Boundary Equestrian

04/03/2025

I'm hosting a 2 day Emmett4Horses Practitioner's course on Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th March.

The course is designed for us as a group to discuss and use the moves we have been taught over the 5 levels. Also as a group we analyse the horse and talk about what treatment would suit and action that treatment if any is needed.

We need 4 horses or ponies per day. Any age or breed, ridden or paddock mates, injured or not......

PM me to discuss or nominate your horse or pony. I'm happy to come for a visit to your place before hand to meet you and your horse.

Thanks, Robyn

Send a message to learn more

22/02/2025

MINERALS, part of the 6th level in the horse feed pyramid alongside VITAMINS.

MINERALS help with the horse’s normal metabolic functions, formation of bones, teeth and blood, providing nerve and muscle actions, pH balance (electrolytes) and kidney function. During developmental and re-building stages they properly form the body’s structure and help to repair it.

The MINERAL content of any pasture related feedstuffs (pasture, hay, balage and chaff) are only as good as the soil they are grown on. New Zealand soils are low in selenium so this is a MINERAL that is generally supplemented.

MINERALS are split into two categories
1️⃣Macro
These MINERALS are required in larger quantities – being fed in grams per kilo (g/kg), they are also electrolytes used for pH balance.
➡️Calcium
➡️Chloride
➡️Magnesium
➡️Phosphorus
➡️Potassium
➡️Sodium
➡️Sulphur

2️⃣Micro or trace
These MINERALS are required in small amounts – being fed in milligrams per kilo (mg/kg) which is the same as parts per million (ppm).
➡️Chromium
➡️Cobalt
➡️Copper
➡️Fluorine
➡️Iron
➡️Manganese
➡️Selenium
➡️Silicon
➡️Zinc

‼️MINERALS are naturally occurring elements which can’t be produced inside the horse’s body so they are needed to be included as part of their diet.

Organic MINERALS are ones that are bound to a carbon atom which are normally able to be absorbed and utilised quicker and more efficiently.

MINERALS can work for or against each other, therefore there are ratios for several MINERALS to ensure proper balance:
➡️Calcium : Phosphorus ratio = from 1 : 1 (maintenance for mature horses to 6 : 1 for growing horses)
Majority of calcium is stored in the bones and if there isn’t adequate amounts fed in the diet, then the body will automatically draw calcium from the bones making the bones weak and brittle. Feeding high levels of phosphorus decreases the amount of calcium the body will absorb.
➡️Calcium : Magnesium ratio = approx. 2.5 : 1 to 3 : 1
Majority of magnesium is found in the bones. It relaxes muscles (calcium contracts – so for all muscle movements including the heart, both calcium and magnesium play an important role) and supports muscle recovery. Magnesium may help with regulating insulin levels and reducing the risk of laminitis. Feeding high levels of magnesium decreases the amount of calcium the body will absorb.
➡️Zinc : Copper ratio = max of 5 : 1
Both these trace MINERALS help to produce the protein keratin to aid in a shiny coat, strong hooves and healthy connective tissue. Feeding high levels of copper decreases the amount of zinc the body will absorb.

‼️Electrolytes aid in restoring the fluid balance and should be used after sweating caused by exercise or stress. They are not designed to be fed on a daily basis. Always provide fresh, clean water when giving electrolytes.

VITAMINS work MINERALS work together synergistically for:
▪️Bone growth and health
▪️Muscle function
▪️Immune system
▪️Organ health and use

⚖️⚖️I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice and recommendations on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritional balanced ⚖️ and appropriate diet for your equine.
Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

16/02/2025

VITAMINS, part of the 5TH level in the horse feed pyramid.

