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We’re talking about winter today. Winter is the time to improve your horse's metabolic health and prepare for the months ahead. Stay tuned to learn how to use the winter months to support your horse's metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and make the transition into spring far easier. Important Announcement for My Coaching Programme: Your Horse's Root Cause Reset If you're listening to this episode today, you should know that enrolment for the new coaching programme, Your Horse's Root Cause Reset for Equine Metabolic Syndrome, closes tonight (November 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time). The six-week live group coaching programme, designed to help owners use the winter months to prepare their metabolic horses for spring, begins tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4th. Participants will start with a driver diagnostic to identify whether stress, toxicity or nutrient deficiencies are holding their horse back. The programme then covers diet and metabolism, hay and pasture, detoxification, movement and the recovery programme, in the order most appropriate for each horse. It’s designed to help owners better understand their own horses and can complement the work they are already doing with trusted professionals. Further information and enrolment details are available through the link in the show notes. Questions can be sent to [email protected]. Prepare for Spring While spring is often the most challenging season for horses with EMS and insulin resistance, the groundwork for a better spring starts in winter. In spring, horses naturally use their stored energy. By making the most of these months, we can help reduce excess weight, improve metabolic health, and prepare our horses for the return of spring grass. Forage A horse produces much of its body heat through fibre fermentation in the hindgut. As microbes break down forage, they generate heat, making hay an important source of warmth during winter. This is why a steady supply of forage is preferable to increasing grain or concentrates. Horses also draw on stored fat for energy. This allows metabolic horses to use some of the excess weight they carry. Natural Seasonal Rhythm Horses evolved to store energy when food is plentiful in spring and summer and use those reserves during the leaner winter months. However, their environment and management influence how their bodies respond. The aim is to work with this natural seasonal rhythm rather than continually adding more calories. Metabolic Horses Thyroid hormones help regulate how quickly the body uses energy and produces heat. When a horse's body is under strain, it can reduce its metabolic activity to conserve energy. This means that even in winter, when the body should be using stored fat, some metabolic horses retain their weight, cresty necks, and fat pads. When spring grass returns, they still carry that metabolic burden. Stress Winter can bring several additional stresses, including colder temperatures, reduced turnout, smaller paddocks, less movement, and separation from other horses. Frozen ground can also make sore feet more uncomfortable. Long periods without food add to the stress, while reduced movement can affect circulation. This is particularly important for horses prone to winter laminitis, as good circulation to the feet is essential. Keeping Forage Available Overnight Long winter nights can leave horses without food for many hours, particularly if they finish their hay well before morning. This interrupts the steady hindgut fermentation that helps keep them warm. Rather than simply feeding more, focus on making their feed last longer. Low-sugar hay, slow feeders, and smaller, more frequent meals can help, with enough forage set aside for overnight. Allowing horses room to move and forage naturally is just as important. The principle is steady, not more. Toxicity Horses often drink less when their water is very cold, so offering warmer water or using a deicer may encourage better hydration. Water is essential for eliminating what the liver has processed. Movement is equally important because the lymphatic system relies on muscular activity to keep lymph flowing. Reduced turnout and prolonged standing can therefore add to sluggish lymphatic circulation and fluid retention. Reducing Toxic Load Autumn often brings several procedures and changes at once, including deworming, vaccinations, dental work, medications, new feeds and additional supplements. Each adds to the body's workload. Where possible, stagger these activities rather than doing everything together. The liver also helps convert stored fat into usable energy and activates thyroid hormone, so you need to support the horse’s liver function. Nutrient Deficiencies Moving from pasture to stored hay can significantly change a horse's nutrient intake. Fresh grass is rich in vitamin E, but much of this vitamin is lost as hay sits in storage. Essential fatty acid intake can also decrease. The body needs adequate nutrients to produce heat, support thyroid function, maintain the liver, and repair tissue. Instead of automatically adding more supplements, identify what's actually missing and provide clean, appropriate nutrition. Nutrient Absorption Even when plenty of supplements and minerals are available, horses may not absorb or use them effectively. Digestive inflammation and malabsorption can prevent nutrients from reaching the cells where they're needed. Sometimes simplifying a supplement programme, removing unnecessary ingredients and improving digestive health helps more than adding more products. The Winter Window Winter gives us several months to work on metabolic health without the added pressure of lush spring grass. Even if your horse seems stable, persistent fat pads, a cresty neck, or swelling can indicate insulin resistance. This is the time to investigate what's holding your horse back rather than waiting for problems to appear in spring. A Proactive Approach A big advantage of winter is having time to make changes gradually and see how your horse responds. Instead of trying several things at once during a spring flare, consider the underlying drivers. By identifying the cause of insulin resistance and addressing it consistently, you can help improve your horse's metabolic tolerance. Setting Your Horse Up for Success The goal isn't to do more, but to do the right things in the right order. Protect your horse from wind and wet weather, provide steady access to suitable forage, water, and plenty of opportunities to move and forage. At the same time, reduce unnecessary demands on the body and address the underlying causes of metabolic dysfunction. Spring is when we see the results of that work, but winter is when we make it happen. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist FREE TRAINING: Why Your Metabolic Horse Isn't Getting Better: The Three Drivers of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars. Register for Your Horse's Root Cause Reset for EMS.

