Having taken the NRC Plus nutrition course in 2010 and having been a high level athlete I have a good understanding of the importance of proper nutrition and the positive effect it can have on the body and horses hooves.
The NRC (National Research Council) developed the Nutrient Requirements of Horses, which is the scientific standard used by veterinarians, equine nutritionists, feed companies, and researchers to formulate horse diets. The most recent edition is the 6th Revised Edition (2007), and it remains the current reference for nutrient requirements.
In the Midwest we are battling high iron in our forage and water. The majority of boarding stable are on well water. Well water contains high levels of iron. Since we cannot change the levels of iron in our forage and water source the only thing we can do to combat this raise the levels of copper, zinc and manganese to the correct ratios to the iron in the forage and water.
As hoof care provider this is the first step I take in rehabilitation of equine hoof. Without doing this my chances of success are just about zero. The hooves just like hair are made up of keratin cells. Having the ratio’s of iron, copper, zinc and manganese play a huge roil in having a healthy keratin cells. As well has having correct ratios of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
The ratios for iron, copper, zinc and manganese 4:1:3:3 4 parts iron, 1 part copper, 3 parts zinc and 3 parts manganese.
The ratios for calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are 1:2:2. 1 part calcium, 2 parts, magnesium and 2 parts phosphorus.
The best way to do this by far is to have your hay and pasture tested if your horse is on both. If only on a hay diet then you only need to test your hay. You will then need to send this to https://equi-analytical.com/
The test you want is #603 the #601is less expensive and works but the #603 uses newer technology which will give better test results.
In reality most people are not able to do this due to hay coming from different sources. Boarding in large boarding facilities can make it difficult to make sure your horse is getting its supplements fed to your horse. Plus you will need to know what to do with the information from the hay analyses. Without taking the NRC Plus Nutrition course taught be Dr. Kellon you would not get the correct ratio’s of minerals.
Another option would be to use an over the counter mineral supplement. There are few good options to choose from.
https://madbarn.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoogTfPZiDzFsLd8udXjpnsbLmByw7AbR1hV5HqkhoertYqiX23e
https://www.californiatrace.com/
A less expensive option would be to make your own mineral supplement.
Over the last 18 years I have taken multiple hay samples from several areas. From Grandville, Lancaster, Columbus, Grove City, London and Hilliard.
After all of these test I came up with an average amounts of trace minerals that will come close to balancing the forage and water sources. This is way more economical than using an over the counter supplement.
To make your own custom mineral mix you will need a scale that measures in grams. Next you will need to buy the minerals in bulk.
http://www.horsetech.com/ingredients.html#trace
http://www.californiatrace.com/
California trace sells bulk minerals in addition to their supplement.
To make a 30-day mineral supplement of 400 milligrams of copper and 1200 Milligrams of zinc. You will 24 grams of copper and 72 grams of zinc. Give ½ teaspoon daily.
In addition I recommend adding 10 to 15 grams of magnesium oxide. My favorite is from horse teach 60% magnesium oxide. https://horsetech.com/premium-mag-ox The 60% is more palatable than the 56% It comes with a scoop that will give up approximately 10 grams.