At Performance Equine Nutrition, our mission is to balance horses both mentally and physically, one horse at a time. We believe that behind many dangerous behaviors is a horse in physiological distress.
(Note: Names have been changed to protect client confidentiality.)
Recently, we consulted with Janet about a horse that presented one of the most extreme cases we’ve ever encountered. On a scale of 1 to 10 for severity, this horse was a 25. His behavior had become truly dangerous:
- He was rearing and striking.
- He paced his stall incessantly and never laid down to rest.
- He bit, kicked, and showed an intense hatred for being brushed or touched.
The Perfect Storm: Diet, Ulcers, and Absorption When a horse reaches this level of reactivity, we have to look closely at the “why” behind the behavior. In this case, Janet’s horse was caught in a “perfect storm” of nutritional imbalances:
- The High-Calcium Diet: The horse was being fed super-rich, high-quality alfalfa. While alfalfa is nutrient-dense, it is extremely high in calcium. Because calcium and magnesium compete for the same pathways, a high-calcium diet can quickly offset magnesium levels.
- Grade 4 Ulcers: Severe gastric ulcers are not just painful; they create a cycle of systemic stress that further depletes magnesium stores.
- Absorption Inhibitors: To treat the ulcers, the horse was on omeprazole and various gut supplements. While necessary for healing the stomach lining, these medications can inadvertently inhibit the absorption of essential magnesium.
A Blend of Science and Empathy It is easy for a horse like this to be labeled as “mean” or “untrainable.” However, at PEN, we use a blend of science and empathy to empower owners. We recognize that a horse striking or rearing is often a horse trying to escape the “muscle burn” and neurological tension of a severe deficiency.
By addressing the magnesium deficiency at its core with USP-grade, highly bioavailable nutrients—rather than cheap fillers—we can help horses like Janet’s find their way back to comfort.
Our true impact is measured in these healthier, happier horses. We are currently working with Janet to dial in a protocol that accounts for his high-calcium intake and gut health needs.