Healing Horses with Elisha

ast week, we explored the liver’s four key metabolic roles in equine metabolic syndrome, including converting T4 into the active thyroid hormone, T3. Today, we’re looking at how thyroid function affects your horse’s metabolism, and why you may still struggle to understand what’s happening when the bloodwork and what you see in your horse don’t match—even when you’re doing everything right. The Thyroid The thyroid helps horses regulate their metabolism, energy, body temperature, coat quality, and hoof growth. It produces T4, which then gets converted into active T3. This conversion happens largely in the tissues, including the liver, and requires nutrients such as selenium. Normal Thyroid Tests If your horse is struggling with weight, low energy, or insulin resistance despite your best efforts, don't assume a normal thyroid test means everything is working as it should. True thyroid gland disease is rare in adult horses, and metabolic problems can exist even when thyroid blood results are normal. So consider your horse's symptoms, history, and overall health, not just the numbers. Slow Thyroid Hormone Conversion Illness, stress, and food scarcity can slow the conversion of T4 into active T3 to conserve energy. This doesn't necessarily mean the thyroid gland itself is faulty. In some horses, the underlying stress may be linked to a major health event, like an infection, or an emotionally stressful experience, such as losing a herd mate or moving to a new environment. Recognising these factors can help you better understand what may be contributing to your horse's metabolic difficulties. Stress Chronic stress can elevate cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production and the conversion of T4 into T3. Stress is not always obvious. Chronic pain, laminitis, isolation, restricted movement, and a lack of opportunities for the horse to express natural behaviours can be stressful. So, consider these factors when trying to understand why your horse's metabolism is not responding as expected. Over-restricting Feed Horses are designed to chew for much of the day. If your horse finishes its hay within a couple of hours and then goes for long periods without anything to eat, its body may respond as though food is scarce, slowing its metabolism down to conserve energy. While managing sugar intake is important for metabolic horses, further feed restriction may actually work against you. The goal is to manage your horse’s sugar intake while ensuring it has an appropriate feeding plan that allows for regular chewing. A Vicious Cycle Pain creates stress, and stress can worsen any existing problems. For example, a horse with painful feet may experience ongoing stress, and long periods without forage can cause ulcers and create additional discomfort. So, look beyond the most obvious symptom and consider anything else that might be contributing. Identifying the factors driving this cycle is an important step towards your horse’s recovery. The Liver Your horse's liver plays an important role in converting T4 into active T3. When the liver is under pressure, this process may be affected, even if the thyroid gland itself is healthy. If your horse doesn’t respond as expected to dietary changes, remember that metabolic health involves more than one organ, and the liver, thyroid, and insulin regulation are all interconnected. Total Toxic Load Chemical residues from sprayed hay and pasture, fly sprays, topical products, and drinking water can add to the toxic load the liver has to process. Even small chemical exposures can add up over time, increasing the overall burden on the horse’s liver. When the liver is already under pressure, this can affect its ability to carry out its many functions, including converting T4 into active T3. So, look at the bigger picture and consider everything your horse is exposed to, rather than focusing on just one product or source. Supplements More supplements are not always the solution. Iodine, for example, is essential for thyroid hormone production, but too much can suppress thyroid function. Focus instead on proper nutrition, clean ingredients, and nutrients your horse can actually use, rather than assuming that more supplements will produce better results. Nutrient Deficiencies Stress and toxicity can also contribute to nutrient deficiencies, so consider the whole nutritional picture rather than supplementing individual nutrients without reviewing the horse’s diet. Medications Some medications can lower measured thyroid hormone levels, and the effects can persist for several days after the last dose. If your horse is having thyroid tests, ensure that your veterinarian knows which medications it has received to provide some context for the results. Signs to Look For Persistent fat pads, difficulty losing weight, low energy, coat changes, delayed shedding, slow hoof growth, shivering, and slow healing can indicate something is not right. These signs can overlap with other conditions, however, including Cushing's disease, so look at the whole picture rather than simply assuming it's a thyroid problem. Three Drivers of EMS Stress, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies are three key drivers of equine metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. They often overlap, so identify which factors may be affecting your horse before deciding where to focus. The Right Order If your horse does not improve, don't restrict its feed or add more supplements. Instead, look at the bigger picture, including liver function, nutrient availability, and stress. Always focus on root causes before symptoms, and remember that no two horses are the same, so no two programs should be either. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist FREE TRAINING: Why Your Metabolic Horse Isn't Getting Better: The Three Drivers of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

