Equine Hoof & Mobility Balance – Set of 3

Educational Overview

What is laminitis?

Laminitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the laminae—the sensitive tissues that suspend the coffin bone (P3) within the hoof capsule.

What is founder?

Founder refers to the structural failure that can follow laminitis, where the coffin bone rotates and/or sinks within the hoof.

Laminitis = inflammation; Founder = mechanical damage.

Why it’s serious

• Causes severe pain and lameness

• Can become chronic or life-threatening

• Long-term hoof damage may occur if not treated early
  
  

Common causes / triggers

• Dietary overload: lush pasture, high sugar/starch feeds

• Endocrine disease: EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome), PPID/Cushing’s

• Toxins & illness: colic, retained placenta, severe infections,  tetanus vaccine

• Mechanical overload: excessive concussion, supporting-limb laminitis

• Stress & inflammation: systemic illness
  
  

Early warning signs

• Reluctance to move, stiff or short strides

• “Rocked-back” stance (weight shifted to heels)

• Warm hooves, strong digital pulse

• Pain on turning or hard ground
  
  

Advanced signs (founder)

• Severe lameness

• Hoof wall distortion or rings

• Sole bruising or abscesses

• Rotation or sinking seen on X-ray
  
  

Diagnosis

• Clinical exam (lameness, digital pulse)

• Hoof testing

• Radiographs (to assess rotation/sinking)

• Blood tests for metabolic disease
  
  

Immediate management

• Strict rest on deep, soft bedding

• Cryotherapy (ice therapy) in early stages

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories

• Dietary restriction (low NSC feeds only)

• Hoof support (pads, boots, corrective trimming)
  
  

Long-term management

• Corrective farriery

• Weight control

• Manage EMS/PPID

• Controlled exercise (once stable)

• Ongoing hoof monitoring
  
  

Prevention strategies

• Limit lush pasture access (especially spring/autumn)

• Use grazing muzzles if needed

• Low sugar/starch diet

• Regular farrier care

• Screen at-risk horses for metabolic disease

SET OF

Educational Purposes

A carefully selected combination of natural, plant-based and mineral ingredients, traditionally associated with maintaining healthy circulation, supporting hoof integrity, and encouraging overall comfort in horses.

This set is designed as part of a broader approach to supporting equine vitality and resilience, especially during times when the hooves and legs may be under stress.

Educational Note:

Magnesium and Equine Wellness

Magnesium is an essential mineral for horses, contributing to healthy nerve and muscle function, calm behaviour, and overall wellbeing. Horses with low magnesium in their diet may show signs such as restlessness, reduced appetite, or muscle tension. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake helps support balanced energy, muscle comfort, and healthy metabolic processes.

In traditional and research-based equine nutrition, magnesium has also been discussed for its role in maintaining normal hoof and muscle health, encouraging balanced circulation, and assisting the body in coping with physical stress. Researchers, such as those at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, have explored magnesium’s potential contribution to equine wellness and resilience, particularly in horses facing metabolic or musculoskeletal challenges.

By promoting calmness, supporting strong bones through calcium balance, and encouraging smooth muscular function, magnesium remains a vital element of equine dietary care.

* Natural pet botanicals are not intended to replace veterinary care or medication. Our formulas are offered as an alternative health support for your animal's condition and not as a cure. 

Magnesium and Potassium – Vital Minerals for Balance and Vitality

Magnesium and potassium are essential minerals that play important roles in the body’s everyday biological processes. They are involved in cellular communication, energy metabolism, and the normal functioning of muscles and nerves.

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions throughout the body and is present in all tissues, including bones, muscles, and the nervous system. It is widely recognised for its role in supporting normal muscle function, contributing to energy production, and assisting the body in maintaining balance during periods of physical or environmental demand.

Potassium is another vital mineral required for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and cells. It plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance within the body and supports normal cellular signalling processes that contribute to overall vitality and wellbeing.

Together, magnesium and potassium are commonly discussed in nutritional science as key minerals that contribute to balance, energy, and resilience as part of a healthy diet.

Magnesium – A Key Mineral for Balance

Magnesium is often referred to as a “relaxation-associated mineral” due to its involvement in processes that help the body transition between activity and rest. It contributes to normal muscle function, nerve signalling, and energy metabolism, supporting the body’s ability to maintain equilibrium.

Magnesium is present in bones, muscles, and nervous tissue and plays a role in hundreds of natural biochemical reactions. Maintaining adequate magnesium levels is considered important for general wellbeing and adaptability to daily stressors in both animals and people.

Magnesium has been traditionally valued for its role in:

• Supporting normal muscle function

• Contributing to balanced nerve signalling

• Assisting energy production and metabolic processes

• Supporting the body’s natural regulatory systems

• Helping maintain mineral balance within bones

Different forms of magnesium exist, with some forms known for their gentle nature and good absorption. For example, magnesium glycinate is a chelated form often discussed for its bioavailability and digestive tolerance.

As one of the most widely required minerals in the body, magnesium plays a foundational role in supporting balance, vitality, and long-term nutritional wellbeing.

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Need more advice or have more questions? Contact us for a FREE consultation with one of our fully qualified practitioners. 

These statements are for general wellbeing and educational purposes only. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Always seek veterinary or professional advice for specific health concerns.

DISCLAIMER
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from your health care practitioners. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.