VITAMINS are required in very small quantities and are required for normal bodily functions of:
➡️Growth
➡️Tissue maintenance
➡️Organ use
➡️Athletic performance
➡️Immunity

VITAMINS are either Fat Soluble or Water Soluble.
▪️Fat soluble VITAMINS require fat in the diet to be able to be absorbed. These VITAMINS are absorbed with fat into the horses bloodstream and travel to tissues that need them immediately or stored in the liver and body fat for later use.
Fat soluble VITAMINS = A, D, E and K
▪️Water soluble VITAMINS dissolve in water. They are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine and travel to tissues that require them. As they are water soluble, they are not stored in large quantities and any excess is generally excreted in urine.
Water soluble VITMAINS = B group (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, Biotin, Choline, Folic Acid) and Vitamin C

☑️VITAMIN D is manufactured in the body using sunshine and should not need to be supplemented.
☑️VITAMIN E is a powerful antioxidant and does not tend to reach toxic levels even if supplemented. Often recommended for horses undergoing excessively strenuous training or recovering from illness. This vitamin quickly looses its efficiency when stored and exposed to the atmosphere.
☑️VITAMIN C, once supplemented should not be stopped. The horses body adjusts to supplementation and will stop manufacturing it.
☑️B group VITAMINS and VITAMIN K are all manufactured in a healthy hind gut.

Mature horses can store and draw upon VITAMIN reserves, however, older horses have a reduced ability to absorb nutrients.

Pasture will quickly lose it’s vitamin levels once cut, dried and baled. So any horses or ponies that receive majority of hay as their forage component should be feed an appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement.

⚖️⚖️I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice and recommendations on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritionally balanced and appropriate diet for your equine.⚖️⚖️
Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

15/02/2025

🦄🦄DUWELL supplements for New Zealand 🇳🇿 Horses🦄🦄

I am a distributor for DUWELL - pick up from Boundary Equestrian or post + $15.00. PM me to purchase

These products were designed by an Equine Nutritionist for New Zealand 🇳🇿 horses in New Zealand 🇳🇿 conditions.

➡️Vitamins and Minerals. Provides essential and highly absorbable vitamins and minerals. No fillers!
1kg 💲65.00 : 3kg 💲180.00
➡️Cool N Calm. Increase focus and reduce stress. Helps to promote calmness. Includes Vit B1, E, Magnesium and Tryptophan.
1kg 💲75.00
➡️Flaxseed Oil. Essential Fatty Acids of Omega 3 to promote coat shine, skin and hoof health with anti-inflammatory properties. Ideal for metabolic horses.
2lt 💲60.00
➡️Happy Tum. Pre and Probiotics supporting gut health for improved nutrient absorption and performance
2lt 💲75.00 : 5lt $💲140.00
➡️Tox Tame. Converts mycotoxins in pasture and feeds to help prevent and reduce spooking, shying, girthiness, excessive sweating and reaction to noise.
1kg 💲60.00
➡️Chelated Magnesium. To promote trainability, athletic recovery and balancing Ca : Mg ratio. Magnesium isn't stored so a daily supply is required.
1kg 💲52.50

⚖️I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice and recommendations on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritional balanced and appropriate diet for your equine ⚖️
Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

04/02/2025

Last chance to get involved and do good for you and your horse!
Emmett 4 Horses short course - a 100% must have as part of your 1st aid kit.
Get in quick - by Sunday - to secure your spot.
PM Esme

EMMETT 4 Animals What is EMMETT... The EMMETT Technique is a safe, simple to apply muscle release therapy created by Ross Emmett. This internationally recognised technique is taught and practised in over 40 Countries and equally effective on both people and animals. EMMETT Therapy works as a first a...

28/01/2025

🌟Emmett courses 🌟

Horse short course - Sun 16th Feb - North Canterbury
contact: [email protected]

Human level 1 and 2 - 19th & 20th March - Canterbury
contact: [email protected]

Get in quick to secure your spot!

The EMMETT Technique is a safe and simple muscle release therapy developed by Ross Emmett. It is an internationally recognised technique taught in over 38 countries world wide.

25/01/2025

FAT, the 4th level in the horse feed pyramid.

FAT is an essential nutrient and is required by ALL horses.
Although some horse owners have the understanding that their already overweight or good doer doesn’t need any FAT, this can be detrimental to their horse’s health. ALL HORSES REQUIRE SOME LEVEL OF FAT IN THEIR DIET.

FAT provides:
➡️Energy. FAT is a concentrated source of energy which does not “heat” up a horse like grains do. Oil is 100% fat and provides three times the energy per weight compared to oats.
➡️Aids in absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
➡️Essential Fatty Acids of OMEGA 3 and 6. Essential meaning that they must be provided in the diet.
➡️Insulation from cold
➡️Protects organs via a surrounding of a fatty layer
➡️Shiny coat by aiding the naturally occurring sebum (oily substance produced by the Sebaceous glands).

