The Life Data® Hoof Care Booklet is a collection of research and tips that will assist the horse owner in developing and maintaining a high-quality hoof. This booklet gives readers a deeper understanding of:
The Anatomy and Physiology of the Hoof
How Genetics Affect the Hoof
Nutritional Support for the Hoof
External and Internal Hoof Care
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Who Manufactures Your Horse’s Feeds and Supplements?
When a horse owner opens the green-fronted bag of Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength, we want that customer to be confident that the pellets inside are safe for their horse, matchless in quality, and provide the nutrients the horse requires. A commitment Life Data® has made since Dr. Frank Gravlee produced the very first bag of Farrier’s Formula® back in the early 80’s. The following summarizes the steps we take to ensure Life Data® supplements, like Farrier’s Formula® and other Life Data® products, continue to be at the level of quality our customers expect.
Consistent and Trustworthy Manufacturing
Life Data Labs, Inc. is committed to supplying horse owners with premium quality animal nutrition and health products through our in-house ISO 9001 Certified manufacturing facility. We take measures to ensure the products are manufactured in a clean, safe, and environmentally friendly manner. We uphold these standards through our ISO 9001 certification, and our commitment to quality. Life Data® is one of the only animal feed manufacturers to obtain an ISO 9001 certification. It is an extra step we take to ensure our manufacturing process remains green, consistent, innovative, and efficient.
Animal-Byproduct-Free Facility
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or Mad Cow Disease) can be transmitted through commercial feed that utilizes animal by-products. Although the risk is low due to FDA regulations and other factors, it can still occur. Other notable safety concerns include spreading pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. Contamination of feeds through animal by-products happens more frequently than contamination of plant-based food and feeds.
Life Data® products do not contain animal byproducts. The Alabama Department of Agriculture certifies Life Data® as an animal-byproduct-free facility.
Life Data® is an Ionophore Free Facility
Ionophores are antibiotic-like compounds commonly utilized in cattle, pigs, and poultry feeds to increase feed efficiency and weight gain. Although not toxic to the targeted species, the compounds are toxic to horses, often leading to death. It is crucial never to allow your horses to consume mixes prepared for other species and to avoid any feed with the risk of ionophore contamination.
The most common cause of ionophore poisoning in horses is accidentally giving feed intended for other species. Unfortunately, contamination from feed mills that produce equine and other livestock feed can also occur. Many horses have been poisoned from this contamination. Horse owners should consider this when buying feed and supplements for their horses.
Farrier’s Formula®, along with all Life Data® Equine and Canine Supplements, are ionophore-free. Life Data® does not manufacture supplements for other species, and Life Data® does not inventory or utilize ionophores such as:
Monensin (Rumensin®)
Lasalocid (Bovatec®)
Laidlomycin Propionate (Cattlyst®)
Some feed manufacturing plants that produce cattle, pigs, and/or poultry feed claim to be “Ionophore Safe” by cleaning out bins and the manufacturing line before manufacturing horse feed or supplements. However, we believe that human mistakes can occur and that any level of ionophore cross-contamination, however small, can lead to long-term horse health issues.
If you believe your horse may have consumed a product containing ionophore, contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Signs of ionophore poisoning include:
Poor appetite
Feed refusal
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Weakness
Rapid Heart Rate
Cardiac failure
Struggle walking
Depression
In-house Manufacturing
Life Data® Manufacturing Facility in Cherokee, AL
Life Data® does not outsource manufacturing to other third-party facilities. From ingredient mixing, pelleting, packaging, and shipping from our dock, Life Data® supplements are created within our facility located in Cherokee, Alabama. This same facility also manages ingredient receiving and warehousing and houses our research and product development laboratory. This ensures that every product that comes out of our facility is meticulously researched, developed, and manufactured under the watchful eye and expertise of Life Data Labs, Inc.
Say Cheese! Believe it or not, one of the top recommendations we give to horse owners who have just begun feeding Farrier’s Formula® for hoof growth and quality is, “Get your phone out and take pictures of those hooves!”
Developing Hoof Growth Requires Patience
Feeding for hoof growth is a tedious process, and, as mentioned in previous blog articles, it takes time and patience. Even when promoting hoof growth through a hoof supplement, maintaining regular farrier schedules, and managing daily hoof care, seeing significant results can take several months. It can take nine months to a year for the hoof to completely grow out. Sometimes, it can take longer, depending on the original condition of the hoof or if unforeseen setbacks occur.
Unfortunately, setbacks to hoof growth may occur when the process is disrupted by:
Discontinuing the hoof supplement
Not following farrier recommendations
Inconsistent hoof management
Using caustic topicals for a “quick fix”
All the above
Subtle Improvements to the Hoof are Difficult to Notice
Becoming disgruntled is understandable. Improvements to the hoof will be subtle. Early on, the most significant change will occur from within the hoof, and the internal improvement won’t be visible. Most horse owners also see the hooves regularly, and subtle exterior changes can go unnoticed. The slow, gradual process blinds us to the improvements the hoof has developed. More than likely, your farrier will notice those changes before you do!
