How to Help Your Horse Eat Their Supplements

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feeding horseshine

Every horse has their own preferences. When it comes to supplements, we all want to ensure they enjoy what we put in front of them! Nothing is cheap these days, and watching any feed or supplements go to waste is a frustrating experience. With Omega Horseshine and Omega Horseshine Complete, you can feed both top-dressed on your horse’s daily feed. We occasionally see customers concerned that their horses are not finishing all their Horseshine. So we thought we’d go over a few ways that customers successfully feed their horses their daily serving of Omega Horseshine.

Adding Water to the Bucket

Many horses are receiving supplemental hard feed or pellets of some sort, and adding a scoop of Omega Horseshine to that is a quick and easy step. One of the easiest ways to make sure your horse can finish every crumb is to add water. Water is helpful for more than getting supplements to stick! Making sure your horse’s hard feed has a generous amount of water mixed in can make the feed easier to consume. It may reduce the risk of choke, particularly for horses that eat quickly or are fed dry or pelleted feeds. Adding water also changes the consistency of the feed. The change can make it easier for some horses to consume and may be particularly helpful for horses that tend to eat quickly.

There is not one “correct” amount of water to add. The goal is to create a consistency your horse enjoys while improving safety and keeping supplements mixed together. Adding water to feed can also be an easy way to increase the amount of water consumed at mealtime. More water intake can be especially useful during hot weather, travel, or periods of increased activity. If your feed area doesn’t have access to water, consider storing a water jug or bringing a cup with you to scoop some water from their trough.

New to Supplements? What to Feed

If you’re new to supplements, you might be wondering what you’re supposed to mix them with! If your horse is an easy-keeper, or is already maintaining their weight well on their existing feed, you won’t need to add much. A good option would be grass hay pellets, which are quick and easy to feed. This could be Timothy, Bermuda, Teff or other hay locally available. You only need to feed enough that they will eat the supplements you’re mixing in. For Omega Horseshine, that can be as little as 8 ounces of a suitable carrier feed. Most horses enjoy the taste of Horseshine, and will even eat it plain! Adding a little water simply makes it much easier for them to eat.

Hay cubes are also an option, but require a longer soaking time. In some areas, feeding chaff hay is a good option which can be mixed with extra water and supplements. Many horses benefit from some type of balancer, which can be pelleted and serve as a carrier for other supplements too. For more calories, it is common to feed alfalfa pellets and beet pulp shreds. Shredded beet pulp does well when soaked for supplements to cling to, as well as helping add more water to the feed.

When More Calories are Needed

For those needing a richer source of calories, rice bran is another great addition. Because rice bran is high in phosphorus and beet pulp is relatively high in calcium, they can complement one another when included as part of a properly balanced ration. Omega Stabilized Rice Bran is a convenient, stabilized source of dietary fat, energy, and Vitamin E supplement for the diets of your show and performance horses, as well as your young growing horses. Unlike other rice brans, this one has no added calcium. The dietary fat in Omega Stabilized Rice Bran functions as a calorie-rich supplement that helps horses meet their energy requirements. It also serves as an additional energy source that does not require feeding more grain in the diet. And horses generally love the taste, too.

Omega Nibblers Alternative

If your horse is strongly opposed to a bucket of wet feed, you can also feed 15 Omega Nibblers in place of one serving of Omega Horseshine. Either throughout the day as a fun treat, or tossed straight in their feeder. Nibblers use the same great whole, ground flax as Horseshine, providing the same benefits in a convenient treat. If you’re going this route, you’re going to want to check out our bulk option for Omega Nibblers in 15 lb. boxes. The 3.5 lb. pouches hold approximately 315 treats, while the 15 lb. box includes approximately 1,350 treats. That is about a 21-day and 90-day supply, respectively, when feeding 15 Nibblers per day.

Every Horse is Different

There is no single “right” way to feed Omega Horseshine. Some horses happily eat it straight from the scoop, while others need it mixed into a favorite feed or thoroughly dampened. The goal is simply to find a method that works for your horse and allows them to consistently consume their full serving.

If you’re introducing any new feed or supplement, start gradually and follow the recommended feeding directions. And if you’re making significant changes to your horse’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian or equine nutritionist.

Summer Stress: How Heat, Travel, and Activity Affect Your Horse from the Inside Out

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paint horse in summer dust

Summer is one of the busiest, and often the most demanding, times of year for horses. Longer days mean more trail rides, horse shows, clinics, camping trips, and time spent enjoying the outdoors together.

