Managing Insulin Resistance and Foot Pain in Winter: How Heiro Can Help Horses Feel Their Best

As the colder months are in full swing, horse owners face unique challenges when managing their horses' health and well-being. Some horses have insulin resistance (IR), and winter can present a particularly tricky time due to changes in diet, exercise, and the potential for heightened foot pain. For these horses, managing insulin levels and addressing the physical discomfort caused by laminitis and other foot-related issues is critical to maintaining overall health. 

Insulin resistance is often seen in ponies, overweight horses, and those with certain breeds predisposed to metabolic problems, such as Morgans, Ponies of the Americas, and some draft breeds. However, it can also affect healthy horses if their diet, lifestyle, or genetic factors are not appropriately managed.

Link Between Insulin Resistance and Foot Pain 

One of the most concerning effects of insulin resistance in horses is its connection to foot pain and laminitis, a painful inflammation of the laminae (the tissues that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone). Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for developing laminitis, and horses suffering from this condition are much more likely to experience acute flare-ups, especially if their diet and exercise are not properly managed. Also, high insulin irritates nerves in the feet and is a vasoconstrictor, so less blood flow to the feet. This is why, in the winter, foot pain becomes even more problematic; exercise and diet are not the same as in the summer months. Horses can get cold-induced neuropathic pain in nerves damaged from high insulin.

As the winter comes, the ground can be hard and frozen, making it painful for a horse with laminitis or other hoof issues to walk comfortably. This can lead to horses being reluctant to move, which may shift their weight in ways that cause more discomfort, causing a vicious cycle of pain and immobility. 

• 
  Supports Insulin Regulation: It improves insulin sensitivity, stabilizing blood sugar levels, especially when horses are less active in the colder months. 

• Reduces Inflammation and Foot Pain: Its anti-inflammatory ingredients help manage foot pain and laminitis, which can be aggravated by cold weather. 

• Promotes Hoof Health: Heiro supports better circulation to the hooves, allowing for overall better hoof conditions, which is critical in the winter when hard, frozen grounds can cause further damage.

• Improves Overall Well-Being: By reducing insulin spikes and inflammation, Heiro helps keep horses more comfortable, active, and healthy throughout winter. 
  

• Use Heiro: 

• Incorporate Heiro into your horse care routine to help regulate insulin levels, reduce inflammation, and support hoof health. 

• Monitor Diet: 

• To prevent insulin spikes, it is best to feed horses low-sugar, high-fiber hay and avoid sugary grains and concentrates. 

• Regular Hoof Care:

• Keep up with hoof trims and maintenance to prevent further damage, especially in cold weather and hard grounds. 

• Provide Fresh Water:

• Ensure that the horse has access to fresh, unfrozen water to prevent dehydration, which can lead to worsened insulin resistance. 
  
  
• Light Exercise:
  
  
• Encourage light exercise, even in the winter, to help regulate metabolism and maintain muscle tone. 

To learn more about Heiro and how it can help your horse manage insulin resistance and foot pain, contact Dr. Reilly, our veterinarian with 32 years of experience. Your horse’s comfort and well-being are our top priority here at Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, and we are here to help guide you through every season! Visit our website to explore our selection of all-natural, veterinarian-developed products and gain insights into equine health.