Gas colic is the least serious form of colic. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it’s very common. So common, in fact, that it is often overlooked as “just gas,” like you might get when you eat too much pizza. However, never be complacent about gas colic because it can lead to complications such as displacement or twisting of the large colon.[i]Truth is, if you’re feeding correctly, gas colic should not happen. And if it does, then you’re more than likely doing something wrong. Read more...

You might be relieved to have a horse who doesn’t have an obesity problem. Carrying less weight certainly has its advantages: less strain on joints, faster metabolism, and lower risk of a laminitis. But if your horse is underweight, where the ribs show prominently, and the spine and hip bones are not covered with enough tissue, there could be a problem. If you’ve tried to put weight on your horse without success, there is reason for concern. But the solution may be easier than you think. Read more...

First, understand that IR is not a disease: it is a "metabolic type". And the goal of ECIR Group protocol is "no laminitis" ever again, with bloodwork as close to normal as we can possibly get - if not completely normal. The ECIR group protocol is about a lifestyle change for your horse, i.e., a management change that owners need to be committed to. Fortunately, the horses are fine with the changes and it typically costs less than the "magic bullet" supplements on the market that don't work! Read more...

Forage is the foundation of every equine’s diet and needs to flow steadily through the digestive tract. Gaps without forage can lead to ulcers, colic, behavioral issues, stall vices, gorging, choke, cribbing, and even laminitis. Truly, the only way to avoid these problems is to allow your horse steady access to forage, free-choice, all day and all night. Read more...

Consider free-roaming horses living in the wild who spend the majority of their waking hours searching for food. History and research show that these horses are seldom sick or have problems with their feet.

In the wild, horses travel up to 25 miles a day, eating little bites, grazing 18 to 20 hours each day. Their digestive tracts classify them as trickle feeders, eating only enough to be satisfied and never to be full.

From the time humans first began to confine horses and restrict free access to forage, they created a problem. It wasn’t until the last few decades that horsemen really understood just how troublesome this issue is for the horse. The concept of slow feeding is now becoming more popular. Read more...

Forage is the foundation of every equine’s diet and needs to flow steadily through the digestive tract. Gaps without forage can lead to ulcers, colic, behavioral issues, stall vices, gorging, choke, cribbing, and even laminitis. Truly, the only way to avoid these problems is to allow your horse steady access to forage, free-choice, all day and all night. Read more...