While these activities are rewarding, they also place additional demands on your horse’s body. Heat, transportation, exercise, and changes in routine all require your horse to adapt, making summer an ideal time to pay extra attention to the nutritional foundation supporting their health.

Heat Is More Than Just High Temperatures

When temperatures climb, horses work hard to regulate their body temperature. Sweating is their primary cooling mechanism, but it comes at a cost.

Sweating leads to the loss of water and electrolytes, making hydration an important part of summer horse care. At the same time, the body continues to support normal muscle function, circulation, metabolism, and recovery. Your horse does all that while still working to stay cool! Most of our horses don’t have the luxury of temperature controlled barns, so at the most they’ll have fans or a natural breeze to help them out.

Even horses that appear comfortable are using more energy to maintain normal body function during periods of prolonged heat.

Travel and New Environments Add Their Own Challenges

Whether you’re hauling to a weekend horse show or loading up for a trail ride, travel introduces new stressors.

Changes in routine, unfamiliar surroundings, increased time standing in a trailer, and disruptions to normal eating and drinking habits can all affect a horse’s comfort and overall well-being.

While every horse responds differently, maintaining a consistent feeding program before, during, and after travel can help provide stability during periods of change. For horses who struggle to drink enough water on the road, mixing in some flavor by adding a handful of their favorite feed to the water can be helpful!

Summer Activity Increases the Body’s Workload

Many horses become more active during the summer months. Longer rides, competitions, and more frequent exercise increase the demands placed on muscles and joints.

Exercise naturally increases the body’s production of free radicals as cells generate energy. This is a normal process, but it also highlights the importance of antioxidants such as vitamin E, which help protect cells from oxidative damage.

Supporting both antioxidant status and overall nutritional balance becomes especially valuable during periods of regular work.

Don’t Forget About Skin and Coat

Summer also brings constant exposure to sunlight, insects, sweat, dust, and frequent grooming. The skin is your horse’s largest organ and serves as an important protective barrier.

Essential fatty acids, including omega-3s, are components of healthy cell membranes throughout the body and play a role in maintaining normal skin function and coat condition.

Fresh pasture naturally provides some omega-3 fatty acids, but many horses spend at least part of the summer on dry lots, limited grazing, or hay-based diets. For most horses, dietary sources of omega-3s can help support a balanced feeding program.

horseshine supplement for horses with bucket

A Strong Foundation Helps Horses Adapt

No supplement can eliminate heat, insects, or the demands of travel. But a consistent nutritional program can help support the body as it adapts to seasonal challenges. Along with fresh water, shade, appropriate exercise, and thoughtful management, providing key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and natural vitamin E can help support:

  • Healthy skin and coat condition
  • Normal muscle function
  • Antioxidant protection
  • Normal inflammatory balance
  • Overall wellness during periods of increased activity

Rather than reacting when problems arise, summer is an opportunity to reinforce the nutritional foundation that supports your horse every day.

Looking Ahead

The best summer memories are made outside: with our horses on the trail, in the show ring, or simply enjoying longer evenings together.

By recognizing the hidden demands that heat, travel, and activity place on the body, you can make informed decisions that support your horse through every adventure.

After all, the healthiest horses aren’t just prepared for the ride, they’re prepared for everything that comes with it.

Summer Skin Support: Why What You Feed Matters During Fly Season

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horse shaking head

Summer has arrived for many in the US, and that usually means fly season. As temperatures rise and fly populations increase, many horse owners shift their attention to fly sprays, masks, sheets, and other forms of protection. While these tools are an important part of summer horse care, there is another piece of the puzzle that often receives less attention: nutrition.

Your horse’s skin is their largest organ and serves as a critical barrier between their body and the environment. Throughout the summer months, that barrier is constantly challenged by insects, sun exposure, sweat, dust, and changing environmental conditions. Supporting skin health from the inside out can help horses maintain healthy skin and coat condition throughout the season, which ensures your horse can give you their best.

Why Summer Can Be Hard on Your Horse’s Skin

Fly season brings more than simple irritation. Biting insects can cause horses to rub, scratch, and become uncomfortable. Combined with heat, sweat, and environmental stressors, skin can quickly become one of the hardest-working systems in the body.

Healthy skin depends on several factors working together, including:

  • Proper hydration
  • Normal cell turnover
  • Balanced nutrition
  • Normal inflammatory responses
  • Adequate essential fatty acids

When these needs are met, the skin is better equipped to maintain its natural protective functions.

Horse with flies on face

The Connection Between Nutrition and Skin Health

The skin is constantly renewing itself. New skin cells are produced, old cells are shed, and the body works continuously to maintain a healthy barrier.