Use the Camera as a Hoof Care Tool
A camera is a powerful tool for horse owners. Routinely taking pictures of the hooves and comparing them over time can help you witness subtle changes and even reveal the challenges that still need work. Many horse owners will be shocked at the difference between photos taken only three months apart, changes that would typically go unnoticed. Comparing photos over time and seeing improvements will help keep you focused on the task ahead!
Two-Month Hoof Progress
For example, we recently received a two-month update from a horse owner who had just begun supplementing with Farrier’s Formula® and using topical applications of Farrier’s Finish®. This individual included new pictures with the update and said, “I think it is too early yet to know the impact that Farrier’s Formula is having…”
Left Front Hoof Two Months Apart After Supplementing with Farrier’s Formula®.
But, compared to the original photograph from two months ago, the changes are much more evident. Some of the noticeable improvements include:
A tighter white line
Healthier frog and sole
Less bruising
When the horse owner was shown the two photographs side by side, she was shocked and replied, “My goodness, you are right. What a difference in a relatively short time.”
The hooves still require much time and work, but the photos reveal that Farrier’s Formula® and Farrier’s Finish® are working together to rebuild a healthy hoof. This revelation and seeing the changes reinvigorated the horse owner.
Track Hoof Health Over Time
Photography is not only an excellent way to track your horse’s hoof growth but also a way to track overall hoof health. It gives you a record of when specific problems began taking place. These can be shared with your farrier or veterinarian to diagnose a problem. The more evidence available, the quicker a solution can be found.
Photographing Hooves
Here are a few tips to consider when photographing hooves.
Lighting Plays an Important Role in Revealing Details in Hoof Quality.
Lighting is everything
Lighting is essential to reveal the details of the hoof. If the hoof is covered in shadows, details can be challenging to see. So, when picking a location for your photoshoot, try not to take them in your barn’s darkest corner.
Cleaned and trimmed
A dirty hoof doesn’t photograph well! Before you take pictures, clean the hoof and clear the sole of any debris.
Taking pictures after the farrier has visited is not only a good “timestamp” but ensures the hoof looks “its best” at that time.
Focus on the hoof
Your camera can easily focus on something other than the hoof. When taking your photos, double-check to ensure the hoof is in view, clear, and not blurry. Even the slightest blur can make those needed details challenging to see.
Use every angle
Capture pictures of the hoof from every angle. We encourage at least five angles: the front of the hoof, each side, the back, and the sole. The more angles, the better!
Repeat
Repeat the same angles each time you photograph the hoof. This makes it easier to compare photos over time.
Photograph regularly
We will leave this one up to you! Take pictures as often as you’d like, but we recommend at least scheduling your photo sessions with your farrier visits. It’s easier to remember and more convenient for you as the horse owner.
Hoof Quality Improvements After Six Months Supplementing with Farrier’s Formula®
Hoof Care Notes
When working towards building a new hoof, here are a few other notes to consider:
The first signs of success will appear in the hair coat.
The same nutrients essential for the hoof are also important for developing healthy skin and hair coat. The internal health of your horse is revealed externally. When you notice your horse developing a healthy and glossier hair coat while feeding Farrier’s Formula®, know that better hoof quality will follow.
The hoof doesn’t “heal.” It must “grow out.”
The cracks, defects, and poor hoof quality will not heal like a wound. They must grow out with the hoof. Farrier’s Formula® promotes the needed growth. Using a non-caustic hoof topical, like Farrier’s Finish® or Life Data® Hoof Clay®, protects the new growth from “hoof-eating” bacterial and fungal invasions that enter the hoof capsule from the hoof cracks and defects.
Nutrition is only one step in a greater equation.
Nutrition is essential for healthy hooves, but it is one factor of many. Genetics, mechanics, and the environment also affect the quality of your horse’s hooves. If you do everything correctly from a nutrition standpoint but don’t maintain balanced hooves and proper hoof management, hoof growth, and quality will still suffer.
Be familiar with your horses’ hooves.
Your farrier shouldn’t be the only one picking up your horses’ hooves. As a horse owner, you should know your horse’s hooves like the back of your hand. Cleaning and managing hoof care is a daily routine.
If you stall your horse at a public barn and cannot see your horse daily, build a community within the barn to share the responsibilities of daily hoof management.
Talk with your farrier.
Even if you don’t notice improvements to the hoof, there is a good chance your farrier will. They may notice the better hoof quality when trimming the hoof. For example, they may feel more resistance when rasping the hoof wall or less tenderness in the sole.
Last Thoughts
Hoof care can be tedious and frustrating, but with the right tools, a good farrier, and patience, you can develop a hoof your horse can be proud of. Using photography as part of the process is fun and an excellent tool for management and care. If you have any questions regarding hoof care or any of the products mentioned in this article, please call us at 1-800-624-1873 or e-mail us at cservice@lifedatalabs.com. If your horse develops a hoof-related issue, consult with your veterinarian and farrier as soon as possible.
