09/26/2025
🐴 The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Equine Minerals
Minerals may be tiny in the diet, but they make a huge difference in your horse’s health.
Let’s break it down:
✅ The Good
Minerals = building blocks. Strong bones, shiny coats, tough hooves, muscle recovery, hormone balance… minerals touch every system in your horse’s body.
Balanced diets prevent problems before they start. Correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratios support joints, and adequate copper + zinc prevent weak hooves and dull coats.
Smart supplementation saves money. The right product fills gaps without overloading your horse.
⚠️ The Bad
Soils vary by region. Horses in the Pacific Northwest often need selenium supplementation, while those in other areas may already get enough (or too much).
Too much of one = not enough of another. For example, excess iron (common in water and forage) blocks copper and zinc absorption.
Salt blocks don’t cut it alone. Horses rarely consume enough from licking blocks to meet mineral needs, especially in cooler months.
❌ The Ugly
Toxicity is real. Selenium poisoning, iron overload, or iodine imbalance can cause severe illness, hoof damage, or even death.
Guessing costs money & health. Randomly stacking supplements can lead to wasted dollars and a sicker horse.
Looks can be deceiving. A horse with a shiny coat can still be dangerously deficient in key minerals.
Why Research Matters
Your forage and water are unique to your area — what’s deficient in Oregon may be excessive in Texas.
Forage testing and understanding regional soil profiles help you choose the right balancer or supplement.
Correct mineral balance = better performance, fewer vet bills, and healthier horses long-term.
Bottom line: Don’t guess, test. Do your research, learn what’s common in your region, and supplement smart — your horse’s hooves, coat, and overall health depend on it.