This process requires nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

While grooming products can help support the outside of the horse, nutrition influences the skin from within. That is why many feeding programs focus on providing nutrients that contribute to overall skin and coat health year-round.

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in fresh pasture grasses, which are a traditional part of the horse’s diet. These essential fatty acids play important roles throughout the body, including supporting skin health and normal inflammatory balance.

Many horses consume less fresh pasture than their ancestors would have, and some horses have limited grazing access during portions of the year. As a result, horse owners often look for additional dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed has become one of the most popular options because it provides a rich plant-based source of omega-3s while fitting naturally into forage-based feeding programs.

Why Skin Health Starts Before Problems Appear

One of the most common misconceptions about skin support is that it only matters when a horse begins showing signs of irritation.

In reality, healthy skin is built through consistent daily nutrition over time. Not to mention, the rest of the horse’s body will be stressed if it is spending more resources than normal on repairing the skin.

Just as muscle development doesn’t happen overnight, the body’s ability to maintain healthy skin relies on ongoing nutritional support. Providing key nutrients before peak fly season can help support the body’s natural ability to respond to seasonal challenges.

A Whole-Horse Approach to Fly Season

Managing summer skin health is rarely about a single product or solution. Instead, it often involves a combination of:

  • Fly management strategies
  • Clean living environments
  • Proper grooming, addressing issues early
  • Access to clean water
  • Balanced nutrition

Each piece contributes to the horse’s overall comfort and well-being throughout the summer months.

Horseshine with horse with fly mask

Looking Beyond the Fly Spray

When horse owners think about fly season, external protection is often the first thing that comes to mind. But what goes into the feed tub can be just as important as what goes on the horse.

By supporting skin health from the inside out through balanced nutrition and consistent sources of essential fatty acids, horse owners can help their horses navigate the challenges of summer more comfortably. The reality is that no system is 100% perfect, and the horse’s body needs to be prepared to defend itself when the bugs get through. Omega Horseshine, Omega Horseshine Complete, and other Omega Fields supplements offer potent support for maintaining a healthy skin barrier with high quality, stabilized, ground whole flaxseed. Decades of customer feedback has shown that Horseshine is tremendously helpful for the horse’s skin & coat, as well as joint health, the immune system, and hoof growth.

Healthy skin doesn’t start at the surface, it starts from within.

Horse Heroes: The Role of American Horses in War

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Memorial Day

When we think about military history, we often picture soldiers, uniforms, and battlefield strategy. But behind much of that history were animals, especially horses, whose contributions were essential to movement, communication, and survival in wartime.

In the United States alone, an estimated 1.3 million horses and mules served during World War I, supporting American and Allied forces in a wide range of roles. Many of these animals never returned home…in fact, most of them did not.

The Scale of Horse and Mule Use in WWI

According to the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission’s “Horse Heroes” project, more than 1,325,000 American horses and mules were used in WWI service.

These animals were not limited to a single function. Instead, they were integrated into nearly every aspect of military movement and supply.

Horses were used for:

  • Cavalry transport
  • Artillery movement
  • Ambulance and medical evacuation
  • Supply and equipment transport
  • Messenger and communication roles

Mules were especially valued for their strength and surefootedness, particularly in difficult terrain and logistical operations.

(Source: United States World War I Centennial Commission “Horse Heroes” project)

Cavalry: The End of an Era

World War I marked one of the final large-scale uses of traditional cavalry in modern warfare. While horses had been central to military strategy for centuries, the introduction of machine guns, trenches, and mechanized warfare changed their role dramatically. Eventually, the last official U.S. Army cavalry charge in combat would take place in January of 1942 in the Philippines.

In early WWI campaigns, cavalry units were still used for scouting, movement, and rapid response. However, as trench warfare developed, the battlefield became increasingly dangerous and impractical for mounted troops.

Despite this shift, horses remained essential in support roles even as frontline cavalry use declined.

Artillery and Logistics: The Backbone of Movement

One of the most critical roles horses played was in moving artillery and supplies.

Early 20th-century military equipment was extremely heavy, and motorized transport was not yet fully capable of replacing animal power at scale. Horses were used to:

  • Pull field guns and artillery pieces
  • Transport ammunition
  • Move supplies across rough terrain

Without horses and mules, battlefield mobility and resupply would have been significantly slower and less reliable.

Medical and Messenger Roles

Horses also played an important role in medical evacuation and communication.

They were used to:

  • Pull ambulance wagons carrying wounded soldiers
  • Deliver messages between units when communication lines were disrupted
  • Support reconnaissance and field operations

In fast-moving or unstable conditions, horses often provided one of the only reliable forms of transport.

