This story was retrieved from the website of our partner in Sweden, NordGjord, shared by Anna. Visit her website at nordgjord.se.
For many mares, the period after foaling can be a great challenge. The body needs to recover, energy reserves need to be replenished, and on top of that comes the emotional strain when it's time to be separated from the foal. For the Icelandic horse Maja, 12 years old, weaning has always been the hardest part.
According to her owners Joanna and Fredrik from Stall Rainbow Hill, Maja has over the years struggled greatly to cope with the separation from her foals. She has become stressed, anxious, and had difficulty settling. At the same time, she has often struggled to regain condition and muscle tone after foaling.
When the first photo was taken on 18 April, Maja was still affected by the foaling. Her coat was dull, her ribs were clearly visible, and it was difficult to get her to put weight back on. She looked tired and her recovery was slow. But during the spring, Maja began receiving EquiNectar as part of her daily feed.
Just a few weeks later, the changes started to become noticeable.
In the photo from 1 June, you will see a completely different horse. Her coat has regained its sheen and lustre, her body has filled out, and her ribs are no longer visible. Maja looks stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. But what has impressed Joanna and Fredrik the most is not what can be seen on the outside.
"You can say a lot about what EquiNectar has done for Maja's appearance, but the change in her mentality is what matters most to us."
The stress and anxiety that previously characterised the periods after weaning have decreased significantly. Maja feels calmer, more harmonious, and considerably more settled in herself. For her owners, this has made an enormous difference in everyday life.
"Seeing her doing well mentally is worth more than anything else. The shiny coat and good condition are wonderful, but the fact that she no longer walks around so stressed is the greatest gain."
Maja's journey shows how closely linked gut health, nutrient absorption, and wellbeing truly are. When a horse feels better on the inside, it often shows in the body, the coat, and behaviour.
In just six weeks, Maja went from being thin, dull-coated, and stressed to becoming a calmer, thriving, and radiant horse — a transformation that both she and her owners seem to enjoy every single day.
Stall Rainbow Hill was founded in 2019 when Joanna and Fredrik left inner-city Stockholm to realise their dream of a life in the countryside together with their horses. They started with three horses — one PRE and two mini Shetlands — but an interest in breeding meant the herd grew quickly. Initially they focused on mini Shetland breeding, with an emphasis on friendly, confident ponies suited as therapy ponies, children's ponies, and family companions. Over time, their breeding focus has expanded to include Icelandic horses. Today they work to breed versatile, willing, and mentally strong Icelandic horses that perform equally well as competition horses and reliable companions on a forest ride. The farm also invested during the autumn in an approved mini Shetland breeding stallion and now welcomes small mares for covering during the breeding season. Regardless of breed, their goal is the same — to breed horses with a good temperament, high rideability, and a big heart. The farm also offers a range of other equestrian activities, and more information about these can be found at rainbowhill.se.
Story originally published by Anna at NordGjord — our trusted partner in Sweden. Visit nordgjord.se for more.
