03/06/2026
INFLAMMATION – What We Can't See
Pictured below is a portion of the small intestine.
The light colouring is normal; the red, angry appearance is consistent with tissue irritation and inflammation.
We hear a lot about stomach ulcers in horses.
But what happens when the inflammation is further down the digestive tract?
What happens when the small intestine, caecum, or large colon become irritated, inflamed, or stressed?
Unlike the stomach, inflamed intestines are much harder to diagnose, and often near impossible to confirm accurately.
Yet they can have a significant impact on the horse's behaviour, performance, and overall wellbeing.
An inflamed digestive tract may contribute to:
▪ Poor nutrient absorption
▪ Loose manure or inconsistent droppings
▪ Weight loss or difficulty maintaining condition
▪ Increased sensitivity through the body
▪ Changes in behaviour or attitude
▪ Poor recovery after exercise
▪ Reduced immune function
▪ Low energy
▪︎ Aggression
▪ A very unhappy horse and a desperate owner
When that system becomes irritated, the effects can be felt far beyond the original issue itself.
I know I'm on repeat - but it's the repeat that needs repeating.
☆ Are we treating the symptom or the cause?
☆ Treat the horse as a whole.
The Equine Research and Learning Facility continually shows us how easily causes can be missed, and how limited diagnostics can sometimes be in providing the full picture.
Stress. Diet changes. Poor-quality forage. Toxins. Microbial imbalance. Parasitic burden. Environmental pressures. Workloads. Genetics.
All can contribute to a chronic inflammatory load.
Prescription medications and specific products may be required to provide relief from the immediate discomfort and begin the healing process.
However, long-term reliance on these alone may not address the underlying cause and create secondary issues.
Based on what we see at the facility, conversations with professionals in the nutrition field, and discussions with other equine specialists
MAIN Equine Researched Nutrition designed
MAIN Pro.
Designed to help support oxidative stress, inflammation (both joint and systemic), digestive health, and the microbiome by addressing the horse as a whole.
100% nature's best - proven ingredients.
For more information and prices
www.mainequineresearchednutrition.co.nz
Portion of the small intestine - Inflammation
