Feeding Concepts

Feeding Concepts 

Individual solutions 

for each horse

Knowledge is Power 

Those who want the best for their horse, should be informed! 

Our website provides a wealth of information when it comes to the subject 

horse feeding. Our catalogue and our Feeding Concepts, available free 

of charge with us, will help you to find the appropriate St. Hippolyt product. 

We will also be pleased to offer individual advice by mail or telephone! 

The team of St. Hippolyt welcomes all inquiries and further contacting 

from your side! 

www.st-hippolyt.de 

St. Hippolyt Nutrition Concepts 

Marketing- und Vertriebs-GmbH 

Feeding Concepts 

Verwaltung: Talstraße 

241; 69234 Dielheim; 

Tel.: 0049 (0) 6222 990 100; Fax: 0049 (0) 6222 990 234; E-Mail: info@st-hippolyt.de

Content 

Editorial and legal notice 3 

St. Hippolyt Research Team 4 

You are what you eat 6 

Additional energy requirement 

for performances 10 

Essentials in feeding 

management 11 

Dear horse friends, 

Sometimes we have the feeling that the earth turns even faster 

and that time escapes. For many people, the horse is the 

desired calm anchor in our hectic world. Horses give us the 

power, they let us calm down and give us their entire attention. 

But a long-lasting happy partnership will only be possible if 

giving and taking are in balance. We have to ensure that our 

partner horse may develop according to its nature, so it can 

experience a fulfilling relationship with us as sports or pleasure 

partner. 

The new edition of “Feeding Concepts” is designed to serve 

and support you with all questions related to horse feeding 

and to assist you with all questions when it comes to an 

appropriate, natural feeding so that you can give something 

back to your horse. 

M.Sc.agr. Sarai Fauerbach 

Agronomist 

Legal Notice 

Layout: 

Karl Möller (moeller.de) 

Text: 

Sarai Fauerbach, Anna Reinmuth, 

Christine Bauer 

Photos: 

Guido Recki, Karlheinz Frieler, 

Christiane Slawik, Karl Möller, 

Anita Zander, Fotolia 

Illustrations: 

Annika Schmitt 



Im Grund 52 

D-36110 Schlitz 

BASIC RATIONS 

Broodmare 12 

Foal 14 

Breeding stallion 16 

Young horse 17 

Pleasure horse 18 

Competition horse 22 

Show jumping 23 

Dressage 23 

Eventing 24 

Western riding 25 

Endurance riding 26 

Racing 27 

Driving 28 

Cross-discipline specialties 29 

Maintenance feed resting horses 30 

Old horse 31 

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS 

Increasing weight 34 

Colic 35 

Diarrhoea 36 

Watery stools 37 

Gastric ulcer 40 

Change of coat 42 

Skin and coat problems 43 

Cracked heels 44 

Hoof problems 45 

Insect protection 46 

Equine Sarcoid 47 

Overweight/EMS 48 

Laminitis 49 

Equine Cushing Syndrome (ECS) 50 

Hepatic dysfunction 51 

Renal dysfunction 52 

Kryptopyrrolurea (KPU) 53 

Tooth problems 54 

Bones, tendons, ligaments & joints 55 

Respiratory diseases 56 

Allergies 57 

Muscle development and release 58 

Compulsive behaviour 59 

Tying-up, PSSM 60 

Calming product 61 

Advice 62 

3 Feeding Concepts

Introduction 

St. Hippolyt 

Research Team 

The St. Hippolyt Research Team, headed 

by Dr. Krzystof Marycz, elaborates 

and works on new opportunities and 

possibilities in the area of a horseappropriate 

and high-quality horse 

feeding. All St. Hippolyt products are the 

result of the intensive scientific work of 

our research department. 

The St. Hippolyt Research and 

Development Team is based on the cooperation 

with leading scientists in the area 

of equine nutrition worldwide. We are cooperating 

with labs all over Europe and in 

the United States of America to find and 

to develop global solutions and answers 

to scientific questions and research areas 

when it comes to equine nutrition. We 

all agree that nutrition plays one of the 

most important roles for the well-being of 

the horse and that its research requires 

different lab techniques. As one of the 

first research teams in Europe, we 

are developing nutrigenomic techniques 

that are meant to provide solutions for a 

number of nutritional problems. 

Glucogard for six months. Besides, 

Glucogard considerably reduces quantity 

and size of fat cells which leads to a 

reduction in weight. 

Intensive studies with EMS-horses 

have shown that the concentration of 

inflammationenhancing proteins in the 

blood can be considerably reduced 

by feeding Glucogard, supporting the 

regulation of the equine metabolism. 

We are now focusing on our product 

Movicur and its application for degenerative 

joint issues that count among the bestknown 

disturbances in the locomotive 

system. Movicur is based on an extract of 

New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels and 

organic trace elements that are known 

for considerably contributing to tissue 

regeneration. Our research has shown that 

supplementing Movicur to the daily diet 

has a positive effect on joint disorders at 

Dr. Krzystof Marycz: 

Head of the St. Hippolyt 

Research Team 

Dr. Krzystof Marycz researches and 

practices with the Institute of Biology 

at the Life Science University in 

Wroclaw. As vet expert and scientific 

advisor of St. Hippolyt, his greatest 

passion is to investigate and to further 

develop equine nutrition and regenerative 

medicine. 

The following questions are identified 

and prioritised in our daily work: How can 

we improve our Feeding Concepts and 

feeding strategy so as to enhance the 

horse’s performance and to counteract 

metabolic deficiencies? In the last years, 

we have developed a Feeding Concept 

for sweet itch and insulin resistance 

with horses (EMS). We have shown for 

the first time that the combination of 

plant composition and correct horse 

management can considerably improve 

insulin resistance (IR) with over-weight 

horses. The study found that the body 

weight was decreased by 35% after 

complementing the daily feed with 

Studien als Download auf www.st-hippolyt.de. 

Gerne senden wir Ihnen auch eine Printversion zu. 

Was leistet eine Huffütterungskur 

(Ungulat ® ) als alleinige Maßnahme 

zur Verbesserung der Hufhornqualität? 

Unter dieser Fragestellung 

wurde im Winterhalbjahr 2007/2008 

eine Fütterungsstudie durchgeführt. 

Ungulat ® verbessert die Hufhornqualität 

in sechs Monaten 

Pilotstudie der Life Science Universität Breslau 

Wie war der Ablauf der Hufstudie? 

Sechs Vollblutzuchtstuten mit langjährig sprödem und 

rissigem Hufhorn erhielten über sechs Monate täglich 

250g Ungulat ® * zum Krippenfutter. Ansonsten wurde die 

gewohnte Ration aus Hafer, stallüblichem Mischkraftfutter 

und Heu beibehalten, Weidegang wurde ausgeschlossen. 

Vier der sechs Stuten waren trächtig und fohlten kurz nach 

der Testphase ab. 

Die allgemeine Qualität und Elastizität des Hufhorns wurde 

von zwei geschulten Hufschmieden nach einem Notensystem 

bewertet. Der Studienleiter Dr. Krzysztof Marycz 

von der Life Science Universität Breslau (Wroclaw) führte 

die gewebekundliche Beurteilung durch. 

Feeding Concepts 4

an early stage and on tissue regeneration. 

After having fed Movicur for six months, 

there was a reduced concentration of 

inflammation-causing proteins (TNF-alfa) in 

the synovial fluid of horses with movement 

disorders. The unique combination of herbs 

and organic minerals efficiently supports 

the reduction of joint problems - The 

nutrients in Movicur support the cartilage 

tissue of equine joints and permanently 

support regeneration. 

Movicur is one of the most effective feed 

supplements for horses, showing not only 

positive effects on degenerative issues, but 

also counteracting deficiency symptoms 

with the locomotive system. 

Dr. Krzystof Marycz 

Dr. Christine Brøkner 

As assistant professor at the University 

of Copenhagen, Christine Brøkner 

teaches agricultural sciences and is 

the head of the research department 

for quantitative horse nutrition. “My 

passion is to sensitize people for the 

correct horse nutrition and feeding 

and to share my knowledge.” 

Christine Brøkner knows that it is not 

always easy to convince all, vets, 

horse and stable owners, but with 

her long-term experiences in the field 

of equestrian sports, horse nutrition 

and raising, she targetly supports 

to transfer linked strategies to solve 

nutritious, but also organizational 

feeding problems. 

Dr. Claudia Kleiber 

As specialist vet, she is working every 

day in horse stables in Switzerland and 

beyond Swiss borders. She extended 

her knowledge within research groups 

at the University Louisiana/USA and at 

the University of Edinburgh/Scotland. 

In conjunction with her work, she 

additionally received her diploma 

IVCA of the International Veterinary 

Chiropractic Association. 

“The focus of my work are horses, 

their owners and grooms” 

This is the reason why Dr. Claudia 

Kleiber faces the daily challenge 

to contribute to the recovery and 

health maintenance of horses with 

an expert care so as to create the 

basis for substantiate performances 

and success. “It is only possible 

to discover and handle complex 

and often multifactorial causes for 

deficiencies with systematic and 

analytic thinking and handling.” 


Introduction 

through wide steppes and would search 

for food for almost 18 hours. The diet of 

ancestral horses would clearly be very 

rich in fibre. As the digestive tract of the 

modern-day horses did not considerably 

change when it comes to structure and 

function, fibre-based feed rations should 

prevail today. 

You are what you eat! 

A shiny coat, healthy hooves, a 

particularly well-balanced temperament 

and outstanding work ethic: This is how 

we want our horse to be. Besides, these 

features show whether our horse is 

healthy or not. But how do we achieve 

this goal, this vitality or how do we even 

maintain it? Apart from important factors 

such as maintenance and genetics, 

nutrition plays an especially important 

role. Scientific studies have shown that 

an appropriate and adequate feeding 

prevents deficiency symptoms and even 

fixes diet-related problems. Therefore, 

controlling and if required, adapting 

the daily feed ration of your horse it will 

certainly pay off. 

But what does 

adequate really mean? 

The development of a suitable horse feed 

ration adequate for a horse needs is based 

on findings that are both, empirically and 

scientifically substantiated. Determined 

requirement values from different feed 

trials described in literature provide 

an important basis, these values are 

combined with the physiology of nutrition 

and take into consideration and by the 

structure and function of the digestive 

tract. 

The wild past of our horses 

The origin of our horses plays a decisive 

factor when composing appropriate and 

adequate feed rations. The wild ancestors 

of the domesticated horse would roam 

The basis is hay 

The basis of each ration is a sufficient 

supply in fibre of first-class quality. Hay 

harvested at the beginning of the season 

is to be preferred. An increasing number 

of horse enterprises prefer processed 

greenstuff such as silage and haylage for 

cost and storage reasons. The content in 

fibre of too early cut silage is comparatively 

low while at the same time, its content in 

acids is high. However, particularly sensitive 

horses may suffer from digestive disorders 

such as watery stools or diarrhoea after 

having been fed this way. Balancing the 

diet with dry greenstuff such as hay cubes 

may considerably upgrade the rations. 

The following rule of thumb applies when it 

comes to calculating quantities: 

1.2 to 1.5 kg hay / 100 kg 

(target) weight of a horse per day 

Energy source no. 1 

When looking at the natural choice of 

food of horses, it becomes obvious that 

concentrated feed plays a minor or no 

role at all. The digestive tract has adapted 

to these conditions. Compared to dogs, 

horses can only enzymatically break down 

body-owned amylases into starch to a 

very limited extend. The final part of the 

colon, the large intestine, is responsible 


for most of the digestion work. The fibre 

is decomposed with the help of a great 

number of microbes with part of it being 

transformed into short-chain fatty acids. 

These fatty acids then serve the horse 

as source of energy. Horses are therefore 

sufficiently capable of generating a lot of 

energy from high-quality hay to cover their 

maintenance requirements. 

Performance requires concentrated feed 

Energy generated from hay is normally 

not sufficient for horses that are meant 

to deliver performances that exceed 

the maintenance requirements - a 

concentrated diet and consequently 

concentrated feed becomes necessary. 

