In working horses, respiratory stress often goes unnoticed, but significantly impacts their ability, as athletes, to perform to the best of their ability. Indeed, whilst cardiovascular or musculoskeletal limitations are recognized as performance limiting in most mammals – i.e. the system that prevents you for being better at your chosen sport – in horses the performance limiting factor is the respiratory system. Therefore maintaining your horse’s respiratory health is of prime importance. Whether your chosen activity is a season of indoor showjumping, a few days trail hunting, or enjoying long hacks on a crisp frosty morning, ensuring you and your horse can see the clear way to performance every day will ensure you both get the most of winter exercise, whatever the weather.
For all horses and ponies, whether stabled or not, preserved forage is a staple part of the winter diet. Increasingly we see haylage predominating, with less quality hay production – particularly given the very wet summer which limited field drying time for hay producers. Whether hay or haylage, watch for quality and ensure no visibly mouldy or dusty forages are used. It can be useful to soak hay, so swelling the dusty respirable particles, ensuring they are swallowed rather than inhaled. A short soak, ideally ten minutes in warm water, is plenty, as soaking for hours leaches micronutrients and lowers forage quality. Whether soaking or steaming, ensure vessels are kept clean and always use fresh, clean water for each days soak. Lastly, if soaking ensure forage is fed while still wet, as allowing to dry removes the benefits of the soak.
A daily addition of NAF Five Star Respirator Boost to the diet provides nutritional support to the respiratory mucosal immune system and lung integrity. Respirator Boost combines MSM as a natural sulphur donor, with herbal extracts including echinacea and rosehip known for their natural antioxidant and immune support, with essential oils to naturally maintain clear airways. Respirator Boost is safe and suitable for the diet of all horses and ponies, including those competing under FEI affiliated rules.
Tips for feeding Five Star Respirator Boost
- Feed from the floor to support natural drainage
- If possible, mix feed with a little warm water to release the essential oils
- Split between feeds throughout the day
If you'd like to speak to an equine specialist, find your nearest Wynnstay store here.
Source: Kate Hore RNutr(Animal) R.Anim.Technol (Cert). Head Nutritionist at NAF
