5 Reasons to Keep your Horse's Immune System on Top Form this Winter

5 Reasons to Keep your Horse's Immune System on Top Form this Winter

When equestrian’s think ‘Winter Blues’, we quite often think of Mud fever, stiff joints, scraggly coats, coughing ponies and a whole bunch of other dreaded stuff. However, it is now easier than ever to help protect them throughout the colder months. 

During the winter, the immune system is juggling with a variety of responsibilities. The effectiveness of the immune system can be hindered for a variety of reasons including stress, poor nutrition or whether the horse has an already existing injury or illness. 

Below we’ve listed 5 reasons why supporting our horses immune systems is important throughout the winter period…

• 1. Mud. The equestrian’s enemy.

Mud is the often winning opponent in the challenge ‘How long until that rug isn’t red anymore?’ But the far more sinister problem is Mud fever. There are a variety of lotions and potions on the market than can soothe the damaged area, but they are not only messy to use, but also work AFTER the event. Whereas, a healthy immune system will work from the inside out to keep mud fever away…

• 2. Do you have an accident prone horse?

Cuts and wounds - which we all know can soon turn into a visit from the vet if we are not cautious! A strong immune system that is in proper working order will provide a speedy healing process and allow us to escape the vet bills (phew)…

• 3. Respiratory mayhem on the yard…

Whilst the thought of our ponies being wrapped up in the stabl­­e in a snuggly rug is mind-easing, the stable’s air quality can affect breathing. Dusty hay and ammonia from wet bedding often results in bacteria and viruses in the stable environment. This is why many yards consist of coughing horses and ponies throughout the winter. That said, a good functioning immune system will help reduce irritation of the airways and coughing.

• 4. Rain Scald – traditional antiseptic scrub treatment not working?

Your horse’s ability to produce lots of new cells speeds up the healing process and enables effective elimination of germs that are trying to get through damaged skin. It’s the immune system’s responsibility for the healing process and new skin growth. Therefore, we should be dealing with the problem from the inside out.

• 5. Don’t let your horse catch that bug!

Nature has spent millions of years developing the immune system to keep bugs and viruses at bay! It just needs the best support you can give it!