Animal Communication

I decided to try out animal communication today. I'm currently away with the military and miss my horse desperately who is enjoying pasture life back home. I was recommended Tracey Korotky who owns SPEAK! Animal Communications & Reiki. I contacted her and I was lucky enough to get a same day appointment. All you have to do is send her the most recent photo you have of your horse, preferably 24-48 hours old, and you're all set!

Photo taken 3hrs prior to the session beginning

The session started out with her commenting on how he had pain in his hind right hock. Things don't come in black & white, as it's the horse communicating with a human not a human communicating with a human. It was foggy at first, he was showing her "slippery mud" and that "no one [or no horse] hurt me" but that he was "running around and slipped in the muddy part". She mentioned how she saw that the "snow had melted" very recently, which was true. We had an Ohio thaw just days prior which also explained the muddy pastures. "He says no kick loud and clear."

Before we started our session Tracey asked what I wanted to accomplish with our session. I stated that I wanted Derby to know that I had to go away but that I was coming back and I didn't abandon him. That I joined the military for him, so I could afford to keep him his entire life. This was the second thing Tracey hit on, saying "Derby says he knew you wanted to back again before you left! He kept feeling like you were fighting yourself to turn around one last time and say goodbye again." Which is true, I said goodbye three times the last day before I left for basic combat training.

I asked if he was experiencing pain anywhere else besides his hind right hock. Derby didn't tell Tracey that he was hurting anywhere else, which is a fantastic thing! When I visited over Christmas break he had some jaw pain which has resolved itself with treatment!

Army photoshoot when I came home for Christmas break

We started delving into his past right after that. He was my first horse & I knew I was a terrible owner in the beginning. "He says you weren't that bad. He's worked with beginners before and you're a very fast learner. You worked very hard to understand him and he appreciates that very much. He thanks you for that too. He says he remembers when he could finally feel your leg cues. That's when things stared coming together." She continued on to say "As for previous owners, he says there was a very strong man rider. Very demanding. Very heavy leg. Very heavy heel in my side. Expected a lot from me and I learned how to give it. I worked hard for that man." "The man he showed me looked more of the cowboy type. Team penning, barrel racing, etc. So I bet he was feeling masculine energy." "If it feels like man then it's a man." Which meant that this person in his past could be a woman, but had a dominant presence like a burly man would."

"There was also a lady. Sweet and more gentle." "I didn't appreciate her for who she was and I bossed her around. I took advantage of her. I wasn't with her long." Though Derby's definition of taking advantage of and our definition of taking advantage of could be totally different. Instead of being naughty, maybe he just wasn't as forward since she didn't have a heavy leg like the other rider? I'm not sure, but Derby isn't the mischievous or naughty type, so that's how I'm choosing to translate that.

"There's a lot of blurring" Tracey says as we start to communicate about his track days. "He's showing me people but I'm not sure how many people were trainers to retrain him after the track and how any were owners. There's so much fear and confusion all muddled together. Which happens a lot in track horses." "They are very confused about the whole thing." "Once in a blue moon I get a horse that loves to race and remembers everything about their race days and can tell me everything about it. But that's not too often. It is extremely traumatic and stressful. So many horses hate it. Horses hate it more than greyhounds hate racing." Tracey isn't just limited to horses, she communicates with dogs and cats as well. "At least greyhounds talk about it and find a purpose in it. Horses do not."

Tracey continues on saying that Derby is requesting "some sugar cubes" and "cookies with peanut butter in them." Tracey starts communicating with him about more subtle things, about how "he loves that you love his white stripe down his nose, and how you compliment him, and tell him how handsome he is." Which is true, I baby talk how gorgeous my horse is with the best of them.

I told Tracey that I 'started riding differently this past year' and asked if Derby likes it. Tracey's response was "Oh yes! That must had been what he was showing me before. He says it's much more comfortable and fun. He needs to keep his mind busy and because this feels different he has to pay attention - he likes that." This past year in 2015 I started watching Will Faerber's videos online and even attending a clinic. Instead of pulling the head into a frame I started asking him to stretch down to engage & connect his hind end and lift his back. It's changed everything about how we ride & our jumping has improved so much because of it. It's a very gentle method and doesn't force the horse to do anything, but engages a lot of muscles that they weren't using before.

Stretching walk, really using the topline & engaged hind end

"What are you doing different? He keeps pointing out his feet. Are you doing dressage? The way he keeps showing me how he stepping it's all I can think of." This was curious. I had not mentioned a single thing about how Derby made the transition from being shod to barefoot back in September 2015. He is doing FANTASTIC and we even got radiographs Dec '15 which confirmed he was doing internally great as well! I told Tracey this and she said "Oh!!! That's why he's showing me his feet! Hahaha!! That's funny!! Usually they just show me their shoes being removed." "I guess he's learning how to speak with humans!!"