Is There a Correlation Between Excess Selenium and Insulin Resistance, PPID, or Laminitis?
Life Data® has performed whole blood testing on horses in our in-house lab utilizing whole blood trace mineral ICP-MS analysis. Our research showed that Insulin Resistant, PPID (Cushing’s Disease), and laminitis-prone horses are consistently higher in some nutrients and lower in others compared to the average healthy horse.
Selenium Excesses in Whole Blood
Selenium is one of the whole blood minerals that test higher than average in most horses with a metabolic condition such as insulin resistance or PPID. The research at Life Data® has not determined the basis or mechanism leading to higher selenium whole blood levels. Higher than average whole blood selenium levels may or may not be related to selenium intake. However, as a precaution, Life Data® does not recommend giving an Insulin Resistant or PPID horse any feeds, ration balancers, or supplements containing selenium. Almost all fortified feeds and balancers contain selenium.
What Does Selenium Do for the Horse?
Selenium is required in the diet for normal metabolic functions and is naturally present in forages. Unless the forage or hay is grown in a selenium-deficient area, the horse will not likely be selenium deficient.
Excess selenium in the diet, usually through fortified feeds or supplements, will substitute for the stronger sulfur bonds in connective tissue, leading to weaker tissue. This excess can negatively impact hooves, skin, hair, and ligaments.
Nutrition for Horses with Metabolic Conditions
Life Data® has formulated several specialty equine products based on our Whole Blood Research. When our research shows that nutrition may benefit horses with a condition, a formulation is produced for field trial testing. Low or high whole blood element levels are often either positively or negatively correlated with other nutrients such as other trace minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. The formulations for these conditions are designed to bring the high levels down and supplement the low nutrients. The formulation is not a treatment for a condition and is not intended to replace veterinary-prescribed therapeutics.
Life Data® Products for Specific Equine Conditions
Life Data® has developed three specialty products to help metabolic horses:
These formulations address the differences found in our whole blood testing. They do not contain added selenium and will replace ration balancers and/or complete feeds. They are also formulated to be given along with Farrier’s Formula® for additional support to the connective tissues of the ligaments, skin, joints, and hooves.
Due to the risk of over-supplementation, horse owners must be cautious of the ingredients used when supplementing for hoof and joint health. Joint supplements containing glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM are often given in addition to hoof supplements. These ingredients are typically “thought of” when discussing nutrition for joint health, but do they make a difference? How do they affect your horse when given with other supplements?
Supplementing Horses with sulfur from MSM vs. sulfur-containing amino acids
Synthetic MSM contains about 34% sulfur and is manufactured via a chemical reaction involving DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and hydrogen peroxide. A refinement process is necessary to remove any impurities and toxic by-products from the MSM following the chemical reaction.
Excess sulfur in the diet has been shown to block the proper absorption of copper in many species. Copper and Vitamin C are necessary to form collagen to build the healthy connective tissue essential for strong hooves and joints. Reduced copper absorption from excessive sulfur supplementation will produce the opposite of the intended, resulting in diminished hoof and joint health.
Methionine and cystine are the two sulfur-containing amino acids. Quality hoof supplements contain these amino acids. Rather than MSM, methionine and cysteine are the sources of the sulfur needed to build healthy connective tissue for strong hooves.
Excessive sulfur supplementation often occurs when feeding a hoof supplement and a joint supplement concurrently. As a rule, when feeding a hoof supplement containing methionine, do not add a joint supplement containing MSM.
Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint is a balanced Hoof and Joint supplement formulated with methionine and cysteine to provide the sulfur needed for Hoof and Joint support. Feeding Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint eliminates the risk of sulfur over-supplementation.
Glucosamine in Joint Supplements for Horses
Glucosamine is often included in Equine Joint Supplements.
Equine joint supplements usually contain glucosamine. Glucosamine is a specialized form of sugar the body utilizes for cartilage development. Although glucosamine is not directly converted to glucose, supplementation at higher levels has been implicated in increasing insulin secretion because the body thinks there is excess glucose in the bloodstream. As a precautionary measure, avoiding glucosamine administration may be recommended for horses with metabolic issues or recurring bouts of laminitis.
Due to this risk, a few Joint supplement manufacturers have elected to remove Glucosamine as an ingredient. Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint is frequently used for horses recovering from laminitis and laminitis-prone horses. Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint does not contain Glucosamine.
Hyaluronic Acid for Equine Joints
Hyaluronic acid has proven beneficial when injected. However, little evidence exists when given orally that the compound is absorbed intact through the equine intestines or makes its way to the joints. Supplementing hyaluronic acid may or may not have benefits to the joint. Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint does not contain hyaluronic acid.
