Friday, 30 September 2011

Using Horse Supplements During Breeding

Breeding horses can be a big money making business. For those who are a part of this business, every successful conception counts. If you want to make sure your horses are ready for breeding and will produce healthy and beautiful foals, you may want to consider using horse supplements. These supplements will help ensure your horses will be at the top of their game when it comes time for breeding.


Types of Horse Supplements used for Breeding


For breeders, it is very important for horses to be healthy and happy in order to produce strong and healthy foals. This is especially true when it comes to performance horses, because the right breeding can mean a lot of money can be made.


If you are new to breeding, here are just a few of the most used kinds of supplements.

Calcium and Phosphorus- This combination is most often used for mares. When combined correctly, it will help ensure a better immune system and will also provide the nutrients needed for foal development. It helps a growing foal to develop a strong bone structure while within the womb. This is also one of many horse supplements that can increase fertility in mares.
Linseed Oil- This popular type of horse supplement is generally used to help increase a stallion's fertility. It is thought to help the immune system, increase the total amount of semen, and increase the overall health of a stallion. These changes are often contributed to the number of Omega-3 fatty acids located in the linseed oil.
Honey- Many horse supplements contain honey, which offers rich antioxidants and other minerals which help in the vitality, stamina, and sex drive of a horse. When combined with garlic and glucose, honey supplements can also aid with respiratory and blood circulation.
Calmers-There are several different types of calming supplements available, each containing different ingredients. The purpose of these calming supplements during breeding is to reduce the stress of brood mare while breeding is taking place. Less stress can make it easier for fertilization to occur.

Why Use Horse Supplements During Breeding?


Some breeders may question whether they should use horse supplements during breeding. These supplements are generally not harmful to the horse, and can be beneficial in many ways, including:
· Boosting the immune system
· Increasing fertilization
· Reduce stress
· Assist in foal development
· Increase stamina
· Increase sex drive
· Reduce strain on muscles during breeding


The supplements may also contain ingredients that can help in other areas of the horse's health, such as blood circulation, respiratory problems, weight gain, and hoof health. While not every breeder will want to start his horses on a supplement to assist with breeding, they can be helpful when used correctly.


If you are new to breeding, and want to help your horses as much as possible during the process, consider using horse supplements. There is a good chance your horses will be much happier, healthier, and much more fertile if you do.


Equiform Nutrition has been a leader in horse supplements and natural equine health for the past century. We offer a complete range of horse supplements, including vitamin and mineral supplements, anti-anxiety aids, horse joint supplements and other products especially created to support performance.


We create our supplements using the most rigid standards of production and the highest quality and purest ingredients. We never use banned substances, so you can use our supplements with the confidence of knowing you are within regulations with horses running under rule.


Check our full line of horse supplements, as well as our immune range, our performance range, breeding supplements, hoof health line, and our other health specialty formulas. We are here to meet the needs of your horse.



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Equine Equipment

Approximately 4500 B.C. is the best estimate of when horses were ridden and equine equipment was first used, although there is some controversy over the exact date. The teeth on a stallion that was buried approximately 6000 years ago, shows wear consistent with using a bit.


The one piece of equine equipment that is used to direct the horse is the bridle. The bridle consists of the headstall, the reins, and the bit. There are also hackamores and other types of bitless bridles. The hackamore controls the horse by putting pressure on the face.


Saddles were used by 800 B.C. and were simple pads attached with a surcingle. The saddle tree came into use much later. Saddles today are designed for a specific equestrian discipline. A saddle should fit the horse properly and also the rider. When the saddle fits correctly the comfort of the horse is increased and its useful life prolonged. With the use of the solid tree the rider's weight in the stirrups is evenly distributed. The two major categories of saddles are the Western saddle and the English saddle.


Paired stirrups were used by 302 A.D. which is much later than other equine equipment. Some of the first stirrups used were small loops attached to the saddle that only the big toe could fit into. The riders, of course, rode barefoot. Later a single stirrup was used for mounting. The Chinese are credited for the paired stirrup used today.


The breast collar or breast plate is used to keep the saddle from sliding backwards. On riding horses it is used on both Western saddles and English saddles. When the breast collar is used on working horses it uses a thicker sturdier strap. The breast collar used on western show saddles and English saddles uses a thinner strap.


Warfare traditions brought to America by the Spanish Conquistadores and working cattle were the two influences from which western riding evolved. Equine equipment changed to meet the working needs of the cowboy. Because of the long hours, rough terrain, and shock of roping the saddle tree was made stronger. The style of the stirrup was made wider and tapaderos were sometimes added to keep brush from sticking in the stirrup.


There are many different types of equine equipment in use today, each developed for a specific discipline. Whether riding English or Western you will need specific equipment for the discipline you ride. Dressage riders use different equipment than jumpers just as barrel racers use different equipment than reining horses.


For more information on equine equipment go to thebestofhorses.com.


If you would like to review and look at different types of equine equipment take a quick look at http://www.thebestofhorses.com/.



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