It seems in recent years that all sorts of health conditions are on the rise in the horse.\u00a0 These are ailments impacting soundness, including joint disease and tendon injuries, but also health conditions ranging from allergies to EPM or Lyme.\u00a0 When I see this rise in incidence of disease, it is like a red flag signaling a problem in the horse.\u00a0 Instead of reaching for drugs or medications from a reactive stance, we should be looking to more proactive approaches to prevent the impact of stress upon immune health, healing, tissue health and behavioral conditions.\u00a0 Ashwagandha could be just one of many potent answers in the horse.<\/p>\n
It was back around 2008 that we performed our research trial using Ashwagandha<\/a><\/span><\/strong> in the horse and despite doing that research myself, it is easily forgotten or at least the true benefits of the herb are misplaced.\u00a0 In that time period, I have written many articles regarding horse health and soundness and the use of herbs over medications.\u00a0 There are two bottom line points between all of those articles and any health or lameness condition in the horse, which are<\/strong>:<\/p>\n For the purposes of this article, we will be once again looking at stress as this subject and its negative impact is quite readily apparent in today’s society, not just in horses but in ourselves. Then we will focus upon one potent adaptogen, called Ashwagandha, that can change the course for many horses.<\/p>\n In all of my equine consultations, those two factors listed above are present.\u00a0 Every single case, whether if it is involving a metabolic horse with laminitis, a horse with recurrent EPM, or a horse with back and stifle soreness.\u00a0 They are there, but easily dismissed.\u00a0 It seems that in most of those consultations I can get the owners to see the digestive component, but the stress factor often eludes them.<\/p>\n I suppose the reason for this is that most owners do not perceive their horses as being under stress.\u00a0 How could a horse living idle in a dry lot be experiencing stress?\u00a0 How could that horse with a tendon injury be stressed and how could that horse that ‘loves’ dressage be stressed?<\/p>\n In truth, they are all stressed to some degree and we do not clinically recognize it because we have no idea how they are experiencing the world around them.\u00a0 The only way to experience what they are is to put yourself in their shoes.\u00a0 Stay at home, confine yourself to a small room with no books, TV, or devices and just stare out a window.\u00a0 Recall the last time you really injured yourself, the restrictions that were placed upon you, the pain and the frustration.\u00a0 If you like to exercise or compete, recall the pressure that was placed upon you to succeed, get up early to work out, or follow a strict diet to maintain fitness.<\/p>\n In addition to those situations mentioned above, there are the horses that are constantly being transported, sometimes across the country or at least several states in one sitting.\u00a0 Or, we have those horses that are confined to a box stall for 20+ hours day, not because of an injury, but simply due to the fact that there is no turnout or we are afraid they will hurt themselves if turned out.\u00a0 Can you put yourself in their shoes and feel that stress?\u00a0 I can and I see the impact every day in the horse.<\/p>\n Stress is a physiological response within the body due to activity within the mind.\u00a0 Essentially, stress is a physical manifestation of mind or brain activity to some event or situation.\u00a0 In other cases, we have physical activity that is also creating stress upon cells, which then feeds back to the mind or brain, and elicits an even greater affect.<\/p>\n The stress response is very important, especially in the long-term or chronic phase.\u00a0 On one hand, the stress response is favorable, as it allows us and the horse to adapt, change, and overcome.\u00a0 This would be akin to adapting to cold weather or a new routine.\u00a0 On the other hand, a stress response that continues over time is very damaging to the health of the horse, which includes soundness.<\/p>\n The vast majority of horses that I encounter in consultations have been stressed for months if not years.\u00a0 They have a medical or lameness condition which has persisted and failed to heal, which by itself is evidence that the stress response is playing a role.\u00a0 That horse could have a tendon injury which is directly related to the diet or improper hoof balance, but the failure to properly mend is likely linked back to the stress response which has persisted.\u00a0 \u00a0The same can be said of the metabolic horse that has lingered for years with foot pain and a high insulin level.\u00a0 Additionally, the same situation applies to that horse that has experienced yet another relapse of EPM or Lyme.\u00a0 You can put these horses on medications, but unless you curb that stress response and the negative ramifications of it, you will continue to circle back to the original problem time and time again. This I can almost guarantee.