Chondroitin Sulfate in Equine Joint Supplements
Chondroitin sulfate is derived from animals or marine life. Animal-derived ingredients or animal-origin ingredients increase the risk of contamination with harmful bacteria or other unsafe compounds when added to feed products. There is also little evidence that supplementing chondroitin sulfate to horses benefits the joints. Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint does not contain Chondroitin.
Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint
Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint Rebuilds Hoof and Joint Health
To address these issues, Life Data® developed Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint. Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint does not contain MSM, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, or glucosamine. Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint also contains the correct level of sulfur provided organically by methionine and cystine.
Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint is effective by strengthening the connective tissue of the ligaments surrounding the joints and rebuilding cartilage. Ornithine, an active ingredient in the product, works with arginine in the urea cycle to reduce ammonia levels. Ammonia is converted to urea. Urea has notable detrimental effects on the joints and cartilage, even at low levels. Long-term excessive urea levels in humans lead to gout.
Proline is another active ingredient. It is an amino acid that gives ligaments “stretch,” providing additional motion for the joints and making ligaments and joints less susceptible to injury and the resulting inflammation. People commonly take Proline to decrease joint pain.
Manganese is another ingredient in Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint and is an essential component of cartilage. The product has many more ingredients to build and support the joints, hooves, and skin connective tissue.
Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint works with a unique and different approach to joint care. It also provides all the benefits to hoof health that our original Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength provides to the horse. When providing Farrier’s Formula® DS Plus Joint, horse owners can take comfort in knowing they are promoting the health of their horse’s hooves and joints with a balanced product backed by years of research.
Ponies are at a High Risk of Insulin Resistance, Laminitis, and Cushing’s Disease
Ponies are generally considered to be less than 14 hands tall at the withers. Although energy requirements vary between ponies, most are easy keepers with low caloric requirements and seem to gain weight from the air they breathe! The ancestors of today’s ponies endured harsh conditions and barren environments. Ponies became genetically “wired” to survive with little food. With today’s pastures and plentiful hay, the incidence of obesity and the subsequent health issues are commonplace.
Why Ponies Are Prone to Obesity
In the evolution of the wild pony, he/she instinctively consumed sufficient forage to gain additional weight during the Summer and Fall to prepare for the harsher winter months. The added fat was burned as needed to help maintain metabolic functions through the winter. The wild Pony would utilize the excess fat by spring, emerging lean but healthy, and the cycle began again.
The domesticated pony goes through the same cycle, but human interference has interrupted this natural process by providing a rich diet throughout the year. The pony goes into winter fat, continues receiving the same rich diet, and the stored fat is never expended. When Spring arrives, the pony is not only overweight but also has additional access to sugar-rich spring grazing. This dietary routine leads to chronic obesity and impacts the metabolic health of the pony.
The Overweight Pony and Equine Metabolic Syndrome
A diet too rich in calories and the resulting obesity is the leading contributor to the development of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Obesity continues to be on the rise for ponies in the United States. Some studies show that around 72% of the pony population is overweight. Obese ponies are at a high risk of metabolic issues such as:
Obesity affects how the pony utilizes insulin. The abdomen is the largest fat storage compartment for adipose tissue (fat). Mammals store most of their fat in their abdomen. Abdominal fat storage is called omental, or visceral fat. The visceral fat helps regulate several body processes that support the wild pony’s survival through winter. One of these functions of adipose tissue is the production of an insulin resistance factor to allow the pony to maintain slightly higher levels of blood glucose, or energy, through the harshness of winter. It is nature’s intention that this mild state of insulin resistance is to gradually reverse as the pony burns the visceral fat for winter energy.
However, the overfed domesticated pony does not need to utilize this fat; therefore, there is a continuance of insulin resistance. In Spring, this insulin resistant pony has access to forage high in sugar, leading to further weight gain and increasing insulin resistance, predisposing the pony to metabolic issues and laminitis.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome
A horse is commonly labeled as affected by Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) if he/she has high blood insulin levels (insulin dysregulation), concurrent obesity, and a history of laminitis, or at least a likely candidate of laminitis. EMS usually begins appearing in ponies between the ages of 5 to 15 years of age. There are common signs of EMS that pony owners can look for.
Obesity
Bouts of Laminitis
Frequent Urination
Unwillingness to Move or Perform
Cresty Neck and Regional Fatty Deposits
Easy Keeper that Gains Weight Easily
Constant Appetite
Infertility in Mares
Poor Hoof Quality
Preventing Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Prevention is vital when it comes to EMS. Pony owners must maintain a healthy body condition score through a balanced diet. Here are a few tips for establishing a healthy diet for your Pony.
Feed a “basic diet” of pasture grass and hay.
Avoid complete feeds, sweet feeds, and sweet treats.
Provide plenty of water and free choice white salt.
Exercise is also essential in maintaining the pony’s body condition. Regular exercise will help burn off excess visceral fat that has been deposited. Active ponies are also less likely to develop EMS. If the pony has not been conditioned for exercise, start slowly to allow the pony to adjust. Ponies that compete or perform regular work and are not obese may need additional calories for energy. In this case, extra calories may be added to the feeding program in the form of oats, beet pulp, or copra.
