Feeding horses Apple Cider Vinegar

[pengapenga]

Hi

It seems to be an evening of questions for me :o .

The gentleman that trains Frits has suggested that I put some apple cider vinegar in his food especially if his water is borehole water. What would the benefits of apple cider vinegar be? Any thoughts :)

[Jessey]

Well I don't know, I knew it was good for helping stiff joints and just this week learned it is good to feed to keep flys off and also to put in water to stop algee (sp?)

I found this - Since biblical times it has been known that raw, Natural Cider Vinegar also known as 'Mother Nature's Perfect Food' will provide your body with potassium and other vitamins to help your digestive and circulatory system. Natural Cider Vinegar can be beneficial as it is believed to help cure a number of illnesses that are prevalent in modern societies. It is also believed to help correct deficiencies that are the result of poor nutrition. It supports natural body functions and is ideal for preventing illnesses.

It is believed that Cider Vinegar can help to:
Fight Infection
Regulate Blood pressure
Relieve Arthritis Pain
Promote Digestion
Improve Metabolism
Relieve Chronic Fatigue
Purify your Cells
Relieve Headaches
Relieve Insect Stings and bites
Relieve Constipation
Relieve Body Stiffness
Control Blood Pressure
Relieve Muscle Cramp
Help flush out the Gall Bladder
Control Weight
Fight Osteoporosis
Maintain Healthy Skin
Relieve sore throats, laryngitis
Soothe Sunburn, Shingles and bites
Help prevent dandruff, baldness and itching scalp

Ok so this is about people but should have very similar effects on horses - http://www.ostlerscidermill.co.uk/benifits.htm

So would guess its just a way of keeping the water clean, and making sure they get all the vits and minerals :D

Edit to add: just found this - http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/acvforhorses.html

[baxter]

i used to feed it to my arthritic mare....
also has benefits of increasing appetite most horses love the taste!

[pengapenga]

Jessey thanks for all the info :) The links were very interesting and I think I shall try ACV in his food. It seems to be very beneficial for both Frits and myself :D

[Rips]

I read somewhere that it can help prevent joints from calcifying (like in a case of splints) so I gave it to my mare when she first went sore with splints and hers are considerably smaller than any other horses who have them at the yard.