When considering the structure of the 

digestive tract, the content in starch from 

grain should be moderate. Alternative 

energy suppliers are fibres, oils and 

oleaginous fruit. This also minimizes 

the danger of undigested starch 

entering the large intestine where it 

can result in digestive disorders, overacidification 

and dangerous metabolic 

imbalances such as laminitis. The 

digestive system of the horse favours 

a diet with the least amount possible 

in concentrated feed. 

Nature as an example 

Given the chance, horses would not 

only eat grass during their search for 

food. They would also eat healthy 

herbs in spring and summer and 

the leaves of the trees in autumn. 

Nuts, seeds and other oleaginous 

fruits would be normal components 

of the natural diet. They would chew 

the bark of trees and would absorb 

minerals from the ground while licking 

the soil. They could explore new soil 

conditions and with it new nutrient 

sources during their long tours across 

the country. If we stick to the natural 

feed basis, we are one step closer to 

the perfect formula for an appropriate, 

adequate diet. 

Special situations 

require special measures 

A basic diet rich in micro-nutrients is not 

always sufficient. There are situations, 

whether during pleasure riding or highperformance 

sports, where additional 

supplements are reasonable and 

necessary. Such support will benefit 

muscles, metabolism, immune system 

and mental health if the equine organism 

has to cope with increased performances, 

illness or old age. 

An imbalanced diet can seriously 

damage health! 

Constant malnutrition or inadequate 

feed rations may also result in situations 

that require a more balanced diet for the 

horse. Strategic supplementary feeding is 

urgently required if insidious micro-nutrient 

deficiencies has already led to feed-related 

problems. 

How do deficiencies occur? 

We have to differentiate between 

requirement of vital substances and 

energy requirement. Well-fed or even 

overweight horses may also show signs 

of malnutrition when it comes to esssential 

substances. At the same time, it is difficult 

to ensure a sufficient supply in esssential 

substances by feeding hay or pasture 

grass alone as today, pasture and farmland 

are intensively used and overused with 

very little diversity of grasses. If the horse’s 

diet is not complemented by a sufficient 

offer in essential substances, a permanent 

deficiency may be the result. Particularly 

easy keeping breeds and horses 

with maintenance requirements 

face this problem: As they can 

cover their energy requirements 

with the basic feed, 

supplementary feeding is often 

not considered necessary. The 

difference between requirement 

in essential substances and 

energy requirements is missing. 

Too little exercise and an excess 

in energy contribute to an 

increasing number in overweight 

horses or horses with metabolic 

problems. To ensure that both, 

the requirement in energy 

as well as the requirement in 

essential substances is met, 

particularly easy keeping horse 

breeds have to be provided 

with concentrated rations, rich 

in micro-nutrients. 

Composing rations! 

What does that actually 

mean? 

To perfectly feed the horse, 

the requirement values must 


Introduction 

be known and the workload have to be 

correctly assessed. For better guidance, 

please look at the table “Additional energy 

requirement for performance” on page 10. 

The nutrient tables on page 10 (“Additional 

energy requirement for performance”) and 

average nutrient requirement tables will 

help all of those people who want to be 

even more precise. With these you can 

now calculate the optimum diet to supply 

all needs and to include all essential 

nutrients. 

If you feed St. Hippolyt products, we have 

already done this work for you. If you 

know the weight of your horse, you can 

determine the daily, adequate quantity 

of feed of each individual product with 

the data shown on the packages. The 

quantities are specified in 100 g per 100 

kg horse weight. 

If you apply these details, the requirement 

in essential substances of your horse are 

covered and no mineral supplementation 

has to be given in addition. If only smaller 

quantities as indicated have to be fed 

because of a reduced energy requirement, 

an appropriate mineral feed should be fed 

to compensate the difference. If you have 

any doubts, we will be happy to be of 

assistance. 

How to identify 

nutritional deficiencies? 

There are many different faces of deficiency 

symptoms. Recurrent itching after or during 

change of coat, cracked heels, bad quality 

of hoof horn, discoloration of the coat, dull 

and lusterless coat and disturbances in 

metabolism and digestion are considered 

a sure sign of deficiencies in essential 

substances. Besides the typical external 

signs, a blood check provides information 

on the current status of supply. To obtain 

as detailed information as possible, it 

is recommended to stop feeding highly 

mineralized feed and mineral supplements 

a couple of days prior to blood sampling. 

However, checking the zinc, copper, 

selenium and manganese status is 

frequently not included in complete blood 

tests. If this test is required, the vet should 

be informed accordingly before blood 

collection. 

Gradual depletion of essencial nutrients 

Source: St. Hippolyt Science & Research 


Typical signs of 

deficiencies: 

Why does a horse’s coat shine 

brighter if being well fed? The 

following photos, taken with a 

scanning electron microscope, 

provide an answer. The picture 

above shows the hair of an 

adequately fed horse, the photo 

below the hair of a horse, suffering 

from a shortage in micro-nutrients. 

Modifications in surface structure 

are obvious, just as the reduced 

profile and poor tear strength. The 

Fohlengold-study, carried out in 

co-operation with the Life-Science- 

University in Wroclaw, produced 

these findings as well as a number 

of additional impressive results. 

For more information, 

please click on: 


Correct interpretation of symptoms! 

Although first frequently identified as 

an allergic reaction (eczema) and not 

associated with inadequate feeding, 

nutritional deficiencies are sometimes also 

the reason for skin and coat problems. 

When considering the importance of the 

trace element zinc, the context becomes 

obvious: Zinc is an integral part of 

enzymes in the protein and carbohydrate 

metabolism and also involved in the 

epithelial regeneration of coat and 

mucosa. If it is insufficiently ingested with 

food, deficiencies may develop over years. 

More zinc is also needed during change 

of coat - one reason why sometimes, 

symptoms get worse during this period 

of time. Zinc also plays an important role 

in immunological processes. The allergic 

reaction to blackflies is very often the result 

of disturbances in immune regulation due 

to a shortage in essential substances. 

Trace elements such as zinc, copper and 

selenium are in the focus in this respect. 

High-quality supplement feeds can and 

have to provide relief. 

Iron 

Anaemia, susceptibility to 

infections, reduced performances 

Zinc 

Skin, coat, hoof and fertility 

problems, sweet itch, cracked 

heels, susceptibility to allergies 

and infections, lack of appetite, 

stunted growth and wound 

healing disorder, lack of insulin, 

visual disorders “spookiness” 

Copper 

Abnormal bone development and 

pigmentation disorders, fertility 

problems, arthritis, osteoporosis, 

nervousness, susceptibility to 

allergies, bleached covering coat 

Selenium 

Abnormal muscle growth, 

abnormal heart muscle function, 

alopecia, increased production of 

dandruff, susceptibility to 

infections, fertility problems, 

circulatory disorder, lumbago 

Manganese 

Problems in the bone, cartilage 

and tendon metabolism, 

muscle tensions, muscle 

metabolism problems, tying-up, 

susceptibility to allergies, general 

hyperacidity 

Magnesium 

Muscle tensions, nervousness, 

swollen legs, heart problems, 

susceptibility to infections 

Source: Fohlengold-study, University Wroclow (2008) 


Introduction 

Additional energy requirement for performances 

Training time 

Gait 

walk 

(industrious) 

trot 

(work pace) 

gallop 

(work pace) 

6 min 

0 MJ DE 

3 MJ DE 

5 MJ DE 

10 min 

1 MJ DE 

3 MJ DE 

8 MJ DE 

20 min 

2 MJ DE 

5 MJ DE 

16 MJ DE 

30 min 

3 MJ DE 

8 MJ DE 

25 MJ DE 

40 min 

4 MJ DE 

11 MJ DE 

33 MJ DE 

conservation needs 

+ 0 MJ DE 

60 min 

7 MJ DE 

16 MJ DE 

49 MJ DE 

light work 

medium work 

heavy work 

+ 1-19 MJ DE 

+ 20-36 MJ DE 

+ 37-49 MJ DE 

80 min 

120 min 

180 min 

9 MJ DE 

13 MJ DE 

20 MJ DE 

22 MJ DE 

32 MJ DE 

49 MJ DE 

performance in MJ DE / day 

All data refer to 

big horses (600 kg) 

Data/Source: www.landwirtschaftskammer.de 

How to use the table? 

Choose pace and performance time to obtain information 

about your horse‘s (600 kg) additional energy requirement 

in MJ DE in addition to the maintenance requirement (73 

MJ DE / day). The different colours serve as indicator for the 

different work levels. 

If you want to summarize different paces, add up the 

megajoule. The different colours will again serve as indicator 

for the different work levels. 

Example: 

20 min walk (= 2 MJ DE) + 20 min trot (5 MJ DE) + 10 min 

canter (8 MJ DE) = 15 MJ DE = light work 


The essentials in 

feeding management: 

n make sure that roughage is 

of outstanding quality 

n feed 1.2 – 1.5 kg roughage per 

100 kg horse weight per day 

n avoid longer feeding gaps of 

max. 5 hours 

n spread portions with larger quantities of 

concentrated feed over the day (max. 

200 g /100 kg horse weight 

per portion) 

n pay close attention to regular feeding 

times 

n switch food slowly and never suddenly 

n ensure constant direct access 

to drinking water 

n a salt block, preferably with untreated 

salt, should always be available 

(exception: foals!) 

n ensure quiet and relaxed 

atmosphere during feeding times 

The currently available edition of 

“Feeding Concepts” is meant to support 

you feeding your horse appropriately. Our 

recommendations are based on empirical 

observations and latest scientific findings 

and developments and should provide 

assistance with the strategic nutrition of 

your horse. 

n feed roughage prior to the 

concentrated feed 

n working the horse again min. 2 hours 

after last feeding of concentrated feed 

n stick to regular deworming schedule 

and teeth control 

Part 1 features the suitable basic ration 

for your horse. Your horse requires 

special support or faces challenging 

situations? Then it is most likely that the 

chapter “Special Supplements“ will 

provide an appropriate solution. 


Basic ration 

Feeding recommendation 

per 100 kg body weight and day 

Date of first breeding is known… 

(3 months before) 

Increase supply in trace elements! 

150 g 

Struktur Energetikum 

and/or 

200 g Hesta Mix 

20 g MicroVital 

Estimated breeding 

date gets closer 

(6 weeks before): 

Broodmare 

Increase energy supply by supplementingapprox. 

20 (= flushing). Not 

for overweight horses! 

If grazing is not possible yet, 

also add: 

15 – 20 g Beta-Carotin 

The mare has conceived: 

1. - 8. month of gestation: 

Besides the selection of the perfect 

breeding match, conditions have to be 

perfect to ensure that breeders can talk 

about breeding successes and to ensure 

that they raise healthy progeny. Apart 

from perfect maintenance conditions, an 

adequate diet is a decisive factor for the 

fertility of broodmare and stallion. It is a 

proven fact that an unbalanced supply 

in nutrients has a considerable influence 

on breeding success. Therefore, the diet 

of a breeding horse should already be 

adapted a couple of weeks before the 

estimated breeding date. 

The broodmare 

No matter which age and which breed 

or which performance requirements the 

mare had to cope with before: Pregnancy 

and lactation require a careful and 

appropriate supply in food. Particularly 

mares that come from high-performance 

sport as well as elder broodmares require 

a particularly extensive supply in micro 

nutrients so as to ensure that fertilization, 

pregnancy, birth and milk production run 

smoothly. 

The feeding recommendations apply 

for warmblood mares. For additional 

information on individual requirements 

or other breeds, please contact our feed 

advisors. 

Switches in food should be made 

gradually over a period of 10 to 14 days. 

The following principle applies: high 

in quality, but moderate in energy! 

150 g 


and/or 

200 g Hesta Mix 

Our recommendation: 

10 g Super Condition 

High Performer 

The power of nucleotides 

to support the embryo‘s perfect 

development and prevent (elder) 

broodmares from emaciation. 








9.-11. month of pregnancy: 

Foetal growth speeds up during the 

final third period of pregnancy. 

It is recommended to now gradually 

exchange concentrated feed against 

Equilac. 