Conditions and Challenges

Military service was extremely demanding for horses. They faced:

  • Long periods of continuous work
  • Harsh terrain and weather conditions
  • Limited access to proper rest and recovery
  • Exposure to battlefield dangers

Many animals were worked under conditions that pushed physical endurance to its limits. Their service was both essential and difficult, reflecting the intensity of industrial-era warfare.

The Scale of Loss and Impact

The number of horses that served and were lost during World War I is difficult to fully comprehend. While exact figures vary depending on sources, it is widely recognized that millions of horses were used across all participating nations, with heavy losses due to conditions, exhaustion, and warfare.

The U.S. contribution alone represents a significant portion of that global effort.

These animals were not just tools of war, they were living participants in a system that depended heavily on their strength and endurance.

Remembering Their Role Today

Today, horses are no longer central to military operations, but their historical role remains important.

They represent the transition from animal-powered to mechanized warfare and the logistical foundations of early modern armies. The deep partnership between humans and working animals is something that cannot be overlooked when looking back on any point of history.

Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember all forms of service and sacrifice. That includes not only the soldiers who gave their lives, but also the animals who fell beside them.

A Final Reflection

The story of American war horses is not one of fame or glory. They moved supplies, carried messages, pulled artillery, and supported troops under some of the most challenging conditions in military history.

Their contribution is a reminder that history is shaped not only by strategy and leadership, but also by the often-unseen work of animals who stood alongside humans in times of conflict. Memorial Day is a day to remember all who have given their lives for this country, on two legs and four.

Spring Bugs and Skin Health: Preparing Your Horse from the Inside Out

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Fly season with horses

As temperatures rise and days grow longer, another seasonal shift arrives alongside green grass and shedding coats: insects.

For many horses, spring marks the beginning of increased exposure to flies, gnats, and other biting insects. While external management strategies like fly masks, sheets, traps and sprays are essential, skin health also plays an important role in how horses respond to this seasonal challenge.

Supporting the skin from the inside out can be a valuable part of preparing for bug season.

Why Spring Bugs Are More Than Just a Nuisance

Biting insects don’t just cause simple irritation. For some horses, they can contribute to:

  • Itching and rubbing
  • Hair loss, skin damage or sores
  • Disruption of normal skin barrier function

Even in horses without severe reactions, repeated exposure to insects places ongoing stress on the skin, and therefore the body. This is where internal nutritional support becomes relevant to ensure our horses have the tools needed to maintain their health.

The Skin: Your Horse’s First Line of Defense

The skin is more than a surface layer. It functions as a protective barrier, helping regulate moisture, defend against environmental stressors, and support overall immune function.

Healthy skin relies on:

  • Structural integrity of skin cells
  • Proper hydration
  • Balanced inflammatory responses
  • Adequate nutrient availability

When these factors are supported, the skin is better equipped to handle seasonal challenges such as insect exposure.

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Skin Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are a key component of cell membranes throughout the body, including the skin. One of the primary omega-3s found in equine diets is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is abundant in fresh pasture and flaxseed.

Research in both equine and other mammalian models has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can:

  • Support normal inflammatory responses
  • Contribute to skin barrier function
  • Help maintain skin hydration and elasticity
  • Play a role in overall skin and coat condition

While omega-3s are not a replacement for external fly control, they can support the underlying systems that influence how the skin responds to irritation. Because let’s face it…you can never eliminate 100% of the bugs.

Why This Matters More After Winter

By spring, many horses have gone months without access to fresh pasture, one of their richest natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Winter diets, which rely heavily on hay, typically provide lower levels of omega-3s due to the drying and storage process. At the same time, some feeds contribute higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can shift overall fatty acid balance. While both types of omegas are needed by your horse, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is critical to cellular health. Many believe that horses should ingest a ratio most similar to fresh grasses, which would be around 4:1 (Omega-3 to Omega-6).

As pasture returns, omega-3 intake begins to increase again for those who have access to grazing. But many horses lack suitable pasture, or are unable to utilize fresh grasses due to metabolic challenges.

Supporting Skin Health During Bug Season

Preparing for bug season isn’t about a single solution. It’s about combining:

  • External protection (fly gear, traps and management practices)
  • Environmental awareness
  • Consistent nutritional support

Providing a source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax, can help support skin health as part of a broader approach.

Flax offers a fatty acid profile that closely resembles what horses would naturally consume on pasture, making it a practical option for maintaining balance during seasonal transitions. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 levels in flax seed run at least 4:1, often even higher. Choosing a flax supplement that delivers the highest levels of omega-3 will have the best results, which is why Omega Horseshine utilizes only the best quality flax available.

