http://www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au/

BlackHorse Naturals, P. O Box 12, Elaine (2025)

24/06/2025

Black Horse Naturals may be manufactured in an Equine Dedicated Mill in the small town of Bungal, Victoria, but did you know we deliver Australia Wide through Independent Retailers, Garrards, Saddleworld, Petstock and through one of the largest wholesalers in Eastern Distributors.

Our supply this week alone, has reached three states - if you need Black Horse Naturals in your horses diet, we can get it to you through our distribution channels! 🙌

www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

23/06/2025

It’s been a reasonably tough year for clover to come through in our own paddocks, we certainly love it for our stock and sporadic grazing for own broodmares.

This picture is White Clover, however some of the more common types are “Sub Clover” - with many different varieties, Balansa Clover, Strawberry Clover, Red Clover, Persian Clover, etc.

However, when comparing red clover and white clover for horses:

☘️ White Clover - Generally preferred for horses due to its high palatability, lower risk of causing digestive issues, and excellent nutritional profile.
It is rich in protein and promotes healthy pasture.

☘️ Red Clover - Higher in protein and may be beneficial for certain nutritional needs, however it contains phytoestrogens, which can affect some horses, especially if consumed in large amounts.
In some cases may result in photosensitisation, where the skin can become overly sensitive to sunlight, particularly in unpigmented areas

Overall, white clover, is often the better option for horses due to its safety and digestibility and is often considered the better option for equine diets.
However, a balanced pasture mix can provide the best nutrition.

Always consult with an equine nutritionist or agronomist for tailored advice on what pasture, grasses and hay is best suited to your horses requirements.

Understanding what is in your pasture helps to ensure your horse receives balanced nutrition.
☘️

www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

18/06/2025

Hottest topic in the horse world right now?

Hay!

We know that horses are hindgut fermenters because their digestive system relies on fermentation processes that occur primarily in the cecum and colon, located in the hindgut.
This adaptation allows them to efficiently break down fibrous plant materials, such as grasses and hay, which are difficult to digest. The large cecum and colon provide a suitable environment for microbial fermentation, enabling horses to extract essential nutrients, particularly volatile fatty acids, needed for energy from their diet.

With the price, not to mention rarity of hay right now, it is absolutely crucial to get the most out of your hay - let’s be honest, we could all buy a Gucci bag for what we are feeding our horses, all to simply to admire their physical health, condition, top line and manure 💩
Who needs a Gucci anyway! 😅

A healthy gut microbiome in horses significantly aids digestion and enhances nutrient absorption from hay.
A balanced microbiome contributes to:

Efficient Fibre Breakdown - Good bacteria help break down fibrous materials in hay, making nutrients more accessible.

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption - A diverse microbiome improves the digestive process, allowing for better absorption of essential nutrients.

Preventing Digestive Issues - A stable gut environment can reduce the risk of colic and other digestive disorders.

Immune Function - A robust microbiome supports overall health, which is vital for proper digestion.

Maintaining a well balanced diet, ensuring adequate hay, and potentially incorporating pre and probiotics can support the gut microbiome and, in turn, improve digestion and utilisation of hay.

The most expensive thing you, and I, are buying right now is hay.

Get the most out of your buck by incorporating Black Horse Naturals into your horses diet.
It’s a partner, not an addition. 💵

www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

17/06/2025

SETTING A STANDARD ✨

Black Horse Naturals products are made from 100% natural ingredients.
Each recipe is scientifically formulated with the expertise of nutritionists, and is supported by equine professionals and veterinarians to ensure optimal nutrition for your horse.

• Pre & Probiotics
• Hind Gut buffering action
• Mycotoxin Binder

Discover our range at www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au or find us in store at Independent Retail Outlets, Garrards, Saddleworld or Petstock, Australia wide.

15/06/2025

Following on from last week’s post on knowing your pasture, particularly during drought, we feel it’s important to recognise weeds also.

And as such, here’s one we all know and hate.
Capeweed.

Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) is a perennial herb native to South Africa but has spread to various regions, particularly in Australia.
It can be harmful to horses for several reasons:

❌ Toxicity - Capeweed contains compounds that may cause adverse effects in horses, particularly if ingested in large quantities. This can lead to symptoms such as colic or other digestive issues.
There has been many studies to show a link between copious ingestion of Capeweed and stringhalt. The main issue being that capeweed can cause a magnesium deficiency, which may disrupt nerve function.

It is important to note that stringhalt is not a direct result of Capeweed poisoning, but rather a consequence of nerve damage or dysfunction caused by the plants impact on the horse’s system.

❌ Nutritional Competition - Capeweed can outcompete grass, reducing the availability of nutritious pasture for horses.
Capeweed is known as a “calcium robber” to the soil.
Often a soil test will confirm low calcium and other nutrient deficiencies, rectifying these imbalances may assist in control of Capeweed

❌ Digestive Issues - Horses consuming capeweed may experience poor digestion and nutrient absorption, which can affect their overall health and performance.

