Top tips for horses with Cushing’s (PPID) in autumn

DIET

Forage management - soak safely when needed

Soaking hay can lower soluble sugars BUT the process also removes vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and some soluble protein.
If you need to soak, do so with plenty of water for at least 30-60 minutes to reduce water soluble carbohydrates/sugar content. Ensure to feed a balancer alongside.

Low sugar and starch is crucial

Aim for a high-fibre diet.
Choose late-cut, native hay or appropriate low-sugar products.
Even on medication, insulin spikes after large meals can persist. Use a balancer for a smaller daily feeding rate while providing the nutrients your horse needs.
Control grazing intake by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing or a track system.

Feeding Chaste Tree Berry

Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) is a herbal supplement used in horses to support hormonal balance and pituitary function.
You'll find further benefits of feeding chaste tree berry as the blog continues below.

LAMINITIS

Be extra vigilant for laminitis, autumn is high-risk

Autumn is a time when horses with PPID are at higher laminitis risk.
Weight control and swift action can reduce long-term damage.
Monitor hooves daily for heat, check for a bounding digital pulse and look out for other signs such as reluctance to move.
Call your vet immediately if you suspect laminitis.

COAT AND CLIPPING (The well known "curly coat")

Avoid over-rugging, let the coat do some work

Horses with PPID commonly display abnormal sweating and poor thermoregulation.
Over-rugging can reduce activity/movement and therefore metabolic rate which can lead to weight gain (this needs to be avoided for laminitis risk).
In autumn, rug sensibly, monitor coat condition and body condition score and rug only if truly needed for the horse’s comfort.

Manage coat and clipping carefully

Many PPID horses have delayed shedding and thick coats.
Supplementing with chaste tree berry can stimulate shedding, improve coat condition, and reduce the persistence of excessive hair.
If you clip, do so thoughtfully, clipping can help prevent painful excessive sweating and skin infections, but clipping also increases heat loss and may require extra grazing/rugging.

EXERCISE

Keep exercise and weight under control.

Appropriate exercise (depending on laminitis risk) helps insulin sensitivity and reduces the chance of weight gain.
Chaste tree berry can help if your horse is lethargic or has low energy, as supporting hormone balance can help to increase energy levels.
Continue to body condition score and weigh tape regularly (and ideally record every measurement for long term tracking).
Always aim for slow, steady weight loss if required.
If laminitis is active, follow your vet’s exercise restrictions.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Infection and skin care over autumn/winter

Horses with PPID can have impaired immunity, so be mindful to watch for infections, delayed healing, rain scald or mud fever.
Early intervention and targeted treatment prevent more serious complications.
Good stable hygiene, regular grooming, and avoiding prolonged exposure to wet conditions also helps.

Mood/Behaviour

Horses with PPID or hormonal imbalance can become irritable, anxious and maybe even difficult to handle.
Chaste tree berry is often used to help stabilise mood and help your horse become easier to manage.

Both Senior and Senior Plus contain chaste tree berry and a whole host of other supplements to ensure your older horse is specifically supported as they age.