Our first goal in addressing an obese pony with EMS is to help him/her establish a healthy body condition score. Control calorie intake by removing all complete feeds, sweet feeds, and treats from the feeding program and transition the pony to the “basic diet” of hay and pasture. As mentioned earlier, a regular exercise program is also important.
Life Data® research has been instrumental in the development of effective nutritional products to help the metabolic horse. These new products are formulated to address specific metabolic issues.
For Ponies with Insulin Resistance:
Life Data® Insulin R Formula supports insulin resistant ponies by supplying active ingredients to assist with glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, insulin action, and help reduce inflammation. Life Data® Insulin R Formula also supports proper metabolism to encourage weight control and general health. This is recommended for ponies diagnosed with the following:
Life Data® Adrenal Formula provides active ingredients that can benefit horses with PPID, or Cushing’s Disease. The active ingredients may help improve glucose metabolism, regulate adrenal and thyroid hormones, and improve metabolism. Life Data® Adrenal Formula is recommended for ponies diagnosed with the following:
Cushing’s Disease/PPID
Cushing’s Disease + Laminitis
For Ponies with Laminitis
Life Data® Lamina Formula is a laminae support supplement for ponies with acute or chronic laminitis. Life Data® Lamina Formula ingredients assist in laminitis recovery, reduce inflammation, support the maintenance of blood flow in the inner hoof wall, and help protect from or reduce the incidence of future bouts of laminitis.
Life Data® Insulin R Formula, Life Data® Adrenal Formula, and Life Data® Lamina Formula should not be combined or provided together. Ponies with insulin resistance, PPID, and/or laminitis are prone to hoof issues, so for best results, we also recommend feeding Farrier’s Formula®.
If your horse has EMS or other health issues, advise your veterinarian and farrier. If you have questions regarding feeding and supplementing your pony or the information in this blog article, feel free to contact us.
The most basic explanation when discussing Insulin Resistance in horses is that we are dealing with an insulin problem within the horse. When a horse consumes carbohydrates, the pancreas is triggered to produce and release insulin. Insulin regulates and lowers glucose levels in the bloodstream by assisting the transport of glucose into the cells. When we have an Insulin Resistance problem, the cells become resistant to the action of insulin. As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas secretes more insulin in the attempt to regulate blood sugar. Blood glucose levels begin to rise along with insulin levels when the pancreas reaches the limit of insulin production.
Horses at Risk of Insulin Resistance
Although all horses are at risk of developing insulin resistance, factors such as age, diet, exercise, and genetics can increase the risk. For example, certain breeds are more conducive to developing insulin resistance. These breeds include:
Morgans
Pasa Finos
Andalusians
Arabians
Peruvian Pasos
Mustangs
Ponies
Minis
Donkeys
Another example is the average age of these horses. If we look at the correlation between age and Insulin Resistance, horses in the 5-15 age range are predisposed to the development of Insulin Resistance. Insulin Resistance is a metabolic issue, so diet and weight also play a significant factor. Horses that are overweight with a body condition score (BCS) between 7 and 9 or who receive diets rich in sugar and carbs have a higher risk of developing Insulin Resistance than a horse who receives regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Clinical Signs of Equine Insulin Resistance
Horse with a Body Condition Score of 8
Since Insulin Resistance is a metabolic problem occurring within the horse, it may be difficult to see the signs of a problem. A common warning sign that can be associated with the development of Insulin Resistance is an obese horse. Other signs we can look at include:
Fast weight gain
Inability to lose weight
Fatty deposits on the body of the horse
Development of a “cresty” neck
Loss of topline
Increased appetite
Excessive thirst and urination
Inflammation
Frequent bouts of laminitis
Laminitis & Insulin Resistance
Most Insulin Resistant horses are prone to bouts of laminitis. This can be attributed to the abundance of fat tissue, which is extremely common in insulin-resistant horses. In overweight horses, research has uncovered evidence that there is an “insulin resistance” hormone factor produced by the excessive adipose (fat) tissue that contributes to the cells’ inability to uptake glucose from the bloodstream. Adipose tissue may also contribute to higher cortisol levels. The high glucose and cortisol levels are inflammatory and therefore predispose the horse to laminitis. We highly recommend including a quality hoof supplement in the diet of these Insulin Resistant horses
Preventing Insulin Resistance in Horses
The first ten years of your horse’s life often sets the stage for the development of metabolic conditions. Horse owners should start providing the correct nutrients and a balanced diet to the horse at conception. This balanced diet must be continued throughout the horse’s life to maintain health and prevent future metabolic problems. Other factors that can help prevent the development of Insulin Resistance:
Regular work and/or exercise
Maintaining a healthy body condition score
Feeding grass/hay with a quality hay balancer
Refraining from feeding “sweet” feeds or treats
Caring for the Insulin Resistant Horse
There is no cure for Insulin Resistance, but we can help make the life of these horses as comfortable as possible. The first step in this process is to examine the horse’s current diet and develop a feeding plan that will assist the horse in dropping excess weight. This new diet will be focused on reducing the number of sugars and carbs the horse consumes daily. This means no sweet feeds, limited treats, and no grasses with high fructan. Grasses likely to have high fructan content include:
Fertilized and growing pastures
Pastures stressed from drought or frosts
Grazing in the afternoon and evening
Tall fescue and ryegrass
Monitored grazing, dry lotting, and grazing muzzles may also be necessary depending on the horse and pasture.