There are 3 categories of fats:
1️⃣Saturated Fatty Acids = stable when exposed to air, heat and moisture. Solid a room temperature.
2️⃣ Monounsaturated Fatty Acids = benefit the heart and blood vessels. OMEGA 9
3️⃣ Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids = contain two essential fatty acids.
▪️Linoleic acid (LA) = OMEGA 6. Inflammatory – can help with healing.
▪️Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA) = OMEGA 3. Anti-inflammatory – helps protect joints, reduces skin allergies and airway inflammation.

The OMEGA’S:
They are essential fatty acids. They must be included in the diet. While there is no actual recommended OMEGA 3 to 6 ratio currently available, it is thought that as a horses natural diet consists of grasses and forage, and that the OMEGA 3 : 6 ratio of grasses is 1 : 0.3, then a diet that contains more OMEGA 3 than OMEGA 6 is preferable.

ALA must be converted into Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties, so if your reasoning for feeding fat is for anti-inflammatory purposes, then I would suggest a product that contains mussel or fish oil as these are already at the EPA and DHA stage.

Feeding Oil:
All oils will provide the same amount of caloric energy per gram. What differentiates them is their OMEGA content.

As with all horses, their breed, height, age, exercise level and living conditions etc. all need to be taken into account when determining the level of FAT that is required in an individual horses diet.

I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice and recommendations on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritional balanced and appropriate diet for your equine.
Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

22/01/2025

The consequences of feeding species inappropriate feed......🫏🐈🐕‍🦺🐥

‼️NOTE‼️It is the circumstance of this topic for this post, rather than the personal details of the purchaser and dog below. This post is to highlight to be careful of what you choose to feed your equines on a REGULAR BASIS.

In my 9-5 day job (fishing company) our products are sold in supermarkets. We had a customer complaint sent to us via a supermarket for our fish where the purchaser was feeding this to their dog. (Fish can be recommended to be feed to dogs and you can get salmon in dog food). The dog was taken to the vet as it was not doing well and the vet determined that it had a high level of mercury in its body.

Our fish does not contain high levels of mercury - otherwise we would not be able to sell for human consumption! Fish along with most fish you can catch or buy contains mercury, but is low levels. Predatory or more aged fish will contain more mercury due to the build up in their body.

Mercury is a heavy metal - liquid at room temperature and is toxic. It can build up in the body and is a neurotoxin causing brain, kidney and digestive issues.

This post is to highlight to be careful of what you choose to feed your equines on a REGULAR BASIS. Treats in moderation are normally always fine.

If you're not sure if you should be feeding a certain product to your horse - then don't! Do some real research or ask someone qualified who can advise you.

I am a qualified equine nutritionist and can provide you with a detailed, appropriate and balanced diet for your horse.

21/01/2025

By being sensible and taking a bit more care, we can stop the spread. Vaccination is a really good way to help stop the spread and protect your horse and others.
Help to Stop the Spread!

11/01/2025

EMMETT - the wonder and magic of the Emmett muscle release.

My husband was in a car accident last week (was hit from behind on Tram Rd waiting to turn right - car a write off) immediately after and over the days following, his body went through a myriad of emotions, adrenaline, soreness and stiffness. I waited until today to do some human moves as needed to let the body do it's thing.

His posture and breathing improved and his walk was more swaggery. For the horse therapists out there, I got some nice deep breaths 😁🤣, not quite at the chewing, licking & yawning stage, but pretty close 🤣.

With each horse level you are taught 2 human moves - extremely helpful in a lot of situations!!!

There is a Horse short course coming up on 16th February run by Equine - Sports Therapy Esme Whinwray. Neil from Emmett in Australia is also coming over in March to do level 1 and 2 human!
https://www.emmett4animals.com/horses

Send a message to learn more

10/01/2025

This is a fantastic learning opportunity where you can take away some fantastic muscle release moves for your equine buddy. Book in now!

EMMETT 4 Animals What is EMMETT... The EMMETT Technique is a safe, simple to apply muscle release therapy created by Ross Emmett. This internationally recognised technique is taught and practised in over 40 Countries and equally effective on both people and animals. EMMETT Therapy works as a first a...