400 – 500 g Equilac 

In case of increased energy 

requirement, add as well: 

Struktur Energetikum, 

Luzerne Mix oder 

C’real Basics 

If necessary, increase the feed ration 

once again at the end of pregnancy. 


For easy keeping horses, 

please combine 

50% Equilac 

and 

50% Equigard 

Feeding around the estimated 

due date: 

Gradually reduce amount in hay 

one to two days before date of birth 

to save the digestive tract from 

unnecessary burden. 

For recovering purposes of the 

mare after birth: 

IrishMash 

To strengthen muscular system one 

to two weeks before and after birth: 

Makor 


Keep the first ration of concentrated 

feed of reasonable amount so the 

milk production doesn‘t get 

overstimulated. Foals drink 

comparatively low quantities during 

the first two days - a surplus can 

result in diarrhoea. 

1.-4. month of lactation: 

If necessary, adapt ration according 

to milk production. Peak in milk 

production is to be expected 

around the 2nd month of lactation. 

Divide larger quantities in 

concentrated feed in smaller 

portions 

(max. 200 g/100 kg horse weight 

per portion!) 

Consider the mare‘s higher 

requirement in water. 

from 5th month of lactation: 

Gradually reduce Equilac and 

change to the mare‘s usual 

concentrated feed and 

completely stop feeding Equilac 

after ending lactation. 


Basic ration 

Foals 

To ensure that foals and growing 

youngsters can completely express all 

the characteristics provided by their 

genetic background, they require a caring 

broodmare, but also a lot of movement at 

fresh air and a perfect supplementary diet. 

Particularly the quality of protein and the 

supply in micronutrients play a decisive 

role for the development of tendons and 

ligaments, the skeleton, the organs and 

the formation of blood. The St. Hippolyt 

Fohlengold study delivered scientifically 

confirmed results. 

Foals have smaller stomachs 

To adequately support the development 

of progeny, it is necessary to offer a 

supplementary feed, particularly adapted 

to the special requirement needs. It is 

important to spread larger quantities of 

concentrated feed into smaller rations over 

the day to respond to the reduced intake 

capacity of the smaller foal stomach and to 

protect intestinal health. It is also important 

to provide ad lib forage to fulfil not only a 

digestive function but also support the foals 

need to express a natural behaviour. 








For warmblood foals 

with approx. 600 kg final weight: 

As of the third week of life 

until third month: 

Fohlengold 

free choice 

(max. 600 g/day). 

Four months and elder: 

approx. 600 g Fohlengold 

Five months and elder: 

approx. 1 kg Fohlengold 

Six months and elder: 

approx. 1.4 kg Fohlengold 

Seven months and elder: 

approx. 1.7 kg Fohlengold 

12 months and elder: 

approx. 2 kg Fohlengold 

18 months and elder (24 months for 

lately developed foals): 

Hesta Mix bzw. 


Horses with 200 kg final weight: 

1/3 of the recommended quantity 


2/3 of the recommended quantity 


+ 1/4 of the recommended quantity 

Adjust dosage, depending on time 

spent grazing and on quality of 

grass 

Divide total quantity into several 

portions a day! 

Free access to hay! 

If necessary, complement with oats. 

Easy keeping foals 

and special breeds: 

Reduce Fohlengold and balance 

the gap in micro-nutrients with 

Gemüse-Kräuter- Mineralien 

In cases of an increased 

requirement in trace elements: 

MicroVital 

(instead of Gemüse-Kräuter-Mineralien) 


Weaning a foal means both, mental 

and physical stress for the foal. 

To reduce negative impacts to 

a minimum during this period of 

reorientation, the foal should be 

supported by a suitable diet. 

To support the 

immune system: 

30 g Hippomun 

2 weeks before and 2 weeks 

after the weaning 

To prepare the switch of food: 

300 ml Equimall 


Basic ration 



150 - 200 g 

Struktur-Energetikum 

For easy keeping breeds: 

in combination with 

200 - 300 g Hesta Mix Müsli 

or Classic 

For bad keepers: 


500 - 800 G Reformmüsli G 

For high performance horses: 


500 - 700 g ChampionsClaim 

Breeding stallion 


Most of breeding stallions face double 

challenges: their performance is not only 

required when it comes to breeding, 

but also at competitions. In addition 

we must also take into consideration 

that young stallions that are still in 

development therefore their needs 

require an especially balanced daily diet. 

This means that stallion managers have 

to particularly ensure a generous supply 

in micro-nutrients. Not only power, 

endurance and performance capacity, but 

also quantity and quality of semen depend 

on a sufficient supply in nutrients. 

For high-performance 

breeding stallions and to prepare for 

the stallion licensing, 

we also recommend to additionally 

add: 

15 - 25 g Super Condition 


20 - 40 g Gold Medal 

On the day of increased 

performance requirement 

5 - 10 ml Q-Elan 




300 - 500 g Reformmüsli G 

oder NutriStar 

for easy keeping breeds: 

200 - 300 g Hesta Mix Classic 

oder Müsli 

Young horse 

When the rate of growth starts to 

decrease at around 2 years of age 

a maintenance diet can then be 

introduced. 

During this phase of development life 

starts to be a little bit more serious, 

youngsters have to learn to cope 

with a not only physical but also 

mental challenges. Although physical 

development is not completed youngsters 

are faced with the challenges of adapting 

to new environments often coupled with 

the excitement of transport often results in 

weight loss, muscle aches, nervousness 

and lack of power. 

Adequate nutritional support during this 

phase of development can help facilitate 

a successful transition to training. 


To vitalize or as special 

feeding supplement 

add in addition: 

100 - 200 g 



Basic ration 



Horses with 

maintenance requirement: 

“No work” does not mean 

“no requirement in nutrients“! 

Hay and pasture feed cannot cover 

the requirement in essential nutrients. 

100 - 150 g Hesta Mix 

light energy 

Pleasure horse 

or 

15 - 25 g SemperCube 

The handy mineral cube to 

supplement the daily diet or as sole 

feed for a short time 

(summer pasture time). 

Did you know that there are more than 

one million horses in Germany? Most of 

them are used as pleasure horse and are 

a reliable and good friend and companion 

of humans. 

Only the best for the pleasure partner! 

The expression “pleasure horse” does not 

exclude a special breed, age, training level, 

suitability, character or any other property of 

the horse - every horse can be or become 

pleasure horse. 

But this is also the reason why many horse 

owners have difficulties to assess the correct 

requirement in energy and essential nutrients 

of their horse. 

Pleasure time also means variety 

Not only disciplines and riding styles are 

represented in the pleasure riding sector, there 

are also all kinds of horse breeds. While special 

breeds such as Icelandic horses, Haflinger, 

Iberian or cold blood horses have adapted 

to poor feeding conditions, warmblood and 

throughbreds horses are usually used to a 

higher basal metabolism which has to be 

considered when preparing individual feed 

rations. 

Correct performance evaluation! 

The caloric needs are frequently over 

estimated with pleasure horses while 

at the same time, not enough micronutrients 

are fed. The result are overweight 

four-legged partners that have been fed 

too much roughage as a sign of loving 

care, but also horses with skin, hoof and 

coat problems as a result of a deficient 

supply in micro nutrients. Please look at 

page 10 to learn more about the correct 

evaluation of the energy requirement of 

your horse. 

My friend with the strong character! 

The perfect pleasure horse should be… 

n well-tempered 

n calm 

n untiring 

n uncomplicated 

n easy to ride 

n friendly 

n sure footed 

n tough 

We will inform you on how to adequately 

feed your pleasure horse! 

or 

25 - 40 g SemperMin 

Mineralmüsli to supplement or as 

only feed 


Mineral feed alone cannot sufficiently 

cover all requirements in the different 

nutritional components on a long 

term basis! 

Supplementation by 

Equigard oder 

Hesta Mix Müsli 

is recommended 








Horses in light training: 

>150 


or 


regular work and average requirement 

in concentrated feed 

or 


higher concentration in minerals and 

reduced amount in energy 

Medium working horses: 

150 - 300 g 


or 

300 - 600 g NutriStar 

or 

500 - 800 g Reform Müsli G 

with increased energy requirement 

Pleasure specials: 

70 - 200 g Irish Mash 

For a proper digestive function 

1 - 3 times a week 

70 - 250 g Glyx-Mash 

For horses prone to grain allergies 

1-3 times a week. If necessary, lower 

quantity also possible every day! 

10-15 g MicroVital 

To quickly fill gaps in 

essential nutrients 

10-20 g LinuStar 

Shiny coat and 

proper digestion 

5 - 50 ml HippoLinol 

or 

5 - 25 ml Leinöl 

Energy supplier and 

“sparkle producer“ 

15 - 25 g Knoblizem 

soothing and insect repellent 


Feeding Concepts 20 

GOLD 

INDUCED 

CYTOKINES

Exclusively from your vet 

www.medvetico.ch 

New treatment method recommended for: 

• Arthrosis (light to medium degree) 

• Tendon disorders 

• Bursitis (inflammation of synovial bursae) 

• Sesamoiditis (Sesamoid bone inflammation) 

GOLDIC ® MEDVETICO – 

The causal and lasting therapeutic approach to 

secure a pain free life for your horse! 

Distribution Germany / 

International: 

Mühle Ebert Dielheim 

St. Hippolyt Mühlen 

D – 69234 Dielheim 

T +49 6222 990 155 

E info@medvetico.ch 

Distribution Switzerland: 

St. Hippolyt AG 

Andhauserstrasse 3 

CH – 8572 Berg TG 

T +41 71 636 15 24 

E info@medvetico.ch

Basic ration 

Sports horse 

Focusing on the obstacle, pushing the 

last power reserves at the final jump 

with the audience holding their breath 

- full concentration in the dressage ring 

and an obviously easy dance to loud 

freestyle music - these are situations in 

equestrian sports that require highest 

level of performance of both, the rider 

and especially the horse. 

The perfect sports horse… 

n is supple and excellent to ride 

n is powerful and has strong nerves 

n is full of stamina 

n is concentrated 

n is willing to working 

n has a strong charismatic presence and 

expression 

n has well-developed muscles 

n has a perfect weight and conformation 

n has a shiny coat 

n shows wellbeing and vitality 

To ensure that these properties can be 

fully developed, the equine organism 

faces strong challenges and requires 

targeted support and compensation. 

Sports highlights 

with appropriate performance feeding 

The total amount of feed given to sports 

horses depends on the task to be 

accomplished, the feed conversion ratio 

and the digestibility of the nutrients fed. It 

is obvious that equine sports competitions 

are very demamding. Sports horses not 

only face a demanding energy requirement 

but it is also important to provide the 

nutrients needed to support the increased 

strain placed on the locomotive system 

(including muscles, tendons, ligaments 

and hooves) and nervous system. 

Attention has to paid to the balancing the 

mineral requirements of sports horses, 

their increased sweat production requires 

a higher supply of minerals 

Creating a sports basis 

Research in the area of feeding sports 

horse has shown that rations rich in starch 

and grain are responsible for an increased 

sweat production and an increased blood 

Dopinghinweis 

St. Hippolyt products are designed 

so as to offer doping-free horse 

feeds. Only a waiting period of 48 

hours has to be considered when 

feeding Anti-Stress-Kräuterpellets 

and Mucolyt. 

Current information is published on 

our website (valid: 2014). 






sugar level, thus leading to insulin-related 

performance fluctuations. 

Using low-starch energy sources! 

Besides highly digestible fibre, oil and 

oleaginous fruit are suitable to provide 

sufficient energy while at the same time 

protecting the digestive system and the 

metabolism. A lower insulin production 

and with it a reduced production of cortisol 

positively supports stress resilience. 

Special performances 

with special feeding 

Equestrian sport includes a number of 

different disciplines that impose different 

challenges on the horse. The individual 

requirements of each discipline have to be 

considered and have to be appropriately 

supported by targeted assistance. 

St. Hippolyt helps you to explore the perfect 

performance capacity of your horse and to 

successfully apply feeding strategies. 