Tracey then asked me a question out of left field, "Did someone just have a baby?" This caught me off guard but I told her that an old boarder just recently had a baby and she brought her little girl out to the barn to see the horses this past week. "He's fascinated by the baby!! Especially by the smell of the baby. I don't think he's ever seen or smelled one before! He's in awe over the baby! He says if you have one can you bring it for him to smell? He's totally fascinated. This is funny and adorable." This lines up pretty well with Derby's personality. Another boarder has a 2 year old son that Derby absolutely adores. He loves anything 'smaller' such as cats, dogs, minis, children, absolutely adores them. I actually have a video of Derby snuggling with the barn cat.

I asked if Derby likes his new hay feeder. What I didn't tell Tracey was that over Christmas break the barn owner & I build a special rubber corner feeder so he could eat his hay on the ground and not tear his hay all around his stall. Due to his jaw pain, he needs to eat on the ground. "Yes. He loves the hay feeder!" Tracey mentioned about how he broke a hay net in his past and I couldn't help but chuckle as he's destroyed more than one. "He's not a fan of hay bags but he'll use whatever he has to to eat his hay." Now I filled her in, about his custom ground feeder. "Well he loves it. The hay isn't in the dirt. He hates hay directly in the dirt. I feel like it's more comfortable on his neck. He's very enthusiastic about it"

Custom ground corner feeder, made out of a stall mat

Now I started steering the conversation towards what disciplines did Derby like to do. We do a bit of everything, but I didn't tell Tracey that. "First I thought he was showing me trails, next thing you know I'm seeing cross rails. Maybe you ride him English and western?" I clued her in on how Derby and I are all arounders and do a bit of everything! "Oh ah. There ya go. So versatile. So he has two favorite things to do, trails and jumping. He's also starting to like dressage, that's choice number three." I told her how honest Derby is and how we go to all sorts of different shows. "He tells me he tries to pay attention and would like to watch other horses more. Especially in dressage. It helps him understand it better. He's very visual. If he can see it, he can do it. So intelligent. Blows me away, he's even communicating better now than when I first started speaking with him. Incredible!" Derby is a quick learner, I have to praise him on that! The part about him being visual fits too, as our barn is very tiny. The only dressage horse in the barn doesn't get worked with very much and is green. The other English horse in the barn is also green, so there isn't a lot of visual aids for Derby to learn off of. Maybe I'll have to sit him down with a good YouTube video eh? Only joking.

I asked if Derby has a bit preference. I explained that sometimes we ride tackless, but I'm wondering about his face sensitivity. "No you're right, he prefers no bit. If he has to have one make it as light as possible. By you not using a bit it tells him that you trust him and you know he will take care of you. That builds the trust even more between the two of you. So it's best not to use one if you can help it. The less on the face the better." I told her I use a loose ring french link when I do use a bit because it aids in softening the jaw for him to stretch down. "His face is extremely sensitive from all the harsh training so by leaving his face alone it says I'm someone who won't hurt you. I know I don't need to control you. We are partners. I don't dominate you. That gained his utmost respect when you did that for him. That was the best move you could have ever done. Kudos."

Jumping 3'3" with no bridle in 2014

Back in December 2014 Derby and I had an accident. He got a hoof through the rein, went down, and sliced his elbow open. We had the vet out to stitch it up and he was off for about 2 months. He had some serious PTSD and wouldn't trust the halter, the bridle, the reins, me, or any healthcare professionals [farrier, dentist, vet, etc] that I brought in. It was a grueling couple months where I had to earn my horse's trust back. I told her only a little bit of this and she read, "He related that to a track incident.  As soon as you mentioned the reins and hoof incident I saw a similar track incident. Not only was he hurt but he also got in trouble for it. He was whipped and was waiting to be whipped again." Maybe the PTSD was a lot deeper than I originally realized.

I told her that he had been pinfired, to which she responded "I can feel the pinfiring in the back left, and maybe front right." I was SHOCKED! Absolutely shocked. Maybe only a handful of people on earth know that Derby has his hind left hock pinfired. I had actually forgotten about this until she brought it up. You can only see the scars if you clip his coat, then you can see the pinfiring dots. This is what really validated the entire experience for me. All of the above a sham could had figured out and fed me just by stalking my social media. But this significant piece of information led me to believe that this might just be a legitimate experience.

