SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Published Papers

• Vet Times – EquiNectar – Volume 54 | January 09, 2024January 24, 2024
  Vet Times reviewing EquiNectar’s scientific results on gut health, dysbiosis and hindgut acidosis in a large-scale trial of 72 horses.
• IFNM – Modulation of the equine microbiome by pasture and feed supplements: A metabolomics approachFebruary 10, 2019
  We conducted this study at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The study was designed to look at the effect on the equine microbiome of pasturing horses on new grass and to determine whether supplementation with EquiNectar would alter the result.
• Equine Veterinary Journal – Characterisation of the faecal metabolome and microbiome of Thoroughbred racehorsesJune 20, 2014
  We conducted this study with Dr Chris Proudman of the University of Surrey Veterinary School, to investigate the effect of EquiNectar on the metabolome and microbiome of racehorses. We discovered that EquiNectar had significant impacts.
• Equine Veterinary Journal – Do horses get irritable bowel syndrome?January 10, 2009
  Our co-founder, Professor John Hunter, wrote this paper for the Equine Veterinary Journal to discuss Irritable Bowel Syndrome in horses. Following this paper, EquiNectar was developed.

Research by the EquiNectar Team

• Why does eating grass make my horse irritable?March 18, 2024
  My name is Dr Rosemary Waring. I have spent my career as a toxicologist. I have a particular interest in digestion and the chemicals produced by the gut microbiome – when this complex mix of bacteria, viruses and fungi goes off-balance, a variety of toxic compounds are produced and these can lead to illness or poor functioning.
• Does EquiNectar work? Where’s the proof?February 19, 2024
  EquiNectar, a scientifically developed supplement, is designed to enhance the nutritional health and gut microbiome of horses. This blog delves into the claims surrounding EquiNectar, providing evidence and explaining how it supports these vital aspects of equine health.
• Ulcers or Hindgut Disease? Unravelling the Similarities and DifferencesJune 9, 2023
  As horse owners, we’re all too familiar with the threat of gastric ulcers. These painful lesions, affecting the lining of the horse’s stomach, have been a topic of concern within the equestrian community for years. However, there’s another condition that often flies under the radar but is equally significant – hindgut disease.
• Investigation into horse reactivity when supplementing with EquiNectarJune 5, 2023
  By Dr Rosemary Waring Chief Science Officer / Tharos Co-Founder Investigation into horse reactivity when supplementing with EquiNectar 01 Introduction In the fascinating world of equine science, understanding a horse’s behaviour and reactivity is important. As part of our ongoing… Read more: Investigation into horse reactivity when supplementing with EquiNectar
• Supporting a horse’s microbiome with supplements: which option is right for your horse?June 2, 2023
  There are so many supplements available to horse owners that claim to support the hindgut microbiome. How effective are they? Let’s explore the main types of supplements used and what the scientific literature says.
• Antibiotics and the Equine MicrobiomeMay 22, 2023
  “My horse has been on antibiotics and now has soft droppings and seems a bit bloated, do you think there is a connection?” To try to answer this, I have looked at the scientific literature to gain an understanding of the research surrounding antibiotics and their impact on the equine microbiome.
• Caring for Underweight Horses: Tips and StrategiesMarch 22, 2023
  Caring for Underweight Horses: Tips and Strategies Caring for underweight horses can be difficult because the horse needs a combination of dietary and management strategies to gain weight and stay healthy. A horse may be underweight for many reasons, such… Read more: Caring for Underweight Horses: Tips and Strategies
• Colic in horsesFebruary 20, 2023
  Colic in horses What is colic? The term “colic” is used to describe an indication of abdominal (belly) pain, which in horses is typically brought on by gastrointestinal disturbances. Signs of colic symptoms can be mild to severe, but the… Read more: Colic in horses
• How your horse digests its feed and the problem of undigested starchFebruary 1, 2023
  Learn how your horse digests its feed. Take a look at the problem of undigested starch and its potential impact on your horse.
• Laminitis and the microbiome- what are the links?January 31, 2023
  Laminitis is a condition seen in animals with hooves, where there is inflammation of the lamella with ultimate failure of the suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx. Most studies have been on horses although donkeys, goats and bovines may also… Read more: Laminitis and the microbiome- what are the links?
• How gut health affects behaviour and mood in horses, humans and other animalsJanuary 17, 2023
  Dr Rosemary Waring provides the following review looking at the impact of feeding EquiNectar on mood and behaviour. Background Research in both man and animals has suggested that there is a ‘gut/brain’ axis, where the gut microbiome can modulate the… Read more: How gut health affects behaviour and mood in horses, humans and other animals
• EquiNectar – Digestive Support for Horses in TrainingJune 10, 2020
  Paper discussing the value of EquiNectar to a starch fed horse in training by independent equine nutritionist, Catherine Rudenko. Discusses the impact of starch feeding, optimal starch levels in feed and the method of action of EquiNectar. The use of… Read more: EquiNectar – Digestive Support for Horses in Training

Independent Research

• Gut microbiota play a role in performance and welfare of horses – study reviewJune 9, 2023
  Ben Nedas Chief Commercial Officer Gut microbiota play a role in performance and welfare of horses – study review 01 Introduction In the realm of equine health and performance, the role of gut microbiota has emerged as a significant area… Read more: Gut microbiota play a role in performance and welfare of horses – study review
• Changes in the gut microbiome and colic in horses: Are they causes or consequences?January 19, 2023
  A useful review which highlights the complexities of understanding the involvement of the microbiome in equine colic. Several different factors are involved in the expression of the gut microbiome in any individual horse and there can be wide variation even… Read more: Changes in the gut microbiome and colic in horses: Are they causes or consequences?
• The Effect of Feeding Horses a High Fiber Diet With or Without Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation on Nutrient Digestion, Blood Chemistry, Fecal Coliform Count, and In Vitro Fecal FermentationSeptember 1, 2015
  A study exploring the use of exogenous enzymes and their effects on digestion, blood chemistry, fecal coliform count and in vitro fecal fermentation. Results demonstrate that xylanase, cellulase or a mix of xylanase and cellulase, have an impact on digestion… Read more: The Effect of Feeding Horses a High Fiber Diet With or Without Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes Supplementation on Nutrient Digestion, Blood Chemistry, Fecal Coliform Count, and In Vitro Fecal Fermentation