A Balanced Approach to Spring Challenges

Every horse responds differently to insects. Some show minimal irritation, while others are more sensitive to bites and environmental changes.

While no nutritional approach can eliminate insect exposure, supporting the skin and underlying inflammatory balance can help horses better navigate the season. As spring progresses, paying attention to both external management and internal support can make a meaningful difference in overall comfort.

Bug season is an inevitable part of spring, but discomfort doesn’t have to be. By supporting your horse’s skin health from the inside out, you can help them stay more comfortable as the environment shifts.

Why Horses Need More Nutritional Support During Shedding Season

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shedding horse with striphair gentle groomer

As the days begin to lengthen in early spring, horse owners everywhere start noticing the same thing: hair. It shows up on brushes, blankets, fences, in the air and on just about everything around the barn.

Shedding season is one of the most visible signs that winter is coming to an end. But what many people don’t realize is that growing and shedding a coat requires significant energy and nutritional resources. While it may be a huge relief and seem like a simple seasonal change, the body is working hard behind the scenes to replace thousands of hairs and transition to a new coat.

Understanding how shedding affects your horse’s body can help you support them more effectively during this important seasonal shift.

Why Horses Shed in the Spring

Contrary to what many people assume, temperature alone doesn’t control shedding. The primary trigger is day length. As daylight increases after the winter solstice, hormonal signals begin preparing the horse’s body for spring.

This process starts weeks before most owners notice loose hair. By the time shedding becomes visible, the horse has already been using energy and nutrients to grow the new coat underneath.

For many horses, shedding season overlaps with other seasonal changes, including increased movement, getting back into work, changing turnout schedules, and the gradual return of pasture.

Shedding Takes Energy

Hair growth is metabolically active. Each hair follicle requires energy, nutrients, and cellular activity to produce a new hair shaft.

During peak shedding season, horses may be simultaneously:

  • Finishing the growth of their new coat
  • Releasing the dense winter coat
  • Adapting to sudden shifts in temperature
  • Preparing for increased activity in spring

This combination means the body is juggling several processes at once.

Most healthy horses handle this transition well, but nutritional support can make the process smoother and help maintain coat quality and skin health.

The Winter Nutrition Gap

By the time shedding season begins, most horses have been on stored forage for several months. While hay remains the foundation of a healthy equine diet, the drying and storage process reduces some naturally occurring nutrients compared to fresh pasture.

One of the most notable changes is the reduction in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which are abundant in fresh grass. During the grazing season, horses naturally consume diets richer in omega-3s and vitamin E. Over the winter, those levels often decline.

Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in supporting:

  • Skin health
  • Coat condition
  • Normal inflammatory balance
  • Cellular function

While vitamin E plays a role in:

  • Muscle and nerve function
  • Immune support
  • Antioxidant protection and also cellular health

As the body works to produce a new coat, maintaining a balanced fatty acid profile can help support overall skin and coat health. Vitamin E ensures your horse’s body isn’t working harder than necessary to keep systems operating!

Why Fat Quality Matters During Shedding Season

When people think about supporting horses nutritionally, they often focus on adding calories. But the type of nutrients in the diet matters just as much as the quantity.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a natural part of the horse’s grazing diet and contribute to the health of skin and hair follicles. Among commonly fed ingredients, flaxseed provides a fatty acid profile that closely resembles the balance found in fresh grasses.

Flax is particularly rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that supports skin health and normal inflammatory processes throughout the body.

Rather than dramatically changing a feeding program, providing a consistent source of omega-3s can help maintain nutritional balance during the seasonal transition from winter to spring.

Supporting Horses Through Seasonal Change

Shedding season is temporary, but it reflects the body’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. While brushing and grooming help remove loose hair, internal nutritional support is equally (or more) important.

As spring approaches, it can be helpful to take a moment to evaluate a few key areas:

  • Has pasture been absent for several months?
  • Does the current feeding program include a source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E?
  • Is the diet supporting skin and coat health during seasonal transitions?
  • How are my horses looking? Are their coats shedding easily, or could things be better?

Consistent nutrition can help support your horse as their body shifts out of winter mode and into the more active months ahead. Check out Omega Horseshine for your omega-3’s and Omega grandE for boosting your horse’s diet in vitamin E for optimum health year round.

horseshine features

Caring for the Whole Horse: Beyond Calories and Blankets

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Snowy horses in winter

When we think about caring for our horses, winter often narrows our focus. Are they warm enough? Are they maintaining weight? Do they have enough hay?