Feeding recommendations 

n The adequate quantity of 

concentrated feed is based on 

the performance requirement and 

the individual feed conversion 

ratio of each horse. 

n The total quantity of concentrated 

feed should not exceed 6 kg a 

day. 

n All recommended portions of 

concentrated feed should be 

spread over the day 

n max. 200 g/100 kg body weight 

and portion 

n ensure constant and sufficient 

water supply 

Jumping pack: 

150 - 300 g 


For rather highly strung horses, we 

recommend as energy basis: 


For higher performing horses and 

horses that require more energy, we 

recommend as energy basis 

500 - 700 g International Sports 

Champions Claim 


The reasonably-priced alternative 

for large numbers of horses: 

Vollwertpellets 

You will find the adequate 

supplement on page 29 with the 

“Sports Specials” 

Dressage pack: 



For rather high-spirited horses: 


In case of increased energy 

requirements, 

please add: 

150 - 300 g 



You will find adequate 

supplements for dressage sport 

on page 29. 


Basic ration 



Eventing pack: 


or 



150 - 300 g 


For highly strung horses, it is 

recommended to feed 

Struktur-E on an interval basis with 

a break of some days 

before and after the dressage test. 

Eventing 

All-round performances require a special 

nutrition. Event horses have to be full of 

stamina and courage outside, they have 

to convince with nerves of steel and 

agility in the show jumping course and 

have to present supple movement and 

perfect rideability in the dressage ring. 

The perfect event horse is… 

n obedient 

n fast 

n concentrated 

n sure-footed 

n full of stamina 

n powerful 

n dynamic 

n mobile 


To boost energy on a 

low-grain diet, 

we recommend to supplement with 

LuzerneMix 

as energy basis 

For adequate supplements for 

eventing sport, please look at page 

29. 




Western pack: 

For disciplines that require 

predominantly mental endurance 

(e. g. trail or pleasure riding, 

horsemanship): 


or 


(Pellet) 

For disciplines with increased 

physical strain and mental coolness 

(e. g. working cow horse, cutting) 

in addition or as sole concentrated 

feed: 

Western horse 

300 - 600 g NutriStar 

Pretty cool at the long rein! Western riding 

is a very versatile equine discipline: the 

horses have to be relaxed on the one hand, 

but also fast, easy to turn and concentrated 

on the other hand. From pleasure riding 

with slower gaits to reining with quick turns 

and all exercises in the canter, to cutting 

with cattle work, requiring stamina and 

strong nerves. 

Even though the demands on western 

horses strongly vary significantly, 

depending on the discipline, they all 

have certain properties in common: a 

healthy locomotor system with naturally 

well-shaped muscles and a relaxed 

coolness. Start, speed, stop - just what 

the rider asks for. 

A perfect western horse… 

n is supple 

n is attentive 


n has relaxed muscles 

n has a cool personality 

n shows quick reactions during change 

of speed 

n is sensitive to the legs 


If even more power is required 

(e. g. barrel racing, reining), 

please add: 

100 - 200 g 






Basic ration 



Endurance pack: 



150 - 250 g 


20 - 40 ml Leinöl or Hippolinol 

A combination with cereals 

such as C‘Real Basic is possible if 

required. 

Endurance riding 


Completing long distances as fast as 

possible and successfully passing all vet 

checks: the art of endurance riding. Like 

with all other equestrian disciplines, the 

demands placed on these horses depend 

on the individual level. From mass sports 

(such as trail riding) to high-performance 

competitions – endurance horses have to 

be fed adequately. 

Endurance riding is a particular challenge 

for both, horse and rider, as the horse has 

to cover many kilometres on a wide range 

of terrains (soft - hard, wet - dry ….) and 

yet reach the target line as vital and fresh 

as possible and - what’s more important 

- healthy. 

A perfect endurance horse… 

n is excellent to ride 


n is sure-footed 

n has a relaxed pulse rate 

n is physically robust 

n is tough 

n has a strong character 

For more grain-reduced energy 

in the daily ration, we recommend to 

supplement with 

Luzerne Mix 







Racing pack: 



150 - 250 g 


Hafer / C‘ Real Basics Dynamic 

The quantity has to be adapted to 

the demands placed on the horse 

and on its feed conversion ratio. 

Racing 

The horses are trembling with excitement, 

the starting shot sounds, followed by an 

explosive start - let’s get ready for the 

race track! 

Race horses mobilize the muscles’ 

body-owned energy reserves the anaerobically 

(without oxygen) to build 

up strength and as a consequence 

speed in a very short period of time. 

Racing 

Replenishing the storage of glycogen 

is possible whilst storing the glucose 

derived from grain starch the feed in the 

muscles in the form of glycogen. The 

horse can draw on these reserves in the 

sprint. This kind of physical strain pushes 

the horse to its organs’ capacity to the 

limit - the horse mobilizes its damnedest. 

Heart, lungs, muscles and locomotor 

system deliver to the maximum of their 

capabilities. 

A perfect race horse is… 

n fast 

n dynamic 

n explosive 


n sure-footed 






Basic ration 



Driving pack: 

500 - 800 g Vollwertpellets 

or 


150 - 300 g 


Driving 

Disciplined in dressage, fast outside and 

narrow turns in the cross country course 

- driving places particular demands on a 

horse’s diet. 

The horse has to be concentrated and 

relaxed for the dressage test, but full of 

power, dynamic energy and stamina during 

the cross country. With the intention to 

quickly accomplish the obstacles, 

preferably without any fault. The motto is: 

achieve an optimum performance in all 

three disciplines. 

Driving horses frequently tend to push 

forward and therefore, they should not 

be pushed even more through the feed. 

The task of feeding driving horses is to 

keep them motivated and high-performing 

without over-stimulating their nerves - 

simply finding the right balance. 

The perfect driving horse is… 

n obedient 

n fast 

n concentrated 

n sure-footed 


n powerful 

n dynamic 

n mobile 


For more grain-reduced energy 

in the daily ration, we recommend to 

supplement with 

Luzerne Mix 

You will find the adequate supplement 

on page 29 with the “Sports Specials” 




Sport Specials: 

Movicur: 

for strong tendons, ligaments and 

joints 

Gold Medal: 

effective 

muscle development 

Super Condition: 

muscles 

Super Condition 

High Performer: 

high performance and 

fast recovery 

Specialties cross-discipline 

Despite the diversity in sport competitions, 

all horses and their owners have the 

same basic needs: health, well-being, 

energy, power and of course fun! It is 

possible to refine, complement and 

thus optimize the discipline-specific 

basic feed with St. Hippolyt specialties 

from the Horse Care section to perfectly 

adapt to individual needs. 

St. Hippolyt Sport-Specials: 

“The best reward is to let your horse rest 

after an excellent performance.” 

Xenophon 

To support physical relaxation and 

deep-rooted rest, a perfect supply in 

nutrients should be ensured. Reward after 

work has been done: Every sports 

horse should be fed a particularly welltasty 

ration after demanding performance 

efforts. Following competition and high 

physical strain, a mash is the number one 

choice as the first light feed to stimulate 

digestion and appetite. 

Makor: 

muscles, heart and circulation 

Vitamin E plus Selen: 

optimal cell protection 

Öle (Leinöl, HippoLinol): 

carbohydrate- and protein-free 

energy supply 

Equilizer: 

strong nerves and concentration 

EquiMall: 

yeast-malt liquid supplement 

Elektrolyte: 

Mineral balance after 

extensive sweat loss 

QElan: 

power in the perfect moment 


Basic ration 



For easy keepers: 

200 - 350 g Equigard 

(Müsli or Classic) 


3-5 times a week 

For hard keepes: 

300-600 g 

Vitalmüsli Beste Jahre 


3-5 times a week 

“Box rest diet” 


for well-balanced nerves during 

periods of rest: 

Sometimes, the horse’s natural need to 

move has to be considerably restricted as 

it has to stay in its stable due to illnesses 

or injuries of the locomotor system that 

sometimes even require an operation. 

Confinement often transforms our friendly 

partner into a caged wild animal, which 

makes handling very difficult. 

“Resting” does not mean 

“Ceasing to feed”! 

Where humans are restricted to bed rest, 

horses have to stay in their stables. It is a 

common recommendation to now cease 

feeding concentrated feed. This is certainly 

reasonable when it comes to the energy 

supply as the equine metabolism will 

switch to maintenance mode. 

Adequately sutiable diet! 

A diet low in energy, rich in vital nutrients 

and supporting digestion is particularly 

important during the period of recovery. 

This is particularly important as frequently, 

confinement coupled with the use of 

sedatives and antibiotics compromises 

the digestive system resulting in disorders 

such as colic. 

5 - 10 g Equilizer 

To prevent boredom with resting 

horses, hay of excellent quality 

should be available, also to 

sustainably support mental health. 

Fine-meshed haynets may 

slow down the feeding of easy 

keeping horses. 

Adequate products to optimally 

support your horse can be found in 

the second part 

“Special Supplements”. 




150 - 300 g 


300 - 600 g Vitalmüsli 

Beste Jahre 


(1-3 times a week) 

30 - 70 ml EquiMall 


or 


Old horses 

With bad quality of teeth: 

1.0 - 1.5 kg 

Palatin Heucobs 

(1 kg Heucobs 

supplements 1 kg hay) 

soak 1kg in 1.5-3 l water 

“You are as old as you feel!“ Most old 

horses are living testaments of this 

statement, with grey hairs on forehead 

and funny shaped bodies, they are still 

happy to roam about in pastures bucking 

from time to time. 

It is difficult to determine the time a horse 

starts to grow old by only looking at its 

age. Factors like keeping conditions, work 

and even the feeding throughout the years 

play a decisive role with a more or less 

severe impact on ageing. 

St. Hippolyt Senior Pack for a 

vital equine dawn of life! 


If your horse cannot eat the Müsli 

any more, the senior horse should 

be fed with soaked pellets such as 

Vollwertpellets 

or 

Hesta Mix Classic 

or 

Equigard Classic 


Feeding 

like 

Nature 

Feeding Concepts 32 

www.st-hippolyt.com 

www.muehle-ebert.de

Special supplements 



Weight increase 

The consequences of malnutrition 

Inadequately supplied horses are more 

likely to suffer from deficiency symptoms 

such as skin, hoof and coat problems or 

a bad immune status. Another common 

reason for poor feeding conditions is: too 

big quantities of oats, barley and corn. 

This can lead to stomach ulcers and/or 

appendix acidification which will result in 

sustained damage to the intestinal flora. 

The results are poor feed conversion, no 

appetite often in conjunction with bloating, 

diarrhoea and colic. 

divided into several rations 

100 - 200 g 


300 - 600 g Vitalmüsli 

Beste Jahre 

or 

Reformmüsli G 


or 

Leinöl 

30 - 80 ml Equimall 

free choice hay 

The reasons for more or less drastic 

weight loss are different: Liver 

dysfunction, stomach ulcers, chronic 

intestinal inflammation, but also parasitic 

damage, dental problems or continued 

stress created by unsuitable stabling 

conditions or incorrect training can lead to 

weight loss. Maybe the reason is simply 

not enough feed and/or an inadequate 

composition of the ration. The lack of 

some trace elements like magnesium, zinc 

and manganese as well as compromised 

supply of B vitamins can also lead to 

weight loss. 

Careful increase of feed! 

If an emaciated horse gets supplied with 

too much concentrated feed, the result will 

not be welcomed. The digestive tract and 

metabolism are overwhelmed, which can 

result in digestive problems and metabolic 

disorders. It is better to feed carefully with 

plenty of high quality fiber, quality oils and 

a balanced mineralization. Malt and yeast 

will activate the intestinal flora and will 

boost feed efficiency. Emaciated horses 

without an obvious reason should have 

their teeth checked, be dewormed and if 

possible have a blood analysis to check 

the health status. 


Highly demineralized horses 

health build-up 

10 g Microvital 

As additional fibre-rich energy 

suppliers or at poor roughage feed 

quality: 


and/or 

Luzerne Mix 




Colics 

Colics are probably the most feared 

complications with our horses. But even 

less dramatic problems of the digestive 

system such as diarrhoea and watery 

droppings are a daily occurrence in 

many stables. To avoid disturbances in 

the digestive tract, the ration composition 

and feeding management need to be 

optimized. 

