2 min read
We all know that horses can be stressed at shows, and many equestrians keep their calming paste on hand for big days. But stress in horses is a far more complex topic than this, and stress can have a lasting impact on your horse's health.
Research has shown that even the stress caused by events we consider ‘normal’ in a modern horse’s life, like transport, have the ability to alter a horse’s hindgut microbiome, which can result in large disturbances to their overall health.
Stress events may be travel, exercise in heat, separation from their herd, moving properties, pain, illness and more. And any stress event can affect a horse's performance, behaviour and even their physical health.
Stress can significantly impact a horse's digestive system as increased gastric acid production in the stomach can damage the mucous membranes, which can lead to gastric ulcers. Gut inflammation can create abdominal pain, colic and compromised performance.
The impact of stress on the gut microbiome can directly affect horses' appetite, hydration, muscle fatigue, performance and their behaviour, leading to safety issues.
Even purely psychological stresses like feed restriction and social isolation can lead to damage to the horses' gut affecting their wellbeing and impacting their immune system.
We can effectively support our horses to deal with stress events, limiting the impact on their wellbeing, behaviour and quality of life, through diet and nutrition.
By Poseidon Animal Health in partnership with Horseland.