ast week, we explored the liver’s four key metabolic roles in equine metabolic syndrome, including converting T4 into the active thyroid hormone, T3. Today, we’re looking at how thyroid function affects your horse’s metabolism, and why you may still struggle to understand what’s happening when the bloodwork and what you see in your horse don’t match—even when you’re doing everything right. The Thyroid The thyroid helps horses regulate their metabolism, energy, body temperature, coat quality, and hoof growth. It produces T4, which then gets converted into active T3. This conversion happens largely in the tissues, including the liver, and requires nutrients such as selenium. Normal Thyroid Tests If your horse is struggling with weight, low energy, or insulin resistance despite your best efforts, don't assume a normal thyroid test means everything is working as it should. True thyroid gland disease is rare in adult horses, and metabolic problems can exist even when thyroid blood results are normal. So consider your horse's symptoms, history, and overall health, not just the numbers. Slow Thyroid Hormone Conversion Illness, stress, and food scarcity can slow the conversion of T4 into active T3 to conserve energy. This doesn't necessarily mean the thyroid gland itself is faulty. In some horses, the underlying stress may be linked to a major health event, like an infection, or an emotionally stressful experience, such as losing a herd mate or moving to a new environment. Recognising these factors can help you better understand what may be contributing to your horse's metabolic difficulties. Stress Chronic stress can elevate cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production and the conversion of T4 into T3. Stress is not always obvious. Chronic pain, laminitis, isolation, restricted movement, and a lack of opportunities for the horse to express natural behaviours can be stressful. So, consider these factors when trying to understand why your horse's metabolism is not responding as expected. Over-restricting Feed Horses are designed to chew for much of the day. If your horse finishes its hay within a couple of hours and then goes for long periods without anything to eat, its body may respond as though food is scarce, slowing its metabolism down to conserve energy. While managing sugar intake is important for metabolic horses, further feed restriction may actually work against you. The goal is to manage your horse’s sugar intake while ensuring it has an appropriate feeding plan that allows for regular chewing. A Vicious Cycle Pain creates stress, and stress can worsen any existing problems. For example, a horse with painful feet may experience ongoing stress, and long periods without forage can cause ulcers and create additional discomfort. So, look beyond the most obvious symptom and consider anything else that might be contributing. Identifying the factors driving this cycle is an important step towards your horse’s recovery. The Liver Your horse's liver plays an important role in converting T4 into active T3. When the liver is under pressure, this process may be affected, even if the thyroid gland itself is healthy. If your horse doesn’t respond as expected to dietary changes, remember that metabolic health involves more than one organ, and the liver, thyroid, and insulin regulation are all interconnected. Total Toxic Load Chemical residues from sprayed hay and pasture, fly sprays, topical products, and drinking water can add to the toxic load the liver has to process. Even small chemical exposures can add up over time, increasing the overall burden on the horse’s liver. When the liver is already under pressure, this can affect its ability to carry out its many functions, including converting T4 into active T3. So, look at the bigger picture and consider everything your horse is exposed to, rather than focusing on just one product or source. Supplements More supplements are not always the solution. Iodine, for example, is essential for thyroid hormone production, but too much can suppress thyroid function. Focus instead on proper nutrition, clean ingredients, and nutrients your horse can actually use, rather than assuming that more supplements will produce better results. Nutrient Deficiencies Stress and toxicity can also contribute to nutrient deficiencies, so consider the whole nutritional picture rather than supplementing individual nutrients without reviewing the horse’s diet. Medications Some medications can lower measured thyroid hormone levels, and the effects can persist for several days after the last dose. If your horse is having thyroid tests, ensure that your veterinarian knows which medications it has received to provide some context for the results. Signs to Look For Persistent fat pads, difficulty losing weight, low energy, coat changes, delayed shedding, slow hoof growth, shivering, and slow healing can indicate something is not right. These signs can overlap with other conditions, however, including Cushing's disease, so look at the whole picture rather than simply assuming it's a thyroid problem. Three Drivers of EMS Stress, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies are three key drivers of equine metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. They often overlap, so identify which factors may be affecting your horse before deciding where to focus. The Right Order If your horse does not improve, don't restrict its feed or add more supplements. Instead, look at the bigger picture, including liver function, nutrient availability, and stress. Always focus on root causes before symptoms, and remember that no two horses are the same, so no two programs should be either. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist FREE TRAINING: Why Your Metabolic Horse Isn't Getting Better: The Three Drivers of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

