Herbal Supplements: What The Evidence Actually Supports

We sell supplements. We would still rather fix your forage first, because most supplement problems are ration problems in disguise.

Where the evidence is reasonable

• Psyllium — genuine support for sand clearance in sandy paddocks.
• Marshmallow root and slippery elm — mucilaginous, plausibly soothing for gastric irritation.
• Devils claw — measurable anti inflammatory effect. Note it is a prohibited substance under most competition rules.
• Omega-3 from linseed — well supported for skin, coat and inflammatory balance.

Where it is thin

• Most “calming” blends, beyond magnesium in genuinely deficient horses
• Broad detox and cleanse products — the liver and kidneys already do this
• Hoof supplements fed to horses whose diet is already adequate in biotin, zinc and methionine

If the label will not tell you the inclusion rate per dose, assume the rate is too low to matter.

How to read a label

1. Find the amount per daily dose, not per kilogram of product.
2. Compare that number to the published effective dose.
3. Check for competition prohibited substances if you compete.
4. Check whether your hay already supplies it — that is what an analysis is for.

Bring your labels to a free consultation and we will tell you honestly which ones to stop buying.