<\/em><\/p>\n The stress response in the horse which presents chronically negatively impacts:<\/p>\n Essentially, during a stress response, the horse’s body secretes a higher level of cortisol, which is a catabolic hormone secreted by the adrenal glands.\u00a0 Cortisol is a catabolic steroid, which means that it is involved in tissue destruction rather than tissue regeneration.\u00a0 Cortisol is used as a medication by veterinarians and physicians to counter inflammation and allergic type responses in the body.\u00a0 Essentially, high or persistent levels of cortisol shut things down.\u00a0 It does curb the inflammatory response, but to such a high degree that wound healing is impaired, the immune system is suppressed, gastric and hindgut ulcers are produced, insulin levels are altered, muscle mass is reduced and the horse slowly deteriorates.\u00a0 Tissues are pushed to their limits both physically and physiologically, then all of a sudden, they fail.\u00a0 This is the scenario behind the gradual decline in horses diagnosed with PPID or Cushing’s disease.\u00a0 They literally waste away due to persistently high levels of cortisol.<\/p>\n These events explain many situations that we find ourselves in with our horse.\u00a0 Tendons and ligaments ‘suddenly’ failing.\u00a0 Sore feet, joints and backs which persist.\u00a0 Recurrent infections or just a failure to thrive in the horse.\u00a0 \u00a0Catastrophic breakdowns and bone fractures are included in this mix.<\/p>\n Think of ongoing stress as being a constant drain on the body of your horse, and yourself.\u00a0 It is like a pond with a dam which has a leak.\u00a0 You notice the water levels dropping and simply believe you can toss in a garden hose and replenish it.\u00a0 What you do not realize is that the dam has a leak and if that leak is not fixed, the pond will drain over time or the dam could break lose and collapse.<\/p>\n That is the impact of stress upon the horse.<\/strong><\/p>\n Hopefully, you can appreciate the impact of the stress response in almost every horse and situation. It is there and either a primary contributor to what you are contending with or it is a secondary one. No matter how you slice it, if you desire to have your horse be healthy and sound, you MUST counter that stress response.\u00a0<\/strong> For most, a change in circumstances and lifestyle is not possible, but if these contributors can be changed, they should be addressed.\u00a0 However, even then, many horses continue to contend with stress and Ashwagandha can be a true ally for many.<\/p>\n Ashwagandha is one of my favorite adaptogens for use in the horse.\u00a0 An adaptogen is an herb or food which can help the body to regain balance, harmony, and rebuild.\u00a0 Most adaptogens, like Ashwagandha, have minimal to no side effects when used properly and directly impact the stress response, improve the immune response, curb inflammation, calm an unsettled mind, and aid in the healing process.\u00a0 Essentially, Ashwagandha, like many adaptogens helps the body of the horse to take a deep breath, relax, and heal.<\/p>\n In our research trial from 2008, the results are quite evident in the horses with most owners reporting a greatly improved attitude, behavior, and overall health.\u00a0 Those results were obtained after only 30 days of daily supplementation with Ashwagandha.\u00a0 Imagine the results after longer periods of time!<\/p>\n Outside of our research, another research paper in the horse concluded that Ashwagandha demonstrated marked antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immune stimulant properties.\u00a0 They noted improved cortisol and epinephrine levels, higher antioxidant loads, and an improved immune status. (Priyanka, 2020<\/a>)<\/p>\n Those conclusions are pretty impressive and validate something we have known since 2008.\u00a0 The impact of Ashwagandha on the horse can be quite dramatic and sometimes make all of the difference between a full recovery and a condition which persists.<\/p>\n I recommend Ashwagandha to almost every one of my equine consultations, but not all take advantage of those recommendations.\u00a0 The Cur-OST EQ Adapt & Calm<\/a><\/strong><\/span> is one of our most popular equine formulas and for a reason; the benefits.\u00a0 If I am looking for even more enhanced ‘antistress’ and ‘rehabilitative’ benefits, I will often chose to go with a blend of adaptogens which includes Ashwagandha, which would be the Cur-OST EQ Adapt & Recover<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n In most cases, Ashwagandha in these formulas can be dosed daily and is recommended for daily use for at least 4-6 months.\u00a0 Some owners will take a break after this period, while others continue maybe at a lower daily dose.<\/p>\n\n
Stress; the Common Denominator in All Horses<\/span><\/h3>\n
Stress in the Horse; So What?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Ashwagandha: Anti-Stress Remedy in the Horse<\/span><\/h3>\n