Feed as a problem factor 

The digestive system of a horse is of 

substantial size. With its huge capacity 

(the colon alone has a volume of 80 to 120 

litres!), the digestive tract holds 25% of its 

total weight. Feed takes about 48 hours to 

go through the entire digestive tract. The 

way of keeping horses puts our equine 

friend at risk of many digestive problems. 

The lack of or low quality roughage feed, 

too high quantities of concentrated feed 

as well as an insufficient supply of vital 

nutrients are the main contributing factors 

for frequent colics. Sensitivities to weather, 

circulatory problems or lack of exercise 

are also cause for a sluggish intestine and 

the therefore can result in colic. 

Respond in a timely manner! 

Colic symptoms range from a slight sweat 

and increased anxiety to dramatic signs like 

rolling and obvious pain reactions like kicking 

at the belly. Often no bowel sounds will be 

heard. If colic is suspected, the veterinarian 

should be called immediately! Following 

veterinary treatment or perhaps even colic 

surgery in the clinic, a low grain and easy 

digestible diet is an essential part of recovery. 

. Always be careful with horses susceptible 

to colic that the concentrated feed ration is 

not too big and that plenty of high quality 

roughage is available. Some horses react 

to silage with digestive problems. A switchover 

to hay or hay cubes should be done. An 

undersupply of magnesium also increases 

the susceptibility to colic. This can be 

improved with supplementary magnesium. 

Regular feeding of mash will also reduce the 

risk of sand colic. 

To prevent: 

for horses that are too thin or those 

that have normal body weight 

150 g Irish Mash 

(2 -3 x times a week) 


for easy keepers or fat horses: 

150 g Glyx-Mash 

5 g Hefekultur 

20 g Linustar 


Support for weather sensitive 

horses and for those suceptible 

to colic: 

5 g Makor 

After surviving colic and in 

consultation with the vet: 

100 - 200 g Mash 






200 g IrishMash 

soak in plenty of water 


> 5 g Hefekultur 

20 g Linustar 

Diarrhoea 

In contrast to watery droppings, 

the vet should be consulted with 

diarrhoea at the latest on the third 

day. The cause could be acute 

disturbances of the intestinal flora, 

which could have been caused by 

infections, abrupt change of feed 

(including new pasture or leaving 

pasture), medication (antibiotics) or 

spoiled feed as well as ingesting too 

much sand. Stomach problems can 

also be a possible factor. 

Cleanliness and fluids 

In the case of diarrhoea the conditions 

of feeding and environment should be 

checked respectively optimized. Hygiene 

is of high importance to minimize the 

spread of germs and their transmittance 

to other horses. Electrolytes get lost with 

the loss of fluids during watery diarrhoea, 

which can cause weakening of the 

circulatory system. The stabilization of the 

intestinal flora and the balance of fluids 

are of particular importance. In the case of 

intense diarrhoea which lasts longer than 

two days, along with a high temperature 

or fever, the vet should be called. 


Feed free choice high quality hay 

or alternatively 

soaked hay cubes 





Basic feed: 

Brandon XL 

normal weight horses or 

underweight horses: 

150 g Irish Mash 

2 - 3 x per week 


easy keepers or 

over weight horses: 



10 - 15 g Microvital 

Watery Droppings 

Discharging intestinal water while 

evacuating or in between is called 

“watery droppings problem”. There is 

hardly any other symptom with that many 

different causes and that many different 

possibilities to resolve it. Possible causes 

may be teeth problems, sudden change 

of feed, too much concentrated feed, 

food intolerances, poor feed hygiene, 

parasites, poor feeding management, 

an imbalance of the intestinal flora, 

deficiencies in micro-nutrients, 

inflammation of the digestive system, 

organic dysfunctions etc. A blood 

analysis may help investigate the cause. 

To fix the problem, the following points 

should be implemented considered: 

n preferably only small, adequate 

portions of concentrated feed 

n only little or no grain 

n high-quality hay or - 

hay cubes if necessary. 

n no haylage 

n concentrated feed always 

after feeding hay 

n allergy test to check possible 

intolerances 

n nutritional supplements to stabilize 

digestion 

20 g Linustar 

watery droppings due to infections 

6 g Hippomun 

(14 days, followed by interval 

feeding) 

inflammatory processes of the 

gastrointestinal tract: 

20g Brandon plus 

gastrointestinal 


If stomach ulcers are suspected, 

see page 40 



Brandon ® – clinical horsefeeding 

Hypoallergenic Horse Feed with a low glycemic 

index – low starch and sugar content. Especially 

formulated for horses which suffer from PSSM, 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Equine Cushing 

Syndrome (ECS), watery stools, eczema or allergies. 



Brandon ® plus – functional supplements 

Performance supplements specially formulated to 

sustain performance, aid regeneration and support 

the immune system. Recommended by your vet.


the irritation can turn into an infection and 

lastly into a stomach ulcer. 

Stomach Ulcers 

Conventional horse management 

methods, stress and the inadequate 

feeding regimes are the cause of stomach 

aches for a lot of horses. Studies, which 

document the frequency of stomach 

ulcers, show significant numbers in race 

horses. Almost every horse is affected 

here. 

Long breaks between meals 

need to be avoided 

It is remarkable that full time pasture 

horses seldom have these illnesses. Since, 

in nature, the stomach of a horse is set 

for an almost uninterrupted fibre-rich diet 

in nature, it produces non stop stomach 

acid. Today the original animal which was 

in continuous movement is long forgotten. 

If the breaks between meals are too long, 

the stomach acid will irritate the gastric 

mucosa. If more factors are added, like 

stress (of psychological or physical type), 

grain-heavy and fibre-poor rations are fed, 

What stresses a horse? 

n long breaks between meals 

(more than six hours) 

n stressful stall neighbours 

n crowded conditions or 

inappropriate groups of 

horses (running stalls, pasture) 

n too demanding training 

n (frequent) change of stalls 

n separation of anxiety 

Problematic therapies 

A long treatment with painkillers and 

anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroid antiinflammatory) 

and certain antibiotics can 

lead to the cause an inflammation of the 

stomach mucosa or respectively stomach 

ulcers. An unbalance between protecting 

(acid-resistant layer of mucous) and 

damaging factors (excess stomach acid) 

can cause inflammations and ulcers. 

Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome 

Due to the high frequencies of factors, it 

often gets referred to in the literature as 

causal complexes. But how do we know if 

a horse has a stomach ulcer? A stomach 




endoscopy helps with a to confirm the 

diagnosis. However the following symptoms 

can be of aid: 

n „belching“ with sour odour 

n in particular (high grain) concentrated 

feed doesn‘t always get eaten 

n hay gets preferred to 


n eating of concentrated feed gets 

abruptly ended 

n sudden rolling after eating 


n pawing with front legs after eating 


n unexplainable weight loss 

n frequent yawning or cribbing 

teeth grinding or empty chewing 

n mood of the horse: 

dull, unhappy, depressed, nervous 

n sensitivity in the girth area 

n hesitantly stepping downward 

n no weight increase even with large 

quantities of feed 

n reoccurring digestive problems (colic, 

diarrhea, constipation) 

In particular with foals: 

n bloated belly 

n sudden stop of drinking 

n dull, rough coat 

n sitting relief posture 

If a stomach ulcer is diagnosed or 

suspected, the vet will prescribe usually 

a stomach acid buffer and stomach 

mucus protecting medicines. In addition, 

following principles should be followed: 

n Reduce the grain intake 

n avoid stress (overtaxing training, 

transport, pecking order fights etc.) 

n reduce breaks between feeds to less 

than 4 hours 

n before feeding concentrated feed, 

allowing 15 min. of roughage Intake 

n keeping concentrated feed rations low, 

offering many small rations 

n after feeding concentrated feed, the 

horse should have a minimum of one 

hour rest 


divided in 3 doses 

or 0,5-1kg Brandon xl 

20g Brandon plus 

gastrointestinal 


or Irish Mash 

To increase the energy reserves: 

200 - 300 g Luzerne Mix 


divided in 3 doses 

20 ml Leinöl 

or HippoLinol 


MicroVital 

with its high zinc content 

it facilitates the formation of 

mucous membrane 





150 - 300 g 


on demand as exclusive concentrated 

feedor as supplementary feed 

with normal weight horses 

or under weight horses: 


2 – 3 times a week 

Shedding 

Not only older or weakened horses 

are stressed while shedding. This is 

particularly noticiable when nutritional 

deficiencies are pre-existing. The result 

is often an imbalanced metabolism with 

weight loss and a dull coat. Many horses 

are also weak and tried, specially during 

exercise. Metabolic stimulants and 

digestive enhancing feeds like mash, 

herbs, oils and highly available trace 

elements can help the horse with the 

change of season. 

In order to differenciate between a 

supposedly “spring tiredness“ and a 

serious liver dysfunction, the horse needs 

to be closely watched. The following 

points can be considered as a warning 

signal: 

n increased tiredness, lack of motivation, 

bad mood 

n rough, dull coat, long “cat hairs” 

n increased grey shading of hair in the 

flank area 

n rings in hoof (possible signs of past 

metabolic disorders and possible prior 

health issues) 

n the gums are not pink, but white to 

yellow or even brown 

A blood test can indicate about a possible 

liver problem. To find out how to help your 

horse in this case, please go to page 51. 

for over weight horses 

or easy keepers: 


2 – 3 times per week 



or HippoLinol 

and/or 10 - 15 g Linustar 


A round of this supplement should 

be given during shedding in the 

spring or fall. 

The mentioned products can be fed 

to supplement the existing ration. 




Basic ration for 

easy keepers: 

100 - 150 g Hesta Mix 

Light energy 

Basic ration 



Skin and Coat problems 


Eczema, itching, dull coat, 

dandruff, hives 

A smooth, shiny coat and a healthy 

skin make up are indicators for a good 

immune system and health status. But 

if dandruff, hairless scratched areas, 

hives, warts or even eczema-like alterations 

are visible, the organism is not 

meeting its needs. This has nothing to 

do with the supply of calories. To maintain 

a healthy skin and coat metabolism, 

the needs-based supply in essential micro-nutrients 

must be guaranteed. 

Help with summer eczema 

St. Hippolyt was able to establish a successful 

concept in co-operation with the 

Fjord Stud Farm Hesta Borg in the ninties: 

the Hesta Mix feed series, the horse care 

concentrate MicroVital and also the veterinary 

products HippoVet serve the regeneration 

of the balanced micro-nutrients 

system and the connected healing of the 

irritated skin. 

Experience has shown that horses with 

eczema as well as horses with fungal diseases, 

itching and various other skin disorders 

can benefit from added micro-nutrients 

as well as from stabilizing of the 

immune status and from stimulating the 

detoxification process of liver and kidney. 

Hippomun 

to stabilize 

immune response 

Equimeb Hepa 

to support the 

liver function 

DermiLac Prozem 

for external treatment of skin illness 

as well as for improvement of 

wound healing and creation of a 

new skin structure 





15 - 20 g MicroVital 

for significant zinc deficiencies: 

5 g Hesta Plus Zink 


Equimeb Hepa 

resp. Metadiät 

for detoxification 

Pastern Dermatitis 

You wash, dry, put creams on and pay 

attention to absolute stall hygiene. And 

even with near perfect outdoor conditions, 

pastern dermatitis will not heal. Scientific 

research has shown that the resistance of 

skin and hair can be improved with diet. 

Nutrients to fight pastern dermatitis 

Consistent nutritional deficiencies 

compromise the regeneration of epithelial 

tissue and reduce the resistance of the 

skin making life easy for pathogens to 

invade. This is particularly significant when 

the immune system has been weakened 

by an unbalanced diet. Special breeds 

and horses with feathers need special 

attention and a diet high in trace elements 

to avoid skin and coat problems. 

In stubborn cases 

If the normal metabolism is under stress 

or weakened its detoxifying ability is 

compromised, providing the perfect 

conditions for pastern dermatitis and 

eczema. Our recommendation therefore 

with difficult and stubborn pastern 

dermatitis problems is to detoxify and to 

stimulate the metabolism at the beginning 

of therapy (see recommendation). 

