals (e.g. iron, zinc, selenium, copper,)
• Herbs such as nettle, chamomile or burdock root – these herbs are renowned for the way they support the skin.

Skin is the horse’s largest organ and its main function is to act as a protective barrier to the internal systems.  Healthy skin is resilient and elastic but sometimes, for various reasons, it can become dry and scurfy, or it can become damaged and sore. The horse or pony’s coat and skin is a reflection of their inner health and a loss of condition, itchy mane, dull coat or sore irritated legs can be a sign that something is not quite right. Horses who suffer from a scruffy, coarse, thin, dull or unkempt looking coat may be doing so for a number of reasons – but diet can be a factor. Nutritional supplements that correct these deficiencies can result in an improved coat condition.

There are certain times of year when additional skin support might be required, such as in the winter for horses prone to mud fever, and in the summer for horses prone to sweet itch. In these cases, a supplement can be added to the diet to help support the horse’s skin from the inside out.

Sugar beet pulp is often referred to as a ‘superfibre’. Sugar beet is a root vegetable that looks like an elongated swede or turnip. It is grown for the sugar that is extracted from its flesh and the fibrous root pulp is what is left behind and used as animal feed. The pulp is dried and subsequently requires soaking before being fed to the horse. The pulp is available in dried pellets, cubes, shreds and micronised flakes; the main difference being the time that they have to be soaked before feeding. Shreds need to be soaked for 12 hours whereas the pellets or cubes are soaked for 24 hours. The micronised flakes need much less time, and may require even less soaking if warm or hot water is used (but do read the manufacturer’s instructions about this). Sugar beet is also available either in molassed or unmolassed forms.

Sugar beet pulp is fed to horses for a variety of reasons.  It is said to be…

• A high energy feed
• Low in starch and sugars (the unmolassed variety)
• A source of soluble fibre
• A natural prebiotic
• A more natural feeding choice
• Great for competition horses as it provides slow release energy. It is also useful for keeping competition horses hydrated due to its high water content when soaked.
• Good for sick or hard-working animals (molassed variety)
• Great for hydration
• Economical way to add bulk to the horse’s diet
• Suitable for those at risk of laminitis or tying up (unmolassed variety) – but always check with your vet
• Good for older horses with poor teeth
• Great to disguise powdered supplements or medication

The following ingredients, in a variety of combinations, may be found in joint supplements to help support and maintain the horse’s joints:

Glucosamine

• The ‘building block’ of connective tissues, including cartilage
• Keeps joints and cartilage lubricated  - an ageing or working horse may not produce glucosamine naturally – therefore the cartilage acts as less of a shock absorber and the joints become stiff and painful

Hyaluronic acid

• An integral part of joint cartilage and joint fluid (which provides the lubrication between surfaces)
• Works with glucosamine
• Makes joint fluid ‘sticky’

Chondroitin sulphate

• Enhances glucosamine
• Inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage
• May support bones as they heal

MSM

• Helps form cartilage matrix
• Helps to support joint lubrication
• For correct synthesis of amino acids, vitamins and chondroitin sulphates

Vitamin

• Vital for collagen formation and health
• Has anti-oxidant properties
• It is important not to ‘overdose’ on Vitamin C as this can be harmful to the horse

Manganese

• A trace mineral
• Plays important role in cartilage metabolism

Copper

• Has important role in connective tissue formation

Herbs
e.g. Yucca, Devil’s Claw
Shark cartilage and green lipped mussel

• Shark cartilage is used due to its presence of chondroitin sulphate
• Green lipped mussel contains Glucosamine and GAGs (the main components of cartilage and synovial fluid)