Coupling Equine Nutrition & Acupuncture

Integrated medical care for horses has been shown to not only enhance their overall performance in competition, but benefit their everyday well being. According to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Association, acupuncture can be effective to both prevent illness and treat specific equine health concerns that relate to nutritional deficiencies and stamina. Together, personalized acupuncture and equine nutrition plans can elevate a horse’s performance and stamina.

Horses require specific nutritional considerations to maintain the level of fitness they are regularly involved in. Specialized supplements and nutraceuticals are ideal to assist a horse’s transitioning exercise requirements while training for a race, on the day of the race, or when they are on vacation from competition. When a horse exercises consistently throughout the day, both pre- and post dietary choices will present a significantly positive impact on the horse’s overall stamina.

When a horse is lacking in specific aspects of nutrition or supplementation of nutrients, it is unable to keep up endurance and beat exercise fatigue. Like humans, when blood sugar is not stabilized or commensurate with activity levels, excessive stress can signal an inflammatory response in horses. When blood sugar fluctuates regularly, pre-diabetes could be on the horizon as an equine health complication. Balancing blood sugar via nutrients, nutraceuticals, and acupuncture all assist in maintaining overall health, disease prevention, and keeping fatigue at bay.

When coupled with nutrition, acupuncture can be a powerful, lasting force for equine stamina. Because musculoskeletal fatigue from loading activities cannot be measured while a horse is engaged, preventive nutrition and acupuncture are ideal for maintaining tissue integrity and preventing injury. From nose to tail, the benefits can include improved range of motion, reduced inflammation of tendons, ligaments and joints that may have suffered from competition and exercise are improved, hoof protection, and injury prevention. Occasionally accidents happen and animals become injured. When horses suffer an injury, immediate acupuncture and nutritional therapy can reduce the inflammatory response, regulate pain and advance the healing process without delay.

Your horse’s nutrition cannot be overlooked. Talk to your experienced veterinarian about how you can develop a dynamic integrative care plan to improve your horse’s wellness with acupuncture and nutrition.

Sources:
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, “Veterinary Acupuncture.”
Hoskins, Liz, “Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Horses: An Interview with Gloria Garland.”
Blaney Flietner, Maureen, “The Conservative Approach for Healing Horses.”

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Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Available for emergencies 24/7

Sunday:

Available for emergencies 24/7

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I've been using Dr. Andersen as my equine vet for almost 3 years. She is smart and professional, and always has my horses' (and my) best interest in mind. She thoroughly evaluates each animal and takes the time to explain treatment options. She is also an outstanding chiropractor; my good barrel horse Danny loves her! An added bonus to the practice is Dr. Calvacanti. She is hard working, well educated and eager to learn. I trust my horses' health to Rocky Mountain Equine Clinic."
    Mandy M. D.
  • "I have my horse in retirement and went away to London for a week. On the second day of my trip I got the dreaded phone call that my mare was colicing. With a team effort London was trailered to Rocky Mt equine clinic. The staff was fantastic about keeping me up to date and keeping me sane. They were upfront about the situation and very supportive with my decision. They also were more then happy to allow my mares companion donkey to spend the night. THANK YOU ALL!"
    Hannah D.
  • "Dr Shiloh has been AMAZING with my mare. She has been so informative and so kind to not just me but to my baby as well. Talk about incredible patience and awesome bedside manners!! The work she’s done and her ability to explain it and do what’s best for the animal has me in awe. I am So glad she was recommended to me. I will always call her or recommend her and this clinic to anyone. Beautiful facility. Wonderful people. The best care my horse could have ever gotten."
    Chelsey W.