Hippomun 

for immune support 

Lamin forte 

for inflammations 

Dermilac Prozem 

for faster healing of wounds 

paying attention to 

micro-nutrient crib rations. 

for example on page 43 


Pilotstudie der Life Science Universität Breslau 

Was leistet eine Huffütterungskur Wie war der Ablauf der Hufstudie? 

(Ungulat ® ) als alleinige Maßnahme Sechs Vollblutzuchtstuten mit langjährig sprödem und 

zur Verbesserung der Hufhornqualität? 

Unter dieser Fragestellung 250g Ungulat ® * zum Krippenfutter. Ansonsten wurde die 

rissigem Hufhorn erhielten über sechs Monate täglich 

wurde im Winterhalbjahr 2007/2008 

gewohnte Ration aus Hafer, stallüblichem Mischkraftfutter 

eine Fütterungsstudie durchgeführt. 

und Heu beibehalten, Weidegang wurde ausgeschlossen. 

Vier der sechs Stuten waren trächtig und fohlten kurz nach 

der Testphase ab. 

Die allgemeine Qualität und Elastizität des Hufhorns wurde 

von zwei geschulten Hufschmieden nach einem Notensystem 

bewertet. Der Studienleiter Dr. Krzysztof Marycz 

von der Life Science Universität Breslau (Wroclaw) führte 

die gewebekundliche Beurteilung durch. 



40 g Ungulat 

Feeding recommendation is for at 

least 6 months. The dosage can 

often be reduced to half after 3 

months. 

We recommend for added increase 

of growth and elasticity of the 

hooves to regularly massage 

St. Hippolyt SpumaCoron 

into the coronet band. 

Hoof problems: 

Cracks, thrush and more 


The hooves are the foundation and 

have to support the horse for its whole 

life. To the trained eye, they can also 

be an indicator for the horse‘s health. 

Rings or cracks in the hoof, thrush and 

crumbling horn are seldom caused by 

poor conditions or incorrect work on the 

hoof. It is more likely caused by specific 

nutrient deficiencies 

More than Biotin 

A „nutrient package“ is necessary to 

positively influence the hoof horn tissue and 

growth. A pilot study of the University of 

Wroclaw underlined the effects of additional 

feedings of hoof specific nutrients. You 

can see impressive scanning electron 

microscope pictures of the cornified 

lamellae from before and after feeding 

Ungulat here: 

pay attention to crib feeds 

rich in micro nutrients 

in times of shedding 

half amount of Ungulat 

as a preventative feed 

Ungulat ® verbessert die Hufhornqualität 

in sechs Monaten 





15 - 20 g Knoblizem 

Garlic changes the body odor and 

provides at the same time for an 

active metabolism 

St. Hippolyt Fliegenschutz 

If necessary, apply a couple of 

times every day. 


Insect Protection 

Semper Cube 

as a suitable pasture mineral 

Brandon plus easymmun 

to strengthen the immune system 

When it‘s buzzing and humming and the 

constant head and tail shaking is driving 

the rider into despair and the horse is 

forgetting about any obedience, it‘s time 

to diminish the flying burden. 

Yummy summer 

Luckily the little blood suckers don‘t like 

garlic. This is how you can literally kill 2 flies 

with one stroke: Because the nutritious 

extracts of the bulb are not only healthy, 

they also provide a natural defense, by 

changing the horse’s body odor.. 

Garlic as a medicinal plant 

Even if there is talk about the possible 

toxic properties of this spice plant, it 

should be clear that it is all about dosage. 

When used sensibly and in moderation, 

garlic can provide with which have over 

seventy nutritional ingredients for positive 

effects. Scientists describe that beside its 

anti-microbial and immune modulating 

properties, garlic has a positive impact 

on the digestive and respiratory systems. 

In addition, the bulb also helps with the 

improvement of blood flow properties and 

the cleansing of the blood as well as to 

stimulate the formation of red blood cells. 

Don‘t worry about the intense odor: Your 

horse will thank you! 

Twice is always better 

In addition, we are also recommending 

St. Hippolyt Fliegenschutz (fly protection), 

which reliably protects against sucking 

and biting insects and at the same time 

cares for skin and coat with its carefully 

selected components. This way the 

flying beasts don‘t have any chance! 





Trace elements for an active 

enzyme system and an 

intact skin barrier 

5 g Hesta Plus Mangan 

to compensate for manganese 

deficiencies 

(only available with the vet) 

Equine Sarcoids 


Hesta Mix 

as matching basic feed, in particular 

for young horses 

They are often hiding in elbow and stifle 

areas and don‘t cause any pain or itch. 

Sarcoids are the most common skin 

tumors in horses, more common in 

young horses and are mostly harmless. 

Nevertheless they can be a nuisance 

in the area of the saddle or bridle and 

should be treated in particular if they 

increase in size. 

Surgery with a relapse 

In therapy, the operation of the connective 

tissue-like tumors is controversial. The 

growth of the tumor often accelerates 

when trying to remove it. To avoid such 

recurrence, it is recommended to ignore 

non-disturbing and inactive sarcoids. 

Alternative methods 

Besides the use of modern radiation 

and light treatments, the targeted use of 

specific nutrients seems to be a potential 

therapeutic approach in many cases. 

Good results were achieved with a higher 

dosage of the trace element manganese, 

while offering a basic supply rich with 

vitamins. 








20 g Glucogard 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) 

or overweight horses 

Little exercise and a hight energy, but 

usually nutrient-poor diet does not 

only increase weight in the human 

population. Also horses suffer from this 

prosperity problem. 

Not a harmless type of padding 

Over feeding with high calories, no matter 

if from too much basic feed or by a 

miscalculated added supplemented feed, 

will result in overweight or even induce 

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) which 

will normally result in localized fat deposits. 

The usual places for this are for example 

on the crest of the mane, between croup 

and tail dock or in the shoulder area. EMS 

is also associated with insulin resistance. 

This means that the hormone doesn‘t 

get accepted by the target organs and 

therefore a higher insulin level in the blood 

is present. Insulin acts on the fat cells as 

a „fattening hormone“, but also leads to 

organ and cell damage. Overweight as 

well as EMS contribute to an increased 

risk of laminitis, unfortunately not only 

good doer horse breeds are affected. 

Vital substances for the 

metabolic activation 

Rations for overweight or EMS-affected 

horses should always be low in starch 

and sugar. A well-dosed mineral ration is 

a must for the support of the metabolism. 

Latest research shows that specific and 

regulated nutrients can support the sugar 

or fat metabolism and in connection with 

a suitable basic ration, eliminate the major 

causes that lead to laminitis. 

Exercise eases 

weight loss 

A weight reduction is not possible without 

a negative energy balance. Full control 

over the total ration is therefore urgently 

needed. This includes also the drastic 

restriction of pasture forage. Regular daily 

exercise in the sense of an endurance 

program makes weight loss much easier. 

1,2 kg Hey 

Hay can be replaced by 

good quality, dust free straw 

for energy reduction in a ratio of 

2:1. 


Glyx-Mash 

for activation of metabolism and 

digestion 

Glyx-Lobs 

as a tasteful treat 

Brandon plus metabolicum 

to optimize the nutrient supply in 

horses with increased laminitis 




Laminitis 

Laminitis is a diffuse inflammation 

of the hoof corium of non-infectious 

origin. It can result from over exertion 

(strain laminitis), from poisoning (toxic 

plants, medication) or from retaining the 

afterbirth after foaling (birthing laminitis) 

as well as from starch and fructan-rich 

rations. Laminitis is always connected to 

a lot of pain for the horse and can lead 

in severe cases to the loss of the hoof 

capsule. The “saw horse” stance of the 

horse is typical to relieve the pain from 

the front legs when an acute laminitis 

advance occurs. 

If intestinal bacteria perish 

An acute dietary induced laminitis results 

from an increased starch intake from 

grains or from high fructan concentrations 

from pasture forage. This leads to an 

imbalanced bacterial environment of the 

colon, a so-called colon-dysbiosis. The 

multiplying acid-forming bacteria are 

responsible for a shift in the ph-balance. 

This leads to the death necrosis of 

the “good” bacteria 

and the intestinal 

mucosa is damaged. 

Resulting endotoxins 

(toxins) get through the 

damaged intestinal mucosa into 

the bloodstream and eventually 

to the hoof corium. This results in 

circulatory problems and a severe 

inflammation of the hoof corium, 

harming the support structure that 

suspends the pedal bone inside 

the hoof capsule, which can then 

lead to the sinking and/or rotation 

of the pedal bone. This process 

causes severe pain and lameness. 

Laminitis caused by excess weight 

Another form of dietary induced laminitis. 

This is a slow moving laminitis, which is 

closely connected to excessive weight 

and potentially results in Equine Metabolic 

Syndrome (EMS). This form has a longer 

history. How to prevent or provide support 

this condition with a diet, please go to 

page 48 

Regeneration support 

The feed program of a horse suffering 

with laminitis should be low in starch 

and energy, but rich in vitamins. It is 

counterproductive to feed a laminitis 

patient only with hay. It is very important 

to provide vital substances to regulate 

the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. 

These elements include magnesium, 

zinc, copper, manganese and selenium 

and also Ω-3 fatty acids, lecithin and 

natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and 

bioflavonoids. 


During or immediately after an 

acute laminitis advance: 


20 g Lamin forte 

For chronic laminitis patients or for 

prophylaxis 


To improve the quality of the hoof 

tissue 

20 - 40 g Ungulat 

Hay can be replaced by good 

quality straw for the energy 

reduction 

in a ratio of 2:1. 


Glyx-Mash 

for activation of metabolism and 

digestion 

Glyx-Lobs 

as tasteful treat 

Brandon plus metabolicum 

to optimize the nutrient supply in 

horses with increased laminitis 






basic feed low in calories, 

grain-free 

Equine Cushing Syndrome (ECS) 

Equine Cushing Syndrome (ECS) is 

caused by a malfunction of the pituitary 

gland (hypophysis) and causes the 

subsequent related hormonal imbalance. 

Tumours and also an impaired hormonal 

function due to the influence of oxygen 

radicals are also discussed as possible 

causes of this; however, the exact 

cause has yet to be found. Some horses 

suffering from ECS have almost the 

same fat deposits seen in horses with 

Metabolic Syndrome. Other horses, 

however, are emaciated and develop 

- as a result of the degeneration of the 

muscles - a typical sway back. 

“Curly coat” as indicator 

The distinct change of coat is a particularly 

apparent symptom, giving many a 

Cushing-patients a thick coat all through 

the year. An insulin resistance can be 

found with every second horse suffering 

from Cushings. It is assumed that this is 

the main reason for the increased laminitis 

risk of Cushing-horses. Contrary to EMS, 

which is seen predominantly in older 

horses, over the age of 18. Other possible 

symptoms can be increased 

sweating, drinking and urinary 

discharge. The veterinarian is 

able to clearly diagnose whether 

the horse is suffering from ECS 

with a “dexamethasone inhibition test“ 

or with an increased blood level of the 

adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). 

Vital substances to counteract tissue 

destruction 

To protect the hormone-regulating tissue 

of the hypothalamus and hypophysis 

from the influence of free radicals and 

the resulting progressive destruction of 

cells, affected horses should be fed higher 

concentrations of antioxidant nutrients. 

Cortigard is designed to provide not only 

highly digestible antioxidants such as 

natural vitamin E and C, but also additional 

complex vital nutrients that particularly 

match the additional requirements of 

Cushing-horses and that contribute to a 

better quality of life. 

Cortigard 

100 kg approx. 40 g 






With emaciated horses: 

20 ml Leinöl 

or 

HipppoLinol 


200 g Luzerne Mix 


Glyx-Mash 

to boost metabolism and digestion 

Glyx-Lobs 

the tasty reward 




with hard keepers and 

emaciated horses: 

400 - 500 g Metadiät 

to substitute concentrated feed 

with increased energy requirements: 

100 - 200 g Maisflocken 

with easy keepers or 

overweight horses 

20 g Equimeb Hepa 

to supplement the existing ration 


Hepatic Dysfunction 

The liver as the central detoxification and 

metabolism organ had comparatively 

little work to do with free living 

wild horses. Normal metabolic and 

detoxification procedures were daily 

routine. It was an exception that toxic 

plant components entering the digestive 

system of the horse by mistake, had to 

be “disposed” of. 

