In the third and final part of this blog series we look at how you can help to support your horse’s microbiome to build resilience and potentially prevent laminitis. Preventing hindgut acidosis and by extension, laminitis requires a comprehensive approach focused on supporting a healthy, diverse microbiome and maintaining optimal hindgut pH. With over 20 years of experience in equine nutrition, we’ve developed effective strategies to protect your horse during high-risk periods.
Forage Management: The Foundation of Hindgut Health
The single most important factor in maintaining a healthy hindgut is providing consistent access to appropriate forage. For horses prone to laminitis, this requires careful management, particularly during spring grass growth.
Grazing Management Strategies
For at-risk horses, limiting access to lush pasture is essential. This is especially important during high-risk periods when fructan levels peak (typically mid-morning to late afternoon on sunny days). Things you can consider doing include:
- – Strip grazing to control intake
- – Using grazing muzzles to slow consumption
- – Bringing horses in during peak sugar hours (typically 10am-4pm)
- – Turning out during early morning or overnight when sugar levels are lower
- – Creating “track systems” that encourage movement while limiting grass intake
Importantly, restricted grazing must always be balanced with alternative forage sources. “When limiting grass access, it’s crucial to provide adequate hay to maintain gut fill and support beneficial microbes,” notes Lisa Elliott, MSc. “An empty gut creates its own set of problems for hindgut health.”
Forage Diversity is The Key to Microbiome Health
Recent research has revealed that microbiome diversity directly correlates with gut health. More diverse microbial populations create more resilient digestive systems less prone to acidosis and related problems.
The most effective way to support microbiome diversity is through dietary diversity. While modern horse keeping often limits horses to single-species ryegrass pastures and uniform hay, thee are other ways that you can enhance your horse’s dietary diversity:
– Seeking mixed-species hay (if available)
– Offering different forage types (grass hay, meadow hay, haylage in appropriate amounts)
– Creating opportunities for browsing hedgerows and natural vegetation
– Incorporating safe, fibrous herbs into the diet
– Establishing diverse paddocks with multiple grass species and herbs when possible
Traditional meadowland containing native grasses and wildflowers typically contains lower sugar levels than modern ryegrass pastures, making it ideal for horses prone to laminitis. If establishing new grazing, consider consulting with specialists in creating horse-friendly, diverse pastures.
Nutritional Support
While management forms the foundation of prevention, targeted nutritional support can significantly enhance your horse’s resilience against acidosis and laminitis.
Coligone Offers Comprehensive Hindgut Support
Our flagship product, Coligone (available in both Powder and Liquid forms), was developed specifically to maintain optimal hindgut health and guard against acidosis. Its unique formulation includes:
- pH buffers to maintain optimal hindgut acidity levels
- ScFOS prebiotics to selectively feed beneficial bacteria
- MOS to bind and remove harmful bacteria
- Yeasacc to stimulate fibre-fermenting bacteria and improve digestion
This comprehensive approach helps maintain microbial balance even during challenging periods, creating resilience against acidosis and related conditions. Coligone can be fed daily as preventative support or at increased levels during high-risk periods.
LAMIGONE – Specialised Support for At-Risk Horses and Ponies
For horses with a history of laminitis or those at high risk, our LamiIGONE feed provides complete nutritional support without compromising hindgut health. This cereal-free, low-sugar, high-fibre formulation includes:
- – The complete Coligone blend for microbiome support
- – Essential amino acids, particularly Lysine, to support hoof repair and integrity
- – BIOPLEX Minerals for enhanced bioavailability
- – Comprehensive vitamin profile for overall health
LamiGONE provides safe, complete nutrition that supports recovery while preventing recurrence—a crucial consideration for horses with laminitis history.
Creating a Complete Prevention Plan
The most effective approach combines management strategies with targeted nutritional support, tailored to your horse’s individual needs and risk factors. For personalised advice on creating a comprehensive nutrition plan, contact our expert nutrition team at 0333 0503785/07986 183616 or email sales@hbradshaws.co.uk
Our Yorkshire-made products reflect over two decades of research into equine digestive health, providing scientifically-backed solutions that support your horse’s wellbeing from the inside out.
For more information on our complete range of products, including pricing and ordering details, head to our shop
