The Dodson & Horrell Herbs and Supplements range has been scientifically developed to provide support for general health and wellbeing, performance and recovery. For many years Dodson & Horrell have been providing a holistic option, in the form of the carefully crafted herbal supplements. They are easy to use and are very palatable. They can be fed in one daily dose to help support the individual’s area of concern and/or interest, are cost effective, and can ultimately aid in the support of general health and well-being.

With the Winter weather comes many changes, both environmentally and nutritionally, but also behaviourally. Mares’ seasons are triggered by increasing daylight hours. They usually start in late February/early March and finish towards the end of August; however, some horses will cycle all year. Some show more obvious signs than others, of which squealing, kicking, bucking, and stroppiness are some examples that we generally start seeing in times of seasonal change. Unfortunately, these swings in hormones experienced by mares as they come in and out of season can be difficult for both owners and mares themselves, to manage. Mares can also sometimes struggle with concentration and often grumpy, aggressive behaviour towards field friends as well as owners can happen as a result. Many owners have reported that calming herbs and those that help support hormone function can help promote settling of behaviour into a more manageable and predictable pattern.

Dodson and Horrell offer a hormonal supplement called Stroppy Mare, a comforting blend for the hormonal mare. It contains a herbal blend of chamomile and vervain, both of which are renowned for their calming properties. It also contains St John’s Wort and Chaste Tree Berries, in support of the hormonal system, and raspberry leaves and peony petals that support reproductive health. All of the herbs included in the Stroppy Mare work together to support a calm and even temperament. A 500kg horse would need 30g per day (2 scoops – scoop provided).

Many owners report that once mares come into season, their placid geldings seemingly transform into prancing stallions. With some mares in and out of season all year round, it can prove to be a large factor in variations in geldings’ behaviour. Undertaking management changes, adjustments to turn out groups or increasing their workload are all factors that can contribute to supporting your gelding throughout hormonal changes. However, these management changes shouldn’t discount the nutritional possibilities that can additionally support the efforts. Perfect Gentlemen is a herbal blend to promote an even temperament in geldings exhibiting riggish behaviour. It contains chamomile and lemon balm, renowned for their calming properties. It also contains Passion Flower and Hops to discourage any riggish behaviour and also added magnesium to further support a calm and even temperament. A 500kg horse would need 28g per day (2 scoops – scoop provided).

Like all times of the year, it is important to ensure your horses’ ration provides them with a balance in vitamins and minerals. For some, Winter is an ideal time to work towards a healthy body condition prior to spring and summer, when the risk of endocrine disorders are at their highest. Even with a healthy weight loss as a goal, the foundation of their diet should never be compromised. The Daily Vitamins & Minerals are a vitamin and mineral ‘top-up’, ideal for leisure horses and ponies, and those that hold their weight well. The Daily Vitamins & Minerals are a low-calorie supplement, providing the horse or pony with a healthy balance of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting them with everything they need alongside their forage and grazing each day. It also contains our own blend of natural QLC antioxidants (blackcurrant, kale, spinach, beetroot, rosemary, rosehip and pomegranate). The low-calorie nature of the Daily Vits & Mins makes it an obvious choice for horses and ponies that hold their weight well on forage and grazing alone. A 500kg horse would need 75g per day (3/4 of the scoop – scoop provided).

During the winter, in times of colder temperatures, some horses can be prone to stiffness. With this in mind, many owners will support their horse by providing additional supplementation alongside their concentrate ration. Although stiffness is common in winter, joint supplements work to protect what is there, rather than re-build what is lost. With this in mind, providing a joint support supplement throughout the year is often advised. By using them preventatively, it supports the maintenance of joint fluidity for longer, rather than waiting until there are joint issues later down the line. The Dodson and Horrell Mobility supplement contains a dried blend of herbs to support muscles and joints. The Mobility supplement contains Comfrey leaf, Dandelion and Nettle, to support normal cell renewal, as well as joint and bone integrity. Celery seed and burdock root are included, to promote normal joint and muscular function. It also contains Devil’s Claw Root, renowned for years in supporting joint mobility and ease of movement. A 500kg horse would need 50g per day (3 scoops – scoop provided).

The Dodson and Horrell Herbs and Supplements have been carefully crafted based on scientific research, to cater for all horses and ponies. Environmental, management and nutritional changes are bound to occur in line with the seasons, but support is always available. If you have any questions regarding the products discussed, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Dodson and Horrell Nutritional Helpline team via [email protected], call on 01270 782 223 or message via LiveChat on the website.

Written by: Emma Nissler BSc (Hons), Nutritional Manager, Dods (Guest Author)