MYTH oR FACT

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Stress: a word often with negative associations. Stress in horses is something we want to avoid altogether. Because stress is always unhealthy, right? Well. it’s a little more complicated than that.

Stress – or rather, tension – stimulates the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that’s responsible for balance in the body. It also regulates emotions and needs, including hunger and thirst. The hypothalamus controls the adrenal glands via the spinal cord and the nervous system. Large quantities of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol are produced there. This takes place in the medulla and cortex

A horse needs adrenaline for alertness and quick reaction. Cortisol ensures alertness over a sustained period of time. Adrenaline sends more blood to the heart and muscles, resulting in faster heart rate and higher blood pressure. In addition, adrenaline dilates the bronchi, allowing more oxygen to enter. Ultimately, this also benefits the muscles. Cortisol raises blood sugar levels, giving the body the energy to react. The production of adrenaline and the preparation of the body for a reaction is essential in acute stress situations. After the tension has been released, the body returns to its normal phase Excess tension, especially long-term, will have negative impacts on the horse’s health, both physically and mentally. Short-term tension is essential for quick reaction and focused performance. So stress is not necessarily bad – it just needs to be converted into (physical) activity. .

XPE ask ThE T

The question

I am showing my dressage horse in the international Grand Prix. She’s a mare and she is very wary and can have strong reactions. Three years ago she got colic and needed surgery. Since the operation, she has been on a ration sensitive to her gastrointestinal health. However, I am now considering a change of feed to make her a little more relaxed. This will be interesting, given her history with colic. What do you advise?

– Owner: Nicole Smith and horse Chi La Rou, South Africa The advice

The equine gastrointestinal tract is a delicate apparatus. Nutrition is very important for gastrointestinal health, with fibre playing the leading role. A horse needs fibre mainly for healthy bowel movements and a strong immune system, but fibre also supplies the horse with energy. Extra attention to the gastrointestinal system is definitely advised in the case of Chi La Rou. Cavalor FiberForce Gastro is a high-fibre feed that supports healthy intestinal function. It also contains soft fibres, buffers, and extra herbs that help to protect the stomach from excess acid.

We have developed a feed especially for hot horses: Cavalor Pianissimo. Cavalor Pianissimo is low in protein and contains extra tryptophan and magnesium, which help to calm hot horses. Horses that are nervous or hot-tempered should not be given too much explosive energy. Your horse is running at a high level and definitely needs some “extra” to perform. Feed as you need. We recommend 350 g (minimum) to 650 g (maximum) per 100 kg of body weight. For a 600 kg horse, this would be 2.1 kg to 3.9 kg (maximum) per day.

Is your horse still excitable in tense situations, for example during shows, despite these changes? Then give your horse Cavalor Take It Easy beforehand. This supplement helps to relieve stress quickly, giving your horse more composure and focus when competing. Cavalor Take It Easy contains magnesium, tryptophan, and B-vitamins, all of which have calming effects. It supports the respiratory and circulatory systems for optimum stress relief. For best results, administer 20 cc the evening before an event, 20 cc the morning of the event, and another 20 cc one hour before.

– Fien Demeyere, Nutritional Specialist at Cavalor

EVERY HORSE IS DIFFERENT. EVERY HORSE HAS UNIQUE NEEDS. FEED YOUR HORSE ACCORDING TO ITS NEEDS. WOULD YOU LIKE A CONSULTATION REGARDING YOUR HORSE? THEN VISIT WWW.MYCAVALOR. COM OR CALL OUR CONSUMER LINE: +32(0)92202525.