-I remember my first encounter with horses as if it were yesterday. It wasn’t just the fascination with their power and elegance that captivated me, but something deeper – a sense that we could communicate, even without words. That feeling still drives me today, as I work with some of the world's most prominent competition horses," says Therese Nilshagen.

-For me, it’s not just about winning medals or achieving results. The relationship with each horse is what matters most. Every individual has its own personality, unique needs, and way of expressing itself. I’ve learned to listen and respect these differences, and that has been one of the keys to success in my career.

"I see every horse as an individual"
-I think what makes my work so rewarding is the fact that no two days are ever the same. Every morning when I step into the stable, it's like starting a new chapter with each horse. Some days, they're bursting with energy, while other days, they need more recovery and a calmer training session. It’s essential to stay attentive and avoid falling into a mechanical training routine."

-One of the most important lessons I've learned over the years is to never push a horse beyond its limits. It's so easy to want to push them further when things are going well, but that's when you risk overloading them, both physically and mentally. I always strive to find the perfect balance – to challenge them when they're ready, but also give them the space to rest and recover. A healthy and happy horse will always perform better in the long run, and that’s what has led to my success in the competition arena.

Variation in training is key
-When it comes to training itself, I strongly believe in variation. Doing the same thing every day is not only boring for the horse, but it also increases the risk of injury. That’s why I always mix up the training with different types of exercises – everything from long, relaxed sessions to more intensive technical work. I focus a lot on improving suppleness; it’s the key to everything, both technically and mentally.

-One thing that many might not consider is the significant role that diet plays in a competition horse's performance and well-being. For me, it’s a given that every horse should have a feed plan completely tailored to its specific needs. I’ve seen the enormous difference it can make – from their endurance during long training sessions to the condition of their coat and hooves.

Every horse is unique and has different requirements, which is why I spend a lot of time choosing the right feed and supplements. Activ Mineral and Inflaboost DHA are two supplements that I’ve noticed deliver real results. Activ Mineral is a staple in all my horses' feed plans; it not only benefits their coat and hooves but also supports digestive function and overall immunity. Inflaboost DHA is particularly good for joints and muscles, and I’ve truly noticed how my horses have become smoother in their movements since we started using it. It’s a real favorite! I’ve also seen a big difference with Mg Control, which is pure magnesium, especially in my horses that can be a bit tense and nervous.

What lesson do you wish you had learned earlier?
-My journey as a rider has taught me that patience is essential. There are no shortcuts to success, especially in dressage. It’s about slowly building the horse’s strength, both physically and mentally, and never pushing for results too quickly. I’ve always aimed to have a long-term perspective, where the horse’s well-being always comes first.

Working with horses is a constant learning process. No horse is the same, and what worked yesterday might not work today. But that’s precisely the challenge I love. Getting to know each horse deeply, tailoring the training to their needs, and watching them develop over time – that’s what makes this profession so special to me.

Products to support the hooves

Activ Mineral – minerals, trace elements, and all amino acids are the foundation for good hoof quality, and the first step is always to start with this product. Biotin, sulfur, manganese, and zinc are all important for hoof growth and are found in Activ Mineral.

Caring Hoof Oil – contains only selected natural vegetable oils for optimal hydration of the hoof, sole, and frog. It stimulates hoof and frog growth. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. Farriers recommend a vegetable source of oil for hooves for the best absorption and impact on the hoof.

Treatment for very dry & cracked hooves:
√ Rinse and dry the hooves thoroughly
√ Shake the oil before applying
√ Brush a generous amount of hoof oil on the outside of the hoof as well as the entire sole and frog. Apply up to and including the coronet band on the outside of the hoof. Massage the hoof oil carefully into the coronet band.
√ Repeat every day for at least eight days. Then continue with daily application.

For more severe hoof problems – add Organic Seaweed Meal – for horses needing an extra boost, you can also add Organic Seaweed Meal for additional biotin, copper, and zinc found in the seaweed meal.

Tips for improving the stable environment and promoting healthy airways

Choose dust-free bedding and hay: Use dust-free or vacuumed hay and select bedding materials that do not produce dust, such as peat or high-quality shavings. Store hay and bedding in a separate building or at a distance from the stable to minimize dust spreading.

Regular cleaning: Keep the stable clean by regularly mucking out the stalls and removing manure and urine. This reduces the amount of ammonia and other harmful gases released in the stable.

Improve ventilation: Ensure the stable has adequate ventilation by installing ventilation systems or using windows and doors to create a cross-draft. It's important that fresh air can circulate, which reduces the concentration of dust and ammonia.

Control humidity and temperature: Try to keep the stable cool and dry. Use dehumidifiers if needed and avoid using steamers near hay or bedding, as they can increase humidity levels and promote mold growth.

Feed horses on the ground or use hay racks: Feeding horses on the ground or using hay racks reduces the amount of dust they inhale while eating. Avoid throwing hay directly into the stalls, as this can release large amounts of dust.

Use air purifiers: In stables with poor ventilation or where dust is a constant issue, air purifiers can be an effective way to reduce the number of particles in the air. Choose an air purifier designed to remove dust, spores, and other small particles.

Check for mold: Regularly inspect hay, bedding, and the stable environment for signs of mold. If mold is detected, remove and replace the affected material immediately and thoroughly clean the area.

Are forage substitutes as good as forage?
Forage, such as hay, haylage, and grass, is the natural and primary source of fiber in a horse’s diet. It is also crucial for maintaining healthy digestion, dental health, and overall well-being. However, in situations where forage is unavailable or insufficient, substitutes can play an important role.