05/01/2025

PROTEIN, the 3rd level in the horse feed pyramid.

PROTEIN = MUSCLE, providing:
✔️Growth
✔️Support
✔️Movement
✔️Heat production

PROTEIN provides the building blocks to make, repair and grow. All tissues in the horse’s body contain protein. Tissues are included in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and cartilage which all aid in supporting and moving the body.

The building blocks of protein and the requirement of the horse are actually amino acids. Meaning that amino acids are fed to the horse which then build together creating proteins in the body. The body is pretty special, as it will make the proteins that it requires and send them to the place they are needed.

There are around 20 amino acids in total, with 10 being essential amino acids. Three of the 10 are limited essential amino acids, being lysine, methionine, and threonine. Lysine in particular is of importance as without this amino acid, a lot of other amino acids cannot make themselves into proteins.
➡️Limited means that they are required in certain quantities otherwise the body cannot create any proteins.
➡️Essential means that they must be fed as the body cannot manufacture them.

A Bit About Topline:
The topline of a horse includes the muscles Latissimus Dorsi, Longissimus Dorsi and Trapezius muscles which are along the horses back form the withers to the croup. These muscles provide support. However, topline requires more than just protein:
🟰 Protein
➕Appropriate and correctly performed exercises
➕Genetics
➕Age

Many horse foods contain protein including grass and meadow hay, but there are only a few that contain quality protein. A quality protein is one that contains any of the limited, essential amino acids and is highly digestible (digestible in the stomach and small intestine).
✔️Lucerne
✔️Soybean meal
✔️Flaxseed and flake (linseed)

The National Research Council advises that a 500kg horse resting requires approximately 630g of protein per day. Protein requirements increases:
⬆️When the workload increases
⬆️Need to increase body weight
⬆️Foal/young horse growing
⬆️Mare in foal or lactating
Lysine is required at a minimum of 18g per day for a 500kg horse resting.

Crude Protein (CP):
Although horse feeds will display the Crude Protein amount, which is an important figure to know and understand, the amino acid profile that makes up that CP content is more important. Lysine is a limited essential amino acid. So if you spot this on the feed label, then you know that it contains quality protein.

I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritional balanced ⚖️and appropriate diet for your equine.
Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

23/12/2024

2024 - where have you gone?

Thank you to everybody that has crossed my path this year. I've really enjoyed meeting and chatting to you all about horses!

This year I finished my studies and became a qualified Equine Nutritionist. This was a few years in the making and really hard to juggle work, life, husband, horses & study!

This qualification goes well with Emmett and my goal for 2025 is to attend some dissections along with getting back in the saddle & having some fun.

Below is a pic of my 3 - I'm no photographer & couldn't get all 3 heads up - here 3 photos..... Guess which 2 are the mares 😁 oh & Clyde 🐈 who is never far away.

Merry Christmas everyone.

22/12/2024

CARBOHYDRATES, the second level of the horse feed pyramid

CARBOHYDRATES = FUEL

CARBOHYDRATES provide fuel to your horse for:
✔️Correct and species appropriate digestive function.
Horses are grazers and their digestive system works from a slowly fed but consistent flow of appropriate roughage. The hind gut relies on CARBOHYDRATES in the form of long-stemmed roughage to help the microbiome work effectively and efficiently.
✔️Main source of energy.
Energy used by the horse is required for tissue repair, organ function, growth and the workload/exercise that is required of them.

CARBOHYDRATES consist of:
➡️Long stemmed roughage (pasture, hay, baleage, haylage)
➡️Chaff
➡️Grains

CARBOHYDRATES can be broken down into 3 main categories:
1️⃣NSC = Non-Structural Carbohydrates.
They do not provide a structure to cells and consist of sugars, fructan and starch. Further broken down into:
▶️WSC = Water-Soluble Carbohydrates consisting of sugars and fructans
▶️ESC = Ethanol Soluble Carbohydrates consisting of sugars
▶️Starch

2️⃣NDF = Neutral Detergent Fibre. Provide a structure to cells and consist of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin

3️⃣ADF = Acid Detergent Fibre consisting of cellulose and lignin. Lignin is indigestible and the higher the ADF the less digestible that feed is.

