The Herbal Horse

29/12/2025

This is an old testimonial from a customer, Andrea: "Towards the end of last year, Fresco was feeling very old and sore, having undergone colic surgery at the end of 2012 and slowly coming back into work during 2013 he was feeling old, stiff and sore. In December 2013 I started him on Rejuven Mix and we have not looked back! He is a new horse, full of life and ‘jumping his socks off’! He is also looking incredible!"

More information on Rejuven mix here: https://www.horseandpethealth.com/product/rejuven-mix/.

25/12/2025

Wishing everyone an amazing Christmas! 🎄

✨ May your days be filled with joy, laughter, and love. Let's spread the holiday cheer! ❤️

24/12/2025

Today I want to chat about one of the superstar ingredients in Ultimate Mix and Digestion mix: fructooligosaccharides. (Yes, I know—try saying that five times fast! We just call them FOS for sanity's sake.)

So what ARE these things anyway?
FOS are basically short chains of sugar molecules that act as prebiotics. Think of them as food for the good bacteria living in your horse's hindgut. Unlike the grain your horse eats, FOS doesn't get digested in the small intestine—it travels all the way to the hindgut where the beneficial microbes are waiting for their snack.

Here's where the science gets exciting:

Gut stability during diet changes: Research by Respondek and colleagues (2007) found that when horses received FOS supplementation and then experienced an abrupt diet change (which happens more often than we'd like in real life!), their hindgut microbial populations stayed more stable. The study showed that FOS helped shift fermentation toward beneficial volatile fatty acids like propionate and butyrate.

Better insulin sensitivity: This one's huge, especially for our good doers and metabolic horses. A study by Respondek et al. (2011) demonstrated that obese horses supplemented with FOS showed improved insulin sensitivity after just 6 weeks. That's important because insulin resistance is a major risk factor for laminitis.

Lower foecal pH: Berg and team (2005) found that FOS supplementation caused a linear decrease in foecal pH—from 6.48 down to 6.38. This indicates increased fermentation activity and production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the gut.

Support during stress: FOS can help boost beneficial bacteria populations like Bifidobacteria in the hindgut, which is especially valuable during stressful times—training, travel, competition, or recovering from illness.

The bottom line
We included FOS in Ultimate and Digestion Mix because good gut health isn't just about digestion—it's foundational to your horse's overall health, immune function, and metabolic wellness.

More info on these products:
Ultimate mix: https://bit.ly/49h7Hcf
Digestiion mix: https://bit.ly/3IPI8ao

17/12/2025

Why We Put Rooibos in Our Digestion Mix

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is packed with some seriously clever compounds. We're talking quercetin, luteolin, orientin, and vitexin – these aren't just tongue-twisters, they're powerful antispasmodic compounds that help relax the digestive system and ease cramping.

Rooibos contains aspalathin (which you literally can't find anywhere else in nature – how cool is that?!) along with nothofagin and quercetin. Recent research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2023) demonstrated that rooibos extracts can strengthen the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and improve the integrity of tight junction proteins – basically, it helps keep your horse's gut barrier strong and healthy.

Just like in humans, horses deal with digestive upset, stress-related gut issues, and inflammation. Research has shown that rooibos:
Reduces gut inflammation – A 2024 study found that rooibos strengthens the gut lining and decreases inflammatory responses in intestinal cells
Acts as an antispasmodic – helping to ease those uncomfortable belly cramps
Supports beneficial gut bacteria – the polyphenols in rooibos encourage good bacteria while keeping the troublemakers in check

Unlike some herbs that can be harsh on the system, rooibos is incredibly gentle. It's low in tannins (those compounds that can interfere with nutrient absorption) and has been used for generations – even for human babies!

While we can't claim rooibos is a miracle cure (because science doesn't work that way!), the research is genuinely impressive. Multiple studies have shown its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut-protective properties – and that's exactly why it's earned its spot in our Digestion Mix.

