Author: Lucile Vigoroux

Horses are “hind-gut fermenters,” which means they rely on billions of microbes in their large intestine to digest fiber-based grass and hay. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for their proper digestion, health, and well-being. Probiotics for horses are gaining popularity as a way to support digestive health, boost immunity, and prevent common health issues. But what exactly are probiotics and how do they benefit our equine companions? Let’s take a look at the role these supplements play, the types available, and how to know if your horse may need them.

The unique needs of individual horses—of any age—vary based on genetics, management, lifestyle, and overall health. Generally, horses beyond 15–20 years old often face some of the following physiological challenges:  Digestion slows down. Older horses may not absorb nutrients as efficiently, meaning their diet needs to be more nutrient-dense to prevent weight loss and nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. Changes in ​​​​manure consistency, like diarrhea and other digestive issues, are common. Metabolism shifts. Some senior horses lose weight easily, while others gain weight due to reduced activity levels and metabolic problems.  Dental needs change. Worn or missing teeth make chewing hay and other rough forage more difficult, directly contributing to both weight loss and painful dental issues. Some signs of dental problems include quidding (dropping feed while eating) and weight loss.  Energy levels can decrease with age—but not always.   Some signs that your aging horse may need a diet adjustment include:   Noticeable weight or muscle loss  Trouble eating  Declining energy levels  Various ​​​​digestive issues (diarrhea, colic)  Recognizing these signs early allows you to adapt your horse’s nutrition before problems start impacting their health, welfare, and longevity. ,Once a horse reaches 15 years old, they’re typically considered a senior—and with that comes a new set of nutritional needs. As horses age, their bodies undergo changes that directly affect how they process food, maintain weight, and absorb vital nutrients.   Feeding your senior horse the right food can help support your equine companion’s evolving needs, potentially helping extend their longevity. This guide to senior horse feed will help you accomplish just that. 

Several factors contribute to a horse’s top speed: Breed: Some breeds, like the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse, are bred specifically for speed. Generally speaking, “lighter” built breeds are faster than “heavier” breeds, such as cold-blooded draft horses, which are stronger but slower. Height and weight: Tying in to breed, lighter horses with longer legs tend to be faster. Those with a big stride and efficient gallop cover more ground with each step, meaning they reach the finish line faster. Stride: “Some of the main factors determining a horse’s speed are stride length and stride rate, two factors that are often tied to a horse’s body size,” explains Courtnee Morton, DVM, CVA, CVC, a veterinarian at Chewy and the owner of Southern Comfort Equine, based in Hico, Texas. Training and conditioning: Racehorses undergo rigorous training regimens to maximize their speed and endurance. Horses who go through strength and speed conditioning will have stronger muscles and better-conditioned lungs and cardiovascular systems, allowing them to get up to and maintain a faster pace. Health and nutrition: High-quality horse feed and proper hydration can play a part in how fast horses run. ,Whether galloping across open plains or sprinting around a racetrack against the clock, horses are among the fastest land mammals. As prey animals who rely on speed to escape predators in the wild, they have long been admired for their speed. But exactly how fast can a horse run? The top speed of a horse depends on several factors, including breed, training, and environmental conditions. Let’s take a look at the average speeds of different types of horses, their top speeds, and the breeds known for their incredible velocity.

Why do some horses seem to effortlessly stay at their ideal body weight while others struggle to maintain condition, no matter how much they eat? Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight in horses can occur due to age, an underperforming digestive system, health issues, intense workload, or individual metabolism.   As a result of their low body condition, underweight horses can experience a decline in performance, welfare, and overall health.   Weight gain supplements for horses can play a valuable role in supporting healthy weight maintenance—provided they are used correctly and fed as part of a balanced diet.