Those questions definitely matter, but whole-horse care goes beyond calories and blankets. As winter stretches on, this is a valuable time to zoom out and ask a bigger question: Are we supporting the entire horse? Not just their energy needs, but their joints, skin, immune system, and overall resilience?

True Care Is More Than Maintenance

Horses are remarkably adaptable. They can maintain weight on a variety of feeding programs and tolerate seasonal stress with minimal outward signs. But maintaining weight and thriving are not the same thing. Whole-horse care considers:

  • Movement availability and the mobility to utilize that space
  • Skin and coat health
  • Normal inflammatory response
  • Mental and emotional health
  • Nutritional consistency, accounting for seasonal changes

These systems are interconnected. When one area is under-supported, others often feel it over time.

horses eating hay in pasture in winter with snow

The Quiet Nutritional Shift of Winter

One of the most significant changes during the colder months for many horses is the loss of fresh pasture. Grass is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which plays an important role in supporting normal inflammatory responses and cellular health.

By late winter, most horses have been on stored forage for months. While hay is essential, the drying and storage process significantly reduces its omega-3 (and vitamin E) content. At the same time, many concentrated feeds contain higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Over time, this shift can affect your horse’s fatty acid balance which may lead to inflammation throughout the body, decreased immune resilience, and other signs of imbalance.

Why the Omega Balance Matters

In their natural environment, horses consume a diet of fresh grasses that is relatively low in total fat, with most of that fat coming from omega-3 essential fatty acids. Fresh pasture typically provides an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of approximately 4:1, creating a fatty acid profile that supports balance within the body. Among commonly fed ingredients, ground flaxseed most closely mirrors this natural ratio, also providing omega-3 and omega-6 levels at roughly 4:1, and often even higher in omega-3 content. This similarity makes flax a practical way to help maintain a fatty acid balance that more closely reflects the horse’s natural diet.

Supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids helps support:

  • Improved mobility when the cold is working against stiff joints
  • Healthy skin that protects your horse during extreme weather, with the bonus of a glossy coat
  • Reducing overall inflammation in the body
  • Overall cellular function

It is especially important to supplement with flax during seasons when natural omega-3 intake is lower, or if your horse does not have access to high quality fresh pasture.

A Broader Definition of Care

Caring for the whole horse means looking beyond immediate needs and considering long-term support. It means understanding that comfort, movement, skin health, and immune function are influenced by what goes into the feed bucket every day.

Winter may narrow our focus to survival basics, because truly sometimes we are just doing our best to get through the thick of it! By supporting nutritional balance with consistent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, we help our horses move through seasonal changes with more resilience. But to be clear: whole-horse care is rarely about one single ingredient or one quick fix. It’s about balance, consistency, and awareness of how seasonal shifts affect the body over time.

As we move toward spring, this is an opportunity to care not just for warmth and weight, but for the whole horse.

Winter Stiffness in Horses: A January Nutrition Check-In

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horses on a snowy hill in winter

January is often a quieter month in the barn. Workloads are lighter, days are still short, and routines settle into a steady winter rhythm. It’s also the time of year when many horse owners start noticing small changes. Things like horses that feel a little slower to warm up, a bit stiffer coming out of the stall, or less fluid in their movement on cold mornings.

These observations are common in winter, and they don’t automatically mean something is wrong. But January can be a useful moment to pause and take stock of what might be contributing to those changes, especially when it comes to nutrition.

Why Winter Stiffness Shows Up This Time of Year

Cold temperatures naturally affect how bodies move, and horses are no exception. Reduced daylight and weather conditions often mean:

  • Less overall movement
  • Shorter or less frequent rides
  • Longer periods of standing still
  • Colder muscles and joints, particularly in the morning

Age and workload can certainly play a role, but nutrition is another important piece of the puzzle that’s easy to overlook during winter.

The Seasonal Diet Shift Many Horses Experience

By January, most horses are well into a fully hay-based diet. Fresh pasture, one of the horse’s richest natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, is usually unavailable.

While hay is essential, the drying and storage process significantly reduces its omega-3 content. At the same time, many winter diets rely more heavily on feeds or supplements that contain higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Over time, this shift can affect overall fatty acid balance.

This matters because omega-3 and omega-6 fats play different roles in the body, and balance between them is key for supporting comfort, mobility, and normal inflammatory responses.

Why Fat Quality Matters More Than Fat Quantity

When winter stiffness shows up, it’s common to think in terms of “adding more” to the diet: more calories, more fat, or more supplements. But the type of fat matters just as much as the amount.