Adding exercise to the horse’s daily routine is the next step. If the horse is not accustomed to exercise, it should be introduced slowly, 2-3 times a week, and built up over time. Eventually, we want the horse to exercise daily with body condition steadily improving.
Supplementation for Insulin Resistance
Supplementation is vital for horses with Insulin Resistance, especially when we begin cutting calories from the diet. We want to cut calories without cutting the horse’s required daily nutrients. If the horse’s diet is not balanced nutritionally, we are not providing the support needed to maintain our horse’s health.
As mentioned above, a quality hoof supplement is essential for insulin-resistant horses to help improve hoof wall density. A denser hoof wall is more resilient to the effects of laminitis and may reduce the risk of founder. One good option is to utilize a hay and pasture balancer alongside a hoof supplement to replace the missing nutrients from the low-calorie diet. Another option is to use a quality hoof supplement and a supplement specifically formulated to support horses with Insulin Resistance.
Life Data® Insulin R Formula and Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength
Life Data® Recommendation
Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength and the new Life Data® Insulin R Formula work in conjunction to support horses with Insulin Resistance by supplying active ingredients to assist with glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, insulin action, and help reduce inflammation. Life Data® Insulin R Formula also supports proper metabolism to encourage weight control and general health.
In Part 1 of “Correlations Between Equine Hoof and Joint Health,” we discussed how nutrition and body condition are two major factors influencing the health of equine hooves and joints. In part 2, we will concentrate on external and mechanical elements that could be creating stress on your horse’s hooves and joints. Many of the hoof and joint problems we see today can be attributed to the long-term effects of offloading, exposure to hard terrain, and unbalanced hooves.
Offloading
Offloading occurs when a horse “offloads” its weight onto one side to compensate for pain, injury, or discomfort. This is common for horses suffering from a joint injury or a hoof issue such as an abscess. The horse’s anatomy is designed for the entire weight of the horse to be evenly distributed between all four legs. The weight distribution becomes unbalanced when the horse offloads, causing the opposite leg(s) to bear additional weight. Over time, the extra weight may adversely affect the health of the hooves and joints. Some of the problems that can develop are:
If you witness your horse offloading weight, contact your farrier or veterinarian to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Your farrier and veterinarian can work with your horse to discover what is causing the pain and discomfort in the hoof or joint. If there is no permanent damage, they can work towards a solution to bring relief. Depending on the initial issue and severity of the problem, your farrier’s expertise in balancing and/or correct shoe application will assist in reducing the effects of offloading.
Terrain Impact
Although wet and muddy environments take a toll on hoof health, terrain also plays an essential aspect in the longevity of the joints and the health of the hooves. When the hoof strikes a surface, the force from the landing is absorbed throughout the leg. Higher levels of concussion occur with the harder landing surfaces such as frozen ground, concrete/pavement, and rocky terrain. Frequent impact on hard surfaces can weaken hoof and joint integrity, leading to one or more issues such as:
Joint deterioration
Bruised /swollen joints
Arthritis
Road founder
Sore and bruised soles
Hoof cracks
Hoof abscesses
Lameness
Terrain: What to Do?
The most straightforward answer is to reduce the amount of time your horse spends on these hard surfaces. Unfortunately, this may not be possible due to your location or the horse’s work. The best way to prevent damage from hard surfaces is to build healthy hooves and joints with nutrition. A healthy, stronger hoof is much more resilient to hard surfaces. Healthier hooves also reduce the amount of impact felt through the joints. Stronger joints are also more likely to stand up to wear and tear. Utilizing nutrition and hoof and joint supplementation is one of the easiest ways to promote hoof and joint health. Regular exercise and maintaining balanced hooves are also keys to prevention.
Unbalanced Hooves
A horse with unbalanced hooves is like a car out of alignment, driving down the road wearing down the tires. Unbalanced hooves predispose horses to hoof and joint issues. Ideally, the horse’s hoof contacts the ground as a unit, distributing the weight impact force evenly across the weight-bearing surface of the hoof. An unbalanced set of hooves will lead to an uneven distribution of weight and force across the hooves and the lower limb joints. The imbalance adds additional strain to the health of the hoof and joints. The risk of injury from tripping, stumbling, or an unnatural landing is more likely to occur, especially in performance horses who are actively running, jumping, and exercising. Unbalanced hooves can affect both barefoot and shod horses, and several problems can develop from this issue:
Hoof distortion
Increase risk of thrush and white line disease
Hoof abscesses
Hoof or joint-related injuries
Laminitis
Joint deterioration
Hoof wall defects and separation
Heel bulb displacement
Microbial invasion
Unbalanced Hooves: What to Do?
