Thiamine B1, is partially generated in the gut of the horse and available from fresh green pasture. It is needed for the process of conversion of feed to energy and for the nervous system of the horse. However, this internal manufacture can be disrupted for varied reasons: when the horse is on a high carbohydrate and/or a restricted pasture diet, dry or poor pasture, or stressed by – travel – performance pressure- change of environment- or by illness. Signs of low Thiamine B1 can be distracted, spooky behaviour, edgy and difficult manner. Despite being fed carbohydrate feeds the energy level is lower than expected. Thiamine B1 is required in higher amounts when carbohydrates are the main source of energy, for example racehorses and high-performance horses, the higher the amount of grain the higher the need for Thiamine B1. Often these horses are also not on full time quality pasture. Spookiness and nervous type energy are often blamed on carbohydrate intake, (in fact carbohydrates just create energy) but more often it is the lowered thiamine levels. Sport and leisure horses are often (misguidedly) restricted from fresh green pasture, thinking itis the cause of difficult behaviour. In fact, not allowing a horse access to good pasture, reduces the Thiamine B1 levels and that is the main cause of such behaviour. This behaviour is often attributed to low magnesium but in fact magnesium is much more readily available in the diet, not always the cause. When horses are on good fresh pasture combine Thiamine B1 with Vetpro Digest Rite Sport to create a well nurtured healthy calm horse. Thiamine B1 is water soluble and any excess will be naturally excreted by the horse with no harmful effects. This is not the case with magnesium where overdosing can reach toxic levels. Supplementing 1000mg per day of Thiamine B1, can bring the levels up to normal and help to calm the horse. It can be given when needed, for example days prior to travel and competitions etc, but also on a regular daily basis if pasture is not of the best standard. For an intensive situation, the dose can be doubled. As the physical size of the dose of a vitamin is not practical to measure, it is mixed with a carrier called maltodextrin so a practical scoop can be used. It also makes the product more palatable to a horse. Daily Dose rate: Average Horse 500Kg – 15 gm – one level scoop Average Pony 14HH – 7-8gm – half scoop The product is soluble so can be dissolved in water for easy administration. NOTE: Reseal the pouch after use to keep contents dry as the product will pick up moisture.