"The hind left is the one I feel the strongest. Pinfiring creates a tingle in the hoof like when your foot falls asleep real bad - even though I knew they did it in the hock because I felt where he twisted it. So his back left hoof always feels like it's half asleep. Front right hoof also feels the same way but not quite as bad. I do feel it to a much lesser degree in the left hoof. Feels like pins and needles you know? Rear right hoof is the only one that doesn't feel asleep."

Before I could respond to the above, Tracey said "I have to tell you 2 things before I forget." So I remained quiet and waited for the text messages to roll in. "He has an ulcer that's basically healed but for some reason it must still bother him from time to time because he's showing it to me. It's not awful. But it's there." This made me groan a little inside. I had treated Derby for 18 days with 2.28g of omeprazole back in September 'just in case' since he's always been asymptomatic for ulcers. I just treated him to eliminate that variable from his hard keeperness. It did help! I was pleased with the results, though didn't follow up with any type of maintenance preventative. I'll be looking into retreating and following up diligently this time around.

"He wants to say thank you for all you do for him. He truly knows you saved his life. A horse's life is so uncertain. There's so many things that can happen to a horse and it's scary being a horse. He considers himself very fortunate to have been chosen by you. He will always do his very best for you. He lives and breathes for you. He loves you with his heart and soul and he would die for you." "Horses bond so deeply and love with all their hearts." -enter lots of heart emojis here- I love the nooget so much. I explained how I joined the military so I could afford to keep him until his dying day. "I told him that. he understands you're working far away but that it's necessary so you can buy his food and pay for his boarding. He appreciates it deeply. He has a concept of work and money. Track horses always do. He also understands there's danger in your job and he worries for you. He sends good energy to you every day; to keep you safe." I responded 'I'm in the medical military so the risk is lower. He'll get to travel with me to my next duty station if it's stateside.' "And he hears you talk to him in your head - yes he really does. He'll like that [traveling with me]."

As our session starts to wrap up, I ask one last question. How is he doing at home? With Larry, the barn owner, and being home in general? "He said he's being well taken care of. He gets his feed on time and in the right amount and his hay. He gets turned out most days as long as it's not terrible weather. He has a clean stall. His feet are taken care of. And he even gets some treats - but not as many as he got with you. He's treated with kindness and gentleness and he's well taken care of. "

"Please don't worry about me he says. I'm just fine. I just miss you. But I know you love me and I know you will be back. So all is well."

Aloe Vera Juice & Ulcers

In a study including rats, who had induced gastric ulcers, those treated with Aloe Vera juice showed less gastric acid output than the control & gastric ulcer groups. The rats weighed between 200-250g and were treated with 200 mg per kg twice daily for 8 days.

Translation to Horse Dose
200mg per 2.2lbs
90,909mg for 1,000lb horse
90.9g = 3.21oz

Suggested dose for Aloe Vera Juice for gastric acid inhibition would be 6.42 oz daily.
Source

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Rats weighing between 150g-200g were sorted into separate groups. Groups were treated Aloe Vera Gum Acacia powder administered at 200mg/ kg and Omeprazole administered at 20mg/ kg. Aloe Vera group showed anti-ulcer activity comparable to the omeprazole group.

Horse Dose Translation
Aloe Vera: 3.21oz Daily
Omeprazole: 9.1g Daily

100% of control group had gastric ulcerations. 40% of Aloe Vera group had ulcerations and 20% of omeprazole had ulcerations. "A. vera extract inhibits acid secretion ay be due to the presence of lectins in the plant (Blitz et al., 1963)." "Aloe buettneri extract increases gastric mucus production (Kossi et al., 2011)." "...protective properties of the mucus barrier depends not only on it's gel-like structure, but are also related to the amount of thickness of the layer covering the mucosal surface. Mucus protects the gastric mucosa against irritants..."

Source

Triple Crown Senior

Triple Crown Senior

14% Protein - 10% Fat - 17% Fiber
11.7% NSC; 1,546 kcal/lb
1.725 Billion Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Wheat Middlings, Shredded Beet Pulp, Soybean Hulls, Cane Molasses, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil, Distillers Dried Grains, Stabilized Rice Bran, Flaxseed -partial listing-



Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.

Ingredient Dissection ||

Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%], higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids. Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%. Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”

Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay. Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.

Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Cane Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.

Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.

Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles || During the distillation process of corn, starch is converted to ethanol. The leftover solubles [liquid] and distiller grains [semi-dry] are combined to produce DDGS which is commonly used in livestock feed. High protein [25%], decent fat [8%], low fiber [7%], and decent calories [1,400kcal/ lb]. Containing decent levels of lysine, an amino acid, isn't the best ingredient and should not be used as a filler or to replace other nutrition.

