As horse owners, we all want to give our horses the best possible support throughout the year. From changing seasons and fluctuating temperatures to travelling, competing and spending more time stabled, there are plenty of factors that can influence your horse’s general health and wellbeing.
While no supplement can replace good management, a balanced diet and appropriate veterinary care, nutrition can play an important role in supporting normal immune function.
So, what can you do to support your horse’s immune system, and when might an immune-support supplement be worth considering?
How Does Your Horse’s Immune Support Work?
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organ that helps the body recognise and respond to potential threats. Like every other part of your horse’s body, it relies on good nutrition and overall health to function normally.
This means that supporting immunity isn’t necessarily about finding one particular supplement. Instead, it starts with looking at the bigger picture, from forage and water to nutrition, digestive health, exercise and day-to-day management.
Nutrition: The Foundation of Immune Support
A well-balanced diet is one of the most important foundations for your horse’s health.
Good-quality forage should form the basis of most horses’ diets while additional feed or supplements can be used where there are specific nutritional requirements.
Vitamins and minerals are particularly important. For example, Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while selenium is na essential trace mineral that worsens alongside vitamin E. Both have important roles within the horse’s body.
However, more isn’t necessarily better. Selenium has a relatively narrow safety margin, so it is important to consider everything your horse is already receiving before adding a further selenium-containing supplement.
Key Nutrients to Consider
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant and plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Horse with limited access to fresh pasture, those in harder work or those with particular nutritional requirements may therefore benefit from having their Vitamin E intake reviewed.
Selenium
Selenium is another essential nutrient and works closely with vitamin E as part of the body’s antioxidant systems.
Because selenium requirements are relatively small and excessive intake can be harmful, it is important to avoid simply adding several supplements containing selenium to the same rotation. If you’re unsure about your horse’s current intake, speak to a qualified equine nutritionist or your vet.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A, zinc, copper and other micronutrients all have important roles in maintaining normal health.
The key is balance. Rather than automatically adding individual nutrients, consider whether your horse’s overall ration is proving what they need.
When Might Your Horse Benefit From Additional Support?
Every horse is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to supplementation.
You may want to review your horse’s nutritional support during periods such as:
- Seasonal changes
- Increased world or competition
- Travelling regularly
- Changes in routine
- Increased time spent stabled
- Limited access to fresh grass
- Changes in forage
- Particular life stages or nutritional requirements
These situations don’t necessarily mean that your horse needs an immune supplement. Instead, they’re useful opportunities look at the whole diet and consider whether it is meeting their nutritional needs.
Choosing an Immune Support Supplement
If you decide that your horse could benefit from additional nutritional support, start by looking at the ingredients rather than simply choosing a product labelled as an ‘immune booster’.
Check what is already provided provided by your horse’s:
Forage > Hard Feed > Balancer > Existing Supplements > Additional Supplements
This is particularly important when considering nutrients such as selenium and vitamins, as it is possible to unintentionally provide more than your horse requires.
Always follow the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines and consider your horse’s complete ration before introducing a new supplement.
Our Top Picks for Immune Support Supplements
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Equine America Propell Plus
Price range: £19.50 through £55.50 -
NAF D-Tox 500g
£34.99 -
NAF Immuforte Liquid 1L
£36.49 -
NAF Vitamin E & Selenium Plus 1kg
£24.99 -
Omega Equine Vitamin E Extra 1Kg
£21.99 -
TRM IronXcell
£17.70
Everyday Ways to Support Your Horse
Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. Everyday management can also contribute to your horse’s overall wellbeing.
Keep Forage at the Heart of the Diet
Good-quality forage should form the foundation of most horses’ diets. Make sure your horse has appropriate access to forage throughout the day and that any changes are made gradually.
Provide Fresh Water
Clean, fresh water should always be available. Good hydration is essential for maintaining normal bodily functions.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Horses generally benefit from predictable routines. Try to keep feeding, exercise and turnout routines as consistent as possible.
Keep an Eye on Your Horse
You know your horse best. changes in appetite, behaviour, weight, condition or performance can all be worth investigating.
If your horse appears unwell or you have concerns about their health, contact your vet rather than relying on nutritional supplements.
Immune Support For Every Season
Supporting your horse’s immune system isn’t about looking for a quick fix. Instead, it’s about creating the right foundations for health through balance nutrition, good management and appropriate care.
For some horses, a carefully chosen supplement may form part of the nutritional plan. For others, a well-balanced feed or forage-based diet may already provide everything they need.
The most important thing is to consider your horse as an individual and look at their complete diet before adding anything new.
Explore our range of horse supplements and nutritional support at Battlesbridge Horse and Country Shop.
If you are unsure whether your horse’s diet is meeting their nutritional requirements, or if your horse is showing signs of illness, seek advice from your vet or a qualified equine nutritionist. Supplements should complement, not replace, appropriate veterinary care and balanced diet.