Benefits of forage substitutes:

• Availability: Substitutes can be more accessible than traditional forage, especially during periods of forage shortages or in regions where producing forage is more difficult.
• Quality-controlled: Commercial forage substitutes are often produced under strict quality control, ensuring a consistent nutritional profile and the absence of harmful substances such as mold or dust.
• Nutritional balance: Many substitutes are enriched with vitamins and minerals, which can complement or enhance the overall nutritional balance in the horse's diet.
• Easy to store and handle: Pellets, cubes, and other forms of forage substitutes are often more compact and easier to store and handle compared to loose hay or haylage.

Drawbacks of forage substitutes:

• Cost: Substitutes are often more expensive than traditional forage.
• Shorter chewing time: Horses are naturally designed to chew forage for long periods. Substitutes like pellets or cubes can be consumed more quickly, potentially leading to reduced chewing time and an increased risk of behavioral issues.
• Digestive issues: Some horses may have difficulty adapting to substitutes and may experience digestive problems such as colic or diarrhea if the transition is not managed properly.
• Lack of structural fiber: Forage provides essential structural fibers that help stimulate the digestive system. Some substitutes may not offer the same level of fiber, which can affect gut motility and health.

Common forage substitutes:

• Hay pellets and hay cubes: These are compressed forms of hay that can serve as a good substitute for loose hay. They are easier to store and convenient but should always be soaked before feeding to prevent choking.
• Beet pulp: Beet pulp is a byproduct of sugar beets and is rich in fiber. It is easily digestible and can be soaked to create a soft mash that is easy for the horse to eat.
• Alfalfa pellets: Alfalfa is a high-quality legume rich in protein and calcium. It is an excellent substitute for hay, especially for horses with higher nutritional needs.

When is it beneficial to provide forage substitutes?

While forage substitutes may be necessary in certain situations and offer many benefits, they are generally not a complete replacement for traditional forage. It is important to carefully consider the horse’s individual needs and consult a veterinarian or nutrition specialist before making major changes to the feeding regimen. By balancing the use of substitutes with access to high-quality forage, horse owners can ensure their horses remain healthy and well.

Horses are sensitive animals that require careful care and attention to maintain optimal health. One of the more complex aspects of horse health is their hormonal balance. Hormonal disorders in horses can lead to a range of symptoms and health problems that require careful diagnosis and treatment.

Common hormonal disorders in horses

Cushing's
Cushing's syndrome, or pars pituitary intermedia dysfunction (PPID), is one of the most common hormonal disorders, especially in older horses. PPID is caused by an overproduction of the hormone ACTH from the pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of cortisol.

Symptoms:
- Long and curly coat that does not shed properly
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Increased drinking and urination
- Muscle atrophy
- Infections and laminitis

Symptoms:
- Lethargy and reduced activity
- Weight gain
- Dry and thick coat
- Poor growth in foals

Diagnostic methods:
- Measurement of T4 and T3 hormone levels
- TRH stimulation test

Treatment options:
- Thyroid hormone supplementation (levothyroxine)
- Adjusted diet to support thyroid function

Hormonal disorders in horses can be complex and require careful diagnosis and management. By understanding the common symptoms and available diagnostic tools, horse owners and veterinarians can work together to create effective treatment plans. Early detection and treatment are essential to ensuring the horse’s long-term health and well-being.

4 key products for enhancing performance

”My new trotting horse suffered from transport-related myopathy after the trip to us. The horse had an inflammation value of 4200 in CK/ASAT when it arrived home. I immediately started feeding him Inflaboost DHA and MG Control, and after 4 weeks when we returned to the vet, his values were down to zero. The veterinarian said I was lucky, but I am convinced that the result comes from Minerals by Nordic's products,” Erica Bergsten explains.

Read more here

Hardfeed for trotting horses

Forage forms the foundation of a horse’s diet and is essential for its health and well-being. A well-balanced forage ration supports the horse's digestive system and helps maintain an optimal weight. In this article, we explore different types of forage and their specific benefits for horses.

Different types of forage:

• Hay: Hay is the most common form of forage for horses and comes in several varieties, such as timothy, meadow grass, and alfalfa. The nutritional value of hay varies depending on when it is harvested and how it is stored. Timothy hay is high in fiber but low in protein, making it ideal for low-performance and/or easy-keeper horses. Alfalfa hay, on the other hand, has higher protein and calcium content, which is beneficial for pregnant mares, growing young horses, and high-performance sport horses.

• Straw: Straw, such as oat straw, is mostly used as bedding material but can be used as feed in emergencies. However, it is low in nutritional value and should only be used when better options are not available. Straw can be an excellent complement to hay to increase the horse’s chewing time and give it something to occupy itself with if the hay ration needs to be reduced due to, for example, overweight.

• Silage and haylage: Silage and haylage are moist forages that are fermented under controlled conditions. These types of feed are particularly popular in areas where wet climates make traditional hay drying difficult. They have higher nutritional content than traditional hay and can be an excellent option for horses that need extra energy or for horses with respiratory issues, as dust from dry hay can aggravate such conditions.

Benefits of different forages:

• Hay: Contributes to slow digestion and promotes gut health due to its high fiber content.
• Alfalfa hay: Supports growth and reproduction thanks to its higher protein and calcium content.
• Silage and haylage: Can prevent weight loss during the winter months and are easier to digest, making them a good choice for older horses.

Summary: Understanding which type of forage is best for your horse is crucial to ensuring its health and performance. Each type of forage has its unique benefits, and the choice should be based on the horse’s individual nutritional needs, its health status, and workload.