Stabilized Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.

Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.


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Triple Crown Senior is the best feed you can commercially buy. High protein, high fat, high fiber, low starch & sugar, high calories, nutrient dense, healthy ingredients, high microorganisms. Contrary to what some may say, a high protein grain will not harm a healthy horse. Anything that the healthy adult horse does not use is simply eliminated by form of urination. If your horse develops urinary trouble, then there may be an underlying issue that must be addressed. Unless your equine is in this predicament, 14% protein will only help their bodies.

High fat doesn't always men what our minds think. Fat is a cool and healthy energy that also have a lovely side effect of making a horse's skin and coat absolutely gorgeous. This is due to the Omega content that fat usually has. Fats also tend to be calorie dense, which goes hand in hand with the fact that fats provide 'cool' energy; since there is no sugars or starch.

High fiber is wonderful to see in any feed, though with adult horses that eat 2% of their body weight a day in forage this isn't an issue. Though with true senior horses that eat this feed, fiber is a MUST! Triple Crown Senior easily turns into a mush when you add water for equines with no teeth to eat. The 1.725 BILLION microorganisms per pound of this feed, which is more potent than even the best probiotic supplement, creates a healthy gut that keeps the pH in check and maximizes nutrient absorption. Happy tummies equal happy ponies!

This feed is not only the best, but most diverse on the market. It can be fed to maintenance horses, working horses, performance horses, senior horses, metabolic horses, it's perfect for many scenarios. Often, Triple Crown goes above and beyond expectations and even dominates the competition in the vitamin & minerals. Here is a comparison chart that you can use as a visual aid. If you wish me to add something to the chart, feel free to message me!

Click to enlarge, green indicates in that category Triple Crown Senior is the best

Facebook: Hannah Foraker
Twitter: HunterProbss

Tribute Kalm N Ez [Original & Plus GC]

 Tribute Kalm n EZ

14% Protein - 8% Fat - 20% Fiber
14% NSC; 1,470 kcal/lb
870 Million Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Beet Pulp, Soybean Hulls, Wheat Middlings, Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil -partial listing-


Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.

Ingredient Dissection ||

Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.

Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.

Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.

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At $16 a bag Tribute Kalm N Ez is the absolute best maintenace grain you could provide your horse. The guaranteed analysis [vitamins & minerals & microorganisms] is extensive and very well rounded. The nutrition is dervived from healthy ingredients, and with a low sugar & starch will not make your horse hot and will also support a healthy gut. The 'plus GC' also provides joint support in the form of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM.

Glucosamine HCl 1,250mg/ lb
Chondroitin Sulfate 440mg/ lb
MSM [Sulfur] No Guarantee

Assuming you are feeding the recommended dose for an adult 1,000lb horse in light work, you would be feeding 6-10lbs a day. This would provide 7,500mg - 12,500mg Glucosamine daily which is as potent as popular joint supplements. 2,640mg - 4,400mg Chondroitin also follows the same pattern. This makes for a basic, maintenance joint supplement that is a good preventative for horses in work. If your horse has arthritis is needs more support I recommend a supplement that contains Hyluronic Acid [ex. Actiflex 4,000].

As a whole, Tribute Kalm N Ez is a fantastic grain and 'plus GC' is even better.

Gain Weight by Cox Vet Lab

Gain Weight by Cox Vet lab

http://www.bigdweb.com/Gain-Weight-25-Lb/productinfo/13850/

Gain Weight - 25lbs $58, costs $0.15/ oz
2oz of Skin & Coat conditioning; 4oz for Weight Gain

Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein...................14%
Crude Fat.........................40%
Crude Fiber........................8%
Calcium(min)..................0.8%
Calcium(max).................1.2%
Phosphorous..................0.5%
Vitamin E...............4,800mg/lb
Zinc................................80ppm
Thiamine................4,000mg/lb
Biotin........................400mg/lb
Gamma Oryzanol...1,600mg/lb

I converted the guaranteed analysis to per oz, versus to lb.
Vitamin E 300mg/ oz
Thiamine 250mg/ oz
Biotin 25mg/ lb
Gamma Oryzanol 100mg/ lb

When I first discovered Gain Weight the first thing I noticed was that biotin level. There have been multiple research studies that produce consistent results in regarding supplementation of 20mg of biotin producing a healthier hoof. SmartHoof, Farrier's Formula, and other popular hoof supplement have a consistent 20mg of biotin in their analysis. The fact that this WEIGHT supplement has 25mg of biotin, impressive. Biotin is good for 'hair' and 'nail', so it's no wonder that it supports skin & coat and hoof.

