As we enter the month of August, it's a significant time for horse owners and riders. While we're still in the midst of the season, whether it's taking advantage of long summer evening rides or frantically trying to secure last-minute qualifications, the pace is steady. However, we're also looking ahead to the upcoming season change. With autumn approaching, we can expect shorter days, less time for riding, potentially longer periods of being stabled, and a change in dietary requirements.
The challenges and changes experienced by horses can put a lot of stress on their immune system. Whether you're planning to attend the BRC NAF Five Star National Championships in Lincoln, a local show's final, or just going on some fun rides, it's crucial to ensure that your horses and ponies remain healthy and fit during these challenging times.
Maintaining immunity
Keeping your horse's immune system healthy is crucial to help them fight off infections and stay healthy. The immune system is the first line of defence against harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Additionally, it plays a vital role in wound healing by removing bacteria and debris from wounds and promoting the growth of new tissue. Overall, a healthy immune system helps maintain balance in the horse's body by regulating hormone and enzyme production and responding to stress.
- Maximise turnout as much as practical
- Implement a low dust, high hygiene, regime on the yard
- Maintain fitness
- Make any dietary changes gradually, including forage changes
- To enhance hindgut immunity, provide a diet that is high in fibre and low in cereals.
- Avoid horses touching noses or sharing water with others at shows
Feeding your horse Immuforte
The NAF Immuforte supplement is designed to boost your horse's natural defences by providing a unique blend of immune-supporting botanicals and herbs. Studies have shown that natural products can aid both the white blood cells and red blood cells in horses, which are crucial for maintaining peak performance. By combining immuno-supportive herbs with natural antioxidants, this supplement helps maintain a healthy response to challenges while also preparing the system for future ones. The supplement also contains the essential amino acid lysine, which is known to optimize the amino acid profile and prevent it from being a limiting factor for the immune system. Research has recognised the importance of lysine in human immune systems, and equine experts agree that it is worth considering for horses. NAF Immuforte provides a complex of immune-support herbs with natural antioxidants and lysine for targeted, evidence-led, immune support for all horses and ponies.
Real Rider Results
"Showjumping competitions take us and our horses all over the UK and the world. This means that our horses are exposed to new environments and strange horses on a regular basis which can place stress on their immune systems. Feeding NAF Immuforte on a daily basis helps us to know that alongside our own biosecurity measures, we are doing the best we can to keep our horses healthy and ready to perform."
Harry, Peter, Scarlett & Sienna Charles from Heathcroft Farm
