We are on the cusp of spring, and it’s an exciting time for horse owners, as the muddy quagmires of winter begin to revive back into lush pastures. However, the transition to rich spring grass can place stress on your horse’s digestive system, and can increase their risk of laminitis, a painful inflammation of the hooves.
Therefore it is important to manage the transition in your horse’s diet carefully, particularly if they have been stabled full time during the winter months. Here’s a look at how green clay for horses can help with this process.
What is green clay?
Green clay is a naturally occurring mineral rich substance that is derived from ancient volcanic ash deposits. It contains over 70 trace essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and silica, which can support your horse’s overall health when used internally and externally as a poultice.
How green clay can help with a spring detoxification
During the winter, horses may have had limited access to fresh grazing, with a diet mainly of hay and processed feed. This can lead to toxins building up in the system, which need to be eliminated. The influx of fresh spring grass can cause further upset, so it’s best to introduce the change gradually, starting with an hour or two of turnout each day.
Removing toxins from the system
Green clay is highly absorbent, and also has the ability to bind with toxins and heavy metals. This can flush out harmful substances from the gut and eliminate them naturally through the digestive system.
Supporting healthy gut bacteria
The minerals in green clay can support a balanced gut microbiome, which can improve nutrient absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. This can increase your horse’s energy and stamina levels, and also improve the condition of their skin, coat, and hooves.
Boosting the immune system
Green clay can boost your horse’s immune system and help them to ward off infection, through the elimination of harmful toxins and increased absorption and circulation of nutrients to the vital organs.
Joint and muscle support
Green clay has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to support the joints and muscles and aid recovery from injury.
This is particularly important for older horses, who need extra help to keep their joints supple and mobile. Staying active helps you and your horse to enjoy life to the full, avoid lameness and take part in fun activities such as hacking or even jumping.
Competition horses who regularly take part in cross country, showjumping or dressage events may also benefit from green clay supplements to enhance their flexibility and boost their energy levels.
How to use green clay as a feed supplement
To feed as a supplement, add one tablespoon of green clay to your horse’s feed twice a day, for two to three weeks then discontinue use. You can also mix green clay into a water source, but this should be spring water or rainwater rather than tapwater. Your horse should also have access to regular water.
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