Questions? Drop them below! We love chatting about the science behind what we do. Or read more on our website - https://bit.ly/3IPI8ao.



Full Scientific References:
Antispasmodic Properties:
Gilani, A.H., Khan, A., Ghayur, M.N., & Ali, S.F. (2006). Antispasmodic effects of Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is mediated predominantly through K+-channel activation. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 99(5), 365-373. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2006.pto_507.x
Gut Barrier & Tight Junction Integrity:
Pretorius, L., & Smith, C. (2024). Green rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) promotes gut health: insight into mechanisms. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 319(Pt 3), 117379. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117379
Pretorius, L., & Smith, C. (2022). Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Agmatine May Act Synergistically to Beneficially Modulate Intestinal Tight Junction Integrity and Inflammatory Profile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 15(9), 1097. doi: 10.3390/ph15091097
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Lee, W., & Bae, J.S. (2015). Anti-inflammatory effects of aspalathin and nothofagin from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation, 38, 1502-1516.
Prebiotic & Gut Microbiome Effects:
Pretorius, L., & Smith, C. (2022). Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) alters secretome trace amine profile of probiotic and commensal microbes in vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 295, 115359. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115359
Comprehensive Review:
Bond, T.J., & Derbyshire, E.J. (2020). Rooibos Tea and Health: A Systematic Review of the Evidence from the Last Two Decades. Nutrition & Food Technology: Open Access, 6(1). doi: 10.16966/2470-6086.166

A supplement for horses prone to colic or ulcers or simply to maintain good digestive health. Live Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to support a healthy microbiome…

16/12/2025

Today, we honour Reconciliation Day, a day dedicated to healing the wounds of our past and fostering unity among all citizens. Let’s reflect on our shared history and commit to building a brighter future together. 🌍🤝

11/12/2025

Ultimate mix is the ultimate all round supplement.

Read why here: https://www.horseandpethealth.com/product/ultimate-mix/.

10/12/2025

Hey horse lovers! Let's talk about why we're pretty particular about the form of zinc in our Farrier's Mix. (Spoiler: not all zinc is created equal!)

The Zinc Glycinate Advantage
So here's the cool science bit: zinc glycinate has been shown to be about 30% more bioavailable than zinc sulfate, especially when there's phytate in the diet (which, let's be honest, there always is with hay and grain!).

What makes it special? Zinc glycinate can be absorbed through amino acid transporters in the intestinal wall, not just the regular zinc channels that copper and iron compete for. Think of it like having a VIP pass that lets you skip the queue!

In a study with ponies, researchers found that zinc glycinate showed significantly higher absorption and faster uptake compared to zinc oxide. This matters because better absorption means your horse actually gets to USE the zinc you're feeding – not just pass it through.

The Zinc-Copper Balance: Why Ratios Matter
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Zinc and copper are like frenemies – they need each other, but they also compete for absorption. The National Research Council recommends feeding zinc and copper in a ratio between 3:1 and 4:1 for mature horses. (Farriers'mix ratio is 3.2:1.)

Why this ratio? Because zinc and copper use the same "vehicle" for absorption from the digestive tract, so if one is way out of balance, it can block the other from getting through. It's like trying to fit through a doorway at the same time – someone's getting stuck!

Both minerals are absolutely crucial for hoof health because they're needed to produce keratin (the protein that makes up the hoof wall). Get the ratio wrong, and you might be feeding plenty of zinc but your horse still shows deficiency signs because the copper is blocking it, or vice versa.

Science-backed nutrition for happy hooves! (Read more about Farriers'mix here: https://bit.ly/42kTOYl)

10/12/2025

Live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) offers several benefits for equine nutrition, particularly for digestive health issues like colic and ulcers. These living microorganisms function as probiotics, supporting the digestive ecosystem in multiple ways.