Stress is harmful for the liver 

Today the situation of the horse is 

completely different; the liver of our sports 

and pleasure partner is under constant 

stress. In most cases, bad roughage 

quality (which contains fungal toxins) 

and medication put considerable 

strain on the liver. Often the liver has 

to cope with a surplus of protein and 

fat or with deficiencies in specific 

functional nutrients. In addition, 

infections and toxic plants (like 

ragwort), but also mental 

and physical stress have 

a negative effect on the 

liver. 

Typical signs of liver problems: 

n tiredness, frequent yawning or lying 

n aversion to move or just the contrary, 

compulsive urge to move 

n mental imbalance: moody, frequently 

with ears back, aggressive 

n digestive problems such as diarrhoea, 

watery stool, susceptible to colic 

n bad smelling faeces 

n grey shading of hair, long coat, „cat hairs“ 

n skin and coat problems 

n yellow to brown coloured gums 

Hay of best quality is the best possible 

prerequisite for liver recovery. 

No silage. If necessary, also as 

alternative feed or to balance the 

ration 

Pre Alpin Heucobs 


Slightly increased liver values are to 

be taken serious, too! 

No feeding of oil! 

Brandon plus hepatic 

to support the liver metabolism 

Lamin forte 

with inflammations 





Difficult diagnosis 

Due to the tremendous compensation 

capacity of the kidneys, the urinary excreted 

substances creatinine and urea that are 

considered as an indication for renal health, 

are only then elevated in the blood if the 

kidney function is already reduced to 50%. 

This is the reason why deviations of the 

potassium and phosphorus concentrations 

as well as of the magnesium, calcium, 

sodium and chlorine levels should already 

be considered carefully. 

400 - 500 g Metadiät 

Balance the supply of trace 

elements of reduced intake rations 

with 

MicroVital 

The perfect diet: 

A balancing act 

To protect the kidney metabolism, the 

Renal Dysfunction 


Lamin forte 

as additional 

cell protection 

Sometimes there are only unspecific 

hints that allow us to conclude that 

the kidneys are under stress. Possible 

symptoms may include swollen legs, 

detoxification disorders that transform 

into skin and coat problems or behaviour 

changes as well as suspected back pain. 

Causes of renal dysfunction 

Besides liver, intestine and skin, the kidneys 

are counted among the most important 

detoxification organs, and due to their 

filtering function, they are responsible for 

the water and electrolyte balance. They 

are also responsible for the production of 

some hormones. The kidneys also indirectly 

regulate the production of red blood 

cells and are responsible for the calcium 

metabolism. Their range of tasks is as 

versatile as possible causes of disturbances 

for these organs.Feeding mistakes, toxins, 

medicine, infections and metabolic health 

problems such as the Equine Cushing 

Syndrome weaken the kidneys and can 

result in permanent damage. 

horse should only be worked moderately. 

A diet low in protein is recommended, 

containing all essential amino acids and 

mainly energy in sufficient quantities so 

that the horse is not forced to use bodyowned 

protein to produce energy which 

would put additional strain on the liver. 

Nourishing pasture grass, rich in protein, 

should be avoided in spring. The horse 

should be fed with hay that was cut later in 

the year. Calcium, magnesium, phosphor 

and potassium should be offered in 

reasonable quantities. Pectins and highly 

digestible carbohydrates can be used 

as energy sources, complemented by 

fibres of outstanding quality. Antioxidants 

contribute to protecting the organ cells, 

and herbs as well as algae extracts 

support the kidney function, thus boosting 

body-owned detoxification processes. 

With reduced water collection, mix 

small quantities of 

Glyx-Mash 

with large quantities of water and 

offer to drink! 

Brandon plus renal 

to support the renal function 




The result is the decisive factor 

The result is the decisive factor 

crypto pyrroles linke to vitamin 

B6 and zinc, this is considered 

to be the main reason for the 

different symptoms that arise. The 

deficiency in vitamin B6 and zinc 

can lead to a dangerous decline 

of vital subtances and, also cause 

detoxification disorders, even 

when sufficient supplies maybe 

provided by the daily ration. A 

Pyroluria (KPU) 

with normal-weight horses and 

emaciated horses 

150 g Mash 



with easy keepers and 

over weight horses 




20 g Microvital 

20 g Linustar 

Not approved by conventional medicine, 

poorly researched until today and 

nevertheless talked about everywhere. 

A huge number of symptoms are 

described with this metabolic disorder, 

closely linked with a disturbed intestinal 

flora, such as digestive disturbances, 

skin health issues, hoof problems, 

but also behaviour abnormalities and 

diseases of the respiratory system. 

Even problems with the locomotor 

system and an increased susceptibility 

for tendon and ligaments damages are 

thought to be associated with KPU. 

The theories 

Pyrroles are the result of the degradation 

of the red blood pigment haemoglobin. 

The body’s own enzymes of a sound 

metabolism are able to eliminate this 

metabolic product and to excrete it with 

the aid of bile fluid. Scientists describe 

a posible hereditary malfunction of the 

responsible enzyme in ill 

horses, this, results in the 

production of so called 

crypto pyrroles that are 

excreted in the horse’s 

urine and where they are 

often detected. 

continuous insufficient nutrient supply 

caused by an imbalanced diet is also 

considered responsible for a disturbed 

intestinal flora and the resulting disease 

pattern. Not enough high quality roughage 

and/or long feeding breaks, high quantities 

of grain starch and grain protein and 

also excessive medication are meant to 

permanently disturb intestinal fermentation 

and lead to the described symptoms. A 

ration rich in vital substances is required 

to balance possible deficiencies, also 

strengthening and rebalancing the 

intestinal flora with fibre-rich components, 

yeast and herbs. An accompanying 

detoxification may also be justified with 

some horses. See page 51 in this respect. 


Equigard 

the grain-free basic fee 

Brandon plus gastrointestinal 

promotes nutrient absorption in the 

gut and the development of a balanced 

intestinal flora. 





Tooth Problems 

They often cause rideability problems, 

digestive disorders or weight loss. Tooth 

problems are frequently the reason for a 

great deal of suffering and can lead to 

a loss in performance capacity and to 

reduced quality of life. As different and 

multifold as the consequences are the 

possible causes: congenital or acquired 

malalignments, wrong feeding, missing 

or wrong dental treatment, injuries due 

to ranking fights or pasture accidents 

are only some of the possible causes. 

To identify these problems in time, a 

regular, if possible annual, control by a 

horse dentist is essential. Sharp edges, 

so-called “wolf teeth” at the molars, 

developing as a result of an unbalanced 

use of the tooth surface, are to the most 

frequent problems and as this may 

cause injuries at tongue and mucosa 

in the mouth, a regular treatment is 

recommended. 

New tooth disease EOTRH 

Red spots at the sometimes swollen 

gums, sensitive to the touch and 

pain reaction of different degrees, 

accompanied by unpleasant odor 

emanating from the mouth, can be 

indicator for a tooth disease that 

has only been known in equine 

medicine for some years. Equine 

Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption 

and Hypercementosis (abbreviation 

EOTRH) is a painful tooth disease, 

which causes the degeneration of 

the basic tooth tissue of incisors 

and wolf teeth as well as of the jaw 

bone due to purulent inflammation. 

As this process remains 

invisible from the outside in 

the beginning, the disease 

is frequently only discovered 

at an advanced stage which 

is accompanied by severe 

suffering of the horse. If it is not possible 

to save the basic tooth tissue any more, all 

incisors have to be extracted. 

Prevention is the key! 

The causes for EOTRH are still unknown, 

however, deficiencies in the supply of 

micro nutrients and constant stress that 

badly affects the immune system of the 

horse are discussed as possible reasons. 

To prevent and to actively support the 

organism, special focus should be put on 

a diet rich in vital and immune-activating 

substances. Particularly special breeds 

(such as Iceland horses) that are known 

to develop EOTRH more often. These 

breeds should have a high quality diet and 

if necessary it should be complemented 

by a suppplement. 


6 g Hippomun 

feed for 14 days, then 

in intervals 


Hesta Mix 

as basic feed 

With bad teeth tissue 


as hay substitute 



especially in EOTRH 




To support tendons, ligament and 

joints: 

In acute cases or with arthritis 

40 g Movicur 

For prevention purposes 

20 g Movicur 

Bones, tendons, ligaments 

and joints 

Whether rampant bucking on the 

pasture or controlled movement under 

the saddle: Sometimes, the locomotor 

system of the horse faces tremendous 

tensile and shear forces. Tendons, 

ligaments and bone structures cannot 

always withstand the strain. Injuries of 

the muscular-skeletal system maybe 

the result, or in the worst case even 

fractures. But also inappropriate 

biomechanical stress or too much 

strain, genetic disposition or an 

insufficient supply in specific nutrients 

can encourage premature wear and tear 

and lameness and finally lead to the 

horse‘s unrideability. 

Prevention is better than cure! 

An appropriate supply in nutrients is 

of tremendous importance for foals to 

develop healthy supporting structures. 

Studies of the University of Wroclaw have 

shown the positive effect of an adequate 

daily diet in the development of foals 

and young horses. The horses fed with 

appropriate foal supplementary feed 

(Fohlengold of St. Hippolyt) convinced 

with healthy skin, a shiny coat and 

well-developed muscles. More studies 

revealed that the risk of degenerative joint 

diseases can be considerably reduced 

with an appropriate feeding management. 

Power derived from the ocean 

Adult horses also benefit from 

supplements that provide all vital essential 

nutrientsl for the healthy development and 

strengthening of tendons, ligaments and 

joints. Best results have been achieved 

with extracts of New Zealand Green 

Lipped Mussel in combination with more 

ocean-derived components as well as 

millet, highly digestible trace elements, 

omega-3 fatty acids and herbs. 

With inflammations 

in addition: 

20 g Lamin forte 

For older horses and those suffering 

from lack of minerals, 

in addition 


Bone fractures: 

40 g Movicur 


5 g Hesta Plus Mangan 


Moviderm 

For external treatment with the 

extract of New Zealand Green 

Lipped Mussel for tendons, 

ligaments and joints 

Brandon plus arthrogard 

as a valuable supplement to 

support the musculoskeletal 

system. 





are irreparably damaged and 

the breathing problems become 

visible, too, we speak of “broken 

wind“ or “heaves“. 

Pneumonia 

Foals are mostly affected, but 

also adult horses may suffer from 

pneumonia, caused by a virus or 

Respiratory diseases 

40 g Mucolyt 

With inflammations in addition: 

10 - 15 g Lamin Forte 

With a weak immune system and 

allergic horses add 

6 g Hippomun 

in intervals 

1,5 - 3 ml Schwarzkümmelöl 

The horse is a flight animal and 

besides speedy legs, it has to rely on 

a tremendous lung volume capacity 

which allows it to cover long distances 

in case of danger with considerable 

stamina. Such a tremendous lung 

capacity, however, also provides a huge 

surface for all kinds of pollution such as 

ammonia, dust and germs. Insufficient 

movement of fresh air even encourages 

the development of respiratory diseases 

that are known with more and more 

horses today. Additional triggers may 

be allergens such as fungal spores from 

hay and straw, mites, and also pollen. 

A herpes or influenza infection can also 

damage the cilia of the upper respiratory 

tract, this compromises that natural selfcleansing 

process and often causes a 

hypersensitivity of the lung tissue. 

Chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) 

This recurrent respiratory obstruction 

(officially called Recurrent Airway 

Obstruction RAO or Chronic Obstructive 

Pulmonary Disease COPD) is a noninfectious 

inflammation of the airways 

which affects more than 50% of all 

horses aged between 12 to 

14. Reduction in performance, 

frequent coughing and heavy 

breathing are signs of an 

advanced stage. If the lungs 

bacteria. Horses with a poor nutrition 

or with a weakened immune system 

are counted amongst the highest risk 

patients; particularly when accompanied 

by insufficient environmental conditions 

with bad air in the stables and lack of 

movement. 