In our last episode, we explored five reasons metabolic horses struggle in the fall. Today, we’re going a layer deeper, exploring the liver, its role, what may strain it, and signs that your horse’s liver may be under pressure. We also explore why two horses can respond very differently to the same environment. The Liver The liver plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, clearing insulin, processing fats, and converting thyroid hormones. When the liver is under strain, these functions may be affected, potentially contributing to metabolic challenges. Insulin Resistance High insulin is often associated with excess sugar in the diet and increased insulin production by the pancreas. However, the liver also helps clear insulin from the bloodstream, so its role may be worth considering. Research into this connection in horses is still developing. Increased Workload A horse’s liver may be coping with several demands at once, including excess sugar, concentrated vegetable oils, high protein intake, certain supplement ingredients, chemical residues in feed, or excess iron. Ongoing stress can also add to this burden by raising cortisol levels and increasing the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream. Feed and Supplements Look closely at feed and supplement labels for concentrated vegetable oils, preservatives, artificial flavourings, synthetic additives, and inorganic minerals. Consider whether each product is truly necessary and whether its ingredients are actually appropriate for your horse. Routine Treatments Think about the cumulative effect of medications and dewormers over a horse’s lifetime. Then consider how many deworming treatments and medications your horse has received, rather than overlooking these, to reduce the strain on your horse's liver. Water and Environmental Exposure Well water can contain excess iron, as can supplements containing inorganic iron, such as ferrous sulfate. Testing your water and reviewing supplement labels can help you to identify potential sources. You also need to consider the chemical residues from herbicides, pesticides, and fertilisers in your hay and pasture. Signs of Liver Strain A persistent crest or fat pads, slow progress despite management changes, sensitivity to feed or supplements, recurring skin problems, inconsistent manure, and low energy may all warrant closer attention. Hives, swelling, and laminitis can also indicate metabolic problems. No single sign shows that the liver is under pressure. Swelling and Recurring Eye Problems Swelling in the legs, sheath, or belly may indicate fluid retention. Swelling in the lower legs sometimes improves with movement. I have also noticed recurring weepy eyes in some horses but have no research to support this connection. Routine Blood Tests Routine liver enzyme tests can indicate liver cell damage, but they will not necessarily reveal every aspect of the liver's function or how much work it is managing. Normal results therefore do not rule out every possible concern. Any signs of ill health still need to be considered. Beyond Restricted Feed Reducing sugar intake may be essential for a metabolic horse, but feed restriction alone may not address every contributing factor. It is also worth reviewing supplements, water quality, environmental exposures, and stress rather than focusing only on feed rations. A Whole-Horse Approach Stress, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies are the three main drivers of insulin resistance. Simply restricting the horse’s feed will not address these three factors. The key is to identify what may be straining your horse’s system, remove what you can, and support the horse’s ability to eliminate unwanted substances. Always consider the root cause before symptoms! Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist FREE TRAINING: Why Your Metabolic Horse Isn't Getting Better: The Three Drivers of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Fall can be a challenging time for horses with metabolic issues, even when you’ve spent months doing everything right. Today, we’re exploring five reasons metabolic horses struggle in the fall. You’ll learn how to recognize seasonal setbacks, track meaningful signs of improvement, and support your horse without abandoning a program that may still be working. Metabolic horses Shorter days trigger hormonal changes that prepare horses for winter. Rising ACTH and cortisol can increase blood sugar and insulin, promoting fat storage. Metabolic horses may also develop fat pads, retain fluid, and experience increased inflammation. Fall grass Sunny days followed by cold nights can cause sugars to accumulate in grass. Frost-stressed, short or brown grass may also be high in sugar, increasing risks for sensitive horses. Dietary changes Abruptly switching from grass to hay disrupts the hindgut microbiome and may contribute to inflammation and digestive problems. Instead, transition gradually over two to three weeks. Inflammation Digestive problems, unresolved hoof damage, and poor circulation can contribute to inflammation. Inflammation may increase insulin, while high insulin promotes fat storage. Fat deposits can further contribute to inflammation. Stress Feed restriction, prolonged isolation and confinement can all increase stress and cortisol levels, even when a horse shows no obvious signs of anxiety. Some horses become withdrawn and apathetic rather than restless or