Healing Horses with Elisha

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the metabolic health and overall vitality of horses, yet it is often overlooked or treated only when serious problems arise. 

Understanding the role of the thyroid gland and the factors that support or hinder it is the key to long-term equine wellness. Remember that supporting your horse’s health holistically always begins with their diet, lifestyle, and stress reduction.       

Recognizing Thyroid Imbalance

Changes in the coat are often the first visible sign of thyroid imbalance. Horses may develop coarse or dry hair, experience hair loss, shed slowl...

In Episode 13 last year, I covered some of what I discussed in my free webinar series, Become Your Horse’s Healer.

We have a replay of that episode today, so tune in to learn how to reset your expectations for your horse’s health.

Understanding Healing Patterns

Horses usually respond to healing programs in four different ways. Some horses respond positively to a new program and show rapid improvement. Others experience a temporary worsening of their conditions as their bodies start the healing process, often marked by fatigue or increased inflammation. Some horses show...

This week, we are revisiting the topics of insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Those issues have been on my mind recently due to the many questions I have received, and because I am currently working on a project with an insulin-resistant mare that is struggling to make any progress at the facility I manage.

Join me as I share my insights on how these recoveries typically unfold.

Act Early and Monitor Progress

Recognize any changes in your horse before they become serious problems. Prevention is always the key, as...

Today, we are focusing on how much a horse should eat.

Horses should not eat continuously, but determining the right amount of food and finding the right balance between enough and too much can be complicated, particularly for horses with insulin resistance or metabolic issues.

Metabolic and Insulin-Resistant Horses

Feeding horses with metabolic issues and insulin-resistance the correct amount can often be the missing piece once their exercise and nutrition are optimized. Some horses can self-regulate easily, while others need careful management to avoid overeating.

Feeding the Right Amount of Hay<...

This week, we are focusing on dosing.

In this episode, I explain the concept of the minimum effective dose, which is the smallest dosage required for the body to respond to or benefit from. The same principle applies to horses when adjusting their nutrition or adding supplements. The aim is to provide just enough to see a positive response, without going so far that it causes unwanted or harmful effects.

Dosing Principles 

In pharmacology, the ideal dosing range lies between the minimum effective dose and the maximum tolerated dose. That principle also applies t...

We are exploring glucosamine today.

About a decade ago, glucosamine was marketed and sold as a joint supplement for horses. It is still available for joint support in dogs and humans, but seldom as a supplement for horses. 

In this episode, I discuss my experience with glucosamine, sharing its origin and clarifying some of the holistic principles it breaks.

Nutrients vs. Nutraceuticals

Nutrients are the vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that are essential for life and must come from food. Glucosamine is a nutraceutical, a non-essential compound found naturally in c...

Today, we cover three foods to avoid for better horse health. This topic ties into our last discussion, where we explored toxicity in horses and how accumulated toxins can build up over time and lead to serious health issues.

Sources of Toxicity in Horses

Horses get exposed to various sources of toxicity, mainly through chemicals and preservatives in their food and water, medications, vaccinations, and deworming agents. Over time, the toxins build up and can overwhelm the immune system, leading to chronic health issues like inflammation, allergies, and sensitivities. Addressing the diet and removing toxic...

I am excited to welcome Jessica Fobert as my guest today!

Over the past decade, Jessica and I have worked together on many challenging cases, and I have come to value her input as a trusted second opinion for my clients. She is a hoof care practitioner and lifelong horse lover, registered with both the Canadian Equine Hoof Care Association and Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners. She and her business partner, Natalie, run a rehab facility in Toddham, Ontario, where they take on the toughest of cases. 

Join us as Jessica dives into the critical work s...

This week, we explore some key contributors to laminitis, other than grass, that every horse owner should be aware of.

In the last episode, we discussed sugar-induced laminitis and why spring grass can be a big concern for many horse owners. However, sugar is not the only factor that can trigger laminitis, and owners need to understand the broader range of potential causes.

A Whole-Body Issue

Laminitis is inflammation of the lamina. It is often a reflection of systemic inflammation and not just a foot problem. Inflammation, especially when chronic, can damage tissues...

Today, we are tackling the topic of laminitis and exploring those early-stage situations where your horse begins to show signs of soreness and tenderness.

What we focus on today does not include the more mechanical cases of founder laminitis but rather horses that tend to become sugar-sensitive as the grass begins to turn green in spring.   

Recognizing Sugar Sensitivity in Horses

Some horses become sore or tender as soon as lush spring grass appears. It is often due to sugar sensitivity, and these horses may also be insulin resistant. Insulin resistance can present as...