The best solution is to work with your farrier to balance the hooves. Horse owners should pay close attention to their horse’s hooves. Clean and pick the feet daily and examine the hoof for changes or problems. Never be afraid to bring up a hoof balance concern with your farrier or veterinarian. You can learn more about the importance of well-balanced hooves in our previous blog.
Protecting hoof and joint health is essential to the longevity of your horse. If you believe your horse has sustained an injury or has developed an issue, consult with your farrier and veterinarian. Contact us if you have any questions regarding this article.
The Life Data® Insulin R Formula is designed to help reduce the symptoms associated with insulin resistant horses such as occasional bouts of laminitis, obesity, regional adiposities, thin soles, lethargy, and low exercise tolerance. Life Data® Insulin R Formula supplies active ingredients to assist with glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, insulin action and help reduce inflammation. The formula supports proper metabolism to encourage enhanced weight control and general health.
Research Behind Life Data® Insulin R Formula
Life Data® Insulin R Formula was formulated based on research, including whole blood macro and trace mineral analysis. Test results from horses diagnosed with insulin resistance were compared to healthy horses. The research was performed in our in-house laboratory equipped with conventional equine hematology and chemistry equipment (Abaxis HM5 and VetScan VS 2) and specialized equipment such as CEM Mars 6 microwave digestion and Thermo iCAP RQ ICP-MS.
Insulin Resistance Testing and Field Trials
Diagnostic testing, insulin testing, and other additional tests were performed by the horse owner’s veterinarian. Life Data conducted two years of field-trial testing on insulin resistant horses, with intermittent retesting on these horses. A survey of the 20 horses completing the field-testing trials showed that 50% of horse owners reported the product had “Pronounced Improvement” of “General well-being”, 35% showed some improvement and 15% reported no improvement.
In addition to the benefits of Life Data® Insulin R Formula, Farrier’s Formula® or Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength given along with Life Data® Insulin R Formula helps build the connective tissue of the hoof wall, creates a denser hoof wall, and increases the growth rate to give the farrier more to work with.
Life Data® Insulin R Formula is not a treatment for insulin resistance, has not been proven to significantly reduce blood insulin levels, and is not intended to replace any veterinary prescribed therapeutics. A minimum of 6 to 8 months of administration is required before owners typically notice any changes in their horse. Additional information about the Life Data® Equine Nutrition Research program, the blood testing laboratory, and the Life Data® Insulin R Formula can be found on our website www.lifedatalabs.com .
Our goal is to help horses. By determining how nutrition impacts horses with specific conditions we hope that specific dietary changes can prevent these conditions or improve the lives of afflicted horses.
Ingredients that Benefit Horses with Insulin Resistance
Life Data® Insulin R Formula Active Ingredients:
Inositol
Also known as vitamin B8, has been shown in laboratory studies to increase insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling
(The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Volume 24, Issue 2, February 2013, Pages 457-466; Int J Endocrinol, 2018; 2018: 1968450.)
Choline
Works synergistically with inositol as components of the phospholipids in cell membranes. Choline and phosphatidylcholine intake have been associated with a lower Type 2 diabetes risk in Finnish men.
(European Journal of Nutrition volume 59, pages 3857–3861 (2020))
Thiamine
Or vitamin B1, is essential for glucose metabolism
Is necessary for proper insulin function and to help maintain appropriate blood glucose levels. Chromium helps maintain insulin receptor function on cells.
Human research: (Diabetes Educ. 2004;Suppl:2-14.)
Vitamin E
(Supplied as natural source vitamin E) Is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and resulting tissue damage. Oxidative stress from a lack of antioxidants may contribute to insulin resistance. Sufficient vitamin E is usually present in green pasture grass; however, is deficient in stored hay. Vitamin E has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in overweight human patients.
(Diabetes Care 2004; 27(9):2166–2171)
Tyrosine
An amino acid, helps regulate thyroid and adrenal hormones. Tyrosine is a building block of thyroid hormones and is therefore involved with metabolism.
Threonine
An essential amino acid, is necessary for collagen formation.
Vitamin D3
Functions as a hormone as it circulates through the blood stream. Fresh pasture grass contains vitamin D2; however, vitamin D levels drop quickly in stored hay. Horses stalled due to metabolic issues with pasture restriction may not receive enough sunlight for the skin to produce sufficient vitamin D. [Vitamin D reduces insulin resistance probably through its effect on calcium and phosphorus metabolism and through up regulation of the insulin receptor gene.
Low copper levels have been associated with insulin resistance and higher iron levels.
Proprietary Silicon Complex
Contains macro and trace minerals that are typically in low levels in the whole blood of horses with insulin resistance, as determined by research conducted in the Life Data® blood testing laboratory.
