We've had so many messages asking us about equine health and a variety of different topics, but the one that kept coming up was around the topic of Vitamin E so we caught up with Brad Hannah from the Otter Co-op Feed Division, he is our Wholesale Territory Manager with a Diploma in Equine Science with Distinction. Here is what Brad was kind enough to share with us.

🌿 In the world of equine health, Vitamin E emerges as a superhero, especially when battling conditions like Rhabdomyolysis—a muscular disorder affecting our beloved horses. This condition can be sporadic, due to overexertion, or chronic, manifesting in two main forms: Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM) and Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER).

What sets them apart?

Sporadic cases arise from pushing horses beyond their fitness limits, while chronic conditions hint at a deeper, inherent muscle malfunction, even during normal exercise levels.

Why spotlight Vitamin E?

🌟 This powerhouse nutrient plays a pivotal role in protecting muscles from oxidative damage and enhancing recovery. For horses, it's not just beneficial—it's essential, given they don't naturally produce it. A daily intake of 2000 to 4000 IU of Vitamin E, alongside selenium, for a standard 1000 lb horse, can significantly mitigate the severity of muscle issues.


🍀 Vitamin E: A Guardian of Equine Health🍀

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Vitamin E safeguards horse cells from the harmful impacts of oxidative stress, particularly vital for active and growing horses.

• Boosts Immunity: Beyond its protective role, it strengthens the immune system, helping horses fend off illness more effectively.
• Essential for Diet: Found in fresh pastures, whole grains, and certain fats, Vitamin E is crucial for maintaining robust health, especially as stored forages like hay lose potency over time.
• Feeding for Fitness: Horses engaged in regular or strenuous activities have elevated Vitamin E needs. Supplementation is key, as relying solely on feed might not suffice. For the hard-working equine athletes, the stakes are higher, underscoring the need for a diet rich in this essential nutrient.
• Mind the Gap: Even though Vitamin E is lauded for its safety, balance is paramount. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to tailor the perfect dietary plan, ensuring your horse reaps the benefits without overdoing it.
• A Greener Pasture: Vitamin E thrives in fresh, green pastures—nature's own supplement. Yet, for many horses, access to such bounty is limited, elevating the importance of dietary supplementation to fill the nutritional void.

🔍 The Core Message🔍

Whether your horse is a high-performance athlete, a growing youngster, or simply enjoying retirement, Vitamin E stands out as an invaluable component of their diet. It's about more than just muscle health; it's about enhancing their overall well-being, supporting their immune system, and ensuring they have the strength to recover and thrive. Don't wait for signs of deficiency to appear. Embrace the power of our Pegasus Natural Vitamin E or our LifeLine/Matrix feeds with Natural Vitamin E and watch your equine companions flourish with vitality. Remember, a healthy horse is a happy horse!🐴💚