Second I noticed was the gamma oryzanol content. Gamma oryzanol is the main ingredient in some muscle supplements. In muscle supplements, it usually has 1,000mg-2,000mg depending on the quality of the product. 100mg isn't much, but if you're feeding the full 4oz for 400mg that is still enough that there could be a physical difference. Gain Weight is NOT a muscle supplement, but there is support.

Vitamin E is an immune system boost & also contributes to a healthy skin & coat. Something SIGNIFICANT about this Vitamin E is that it is natural, not synthetic. You can tell by looking at the ingredient list. http://www.bigdweb.com/labelpdfs/13850.pdf On the 2nd line you will see 'D-alpha tocopheryl acetate' that is Vitamin E. Synthetic vitamin E [or any substance for that matter] will have the prefix Dl-. Gain Weight contains the prefix D-, meaning it is a natural form. There have been minor studies that show how natural vitamin E effects the body positively MORE than synthetic does.

While we're in the ingredients, let's take a look at what Gain Weight is composed of. "Heat stabilized flax meal, Distillers, Dried grains with solubles, vegetable fat, -vitamins & minerals-" I will now calculate the ROUGH calorie content of this product.

Flax Meal 2,418 cal/ lb
Distillers 930 cal/ lb
Dried grains with solubles 930 cal/ lb
Vegetable Fat 4,004 cal/ lb

Taking the mean of these fatty ingredients, I come up with 2,070 calories per pound. There are 16oz in a pound, so an estimated 129 calories per oz. This is rough because I'm sure that there's more flax meal than there is vegetable fat. But it's enough for us to work off of. Now any type of 'weight gain' supplement where you give tiny scoops at 1-4oz a day are going to be high-ish in calories & fat, but not SUPER high. It won't be replacing a pound of grain, or even a flake of hay. Though it will aid in the horse's skin & coat. In Gain Weight's case, it will also aid in muscle, hoof, and DIGESTION!

I forgot to mention, Gain Weight contains probiotics such as lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus lactis, lactobacillus plantarum, enterococcus cremoris, enterococcus diacetylactis, bacillus subillis, aspergillus oryzae, and brewers yeast. In the guaranteed analysis there isn't a CFU content, so I assume it does not replace a high potency pre/probiotic. Though it's very nice to see they include that in their supplement considering that biotin has a VERY hard absorption rate.

Overall, Gain Weight is the best supplement of it's kind. I would suggest it to anyone. If your horse needs to gain more than 100lbs then we may need to dissect further into his or her diet. As there may be a root problem that is not addressed. Though if you're just looking for something minor, this is a superior 'weight supplement'.

Purina Strategy Healthy Edge

Purina Strategy Healthy Edge

12.5% Protein - 8.0% Fat - 18% Fiber
19% NSC [7% Sugar, 12% Starch]
1,300 kcal/ lb
Ingredients: Wheat middlings, dehydrated alfalfa meal, ground soybean hulls, cane molasses, dried beet pulp, ground rice hulls, soybean oil, ground corn, stabilized rice bran, vegetable oil, dehulled soybean meal, flaxseed -partial listing-

Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.

Ingredient Dissection:

Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay. Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.

Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%], higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids. Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%. Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content.6 Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.

Ground Rice Hulls || contains mostly insoluble dietary fiber, this is a low calories, low protein, high carb, low sugar, low fat, horse feed ingredient. Though containing about 10,000 CFU of microorganisms may effect the yeast in the grain.

Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.

Ground Corn || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which messes with the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.” Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.

Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.

Vegetable Oil || Added as a binder to the grain and also to influence the omega content. This is considered a 'low quality' ingredient since ANY vegetable oil can be used under this category. Vague ingredients are poor ingredients. Oils are high in fat, high in calories, and produce a cool energy.
Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.

Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar

Tribute Kalm Ultra

Tribute Kalm Ultra

12% Protein - 12% Fat - 12% Fiber
25% NSC; 1520 kcal/lb
454 Million Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Ground Beet Pulp, Wheat Middlings, Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Cane Molasses, Oat Meal, Flaxseed Meal, Rice Bran, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Hulls

Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.

Ingredient Dissection ||

Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.

Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.

Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.


Cane Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Oat Meal || Oats are about 50% starch though this isn't of too much concern since a majority of it is digested in the foregut as to not raise the pH in the hindgut and induce ulcers. Oat starch is healthy starch, though still use in moderation. Oats are high in protein, fiber, and mediocre in fat. They are a fantastic energy source. Just be AWARE of the starch.

Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.

Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.

Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.