Nettle: Though generally considered a weed, Nettle (Urtica dioica) cannot be overlooked as one of the most wonderful and effective herbs for equine health.
Nettle is rich in chlorophyll and packs a powerful punch with its nutritional profile.

It is high in all of the following: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Phosphorous, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt, Vitamins A, C and K. For both humans and animals, it is considered to have detoxifying effects, as well as being conditioning and restorative in nature. It is well known to provide relief from nasal and respiratory conditions as well as soothing skin related problems and enhancing circulation. This fabulous herb contains several anti-inflammatory constituents, making it suitable for use in cases of arthritis, joint stiffness (another common issue for horses in winter) or injuries resulting in inflammation. Its benefits for such conditions can be seen when it is used internally or externally. Research has shown that by managing inflammatory conditions with nettle, the need for anti-inflammatory drugs can be reduced by 75%!!

Laminitis horses also benefit from nettle. A number of studies have shown nettle leaf extract to have hypoglycaemic effects, resulting in decreased blood sugar levels. Other reasons it is considered to benefit laminitis are that it aids the elimination of toxins and boosts circulation.

Cleavers: Cleavers, also referred to as Clivers (100% Galium Aparine) is an excellent herb for supporting and toning the lymphatic and urinary tract systems. It is beneficial for horses who suffer soft swellings and puffy/filled legs. It has also been used to treat itching and eczema.

Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow Root has the ability to bind and eliminate toxins, allowing the body to cleanse itself easier. According to reports, marshmallow root extract can help to soothe redness, relieves inflammation, and help retain moisture in the skin. In general, anyone with sensitive and easily irritated skin can benefit from using it.

Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is required in the horse’s diet for the production of keratin – the main protein that forms a strong, durable hoof structure.

Biotin is most commonly known for supporting hoof growth and quality but it also supports many other elements of the horse’s physiology, including fat and sugar metabolism, hair and coat quality and healthy skin.

Seaweed (Ascophyllum Nodosum): Ascophyllum nodosum contains bioavailable minerals, vitamins, nutrients with important metabolic functions for horses including, skin and coat health, digestion, performance.

Selenium & Vitamin E: Vitamin E and selenium (Se) are familiar nutrients to most horse people.

They are among the most common deficiencies in unsupplemented animals – and also the only two where deficiency diseases are still routinely seen.
Suboptimal levels also impact health and performance, and levels below those will trigger full blown deficiency syndromes. Vitamin E and selenium status is documented to significantly impact:

• The nervous system
  
• Muscular function
  
• Fertility/sperm quality
  
• Antibody levels in colostrum
  
• Immune function
  
• Red blood cell integrity in exercising horses
  
• Heart health

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is not a single compound but a group comprising retinol, retinaldehyde, retinoic acid, and provitamin A carotenoids, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene and cryptoxanthin. Vitamin A deficiency leads to an abnormal thickening of the skin known as hyperkeratosis in which the skin has abnormally high levels of keratin.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining skin health. It promotes the differentiation of keratinocytes (cells that make up 90% of the outer layer of the skin) and as their name suggests, they make the protein Keratin. These cells contain high levels of Vitamin C. Normal, healthy skin needs high concentrations of Vitamin C to ensure an intact skin barrier, protect against UV damage and limit inflammation. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to poor skin conditions and may cause or aggravate conditions such as atopic dermatitis and Sweet Itch. Horses can make their own Vitamin C, unlike people, but due to diet, exercise, age or illness many horses have low levels of Vitamin C in their blood.

Copper & Zinc: Copper and Zinc are required for the horse to make keratin, a protein that is found in hair and hooves. Horses with low levels of copper and zinc might have a coat that is frizzy, dull, or discoloured. Zinc and copper supplied in full and bioavailable ratios promotes a vibrant, shiny, healthy coat and healthy skin.

L-Arginine: Some sources classify arginine as a conditionally essential amino acid for horses because of its role in supporting the immune system.
L-Arginine also promotes normal blood-oxygen levels to performance horses' muscles maximize efficiency. By giving horses an additional source of arginine and glutamine, this supplement can help stimulate nitric oxide production to improve nutrient transportation in the body.

Vitamin B Complex: Some of the benefits of vitamin B complex include: helping to strengthen the immune system, thereby preventing or reducing your risk of infections. It helps support the growth of red blood cells. It promotes proper nerve and healthy brain function. Vitamin B deficiency leads to suppression of collagen synthesis and dermatitis (inflamed skin).

Linseed Oil: A rich source of Omega 3 (an essential fatty acid) and balanced Omega 6 for optimal skin, coat, digestive, respiratory & joint health. Omegas are important because they have a range of health benefits for horses including:

• strong hooves
  
• a shiny, healthy coat
  
• supporting healthy skin
  
• maintaining joint health
  
• contributing to the maintenance and building of bone strength and density
  
• enhancing and building immunity resilience
  
• enhancing and increasing tissue elasticity