Natural care for horses

Natural care for horses includes all practices of hygiene, well‑being and prevention aimed at maintaining the animal’s physical and mental health. Whether for leisure or competition, a horse needs daily attention to preserve its locomotor functions, digestive comfort and emotional balance. A well‑managed routine can help prevent infections, joint pains or digestive troubles commonly seen in equines.

Why adopt a natural care routine for horses?

A horse is a sensitive animal, responsive to seasonal changes, stress, physical effort and dietary shifts. A natural care routine helps strengthen its defenses while respecting its organism. Using herbal products, medicinal plants or homeopathic remedies supports key functions like digestion, circulation or muscle recovery, without harmful side effects.

What are the horse’s daily essential needs?

Grooming, hoof hygiene, coat care and maintaining good intestinal health are indispensable for the animal’s well‑being. For example, regular cleaning of hooves prevents abscesses and laminitis. Adding equine probiotic supplements or flax seeds can promote optimal digestion and limit colic, common in stressed or poorly fed horses.

How to prevent joint pain in the horse?

With age or intense physical activity, the horse may suffer from joint stiffness. Incorporating plants such as Harpagophytum, known for its natural anti‑inflammatory properties, helps relieve joint pain and improve mobility. Some owners report a significant improvement in their horse’s suppleness after a three‑week course of Harpagophytum combined with glucosamine.

Can behavioural issues be supported naturally?

Yes. Stress in a horse can manifest as tics, irritability or loss of appetite. The use of Bach Flowers or magnesium as a dietary supplement reduces anxiety and supports the horse’s emotional adaptation. This type of support is especially useful during transport, change of stable or recovery.

What natural care to prioritise for skin and mane?

Horses may suffer from summer dermatitis, itching or skin irritations. Lotions with calendula, tea tree or neem oil soothe inflammation, reduce redness and deter parasites. The coat then regains shine and suppleness without resorting to chemical treatments.

FAQ

What supplements to give a tired horse?
Ginseng, spirulina or B‑vitamin cures are often recommended, as they boost energy, improve endurance and support recovery after exertion.

Are natural care methods compatible with veterinary treatment?
Yes, provided they are used as a complement, with the veterinarian’s advice. They can enhance the positive effects of the treatment or help better tolerate it.

Explore our selection of natural care products for horses and find gentle yet effective solutions to support your companion daily, whether it needs joint support, immune defence or simple digestive comfort.

Thermoregulation in horses: a mechanism for thermal balance

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Thermoregulation is an essential physiological process that enables living organisms to maintain their body temperature within an optimal range despite environmental variations. In the horse, a homeothermic animal, this mechanism is particularly sophisticated because of its large body mass, intense muscular activity and high-performance metabolic system. Heat dissipation relies on key processes such as sweating, … Read more

High/Low Syndrome: when a horse’s balance becomes a challenge

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High/low syndrome in horses is a podal asymmetry characterised by a “high” foot (high heels, short toe) and a “low” foot (low heels, long toe). This condition results from an unequal load on the limbs, influenced by anatomical, biomechanical and postural factors. It can lead to joint and tendon pain and reduced performance. Management is … Read more

Reactivity in horses: voluntary and aggressive behaviour

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Reactivity in horses is a defensive or oppositional behaviour often perceived as resistance to the rider’s demands. This phenomenon can manifest itself in various forms, such as refusal to advance, rearing, bucking or abrupt reactions, and is generally seen as a response to physical, psychological or environmental discomfort. From a technical perspective, reactivity results from … Read more

Animal mediation: support from horses in the treatment of PTSD

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD) is a complex psychological condition, often resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Characterised by hypervigilance, flashbacks and emotional disturbances, PTSD has a profound impact on the quality of life of those affected. While traditional therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy, offer promising results, they are not always sufficient … Read more

Bacterial folliculitis: MRSA in horses

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Bacterial folliculitis is a common skin condition in horses that is often misdiagnosed or underestimated. This infection, although superficial, can lead to serious complications if it is not treated quickly. Whether you are an owner or an animal health professional, understanding this condition is essential to ensure the well-being of your horses. What causes this … Read more

Ovarian mares: how can they be relieved?

