Herbs have always been present in a healthy horses diet. Free-living horses to this day still continue to forage through nature’s own pharmacy as certain herbs have specific benefits. Herbs can be added into the horses diet for a variety of reasons. Scientifically there is not a substantial amount of evidence that says herbs work, however through references and reports from the equine community herbs have had a positive effect. Herbs contain anti-oxidants and these are crucial to protecting against free-radicals to maintain healthy cells within the body. Whilst herbs are healthy and can promote health, they should be fed in the correct quantities to avoid any stomach upset. When looking at herbs to feed your horse it is also important to check the FEI banned substance list if you are competing or looking to compete in the future. Rowen Barbary have a wide range of herbs that we use in our feeds as well as individually. The herbs can be added to your feed as you desire. The herb should be tried for palatability and gradually introduced in the feed similarly to adding a new feed into the diet. If your horse has any reaction or stomach upset discontinue to feed.   Herbs Rowen Barbary Use and Stock: Chamomile Flowers & Powder: Chamomile is known for its calming effects on horses to relieve anxiety and restlessness but also has a variety of other benefits. Chamomile is a very important digestive with a variety of benefits from horses suffering from an upset stomach, by aiding digestion and helping protect against ulcers through its healing properties. It is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps with symptoms such as allergies, arthritis and wounds. Chamomile is also high in Calcium and rich in B vitamins supporting the skeletal system and overall health and bodily function. Included in Leisure Plus (Flowers) and Acti-Soothe (Powder). Spearmint: Spearmint is added to feeds to support digestion by maintaining the Ph balance and to entice fussy eaters to consume the feed due to the minty fresh smell and flavour. Spearmint is also included in the Solution Mash. Seaweed: Seaweed is a natural high source of minerals, vitamins and trace elements which supports and maintains peak condition. When added to the horse’s feed to enables efficient absorption of protein and nutrients from their diet. Seaweed and Spearmint is included in Rowen Barbary’s Condition and Performance feed. It is suited to horses in moderate to hard work and poor doers requiring improvement in topline and condition. Condition and performance is a highly appetising feed able to tempt fussy eaters through the use of Spearmint. The (12%) protein is great for building and repairing the musculoskeletal system. Linseed oil and Soya Oil are supported by key antioxidants to ensure overall skin and coat condition. Garlic: Garlic has many beneficial properties. It is high in Sulphur which enters the bloodstream and acts as a natural anti-biotic to help fight infection and promote a healthier immune system. Garlic can also act as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic as a fly repellent whilst also reducing inflammation and cleansing the circulatory system. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Boron, Chromium, Copper, Molybdenum, Selenium and Zinc. Rowen Barbary’s Solution Mash is suitable for horse’s susceptible to Laminitis and Cushing’s requiring a higher calorie diet to support a higher workload and improve overall condition, would look to feed Solution mash. It contains high fibre (26%) but with a higher percentage of oils (15%) and key antioxidants to encourage the improvement of condition whilst maintaining crucial fibre levels to support the digestive tract. The high oil percentage helps to improve coat condition and is a great source of calories without the use of cereals. Other ingredients are included such as Yeasacc 1026 to encourage mineral digestion and increase optimum fibre. Ingredients such as Garlic, spearmint and fenugreek are also added to improve palatability and support gut function and overall health. Turmeric: Turmeric is a pleasantly scented spice, promoting overall health. It is commonly known to have anti-inflammatory qualities as well as helping with symptoms such as gastric disorders, arthritis, itchy skin, the liver and some cancers. Turmeric is often fed alongside ground black pepper for more efficient absorption. (Do not feed to Pregnant Mares without verterinary advice). Included in our Senior Support and Keep well. Fenugreek: Fenugreek is great for fussy eaters and encourages their appetite. This helps horses with their overall condition. It is rich in vitamins which supports and strengthens hoof growth and adds shine to your horses coat. Fenugreek can also be used to support lactating mares and encourage milk production. Rowen Barbary’s Senior Support is suitable for horses over 16 years old requiring help with extra calories required for maintaining body condition. Senior support is great for helping with joint care and support. It can suit horses in maintenance work up to medium level. Rowen Barbary’s Senior Support is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients to support overall health and wellness in the older horse. Glucosamine, MSM and Turmeric have been added to maintain and support joint function and mobility. Yeasacc 1026 is included to ensure efficient digestion of fibre and minerals. The product is balanced and contains the full complement of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Spirulina: Spirulina is added to the feed as it is a natural source of anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory and helps support the immune system. The anti-histamine is great for relieving allergic reactions such as Hives. The anti-inflammatory aspect is great for horses suffering with respiratory problems such as COPD as well as injuries and wounds. Lemon Balm: Lemon Balm is a member of the Mint family which is added to the feed to encourage appetite of fussy eaters and palatability. The Lemon Balm is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The lemon balm is a gentle calmer that helps soothe the gut. Lemon Balm is included in our supplement Acti-Soothe. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a herb commonly used for its relaxing effects on the muscles and mind. It helps to boost the immune system as it contains anti-oxidants and is used in our latest supplement Acti-Soothe. Cinnamon(True): Cinnamon is a herb used to increase palatability with its sweet smell whilst also having beneficial properties to help with digestion and metabolic maintenance and support. It helps to promote insulin activity which is beneficial to horses that may need support with maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is included in our supplement Acti-Soothe.