We keep our horses artificially and so they must be fed as such.  For over a century, mineral supplementation in the diet has been found to be of great benefit, and today both mineral and vitamin supplements are a daily part of feeding.  

Any supplement fed to horses and ponies should be designed for the equine species.  However, even though we now have a greater understanding of the digestive system of the horse, many feeds and supplements are based on knowledge gained from other species.  Many are also based on financial gain alone.      

You should always try to check the ingredients label of supplements, as the following elements are not required in an equine supplement:

Produced naturally by the horse in their gastronomic system are:

• Nicotinic (niacin)
• Pantothenic acid (vitamin B3)
• Vitamin C - (which is produced in large quantities).

Other elements that are also not required are:

• Manganese - (deficiency has never been recorded in the horse).
• Pangamic acid - (This was reported to be a B vitamin (B15).  It has however, now been established that this is not the case and it is therefore of no benefit to any animal).

Substances that interfere with the natural workings of the digestive system should be avoided, unless given under veterinary supervision.  There are no miracle substances that will turn your horse or pony into what it cannot be but the feeding of an equine supplement should give you peace of mind and help sustain healthy nutrition in your horse or pony.