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Hello Peeps, thought you might like to know a little about me, Treena Collins. I started my working life in the Royal Air Force Dental Branch and after 22 years of service, went into 'Civvi Street' as a Explosives Detection Dog Handler at the O2, London and working part time as a Dental Therapist here in Lincolnshire. However, my passion has always been with horses and during COVID I became inspired to retrain. I had followed Olivia Renshaw, Veterinary Physiotherapist of Wolds Equine Sports Massage on social media for a time and knew her accredited, certified courses were for me and it was time to pursue my passion, Equine welfare. I gained my first qualification in Equine Sports Massage Therapy in 2021 and then went on to study Bit and Bridle Fit with Horse Bit Fit Academy qualifying in 2023 with distinction as a Consultant. Lots of CPD and further training have followed including Myofascial Release, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Trigger Point Therapy, Equine Health and Safety, to name but a few. After qualification I treated some friends horses and ponies in my spare time but in December of 2023 I decided to take a big leap, quit Dentistry for good and set up my own Equine Massage Therapy business enabling me to commit myself totally to you and your horses. Looking for a business name that was unique, I decided on Gingiberi Equis - which is latin for Ginger Horses and why? I hear you cry, well, 1. I love ginger (especially ginger nut biscuits), 2. I love horses, 3. I'm obsessed with Chestnut horses and 4. I'm a red head. So If you were wondering, now you know. (by the way I'm not a typical red head - I don't fly off the handle, or am hot headed, I'm very calm and almost horizontal) I live in Lincolnshire and have 2 working Spaniels Elkie and Siddle and a retired Golden Retriever called Harris (named after Wing Commander 'Bomber' Harris) because he was born near Bomber Command in Lincolnshire and although I haven't owned horses due to being overseas for most of my RAF Career, I have had the privilege of looking after and riding friends horses and ponies. I continue with riding lessons and I am working my way through the BHS levels. I also work part time as a Groom. I'm new to blogging but now I am up and running I am excited to share FREE content with you in future blogs, I might even have a go at Vlogging (bear with me). Let me know what topics you would like to see. If you ever have any questions, please reach out to me at treena@gingiberiequis.com or message me through the social media links on the home page. I'm really excited to get to know you, your Horses, ponies and donkeys. Treena x

Hey there, horse Peeps! 🐴 If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for better ways to care for your horse. And let’s face it: when it comes to nutrition, things can get overwhelming fast. With new studies coming out, feed bags shouting about their "advanced formulas," and everyone at the yard sharing their opinions, it’s a lot to take in. That’s why I wanted to share some of the latest science-backed insights into equine nutrition with you. Think of this as the kind of chat we’d have leaning on the tack room door after a ride—casual, friendly, and packed with tips you can use right away. 1. Let’s Talk Gut Health: Your Horse’s Second Brain Did you know your horse’s gut is home to trillions of bacteria? These little microbes are the unsung heroes of digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immunity. Researchers are diving deeper into how we can support this microscopic ecosystem—and it turns out, the key lies in feeding your horse the way nature intended. Forage First : Hay and grass are the foundation of a healthy gut. Horses are grazing animals, so their digestive systems work best when they’re nibbling throughout the day. Prebiotics and Probiotics : Think of prebiotics as the “fertiliser” that helps good gut bacteria grow and probiotics as the live bacteria your horse needs to stay balanced. Feed additives like yeast cultures can promote a happy gut, and trust me, a happy gut means a healthier horse. Ditch the Empty Calories : High-sugar, high-starch feeds can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to issues like colic or ulcers. The trend toward low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) feeds is here to stay for a reason. 2. Personalised Nutrition is the Future Here’s something I love: Science is moving us away from a “one-feed-fits-all” mindset. Your horse’s diet should match their individual needs, whether they’re a retired pasture puff or a high-performance athlete. Age-Specific Diets : Senior horses might need extra protein for muscle maintenance or specific vitamins like vitamin E to support aging joints and immune function. Performance Horses : If your horse is competing, they need more calories, but it’s about quality, not just quantity. Fats and fibre are your friends here—slow-release energy that won’t leave them feeling wired. Metabolic Horses : For horses with conditions like insulin resistance or PPID, low-sugar, high-fibre diets are critical. Balancers and mineral supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps without adding unnecessary calories. 3. Fatty Acids: The Shiny Coat Secret Let’s talk about omega-3s. These fatty acids aren’t just for glossy magazine hair ads—they’re fantastic for horses too. New research shows omega-3s can help reduce inflammation, improve coat quality, and even boost brain health. Best Sources : Flaxseed is a favourite for horses because it’s plant-based, easy to digest, and packed with omega-3s. Fish oil is also an option, but not all horses are keen on the taste. Why It Matters : Omega-3s balance out the omega-6 fatty acids that are often high in grain-based feeds, creating a healthier ratio that supports overall well-being. 4. Hydration and Electrolytes: Not Just for Hot Weather We all know hydration is key, but did you know your horse loses electrolytes even in cooler weather? Whether they’re sweating during a ride or just going about their day, proper electrolyte balance is essential. Salt Licks Aren’t Enough : Salt is important, but a well-formulated electrolyte supplement can replace the sodium, potassium, and chloride your horse needs to stay hydrated and prevent muscle cramps. Encourage Drinking : Horses can be finicky about water, especially when traveling. Try flavouring it with a splash of apple juice or offering soaked hay to sneak in some extra fluids. 5. Feeding the Right Fibre We know forage is essential, but not all hay is created equal. Recent studies show that analysing your hay can reveal deficiencies or imbalances that could be affecting your horse’s health. Test Your Forage : A simple analysis can tell you the levels of protein, fibre, and sugar in your hay. This is especially important if you’re feeding a horse with special dietary needs. Add Digestible Fibre : Beet pulp or chopped hay are great options for adding calories without sugar. Plus, they’re gentle on the gut and easy to digest. 6. Science-Backed Supplements: Worth It or Hype? The supplement aisle can feel like a rabbit hole, but some really do pack a punch. Look for ones backed by solid research and tailored to your horse’s needs. Joint Support : Glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid are the common go-to for maintaining healthy joints. Hoof Health : Biotin and zinc have been shown to promote strong hooves. Muscle Recovery : Amino acids like lysine can support muscle repair, especially after hard work. Final Thoughts: Nutrition as Partnership The more we learn about equine nutrition, the more it becomes clear: feeding our horses well isn’t just about filling their bellies—it’s about building a partnership based on health and trust. With science on our side, we can make smarter, more informed choices that help our horses feel their best. So, what’s your horse’s feeding routine? Have you tried any of the trends we talked about, or are you curious about making some changes? Let’s keep the conversation going—because when it comes to our horses, there’s always more to learn. Happy feeding! Treena 🧡 References & Further Reading Boomerang Nutrition  - Understanding probiotics and prebiotics for horses. Read more here Purina Mills  - The role of prebiotics in equine health. Learn more here The Cheshire Horse Blog  - Low-sugar diets and the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Explore further Mad Barn  - Omega-3 benefits for horses. Discover more Pro Equine Grooms  - Insights into hydration and electrolyte balance for horses. Details here The Horse  - The importance of forage analysis in equine diets. Full article SmartPak Equine  - Supplements for joint and hoof health in horses. Read it here