agitated. Supporting metabolic health therefore means looking beyond diet to the horse’s overall well-being, with particular attention to the three Fs: forage, freedom and friendship. Setbacks Horses with existing metabolic dysfunction or incompletely healed hooves are more vulnerable to seasonal changes. Temporary setbacks do not automatically mean your management plan has failed. Keep track Track the horse’s energy, comfort level, mobility, digestion, and social engagement alongside physical changes. Record symptoms and pain levels to establish a baseline and objectively measure the horse’s progress. Hoof problems Stronger digital pulses, reluctance to move, or changes in stance warrant prompt attention. Assess the horse’s hoof trim, circulation, existing pathologies, and provide nutritional support. Hormone tests ACTH and insulin levels naturally fluctuate with the seasons, making isolated test results difficult to interpret. Assess the results alongside seasonal reference ranges and also consider the horse’s clinical signs and, ideally, hormone measurements taken over time. A single elevated result during fall should not automatically trigger a diagnosis or a decision to begin lifelong medication, as treatment decisions require a more complete picture of the horse’s health. Preparing for fall Transition gradually to hay, obtain a hay analysis, monitor pasture after cold nights, and maintain appropriate hoof care. Address stress, nutrition, and any other potential contributors to metabolic dysfunction. Root causes Persistent problems despite careful sugar management may be due to stress, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, toxicity, or chronic hoof inflammation. Similar symptoms can have different underlying causes, so each horse requires an individualized approach. Recovery takes time Equine metabolic syndrome requires consistent, long-term management. Addressing the underlying causes may help reduce seasonal setbacks and improve recovery over time. My forthcoming course, Your Horse's Root Cause Reset for Equine Metabolic Syndrome, will focus on identifying these causes. Takeaways Fall setbacks are not necessarily evidence of failure. Owners need to understand seasonal changes, track meaningful improvements, and investigate the horse’s individual needs rather than reacting to isolated symptoms. Remember that no two horses are the same, so their management programs should always address each horse’s individual needs. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we explored how to tell whether your horse is on the right track, why the original symptom often lasts the longest, and how looking at the whole horse lets you see real changes long before that one symptom catches up. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, I suggest you listen first, because today’s episode picks up right where we left off. Stay tuned to find out why, even after you start noticing changes, it can still be so hard to trust what you’re seeing. Past Disappointments Repeated attempts that fail—supplements, feed, restriction plans, or other approaches—can leave you emotionally, financially, and physically depleted. You may then protect yourself from further disappointment by refusing to believe something is actually working. That could lead you to change a plan just as your horse begins to respond. The Last Thing to Change Weight tape and blood work measure specific things at a specific point in time. Your horse can have better energy, digestion, swelling, or movement even when the weight tape hasn’t changed. The most important symptom is often the last thing to change. Doubt Information from the internet or AI should not override what you observe in your horse. Searching for answers can expose you to stories about horses that failed to improve or had negative outcomes, and those stories might make you question the positive changes you see in your horse. Previous Decisions Many owners believe they should have recognized their horse’s problems sooner. That can make it difficult to trust their judgment when the horse starts improving. Remember that you did the best you could with what you knew at the time. The instinct that told you something was wrong is the same instinct that helps you recognize improvement. Beliefs Affect Decisions You can make changes that support your horse while still believing that recovery is impossible without medication. That belief can move you toward medication. A medication-free approach requires you to trust your decisions, your intuition, and your horse to heal. How to Measure Progress Horses don’t heal in a straight line, and one rough day does not necessarily mean a setback. So, instead of comparing how the horse was yesterday, compare your horse with its baseline, where it was a month ago or three months ago. That is where real change becomes easier to see. Keep Notes Record a few observations several times a week. Note changes such as meeting you at the gate, trotting to the water, improved digestion, or changes in movement. Your notes will give you evidence to return to when doubt appears. Patterns Matter Patterns help you distinguish noise from information. A single good day may be a fluke, and a single bad day may not mean anything significant. Consistent changes over several weeks provide a far more useful measure of progress. Your Observations Knowing your horse and documenting what you see makes you a better advocate for them. Mention your observations to others involved in your horse’s care rather than relying entirely on their opinions. Your notes can also give your veterinarian information they cannot get from a short appointment. Visible Symptoms