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Ovarian pain in mares is a frequent issue in equine veterinary medicine, particularly during oestrous cycles. This pain, which is often linked to the increase in follicle size and ovulation, can cause discomfort, affecting both the animal’s well-being and its performance. Identifying and alleviating these pains is crucial to maintaining the mare’s general health and … Read more

Mares and ovarian pain

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Ovarian pain in mares is a common but often overlooked problem in equine veterinary medicine, especially in the fields of reproduction and sports performance. As well as producing oocytes, the ovaries regulate hormones that influence mares’ behaviour and physiology. Ovarian pain can indicate disorders such as cysts, tumours or hormonal imbalances, affecting health and performance. … Read more

Autumn and poisoning: acorns, our horses’ enemies

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The arrival of autumn is a risky time for horses, particularly because of the increased presence of acorns and young oak shoots in pastures. These elements, although natural, can be toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities. The tannins contained in acorns and oak leaves cause digestive and kidney problems, and sometimes serious poisoning. … Read more

Melanomas: the tumours of grey horses

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Melanomas, which are particularly common in grey horses, are tumours which, although they often develop slowly, can lead to serious complications. This condition requires special attention, particularly when it comes to diagnosis, identifying symptoms and choosing appropriate treatments. This article discusses the causes, clinical manifestations and management options, with the aim of providing owners and … Read more

Recognising Lyme disease in horses

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Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals, particularly horses. Although non-contagious, this tick-borne vector-borne infection can cause a range of symptoms in equines, from fever to neurological damage. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in horses, as … Read more

My horse’s forks are rotten: what can I do?

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Fork rot is a common hoof condition. It is mainly caused by prolonged wet conditions, poor hygiene practices or a lack of regular maintenance of the horse’s feet. The condition affects the frog, a V-shaped structure on the underside of the hoof. The frog plays a crucial role in cushioning and blood circulation in the … Read more

Borna disease in horses: a rare encephalitis

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Borna disease, or Borna encephalitis, is a rare but potentially fatal viral neurotropic disease affecting mainly horses and sheep. Borna virus (BoDV-1) causes severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Infected horses manifest a variety of neurological symptoms that are often confused with other equine diseases, complicating diagnosis. What causes this disease? Borna disease … Read more

Rhodococcosis: a major threat to foals

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Rhodococcosis, caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi, poses a significant threat to foals, particularly those aged between 1 and 6 months. This bacterial infection, which manifests itself mainly as pneumonia, can lead to serious and even fatal complications if not diagnosed and treated in time. Foals reared in dusty, dry environments are particularly vulnerable. What … Read more

Juvenile osteochondral disorders in horses

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Juvenile osteochondral disease (J OCD) is a complex group of disorders affecting the development of cartilage and subchondral bone in young horses. These conditions, often grouped under the umbrella term osteochondrosis, are of major concern to breeders and veterinarians because of their significant impact on the health and future performance of equines. AOJ can manifest … Read more

Motor neurone disease in horses: therapeutic management

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Although relatively rare, motor neurone disease (MMN) in horses is a serious neurodegenerative disorder that affects the lower motor neurons responsible for controlling skeletal muscles. The condition, which is comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, leads to progressive muscle weakness, atrophy and eventual paralysis. Early diagnosis of SMA is crucial to improving the quality … Read more

Preventing grass sickness in horses

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Grass sickness, also known as atypical myopathy, is a serious and often fatal condition affecting horses grazing on certain grasslands. This rare but devastating disease is caused by the consumption of plants containing specific toxins, such as hypoglycin A found in the seeds of certain maples. Affected horses show a range of symptoms, from muscle … Read more

Natural recipes to prevent summer ailments in horses

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The summer period is characterised by dry, hot and sunny weather, which can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of horses. High temperatures, dusty environments, hard ground and increased exposure to UV rays can have a negative effect on equines, especially those living outdoors. In addition, summer marks the proliferation of winged … Read more

Hay and mycotoxins: impact on horse health

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Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain species of fungi, represent a serious threat to equine health. Found in cereals, forage and other contaminated feed, they can cause a range of health problems in horses, from digestive and respiratory disorders to immunosuppressive and hepatotoxic effects. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins can lead to serious illness, reducing horses’ … Read more

Equine influenza: a compulsory vaccine

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Equine influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, can have a major economic impact on the equine industry. Protecting the health of your horses through a thorough understanding of this disease is essential. What causes this disease? Equine influenza, caused by a type A influenza virus, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Two subtypes, H7N7 and … Read more

Equine rhinopneumonitis: three forms for one disease

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Equine rhinopneumonitis is a highly contagious viral disease that affects around 65% of horses in France. Caused by two types of herpes virus (HVE-1 and HVE-4), this infection can lead to respiratory and nervous problems, as well as abortions. What causes this disease? Equine rhinopneumonitis is caused by two equine-specific herpes viruses: equine herpesvirus type … Read more