The symptoms most horses experience from digestive issues and anxiety tend to cause them lots of discomfort. Fortunately, there is a wonderful plant horse owners can use to manage those conditions. 

Chamomile is a versatile herb with a wide range of uses for horses. It has a calming energy and a pleasant smell, and horses love it!

The Link Between Digestion and Anxiety 

There is a close connection between digestion and anxiety in horses. Stressful events like separation or fear can trigger digestive issues such as colic or ulcers. Those two systems work in...

This week, our focus returns to the equine diet.

Whether you are supporting overall health or addressing a particular issue in a horse, it always starts with their food. That often means identifying and removing dietary intolerances or introducing an anti-inflammatory or alkaline diet. 

Since each horse has a unique constitution, their diets must be individualized to support their specific sensitivities.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Horses

Offer a variety of fresh produce like melons, shredded beets, cucumbers, watermelon rind, apples, blueberries, and carrots. Chop them into small pieces for easy e...

June has arrived, and everything is turning green again. With no more mud and ice around, it becomes much easier for horse owners living in wet and snowy areas to get their horses moving as they should once more. 

This week, I share some tips to get your horse moving in spring, which is particularly important if your horse is on grass, with few other options.

Movement Matters

Spring and summer grasses are rich in sugars, which can be risky for horses with metabolic issues like insulin resistance or laminitis. Supplements may help m...

This week, we are taking a closer look at equine sarcoids. 

Equine sarcoids are a common issue that can be concerning for horse owners. These skin growths are neither serious nor life-threatening, but they can be unsightly and sometimes tricky to manage. They tend to vary in appearance and location, and in some cases, can go unnoticed until they become more visibly pronounced.

What Are Equine Sarcoids?

Sarcoids are skin tumors that account for 36 to 40% of equine tumors. They can be flat, raised, crusty, weepy, or ulcerated, and can grow and spread at d...

This week, we continue where we left off last week, exploring equine eye conditions through a holistic lens.

A holistic approach focuses primarily on optimizing the diet and lifestyle of horses, providing everything they need to support their overall health and maintain healthy eyes.

Long-Term Health Issues Often Begin with Deficiencies

Chronic deficiencies, prolonged stress, and toxin exposure are often the root causes of long-term health issues in horses. Those problems develop slowly, sometimes taking years to show symptoms. Even though genetics may be an underlying factor, nutrition is crucial in determining health...

This week, we are focusing on eye health in horses.

Eye conditions consistently rank among the most common and concerning issues reported by horse owners. With vision being such a crucial aspect of the well-being and safety of horses, owners must gain a holistic understanding of equine eye conditions and learn how to manage them responsibly and effectively.

Why Eye Issues Matter

Eye problems in horses are often a clue pointing to deeper health issues. Symptoms like weepy eyes, swelling, or more serious conditions like uveitis and conjunctivitis sometimes show up alongside other...

This week, we are following up on our last discussion about sourcing the right hay for your horse by focusing on the practice of soaking hay. 

Soaking hay is a common strategy for reducing sugar levels for sugar-sensitive horses. This practice is helpful for horses with insulin resistance, acute laminitis, or high-insulin PSSM. 

Join us to learn how to soak hay to improve your horse's health and ensure longevity while avoiding the associated risks.

When and Why to Soak Hay

Soaking hay can be helpful, but it should only be done wh...

Today, we tackle hay, an essential yet often overlooked component of an equine diet.

Hay provides most of the calories and nutrition horses need, especially in colder climates. However, it is not always the first place we look when issues arise. Since hay is dried grass with less nutritional value than natural forage, it is not a perfect food, yet it is what most horse owners must rely on. The quality of the hay, the treatments it has undergone, and how it affects your horse are critical factors to consider. That is why it is best to...

As spring approaches, many horse owners become concerned about what the grass returning could mean for their more sugar-sensitive horses, as those horses usually have a history of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, PPID, PSSM, laminitis, and hoof problems.

Managing sugar intake and keeping their hooves healthy is the key to avoiding serious setbacks in sugar-sensitive horses. So, in this episode, I share some simple and effective strategies for supporting horses and managing their sugar levels as they go back onto grass.

Supporting the Transition to Grass

Spring grass can be challenging for horses...

Today, we share seven key pointers to help you, as a horse owner, plan a parasite control program for your horse.

In this episode, you will learn how to formulate a parasite program and how to prepare your horse for it. We will also explain how to schedule your program effectively and responsibly.