Omega-3 fatty acids help support:

  • Joint comfort and mobility
  • Normal inflammatory balance
  • Skin and coat health
  • Overall resilience during seasonal stress

Flax is a well-researched, horse-appropriate source of omega-3s that fits naturally into forage-based feeding programs. Rather than simply increasing total fat intake, flax-based omega-3s help restore balance in diets that may have shifted during the winter months.

January as a Gentle Nutrition Reset

A January nutrition check-in doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your horse’s feeding program. Instead, it can be as simple as asking a few thoughtful questions:

  • Has my horse lost access to fresh pasture?
  • Where are their primary fat sources coming from right now?
  • Does their winter diet support balance, not just calories?

Small, intentional adjustments made mid-winter can support your horse’s comfort through the remainder of the cold season and help set the stage for a smoother transition into spring.

Supporting Comfort Through the Rest of Winter

Omega-3s don’t act overnight, and they aren’t a quick fix. Their value lies in consistent, long-term support for the systems that are most challenged during winter. That means joints, skin, and overall inflammatory balance. As January progresses, paying attention to subtle changes in movement, willingness, and overall comfort can help guide thoughtful feeding decisions. Often, it’s not about doing more, but about making sure the essentials are covered.

If your horse is already receiving a flax-based omega-3 supplement, mid-winter is a time when some horses may benefit from a modest increase. Horses on Omega Horseshine may do well with an additional scoop per day. For those feeding Omega Horseshine Complete, the Complete formula should not be increased, but adding a small amount of regular Omega Horseshine can provide additional omega-3 support if needed.

Additional omega-3s can also be provided through Omega Nibblers, with 15 Nibblers offering an amount comparable to one serving of Omega Horseshine.

For horses not currently receiving a vitamin E supplement, vitamin E is another nutrient commonly lower during winter months. Omega grandE can serve as a source of vitamin E while also contributing additional omega-3s.

Winter stiffness is common, but it’s also informative. January offers a natural opportunity to reassess what winter routines may be missing and make steady, supportive adjustments that benefit your horse well beyond the cold months. By focusing on nutritional balance and whole-horse support, you can help your horse stay comfortable and resilient through the heart of winter and into the seasons ahead.

Winter Horse Care: Why Omega-3s Matter More in December Than You Think

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As winter sets in, many horse owners focus on obvious seasonal needs: blanketing, added calories, and protection from cold and wet weather. But one important nutritional shift often goes unnoticed this time of year. That shift is a drop in natural omega-3 intake.

For horses, omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in supporting joints, skin, immune function, and overall comfort — areas that tend to be challenged during the winter months. Understanding where omega-3s come from and how winter management affects them can help you support your horse’s health through December and beyond.

Why Winter Changes Your Horse’s Omega-3 Intake

In warmer months, horses grazing fresh pasture naturally consume higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Grass is one of the richest natural sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the primary omega-3 fat horses rely on.

In December, that source disappears for most horses. Winter diets are typically built around:

  • Stored hay
  • Concentrates or ration balancers
  • Limited or no pasture access

While hay is an essential forage, the drying and storage process significantly reduces its omega-3 content. By the time winter arrives, most horses are consuming far fewer omega-3s than they were during grazing season, and often without any visible sign at first.

Subtle Signs Your Horse May Benefit from More Omega-3s in Winter

Omega-3 deficiencies don’t usually show up overnight. Instead, they tend to appear as gradual changes that are easy to chalk up to “just winter.”

Common winter observations include:

  • Dry, flaky skin or dandruff
  • Dull coat despite good grooming
  • Increased joint stiffness, especially in older horses
  • Reduced comfort during cold weather
  • Changes in immune resilience during seasonal stress

While these signs can have multiple causes, insufficient omega-3 intake is a common and often overlooked factor during winter months.

Why Flax Is a Smart Omega-3 Source for Horses

When it comes to supplementing omega-3s for horses, not all sources are created equal. Flax is one of the most well-researched and practical omega-3 sources for horses because it:

  • Is naturally high in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
  • Supports a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 balance
  • Fits easily into forage-based feeding programs
  • Is well-tolerated by most horses

Unlike marine sources designed for humans, flax aligns with the horse’s digestive system and natural fat metabolism, making it a reliable choice for long-term daily use.

Omega-3 Balance Matters More Than Just “Adding Fat”

Winter diets often increase calories through added fat, but more fat doesn’t automatically mean better nutrition.

