CHALLENGE: Ponies kept in sub-optimal conditions or those on grass restriction needing a boost (Pony Club)

Nutrients that may be lacking in poor quality forage include energy and protein, minerals and vitamins. Drying and storage of hay reduces the content of many vitamins. Ponies on restricted grass intake may benefit from supplementation with the water soluble vitamins including, vitamins A, the B vitamins and minerals zinc, copper-cobalt and selenium.

RECOMMENDATION: EQUIBOOST POWDER

EQUIBOOST is a powder containing 26 different vitamins and minerals as well as a prebiotic (FOS), omega 3 oil and amino acids. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics which essentially provide a nutrient source for the good bacterial microflora in the intestine and help to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora which in turn promotes healthy digestion and nutrient utilisation. EQUIBOOST contains flax oil which is rich in α -linoleic acid, ALA (an omega n-3 fatty acid). ALA is found in large amounts in fresh grass and has been shown to positively influence the immune response in horses. Ponies with limited access to fresh grass may benefit from flaxseed supplementation. ALA is converted to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body which is then incorporated into muscle and other tissues and has been demonstrated to improve the inflammatory status and reduce pain and inflammation in humans. Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in ponies may help manage chronic inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, equine metabolic syndrome, laminitis and thereby help to improve the longevity and quality of life of the pony.

EQUIBOOST contains a range of water-soluble vitamins which are required in many chemical reactions in the body that produce energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. EQUIBOOST also contains important antioxidants such as vitamins A, E and the trace mineral selenium. Other trace minerals included in EQUIBOOST are copper, zinc, manganese, iron and cobalt. The copper. Zinc, manganese and iron are included as chelates (linked to an amino acid) which ensures greater intestinal absorption. Trace minerals play a wide range of roles in the body, but essentially are key components of hair, hoof, skin and the immune system.