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What to Feed a Horse With Laminitis

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 When a horse is diagnosed with laminitis—a very painful and dangerous inflammation of the tissues inside the hooves—managing their daily diet is the single most important thing you can do to help them recover and prevent future episodes. Here is a detailed breakdown of how to manage a laminitic horse's diet safely: Control the Sugar and Starch (NSC): The most critical rule is keeping Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC), which combine sugar and starch, under 10% of their total dry matter intake. High sugar levels cause dangerous insulin spikes that directly damage the delicate laminae tissues in the hooves. Test or Soak Your Hay: You cannot tell if hay is safe just by looking at it. It is best to test forage through a specialized equine lab for accurate ESC and starch values. If testing isn't possible, soaking hay in warm water for 60 minutes (or cold water for 12 to 16 hours) will leach out 30% to 50% of the soluble sugars—just remember to discard the sugary water afterward. ...
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The Ultimate Guide to Equine Science: What Is Horse Breeding?

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Many people outside the equestrian community assume that horse breeding is a simple, natural process. The common belief is that you just put a stallion and a mare in a pasture and wait for a foal to arrive. In reality, modern horse breeding is a highly managed science that combines reproductive biology, advanced genetics, veterinary medicine, and generations of knowledge. Whether you are a first-time horse owner or simply fascinated by majestic breeds like the Friesian, Arabian, or Gypsy Vanner, this comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about equine reproduction.  Defining Horse Breeding: The Absolute Basics At its core, horse breeding is the human-directed process of planning and managing the reproduction of horses. The ultimate goal is to produce offspring with specific, desired traits, such as athletic ability, speed, stamina, good conformation, or a calm temperament. Before diving deeper, let us look at the foundational terminology used by professiona...
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