For colic prevention, S. cerevisiae helps maintain healthy hindgut fermentation. This is critical for horses. It stabilizes the pH and improves fiber digestion by stimulating fiber-degrading bacteria in the large intestine. This improved fermentation reduces the risk of gas and impaction colic, as feed moves more efficiently through the digestive tract. Research shows that horses supplemented with live yeast have more consistent gut motility patterns and fewer digestive disturbances.

Regarding gastric ulcers, live yeast acts indirectly. By enhancing fiber digestion and stabilizing hindgut function, it reduces the pressure on the foregut and stomach. Also, horses receiving yeast supplements maintain more stable gastric pH levels. And finally, yeast appears to stimulate the production of butyric acid by beneficial gut bacteria, which is massively important in supporting the integrity of the gut lining and may even help repair damaged tissue in horses with existing ulcers.

Then of course, the stress-reducing effect of improved digestion also plays a role in ulcer prevention, as digestive discomfort often creates a cycle of stress that can worsen ulcerative conditions. By creating a more balanced internal environment, live yeast helps break this cycle, potentially reducing both the formation and severity of ulcers in performance horses.

That is why we use this live yeast in our newly updated Digestion mix. 😍

09/12/2025

Chamomile isn't just for sleepy-time tea, friends! This daisy-family wonder contains a compound called apigenin that works some serious magic in your pet's brain. When ingested, apigenin binds with GABA receptors in the brain, which helps block anxiety and fear signals from firing around the body. Think of it like a gentle volume-down button for stressed-out thoughts.

Passionflower is our other star ingredient, and honestly, the research on this one is chef's kiss. Studies show that passionflower extracts actually trigger GABA currents in neurons - basically, it helps your pet's brain produce more of the "chill out" neurotransmitter naturally.

Research indicates passionflower produces calming effects comparable to low doses of benzodiazepines (those pharmaceutical anxiety meds) but WITHOUT the risks or dependency issues. Pretty impressive for a plant, right?

Why Both Together?
Here's where it gets even better - herbal practitioners have known for centuries that ingredients work best in the right combinations, with passionflower being most effective when combined with herbs like chamomile. They work on similar pathways but complement each other beautifully.

Whether your horse gets anxious loading into the trailer, your dog freaks out during thunderstorms, or your cat turns into a stress ball at the vet - these gentle botanicals work WITH your pet's body chemistry, not against it.

The Bottom Line
We don't just throw herbs into a bottle because they sound nice. Every ingredient in our products is backed by real science and chosen for specific, measurable effects on the nervous system. Chamomile and passionflower? They're the dynamic duo of natural anxiety relief. Thats why we added them to Calm mix, Serenity Formula and Calming chews.

Got questions? Drop them below! I love talking about this stuff.
P.S. - Always chat with your vet before starting any new supplements, especially if your pet is on other medications. Safety first! 💙


References:
Grundmann et al. (2008). Planta Medica, 74(15):1769-1773
Jia et al. (2021). Journal of Food Biochemistry
Various veterinary pharmacology studies on animal safety

09/12/2025

🎉 Another amazing Testimonial Tuesday! 🌟 We're thrilled to share some more wonderful feedback from our happy clients. If you want to find out more? Just leave a comment or pop us a message! 💬✨

02/12/2025

🎉🐾 Hello our wonderful people!

The holiday season is just around the corner! 🎄✨ We will be closed from the 12th of December 2025 to the 5th of January 2026. Please stock up before the 12th of December, so that your fur kids are sorted till the new year! 🐶❤️

01/12/2025

Let's chat about safety and efficacy! 💬

When creating products, even from natural ingredients, thorough research is essential! Some natural ingredients may be effective, but that doesn’t guarantee their safety. Take Vinca Alkaloids, for example. They are extracted from the Madagascar Periwinkle, they are used in chemotherapy. While chemo can save lives, it does come with its own set of challenges.

The moral of the story? Just because something works doesn’t mean it’s safe. And conversely, just because something is safe doesn’t mean it’s effective.

At The Herbal Horse and The Herbal Pet, we are dedicated to providing supplements that are both safe and effective for your beloved pets! 🌿🐾