Many common feeds and supplements are already high in omega-6 fatty acids. Without enough omega-3s to balance them, this imbalance can contribute to increased inflammatory responses, skin and coat challenges, and even reduced joint comfort over time. Flax-based omega-3s help restore balance rather than simply increasing total fat intake. This is an important distinction when feeding horses through the colder months.

horseshine supplement for horses with bucket

Supporting Whole-Horse Health Through the Winter

Omega-3s don’t work in isolation. They support multiple systems at once, which is especially valuable during winter when horses face layered stressors like:

  • Cold temperatures
  • Reduced movement
  • Changes in routine
  • Environmental dryness

Omega-3s from flax support skin and coat health, joint comfort and mobility, immune function, and overall inflammatory balance. This makes them part of a preventive winter care strategy rather than just a response to visible problems.

A Simple Winter Nutrition Check-In

As your winter routines settle in, it’s worth asking:

  • Has my horse lost access to fresh pasture?
  • Does their current diet provide a reliable omega-3 source?
  • Am I supporting balance, not just calories?

For many horses, winter is the season where thoughtful nutritional adjustments make the biggest difference, even if those changes aren’t immediately obvious on the outside. You’ll be sure to notice a difference when spring arrives, and your horse starts the season strong & ready to face whatever riding goals you have set!

Winter horse care isn’t just about staying warm (although that’s a big one), it’s about supporting the body from the inside out during a time of natural nutritional gaps. Understanding the role of omega-3s, especially those from flax, can help you make informed decisions that support your horse’s comfort, resilience, and overall well-being all season long. And you can always trust that Omega Horseshine will deliver the highest quality ground flaxseed, stabilized to lock in those nutrients all winter long.

Why Vitamin E Matters: Supporting Your Horse Through the Seasons

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As we move deeper into fall, the amount of green forage decreases and many horses begin winding down their turnout time. That’s a perfect moment to check in on nutrients that tend to drift low, especially Vitamin E. Because vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, muscle & nerve support nutrient, and immune ally, ensuring your horse has enough can make a real difference in comfort, recovery, and long-term health.

What Does Vitamin E Do for Horses?

  • Antioxidant Protection & Cellular Health: It helps neutralize free radicals that naturally occur as horses exert themselves or experience stress. Without enough antioxidant support, muscle and nerve cells can undergo oxidative damage.
  • Muscle & Nerve Function: Deficiency has been linked to muscle weakness or neuromuscular disease in horses.
  • Immune Support: When pasture is scarce and environmental stressors increase, vitamin E helps support the horse’s immune defenses.

Why Many Horses Don’t Get Enough Vitamin E

  • Stored Forage Loses Vitamin E: When hay is cut, dried, baled, and stored, as much as 30–80% or more of its vitamin E content can degrade. That means that the longer your hay is stored after cutting, the less vitamin E your horse consumes.
  • Limited Pasture Time: Horses housed in stalls or those with restricted grazing zones often lack access to fresh green grass, which is the best natural source of vitamin E. Many horses lack any access to good pasture, which means they lack the opportunity to consume vitamin E sources.
  • Increased Demand During Work or Stress: Performance, training, illness, or even seasonal changes can raise oxidative stress and thus increase requirements.

Signs Your Horse May Be Low in Vitamin E

  • Muscle stiffness or soreness
  • Slower recovery after exercise
  • Poor topline or loss of muscle
  • Nervous signs, lack of coordination
  • Weaker immune response or frequent illness

If your horse fits this profile, it’s worth checking with your vet and possibly running a serum alpha-tocopherol test.

Choosing the Right Vitamin E Supplement

  • Look for natural source vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) as it’s more bioavailable than many synthetic types.
  • More is not necessarily better – look for a supplement that provides enough to make a difference without over-supplementing.
  • Check stability and how well the supplement holds potency under feed/storage conditions.
  • Match the supplement to your horse’s needs (maintenance, performance, broodmare, neurological support).

How Omega Fields Helps

Our Omega grandE® supplement is designed with this exact need in mind. It offers a stabilized flaxseed base (so your horse gets omega-3, 6 & 9) plus a bioavailable dose of natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) in each scoop. Because consistency matters, using a supplement like Omega grandE helps ensure your horse maintains healthy vitamin E levels through changing seasons and forage availability. One serving of grandE contains 1,500mg of natural vitamin E, a safe amount for horses in all life stages. For horses in heavy work, or smaller equids, adjust the daily amount accordingly.

In fall and winter especially, when green grass vanishes and storage losses increase, adding grandE is one way to help your horse stay resilient, recover smoothly, and move comfortably.

Vitamin E isn’t always the first thing horse owners think of, but once you know what it supports (muscles, nerves, immune health) it becomes clear why it deserves attention. As forage quality changes with the season, intentional supplementation becomes a ally in keeping your horse feeling strong, responsive, and ready for every stride.