It is advisable to manage and control capeweed in pastures where horses graze.
Spraying is an option, however, there is only a small window when this can be achieved, we recommend speaking with an agronomist at your local merchandise store for the best Capeweed control solutions for your area, time of year and at what stage of the plants growth.

www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

15/06/2025

We had a wonderful night sponsoring the Girls Night Out at Ballarat & District Trotting Club on Friday night, where ourselves, local and national businesses and all attended raised over $10,000 for wriscfamilyviolencesupport

The Black Horse Naturals Pace was won by friends, Jim and Jackie Barker with Captain Wilson.
Congratulations to connections on the win.

Special thank you to Ballarat & District Trotting Club for holding this event each year and reaching out to us for support, we are very thankful to be included in such a worthy cause, and of course, a fun night for us ladies.

10/06/2025

Understanding Common Pasture Types in Victoria During Drought

As drought conditions impact our beautiful landscapes in Victoria, it's essential to recognise the common types of pasture that thrive, even under stress.

With our recent rain here in Victoria over the weekend, and our soil still holding some heat, it’s lovely to see the green pasture popping up.

… but, that also poses risk to our horses and their delicate digestive system.

Over the next week, we will share our own paddocks and pasture that is growing through these times of drought, frost and finally rain.

First off, let’s talk Phalaris.

Phalaris - Known for its resilience, it can endure low rainfall while providing excellent forage, however both Phalaris Major and Minor both pose risk when over grazed and let’s face it, we might not have wanted too, but during this drought we have all over grazed.
It’s simply been a case of no choice.

The risk of toxicity is highest during rapid growth, especially in Autumn and when plants are under stress, such as frost and water deficiency.

We don’t want our horses grazing down to these pink stems at the very bottom of the plant, along with the short new growth due to the toxic alkaloids.

Understanding these pasture types can help us manage our green spaces effectively in challenging weather.

Harmony Plus and Gut Align both contain a Mycotoxin Binder, which may assist in mitigating these challenges.

www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

05/06/2025

Did you know that the gut microbiome in foals changes as they grow?

It's essential to support their intestinal health during this crucial developmental stage.

Including prebiotics and probiotics in their diet can make a significant difference.

Prebiotics serve as food for beneficial bacteria, while probiotics introduce live beneficial microbes.

Together, they help maintain a balanced gut environment, enhance nutrient absorption, and support the immune system.

Harmony Plus and Gut Align contain quality Pre and Probiotics, and by incorporating Gut Align or Harmony Plus into their daily diet may assist in establishing good gut health for the future.

Discover more by visiting www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

29/05/2025

Win - Win - Third - for Alex Ashwood & Tayla French with their 3 starters at Kilmore tonight, recently starting on Gut Align!
Well done Team!

22/05/2025

There's nothing quite like the unique love of a horse.
Their gentle nuzzle and warm breath can heal the deepest wounds and lift the heaviest spirits. Each moment spent with them is a reminder that true connection transcends words.
They teach us loyalty, patience, and the beauty of living in the moment.

And ohh, that smell.
Is there anything better than burying your face in the mane of a horse?

📸 Melva & Grace
www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

22/05/2025

Bendigo & Surrounds Equine Community, Thank you.

Saddleworld Bendigo & Shepparton, Thank you.

Thank you for making Black Horse Naturals one of the most popular gut supportive feeds in the area, and thank you for putting your horse’s gut health as a priority.

It’s often what we don’t see that matters the most, and a healthy gut and digestive system that houses trillions of bacteria is key to your horse’s overall health, performance and behaviour.

Stacked high and flying out the door at Saddleworld Shepparton & Bendigo !

20/05/2025

With yet another early frost ahead of us Victorian’s tomorrow, there is a significant amount of stress on pasture.
After a frost, grass can undergo several changes:

🍁 Physical Damage - Frost can cause ice crystals to form within the plant cells, leading to cell rupture. This results in brown, wilted, or crunchy grass.

🍁 Reduced Nutritional Value - Frost-damaged grass often loses its palatability and nutritional content, making it less beneficial for grazing animals.

🍁 Delayed Growth - It may take time for grass to recover, as growth slows significantly. Initially, grasses lose some green color and vigor, delaying the regrowth process.

🍁 Potential for Disease - Damaged grass is more susceptible to diseases and pests, which can further hinder recovery.

🍁 Regrowth - With proper conditions (warmth, moisture, and no further frost), grass can bounce back, producing new growth but may result in high toxins and sugars.

Overall, the health and recovery of grass post-frost depend on factors such as grass type, weather conditions, and overall pasture management.
Including a gut support feed, such as Gut Align or Harmony Plus may assist in mitigating these challenges.

~ Steve Dickson, Co founder of Black Horse Naturals and Agronomist

www.blackhorsenaturals.com.au

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