Metabolic horses:
It is best to keep roughage under 12% NSC content. Testing your hay is the only way that you can safely determine the NSC value.
✔️Sugars
➡️can lead to insulin resistance if this is the main content of NSC.
➡️Typically warm season grasses (e.g. cocksfoot, kikuyu) have higher sugars levels.
✔️Starch
➡️Can lead to insulin resistance if this is the main content of NSC (e.g. grains)
✔️Fructan
➡️Can lead to laminitis as it is fermented in the hindgut
➡️Typically cool season grasses (e.g. timothy, clovers, lucerne, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, browntop, sweet vernal) have higher fructan levels.

CARBOHYDRATES from grains containing starch is digested in the small intestine, will produce glucose and used as an energy source.

CARBOHYDRATES from roughage is digested in the hind gut, will produce VFA’s (volatile fatty acids) and are also used as an energy source.

Grains can produce more energy than roughage, but if too much grain is fed it can overload the small intestine with the excess flowing through to the hind gut. Once in the hind gut, the fermentation process of the starch can have a negative effect on the microbiome and can cause colic or lactic acid.

By feeding the appropriate type and amount roughage, you will provide your horse with the best chance to maintain a healthy gut and have the energy required for maintenance, repair and exercise.

I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritional balanced and appropriate diet for your equine.

Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

14/12/2024

💧WATER 💧The most important nutrient in a horses diet 💧

WATER is an essential nutrient – ALL LIVING THINGS DEPEND ON WATER TO SURVIVE – it’s that important!

I’m sure you’ve all heard the proverb “You can lead a horse to WATER but you can’t make it drink”. The meaning of this is that you can provide the opportunity but you can’t force them to take it. This proverb is so totally suited to horses, especially mares!!

Proverbs aside, WATER provides life and wellbeing to your horse.
WATER is approximately 75% the weight of the horse. A loss of approximately 6% of body water will affect their vitality, temperature regulation and energy. A loss of approximately 10% can be deadly.

WATER is required for:
💧Metabolic functions of cells (chemical reactions in cells to create energy, create proteins and lipids and eliminate metabolic wastes)
💧Digestion and absorption of nutrients (especially the water -soluble B group vitamins and vitamin C)
💧Maintaining fluid balance (general hydration)
💧Maintain kidney function
💧Production of milk in lactating mares
💧Growth of a young horse
💧Excretion/elimination of waste in urine

WATER is obtained from:
💧Drinking water
💧Green pasture (contains approximately 80% water)
💧water added to hard feeds
💧Mares milk (approximately 87% of milk is water)

Horses require a minimum of 4 litres / 100kg body weight
(500kg horse = 20 litres minimum).
This amount increases as temperatures and workload increases.

During hot weather ☀️, a third of the WATER consumed is used in cooling the body through sweating and exhaled water vapour from the lung surface.

During long periods of exercise, urinary output is reduced so that the body can maintain and conserve fluid levels.

Your horse’s need for WATER increases when:
⬆️Dry feeds or hay are fed
⬆️Electrolytes are fed
⬆️During hot weather
⬆️After heavy or long periods of exercise

WATER provided for your horse must be clean, fresh and free from chemicals and decomposing organic matter.

I can help you and your equine with a diet overhaul. Providing a detailed report on the current diet and advice on any improvements to ensure you have a nutritional balanced and appropriate diet for your equine.

Qualified Equine Nutritionist - www.boundaryequestrian.co.nz

30/11/2024

EDITED 01/12/24: Purchase must be made direct from Boundary Equestrian.

Competition time!
A Christmas gift for your horse - drawn in time for Christmas!

29/11/2024

🦄Last one for this year.....🦄
Pole lessons next Saturday 7th
PM me to book

24/11/2024

Every equine diet should contain these 6 nutrients - amounts will vary according to age, bred, exercise, living situation and any conditions the horse may have.

The key is BALANCE ⚖️⚖️

A horse can get all their nutritional needs from pasture 🌿🌾 but this is pasture growth and horse specific.

🦄If you would like a comprehensive diet performed for your horse, get in touch. Qualified Equine Nutritionist.