Prevention is the key! 

Well-ventilated stables with a temperature 

matching outdoor temperatures, even in 

winter, hours of movement every day and 

an appropriate feeding ration are essential 

for an effective immune system. All these 

measures count as most important 

preventive measures. Selected herbs with 

natural, etheric oils are meant to support 

the function of the respiratory tract in acute 

cases. 


To support the immune system in 

case of infections 



with the power of nucleotides. 

Brandon plus respiraticum 

promotes the regeneration of the 

mucosa of the respiratory system 

For dust binding purposes, 

soaking hay with water 

has proven its worth. 

Dust-free dry green products such as 


can be used alternatively. 

In case of acute febrile illness, 

call the vet! 





as health build-up during times 

of change of coat 

6 g Hippomun 

in intervals 

with increased performances 

such as stress, change of stable, 

competition etc. 

Allergies 

1,5 - 3 ml Schwarzkümmelöl 

to promote the production of 

prostaglandins 

Environmental influences, mental and 

physical stress as well as malnutrition 

cause intolerances and allergic reactions 

in more and more horses, resulting in 

digestive disorders, respiratory and skin 

diseases. An allergy test may provide 

evidence of allergens. Sometimes an 

exclusion feed schedule may be helpful 

in determining the cause. 

“Feeding” the immune system 

Excluding certain substances from the daily 

ration is not always the key to success. 

An appropriate nutrition is particularly 

important with allergic horses to strengthen 

the immune system and to reduce the risk of 

possible over-reactions. However, it should 

not only be examined which substances 

lead to allergic reactions in order to eliminate 

them from the daily diet. It is as important 

to focus on possible deficiencies in the 

nutritional supply of the horse. Research 

has shown that a balanced feeding, rich 

in micro-nutrients, provides a considerable 

support to foster the well-being of allergic 

horses. It depends on the degree of the 

allergic reaction to which extend and which 

supplements should be fed. 

Disorder in the digestive tract 

Stubborn and recurrent watery stool 

problems can be the result of an allergic 

reaction respectively intolerance to certain 

feed components. Please read on page 

37 how to support respectively feed your 

horse in this respect. 

Air is running low! 

More and more horses are suffering from 

respiratory diseases as a result of an 

allergic reaction. Please read on page 56 

about the supporting feeding measures. 

An unbalanced skin 

Nettle rash or even hairless scratched 

areas! If your horse feels uncomfortable in 

its own skin, allergies may be the reason. 

Please read on page 43 how to support 

your horse. 


To accelerate cell renewal 









Für For supple muscles and 

more energy: 


To develop muscles during 

training periods: 

40 g Goldmedal 

With increased performances to 

protect muscles 

and as “radical scavenger” 

5 g Vitamin E plus Selen 

Muscle development 

and relaxation 

If the movement easily flows through 

the body and if the well-developed 

muscles work full of power and stamina, 

we speak about a fit horse. Supple 

and soft muscles that only require a 

short warm-up and that quickly deacidify 

and regenerate after work are 

appreciated. Specific nutrients are 

required to achieve this perfect status. 

If they lack in the daily diet, however, 

this easily leads to over-acidification, 

tension or poorly developed muscles. 

Versatile nutritional supplements 

cannot only relax, but also develop the 

horse‘s muscles. 

Modern sports horse nutrition 

To provide the best basic conditions 

for correct muscle function, a diet that 

guarantees a moderate elevation of blood 

sugar after having been fed 

with concentrated feed is of advantage. 

Scientific studies have shown that rations 

of concentrated feed, low in starch, have 

a positive influence on muscles and 

performance capacity. More advantages 

of a diet low in carbohydrates without 

blood sugar peaks are a reduced sweat 

production, constant performances and 

improved stress resilience. 

With tensed horses and those 

sensitive to changes in weather: 

5 g Makor 

For highest performances: 



Your horse is suffering from an 

acute muscle disease such as 

tying-up? Please read on page 60 

how to support your horse with the 

appropriate feed. 

For sluggish horses, please find the 

appropriate recommendation on 

page 59. 


International Sports 


as basic feed for sports horses 

Brandon plus myoforce 

supports the preservation and 

strenthening of muscles 




For more joy to move and supple 

muscles: 


For tensed horses and 

those sensitive to changes 

in weather: 

5 g Makor 

For an additional “turbo effect” 

for high performances or for elder 

horses: 



Sluggish horse 

5 - 10 g QElan 

Some horses have a slow disposition. 

They are the epitome of coolness. 

However, when it comes to work under 

the saddle, a little bit more power would 

be appreciated sometimes. 

We make your horse get going! 

To exclude that health problems are 

the reason for the sluggishness, it is 

recommended to ask a vet to check the 

health status of the horse. Provided your 

horse is fit, but only slow paced and 

easygoing, vitalizing feed components 

and an appropriate composition of the 

daily ration can help to energize the horse. 

Relaxed muscles facilitate movement 

Elastic und supple muscles are the 

basic requirement to guarantee that 

your horse can develop its complete 

movement potential. Specific nutrients 

can boost muscle metabolism, which 

is accompanied by a reduced warm-up 

phase and improved joy to move. Special 

nutritional combinations with lecithin 

micelles that directly nurture the cells 

ensure – if required – the additional turbo 

effect. 


1 kg Struktur-Energetikum 

every day 






Tying-up, 

Rhabdomyolysis, PSSM 

Sometimes, the horse only shows minor 

signs of tensed back muscles, in more 

severe cases, however, it cannot move 

even one step forward. In former times 

called “Monday Morning disease”, science 

does not only know the one, classic tyingup 

case today. 

Acute tying-up SER 

(Sporadic Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) 

Acute tying-up mainly occurs after overexertion 

or a diet too rich in carbohydrates, 

particularly at days spent in the stable. The 

degree of movement disorder ranges from 

moderate to high. Sometimes, the horse 

is hardly able to move at all anymore and it 

may get cast. Blood analysis shows a drastic 

increase in muscle enzymes. The urine is 

of dark colour as a result of the release of 

muscle pigment (myoglobin) from necrotic 

muscle cells. Treatment by the vet and an 

appropriate diet with deacidifying Mashrations 

and metabolism-activating herbs 

is essential. Balancing the micro nutrients 

intake is as important. 

Chronic muscle diseases 

The development is frequently very slow 

and the symptoms might not always to 

be associated with tying-up. Constantly 

increased muscle enzyme values may 

provide proof to a certain extent, however, 

only a muscle biopsy provides ultimate 

confirmation. 

1. RER 

(Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis) 

The symptoms of frequently recurrent tyingup 

(also called tying-up syndrome) are 

less dramatic and therefore not that easy 

to diagnose. Contrary to acute tying-up, 

however, metabolic diseases are always the 

cause. Stress is considered one of the main 

reasons. Intensively worked horses or those 

who are often nervous and thoroughbreds 

are affected by this disorder. To soften the 

degree of severity of RER, all possibilities to 

reduce stress should be seized. 

2. PSSM - 

Polysaccharid Storage Myopathy 

Particularly American horse breeds are 

affected by this hereditary “sugar storage 

disease”. Contrary to RER, PSSM-horses 

are rather calm and languid, with the degree 

ranging from moderate to heavy. The horses 

are unmotivated, sluggish respectively very 

stiff during riding. Based on the hereditary 

disposition, stress, unbalanced nutritional 

intake and malnutrition with nutrients such 

as vitamin E and selenium are considered 

to be the cause. Besides a regular and 

well-adapted work, an appropriate feed 

with special minerals is of particular 

importance. Rations rich in starch should 

be avoided and replaced by 

alternative energy suppliers 

such as fibres, oils and 

oleaginous fruit. 

5 g Vitamin E - Selen 

5 g Makor 

To boost vitality and performance 

capacity: 

SuperCondition 


With increased energy requirements 

Luzerne Mix 

and oil 

(i.e. Leinöl or HippoLinol) 


MicroVital 

with reduced crib feed rations 

or micro nutrient deficiencies 

Brandon plus myoforce 

supports the preservation and 

strenthening of muscles 

The rations are also recommended 

for horses suffering from the 

shivering-syndrome! 




5 - 10 g Equilizer 

Also perfect as tranquilizer 

during competitions, 

transport, change of stable 

or during days spent in the stable! 

or 

10 - 15 g Anti-Stress-Kräuter 

(please note: doping relevant!) 

with magnesium deficiencies 

in addition: 

5 g Makor 

Calming products 

with deficiencies in trace elements 

in addition: 


If the rider feels like sitting on a “time 

bomb” and if any kind of work with the 

horse becomes impossible because 

of its tensed muscles, a balancing 

supplementary feed could be the 

solution. 

Compensating for nutritional deficiencies 

A deficiency in functional nutrients can 

result in disturbances in the muscle and 

nerve metabolism. The muscles get 

tensed, accompanied by a decrease 

in nerve resilience. Balancing herbs 

such as ginseng, taiga root, melissa, 

chamomile, but also propolis calm the 

horse‘s nerves. Natural substances such 

as lecithin, brewer‘s yeast and sprouted 

grains support the brain metabolism and 

contribute to a stable transmission of 

neural stimuli. Besides, a deficiency in 

magnesium or zinc may lead to tension or 

nervousness with the result that balancing 

these deficiencies becomes indispensable. 

Feeling one‘s oats 

Some horses respond to oat starch with 

overwhelming willingness to move and 

become unridable. High quantities in 

grain and, as a consequence, in starch 

may lead to nervousness and tensed 

muscles. Oleaginous energy suppliers 

rich in fibre and fat can also decrease the 

susceptibility to nervousness and tension. 

Feeding roughage appropriately 

Sometimes, too low rations in roughage 

may lead to stressed behaviour with horses. 

A minimum quantity of 1.2 kg hay per 100 

kg body weight and day should be fed. 


Appropriate basic feed, depending 

on type of horse and degree of 

work: 

Equigard, 

Hesta Mix, 

NutriStar 

or Reformmüsli G 


Contact 

Advice - Solving problems 

Elke Horlacher 

elke.horlacher@st-hippolyt.de 

For all questions related 

to feeding horses, for 

special problems of your 

four-legged partner or to 

obtain valuable and helpful 

tips from long years of 

practical experiences: the 

St. Hippolyt advice team 

and the scientific research 

department of Mühle 

Ebert in Dielheim is at your 

disposal! 

Scarlet Möller 

scarlet.moeller@st-hippolyt.de 

Besides extensive information opportunities provided by our 

homepage, catalogue and the publication “Feeding Concepts”, 

personal assistance is also provided. 

Annika Schilling 

annika.schilling@st-hippolyt.de 

Sarai Fauerbach 

sarai.fauerbach@st-hippolyt.de 

We will be pleased to offer advice at the phone or even visit 

you and your horse. With five or more horse lovers interested 

in individual feeding concepts for horses, please contact us as 

well. We will be happy to visit you. 

For larger groups (as of 20 participants) in riding clubs or 

stables, for regulars‘ tables, members meetings and of course 

our distributers, we offer lectures on the subject horse feeding 

with all the information on the basics of equine nutrition being 

presented in an easily comprehensible manner. Wishes on 

certain subjects and problems will be met. Do not hesitate to 

contact us! 

0049(0)6222 990 100 

or info@st-hippolyt.de 

Axel Fromm 

axel.fromm@st-hippolyt.de 

Florencia Arrambide 

florencia@st-hippolyt.de 


Notizen 

For your notes 





Im Grund 52 

D-36110 Schlitz 

Tel.: 0049 - 6642 - 96 06-0 

Fax: 0049 - 6642 - 96 06-66 

E-Mail: info@st-hippolyt.de 

Entwicklung - Produktion - Wissenschaft 

Mühle Ebert Dielheim 

Talstrasse 27 D-69234 Dielheim 

Tel.: 0049 - 6222 - 99 00 Fax: 0049 - 6222 - 7 51 11 

Händler:

Feeding Concepts

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