Minerals & Natural sources

We have found it helpful to become more knowledgeable about natural sources of minerals so that we can make a variety of different minerals and vitamins available to our horses through plant sources. We hope you will find the

Required for the nervous and muscular systems, normal heart function, blood coagulation and bone growth. Needs to be in balance with phosphorous and magnesium.

Clivers, dandelion, meadowsweet, kelp, sunflower seeds, apple cider vinegar, fenugreek

Needed for all enzymes in both the gut and in muscles to function properly, bone growth and neuromuscular transmission. Needs to be in balance with calcium and phosphorus.

apple cider vinegar, kelp, sunflower seeds, comfrey, garlic, dandelion

For muscle building and the normal health of the adrenal glands. Neutralises acids and aids in waste elimination.

apple cider vinegar, kelp, sunflower seeds, maedowsweet, nettle, comfrey, garlic, dandelion

Influences protein metabolism and general healing functions. Essential for central nervous system and helps in the formation of red blood cells.

apple cider vinegar, kelp, sunflower seeds, comfrey, garlic, dandelion

Helps activate enzymes that are needed in the metabolism of glucose for energy and for the formation of fatty acid compounds. Enhances the performance of insulin and assists in maintaining proper blood sugar levels.

Promotes development and function of the central nervous system, thyroid hormones, skeletal and reproductive systems. Vital for function of the pituitary gland.

Essential for healthy growth and life. Needs to be in balance with calcium and magnesium.

garlic, kelp, fenugreek, liquorice, meadowsweet, apple cider vinegar

Required for healthy bone development and for the health of red blood cells

Essential for the health of the thyroid gland, spleen and liver.

Cannot be assimilated without copper. Necessary for the health of red blood cells, increases resistance to stress and disease.

kelp, nettle, comfrey, dandelion, hawthorn, apple cider vinegar, brewers yeast

Can affect copper and cobalt utilisation. Aids in carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Works with vitamin E in metabolic functions. Important for normal body growth and fertility. Uptake affected by sulphur levels.

For nerves, brain, bile and liver. Helps combat bacterial infection. Helps maintain overall body balance.

garlic, meadowsweet, nettle, kelp, apple cider vinegar

Needed for carbohydrate digestion and the metabolism of phosphorus and is essential for many enzyme functions in the body. Necessary for the absorption and activity of many vitamins particularly the B complex. Needed for the production of white blood cells.

alfalfa, kelp, liquorice, garlic, brewers yeast

Important for efficient digestion. Helps detoxify the liver and keeps the proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the system.

Hardens teeth and bones. Acts beneficially on the spleen, bones, skin, teeth, nails, tendons and iris.

alfalfa, kelp, garlic, dandelion, liquorice,

Must be in balance with potassium in the soil, horses craving salt are often short of potasium. Aids in the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves and is active in the body fluids, organs and connective tissues. Essential to the liver, pancreas and spleen.

Gives rigidity, firmness, elasticity and strength to bones, teeth and tendons.

following of some use especially if you have analysed your soil and found it to be lacking in certain minerals and have no way of altering your horses grazing. These details are only a guide however, ultimately the soil type, weather and time of harvesting affect the mineral and vitamin content of all foods. We find it interesting how kelp, apple cider vinegar and garlic keep cropping up in this list.