No part of the horse “takes a beating” like the sole of the hoof. The horse’s sole and hoof share the responsibility in supporting the weight of the horse while withstanding the different terrains when running, jumping, trail riding, or performing. Rocks, concrete, mud, grass, and other surfaces take a toll on the bottom of the hoof. Therefore, a healthy sole is vital to the horse.
An unhealthy sole can limits a horse’s performance, lead to severe hoof related issues such as abscesses, thrush in horses, white line disease, or canker. Horse owners can take steps to build and manage a healthy sole by understanding its function, preventing factors that negatively impact its health, and promote sole quality through daily maintenance, diet, and nutrition.
The Function of the Horse’s Sole
The bottom of the hoof consists of the sole (the concave portion) and frog (the ”V” shaped tissue) surrounded by the hoof capsule. The average sole should be concave measuring approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick. The sole plays important functions in the horse’s mobility by helping to distribute weight and protect the coffin bone.
The coffin bone is the main bone located within the hoof capsule. It is surrounded by laminae which attaches the coffin bone to the hoof wall. The sole lies beneath the coffin bone and helps support and protect the internal anatomy of the hoof capsule from the external environment.
Thin or compromised soles allow excess stress to be applied on to the coffin bone especially on hard or rocky surfaces. The excess stress encourages a multitude of hoof related issues to develop. Promoting sole quality is essential in developing hoof quality and prolonging the usefulness of your horse.
Factors that Affect the Horse’s Sole
There are three major factors that horse owners must manage:
Nutrition
The Environment
Hoof Care Maintenance
The mismanagement of any of these factors can weaken the sole and predispose the hoof to several issues.
Improper nutrition through an imbalanced diet can lead to nutritional excesses or deficiencies in the horse. This imbalance directly affects the hoof by developing poor hoof and sole quality that is less resilient to bacteria, cracks, and other issues.
The environment can be just as harmful by predisposing hooves to bacterial infections and fungal invasions. Overly wet environments also soften the hoof wall and sole, weakening the protection they provide.
Hooves that are not properly managed through farrier work and daily cleanings can become packed with debris. A sole packed with debris cannot properly “breathe.” Thus, building an environment perfect for anerobic bacteria.
There is an extensive list of hoof related problems associated with the sole. Managing these factors act as a preventive measure against this long list. The sole can be subjected to a multitude of conditions including:
Bruising
White line disease
Contracted soles
Corns
False soles
Founder/laminitis
Hoof abscesses
Prolapsed soles
Puncture wounds
Subsolar abscess
Thin soles
Thrush
Canker
and more…
Promoting Hoof Quality
Proper Nutrition for the Equine Sole
A balanced diet that provides the essential nutrients important for hoof growth nurture a sole that is thicker, stronger, and more resilient to bacteria and injury. Horse owners can achieve this by taking the horse back to its basic diet and strengthening the diet with a hoof supplements for horses. For example, Farrier’s Formula® can help rebuild and maintain sole strength. Feeding balanced nutrition along with Farrier’s Formula® can also help in the recovery of a sole related hoof problem or injury.
Nutrition is especially important to horses suffering from acute or chronic laminitis. So, Horse owners may want to consider adding a supplement specialized for horses with laminitis. Life Data® Lamina Formula was formulated as a complimentary supplement to be given with Farrier’s Formula® to help support the laminitic horse and assist in laminitis recovery.
Protecting External Hoof Health
The horse’s sole is the first line of defense between the horse and the ground. Its always be in contact with the environment against rain, sand, mud, urine, feces, bacteria, and countless other matter. As a result, constant exposure to the environment will wear down the sole’s defenses and allow unwanted debris, bacteria, and fungi to penetrate and invade the hoof.
Managing the horse’s exposure to the environment helps maintain the health of the sole. Reducing exposure to wet environments, maintaining clean stalls, and using non-caustic hoof topicals are all steps that can be used to protect not the entire hoof.
For example, if your horse is often exposed to wet and muddy environments, applying Farrier’s Finish® regularly will help maintain moisture balance. It can also help prevent hooves from becoming too soft from excess moisture.
Lastly, Using Life Data® Hoof Clay® around the frog and along the white line helps protect the sole from the bacterial invasions that cause Thrush and White Line Disease. Protecting your horse’s hooves externally protects new hoof growth that is developing internally.
Hoof Care
Proper hoof care is essential to managing sole health. Inspect and pick out each hoof daily to remove excess debris. Daily cleaning helps prevent Thrush, White Line Disease, and hoof abscesses. In addition, regular farrier appointments also help hoof quality by ensuring hooves remain balanced and not overgrown.
Strong soles are essential to maintain the health and usefulness of your horse. You can help your horse develop the best quality hoof genetics will allow through nutrition, environmental management, and proper hoof care. Consult with your farrier or veterinarian if you believe your horse has a hoof issue. If you have any questions on equine nutrition and supplementation feel free to contact us.