Understanding the Role of Parasites in Equine Health

Parasites can affect the health of horses significantly, and they can worsen problems in horses with ulcers, digestive issues, or chronic colic. So, owners should tailor their parasite management to suit the...

This week, we are following up on last week’s topic about the adverse effects of parasites on our horses by talking about fecal egg counts.

As horse owners, it is essential to understand what fecal egg counts are, the valuable information they provide, and how to use those insights to evaluate and assess parasite control strategies for your horse or, in some cases, an entire herd.

What is a Fecal Egg Count?

A fecal egg count is a diagnostic test, usually performed by veterinary clinics, to identify the presence and number of pa...

As spring approaches, it is time to start thinking about parasite management.

Parasites are a complicated topic that often gets oversimplified when searching for information. A holistic approach always considers the intestinal immunity of each horse, as that varies from horse to horse. However, parasite management tends to become more complex in herd environments where group dynamics play a role.

The Impact of Parasites on Horse Health

Parasites can have widespread effects on a horse’s body. They contribute to inflammation, disrupt the nervous system, and place stress on multiple organs. Horses with al...

One of the most common mistakes horse owners tend to make is opting for supplements before evaluating their horse’s diet.

Today, we are taking a closer look at supplements and whether or not they are necessary for horse health.

Diet First, Supplements Second

No supplement will fully correct the underlying issue if a horse is fed an unbalanced diet. Nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and stress often occur due to poor feeding practices. So, horse owners should consider the diet before adding supplements for their horses, and get a hay analysis to uncover any nu...

Today, we are bringing you a rerun of Episode 16. This episode explores alfalfa, a highly nutritious feed that often leaves horse owners uncertain due to the many conflicting opinions on its proper use and ideal feeding amounts.

Join us as we tackle the ins and outs of incorporating alfalfa into your horse's diet and debunk some of the common misconceptions surrounding it.

Diverse Uses of Alfalfa

Horse owners can use alfalfa for many different purposes. Some use it to provide extra calories during the winter, while others use it to help their horses...

The adrenal glands play a crucial role in keeping horses healthy and resilient.

My recent hands-on experience with horse dissections highlighted the importance of the adrenal glands for metabolism, hormone regulation, and stress response in horses.

When horse owners learn how the adrenal glands work and how chronic stress affects them, they can become far more effective in supporting the health and well-being of their horses.

The Role of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, ACTH, and DHEA, which regulate energy, influence immune function, and affect the overall hormone...

Dedicated owners want the best for their equine companions. However, understanding what is going on with a horse’s health can sometimes be puzzling.

Creating a health profile for horses is a simple yet powerful tool to give owners deeper insight into the overall well-being of their horses. Writing their health history down on paper helps owners understand what is and is not working and how their diet, stress, or past issues might influence their condition, making it easier to fine-tune their care. Having a clear record also allows owners to spot trends over time, helping them ma...

We are officially opening enrollment for my signature program, Healing Horses Their Way 2025, which I was proud to launch in 2018!

Every year, from late November to early December, we roll up our sleeves, set the dates, map out the plan, and fine-tune the details for the year ahead.

Join me today for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how we structure the program, what you will learn, the rollout date, and all the incredible benefits you can expect!

Overview of the Program

This signature program has been a favorite among horse owners...

Boarding horses can be a solution for owners who do not have enough space or time for full-time care. However, owners often struggle with losing control over aspects like feeding, turnout, and herd dynamics.

Finding a balance between the horse’s needs and how the boarding facility gets run can be difficult, but with the right approach, owners can set things up to work for themselves, the facility, and their horses.

Choosing the Best Available Option

In areas where boarding facilities are limited, owners may have to go with the best available option ra...

Horse owners often want to know if their efforts to heal their horses are making a difference, especially after long periods of frustration and uncertainty.

In those situations, owners should look for some signs of improvement without becoming overly fixated on a single symptom. Learning about the holistic healing processes of the body will also be helpful, as recovery seldom follows a predictable path.

The Importance of Energy Levels

One of the earliest indicators of recovery in horses is improved energy levels. Horses suffering from chronic health issues often exhibit fatigue and depression...

We are working hard, gearing up to launch my signature program, Healing Horses Their Way 2025.

From late November to early December, we start rolling up our sleeves, setting the dates, mapping out the plan, and fine-tuning what will be in store for the coming year. Today, I take you behind the scenes to explain how we structure the program, what you will learn, the rollout date, and the benefits you stand to achieve.