Your horse’s energy, demeanor, digestion, swelling, and movement may improve while the most visible symptom remains unchanged. That can make you think you need to do more when the horse’s overall picture is actually improving. Remember that the goal is progress, not immediate resolution of every symptom. Staying the Course Changing the plan too soon could undo any progress already made. Some parts of recovery take longer than others. In Skip’s case, his hooves recovered the slowest because hoof growth, strengthening, and improvement in laminar integrity take time. Building Trust Trust develops through observations and patterns over longer periods, not just one good day. Look at your horse’s progress over one to three months rather than expecting immediate change. Remember, no two horses are the same, so no two programs should be either—and no one knows your horse the way you do. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we spoke about supplements, exploring how to select them, how to combine them intentionally, and how a simpler program that focuses on the actual root cause will almost always outperform those built around symptoms. If you haven’t listened to Episode 107 yet, I recommend starting there because we’re picking up right where we left off today, looking at what real healing looks like, why patience matters, and why you shouldn’t give up on a treatment plan before the original symptom has been resolved. The Whole Horse Once you have a plan based on the underlying cause, assess the improvement across the whole horse, not just the symptom that initially caused concern. The original complaint is often the most advanced problem and can be the last thing to resolve. If you focus exclusively on it, you may miss significant improvements happening elsewhere. Healing Takes Time Recovery rarely happens in a straight line. There will often be periods of noticeable improvement, pauses, and even temporary setbacks. Years of dysfunction cannot necessarily be reversed quickly, so consistency and patience are essential. The horse’s body needs time and a stable environment in which to recover. Early Signs Changes in the horse’s energy and engagement can appear before any visible physical changes. A horse may greet you more readily, enjoy its food, play with other horses, or show more vitality. Those subtle changes can indicate that things are beginning to shift at a foundational level. Brighter Demeanor More alert eyes, greater interest in the surroundings, and the return of personality can be meaningful signs of improvement. Horses with equine metabolic syndrome can experience fatigue and what appears to be depression, which can sometimes be mistaken for normal behavior until their vitality begins to return. Valuable Information More consistent manure, less gas and bloating, and reduced puffiness can all provide valuable information. In horses with equine metabolic syndrome, digestive improvements are especially important because gut health is closely connected to the broader picture of metabolism, inflammation, detoxification, and absorption. Partial Improvement Swelling can improve in stages rather than disappearing completely at once. Even partial improvement can be meaningful. A noticeable reduction in swelling during the first week or two may indicate that the horse is moving in the right direction, while further improvement can take time. Metabolic Changes The crest and fat pads provide valuable information about what is happening metabolically, but they may be among the last things to resolve completely. A crest may first soften and then gradually decrease, while fat pads can take time to reduce. Hoof Recovery Comfortable movement is important, and appropriate hoof care and support are essential. Hoof inflammation and pain often take longer to resolve, particularly following laminitis, founder, or prolonged hoof problems. You may also need to correct trimming issues and allow the hoof capsule to grow out over time. Don't Abandon a Plan Too Quickly If the original symptom is not resolved, it can be tempting to change direction or add more supplements. Before changing course, however, give the existing plan enough time to work, and look for any other improvements that may have occurred. Your Horse's Baseline Pay attention to how the horse moves in the morning, how its crest and fat pads feel, how it greets you, how it eats, and how it interacts with its environment. You don’t need to record every detail obsessively. Just become familiar enough with the horse’s baseline to notice any changes. Keep a Record When you record where your horse started and look back periodically, improvements that seemed insignificant at the time can become obvious. With root-cause work, changes can often occur gradually and quietly, so don't abandon your plan simply because the progress you see isn't dramatic. Skip’s Progress After Skip's program was simplified, his digestion relaxed first, followed by improvements in his relationship with food, satiety, energy, inflammation, and fat pads. His hooves took the longest to improve. That explains how focusing on just one symptom can make you miss any other meaningful progress. Different Recovery Patterns Improvements don't happen in the same order or on the same timeline for every horse. So, look for an overall pattern rather than expecting everything to improve at once. Always remember to pay attention to changes across the whole horse, and remember that no two horses will heal in precisely the same way. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Healing Horses their Way: Get more information and join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.