Apple cider vinegar for horses
The health benefits of Apple Cider vinegar have been enjoyed for generations for man and beast. Cider Vinegar is a rich, natural source of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, iron, and other trace elements. Added to your horses diet or water or used topically is a natural supplement that can help with digestion, joint health, insect control, and more!
Not all Apple Cider Vinegar products are the same. Many types of vinegar claiming to be Apple Cider Vinegar are simply apple flavored. Look for products from naturally fermented apples and unpasteurized varieties.
Not all Apple Cider Vinegar products are the same. Many types of vinegar claiming to be Apple Cider Vinegar are simply apple flavored. Look for products from naturally fermented apples and unpasteurized varieties.
tried and true ideas from Whole Horse
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Prevent Intestinal Stones (Enteroliths)
Many veterinarians recommend the regular use of ACV to prevent the formation of enteroliths. Horses eating a predominantly alfalfa diet can be more prone to intestinal stones. The high levels of acidity in ACV can help to prevent intestinal stones, and can possibly even help to dissolve them. |
Hoof Problems - Accesses, Thrush and Fungal Infections
Vinegar is very effective prevention and treatment for minor hoof problems. For a soaking bucket mix 1/2 cup of ACV in a gallon bucket of water. Soaking boots may be used. Epsom salt can be added to enhance the drawing affect. Undiluted vinegar in applied with a spray bottle to the sole, frog and sulcus is a great thrush prevention and treatment. |
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Natural Insect Control
1.5 ounces of Apple Cider Vinegar in your horses feed bucket stimulates the release of thiamine (vitamin B) to be excreted through the skin, which discourages biting insects such as flies and mosquitos. Make your own insect repellant by mixing together 2 cups vinegar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup bath oil and 2 teaspoons of citronella and a tiny dash of dish soap. Mix well and spray over the horse’s coat for a natural fly repellent! |
Mane and Tail Conditioner
Condition your horse’s mane and tail naturally by adding 1 cup of vinegar to a bucket of water for the final rinse after washing your horse’s tail. Use a spray bottle for the mane with the same quantities of water and vinegar. This will leave your horse’s mane and tail incredibly soft and smooth and will remove any soap residue and discourage fungal infections. |
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Disguise the Taste of Water When Travelling
Horses can be fussy about their water and don’t adjust well to strange water. Adding some ACV to the water will disguise foreign flavors and your horse will be more likely to drink it. |
Treat Minor Skin Ailments
Using ACV on minor ailments such as skin infections, fungus and rain scald can reduce healing time by helping to keep bacteria and insects away. |
Apple Cider Vinegar has many uses around the barn and yard. ACV is a very useful weed killer. Mix ACV, water with a little dish soap and spray weeds in early in the day. Adding ACV to rinse water helps remove soap residue from saddle pads, blankets, bandages and horse boots.
Make your own ACV
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Making a fantastic ACV is very simple to do. Use 5 to 6 apples, washed and roughly chopped. These don’t need to be perfect and or fancy. Place apples in a large gallon jar (I use a large deli pickle style jar). Add ¼ cup of sugar Cover with spring or filtered water. Leave about 2 inches of head space. Cover with a fabric cover and secure with a rubber band. This will allow fermentation and keep out bugs and impurities Let sit in a quiet, dark corner for one month. There may be some opacity in the liquid or a jelly- like layer can form on the surface. This is the vinegar’s mother. It is natural and desirable. Strain and discard the apples, bottle and seal. No need to refrigerate. |