Join us this week to learn more about the signature program I proudly launched in 2018.

Overview of the Program

Today, we cover three foods to avoid for better horse health. This topic ties into our last discussion, where we explored toxicity in horses and how accumulated toxins can build up over time and lead to serious health issues.

Sources of Toxicity in Horses

Horses get exposed to various sources of toxicity, mainly through chemicals and preservatives in their food and water, medications, vaccinations, and deworming agents. Over time, the toxins build up and can overwhelm the immune system, leading to chronic health issues like inflammation, allergies, and sensitivities. Addressing the diet and removing toxic...

We are focusing on toxicity today.

Toxicity is one of the leading causes of equine disease. When the toxic load of horses exceeds what they can process, it becomes hard for their tissues to be healthy, their organs to function as they should, and their body systems to work together to sustain good health.

Today, I scratch the surface of the vast and complex topic of toxicity, giving you a little food for thought. Since this is a massive subject, I will likely revisit it and dive deeper into some of the points we cover...

Horses are expensive to keep.

As they get older and their health declines, horses require more care. The financial pressure of covering all the costs can lead some owners to make tough decisions, like rehoming their horses or even putting them down.

Owners can tend to overcomplicate things. So today, I share some affordable yet effective strategies to care for horses when money is tight.

Balancing Finances and Horse Care

Many horse owners struggle with the affordability of horse care and tend to wonder whether they can afford certain expenses, particularly...

This week, I share three homeopathic remedies for horses with colds or flu. The seasonal shift to winter can make horses more susceptible to colds and flu, as horses often experience a dip in immunity as they transition to their winter coats and face changes in their diet, digestion, and hormones. As a result, we tend to see inflammation and various health issues cropping up during the fall.  

Aconite

Aconite is a homeopathic remedy often used for horses with colds, flu, or general malaise. It is particularly effective for horses experiencing fear, panic, or trauma. T...

Today, we are exploring the benefits of Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient for horses and humans, and I use it regularly for various purposes. In this episode, I explain how it functions in the body, the signs and causes of a Vitamin B6 deficiency, and how to use it effectively.

Nutrient Deficiency and Therapeutic Use of B6 in Horses

Vitamin B6 gets used for its therapeutic properties in horses, even without a confirmed deficiency. Many horses are likely deficient in Vitamin B6, especially those on hay diets without access to...

Today, we are tackling the topic of swelling, a symptom I often encounter in horses.

Swelling, particularly in the udder or sheath, is usually accompanied by extremity swelling (peripheral edema) due to fluid pooling in the legs. Visible swelling is a common concern for horse owners. It is never a good sign, especially if it becomes chronic.

The Lymphatic System

When I see fluid retention in horses, I think about the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance between the blood and tissues, excreting toxins and supporting the immune system.

Food is most important for horses.

Last time, we covered the signs indicating your horse may need a food change. Today, I follow that up by diving into five signs that your horse loves its current diet, which is critical, especially for easy keepers and metabolic horses.

Food Motivates Horses

Horses are highly motivated by food and need to eat constantly, so food restrictions can negatively impact their quality of life. When they cannot eat, they tend to fixate on food, leading to stress-related issues like delayed healing and a weakened immune system.<...

Horses should love their food because it is important to them.

However, many horse owners struggle to determine whether their horse's diet provides enough nutrition or if something in their food could be causing them problems. So, I have identified seven signs indicating your horse may be ready for a food change.

Recognizing the Need for a Food Change

One of the biggest challenges for horse owners is determining when their horse needs a diet change. Many owners struggle to assess whether their horse is getting enough nutrition or if there could be...

We are exploring muscle testing for horses today.

Muscle testing is an alternative tool that is gaining popularity in equine care. You can use it to determine the best remedies for your horse and to formulate a personalized program tailored to its specific requirements.

An Introduction to Muscle Testing

Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology or autonomic response therapy, has been gaining popularity in human and animal health practices. Applied kinesiology can be confused with the academic study of kinesiology, which focuses on human movement. However, muscle testing is a distinct diagnostic...

This week, we are focusing on the benefits of chaste berry.

Chaste berry is an herb that ties right into our recent podcasts on the effects of PPID (Cushing’s Syndrome) or hormonal imbalances, as it often gets mentioned in the context of those issues for horses.

Origin and Identification of Chase Berry

Chaste berry, derived from the chaste tree, is also known by its Latin name, Vitexagnus-castus. When searching for this supplement in stores, it may also be labeledVitex. Both names are commonly used, including in homeopathic versions.

Medicinal Components an...