In our last episode, we explored five reasons metabolic horses struggle in the fall. Today, we’re going a layer deeper, exploring the liver, its role, what may strain it, and signs that your horse’s liver may be under pressure. We also explore why two horses can respond very differently to the same environment. The Liver The liver plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, clearing insulin, processing fats, and converting thyroid hormones. When the liver is under strain, these functions may be affected, potentially contributing to metabolic challenges. Insulin Resistance High insulin is often associated with excess sugar in the diet and increased insulin production by the pancreas. However, the liver also helps clear insulin from the bloodstream, so its role may be worth considering. Research into this connection in horses is still developing. Increased Workload A horse’s liver may be coping with several demands at once, including excess sugar, concentrated vegetable oils, high protein intake, certain supplement ingredients, chemical residues in feed, or excess iron. Ongoing stress can also add to this burden by raising cortisol levels and increasing the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream. Feed and Supplements Look closely at feed and supplement labels for concentrated vegetable oils, preservatives, artificial flavourings, synthetic additives, and inorganic minerals. Consider whether each product is truly necessary and whether its ingredients are actually appropriate for your horse. Routine Treatments Think about the cumulative effect of medications and dewormers over a horse’s lifetime. Then consider how many deworming treatments and medications your horse has received, rather than overlooking these, to reduce the strain on your horse's liver. Water and Environmental Exposure Well water can contain excess iron, as can supplements containing inorganic iron, such as ferrous sulfate. Testing your water and reviewing supplement labels can help you to identify potential sources. You also need to consider the chemical residues from herbicides, pesticides, and fertilisers in your hay and pasture. Signs of Liver Strain A persistent crest or fat pads, slow progress despite management changes, sensitivity to feed or supplements, recurring skin problems, inconsistent manure, and low energy may all warrant closer attention. Hives, swelling, and laminitis can also indicate metabolic problems. No single sign shows that the liver is under pressure. Swelling and Recurring Eye Problems Swelling in the legs, sheath, or belly may indicate fluid retention. Swelling in the lower legs sometimes improves with movement. I have also noticed recurring weepy eyes in some horses but have no research to support this connection. Routine Blood Tests Routine liver enzyme tests can indicate liver cell damage, but they will not necessarily reveal every aspect of the liver's function or how much work it is managing. Normal results therefore do not rule out every possible concern. Any signs of ill health still need to be considered. Beyond Restricted Feed Reducing sugar intake may be essential for a metabolic horse, but feed restriction alone may not address every contributing factor. It is also worth reviewing supplements, water quality, environmental exposures, and stress rather than focusing only on feed rations. A Whole-Horse Approach Stress, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies are the three main drivers of insulin resistance. Simply restricting the horse’s feed will not address these three factors. The key is to identify what may be straining your horse’s system, remove what you can, and support the horse’s ability to eliminate unwanted substances. Always consider the root cause before symptoms! Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist FREE TRAINING: Why Your Metabolic Horse Isn't Getting Better: The Three Drivers of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Fall can be a challenging time for horses with metabolic issues, even when you’ve spent months doing everything right. Today, we’re exploring five reasons metabolic horses struggle in the fall. You’ll learn how to recognize seasonal setbacks, track meaningful signs of improvement, and support your horse without abandoning a program that may still be working. Metabolic horses Shorter days trigger hormonal changes that prepare horses for winter. Rising ACTH and cortisol can increase blood sugar and insulin, promoting fat storage. Metabolic horses may also develop fat pads, retain fluid, and experience increased inflammation. Fall grass Sunny days followed by cold nights can cause sugars to accumulate in grass. Frost-stressed, short or brown grass may also be high in sugar, increasing risks for sensitive horses. Dietary changes Abruptly switching from grass to hay disrupts the hindgut microbiome and may contribute to inflammation and digestive problems. Instead, transition gradually over two to three weeks. Inflammation Digestive problems, unresolved hoof damage, and poor circulation can contribute to inflammation. Inflammation may increase insulin, while high insulin promotes fat storage. Fat deposits can further contribute to inflammation. Stress Feed restriction, prolonged isolation and confinement can all increase stress and cortisol levels, even when a horse shows no obvious signs of anxiety. Some horses become withdrawn and apathetic rather than restless or agitated. Supporting metabolic health therefore means looking beyond diet to the horse’s overall well-being, with particular attention to the three Fs: forage, freedom and friendship. Setbacks Horses with existing metabolic dysfunction or incompletely healed hooves are more vulnerable to seasonal changes. Temporary setbacks do not automatically mean your management plan has failed. Keep track Track the horse’s energy, comfort level, mobility, digestion, and social engagement alongside physical changes. Record symptoms and pain levels to establish a baseline and objectively measure the horse’s progress. Hoof problems Stronger digital pulses, reluctance to move, or changes in stance warrant prompt attention. Assess the horse’s hoof trim, circulation, existing pathologies, and provide nutritional support. Hormone tests ACTH and insulin levels naturally fluctuate with the seasons, making isolated test results difficult to interpret. Assess the results alongside seasonal reference ranges and also consider the horse’s clinical signs and, ideally, hormone measurements taken over time. A single elevated result during fall should not automatically trigger a diagnosis or a decision to begin lifelong medication, as treatment decisions require a more complete picture of the horse’s health. Preparing for fall Transition gradually to hay, obtain a hay analysis, monitor pasture after cold nights, and maintain appropriate hoof care. Address stress, nutrition, and any other potential contributors to metabolic dysfunction. Root causes Persistent problems despite careful sugar management may be due to stress, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, toxicity, or chronic hoof inflammation. Similar symptoms can have different underlying causes, so each horse requires an individualized approach. Recovery takes time Equine metabolic syndrome requires consistent, long-term management. Addressing the underlying causes may help reduce seasonal setbacks and improve recovery over time. My forthcoming course, Your Horse's Root Cause Reset for Equine Metabolic Syndrome, will focus on identifying these causes. Takeaways Fall setbacks are not necessarily evidence of failure. Owners need to understand seasonal changes, track meaningful improvements, and investigate the horse’s individual needs rather than reacting to isolated symptoms. Remember that no two horses are the same, so their management programs should always address each horse’s individual needs. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we explored how to tell whether your horse is on the right track, why the original symptom often lasts the longest, and how looking at the whole horse lets you see real changes long before that one symptom catches up. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, I suggest you listen first, because today’s episode picks up right where we left off. Stay tuned to find out why, even after you start noticing changes, it can still be so hard to trust what you’re seeing. Past Disappointments Repeated attempts that fail—supplements, feed, restriction plans, or other approaches—can leave you emotionally, financially, and physically depleted. You may then protect yourself from further disappointment by refusing to believe something is actually working. That could lead you to change a plan just as your horse begins to respond. The Last Thing to Change Weight tape and blood work measure specific things at a specific point in time. Your horse can have better energy, digestion, swelling, or movement even when the weight tape hasn’t changed. The most important symptom is often the last thing to change. Doubt Information from the internet or AI should not override what you observe in your horse. Searching for answers can expose you to stories about horses that failed to improve or had negative outcomes, and those stories might make you question the positive changes you see in your horse. Previous Decisions Many owners believe they should have recognized their horse’s problems sooner. That can make it difficult to trust their judgment when the horse starts improving. Remember that you did the best you could with what you knew at the time. The instinct that told you something was wrong is the same instinct that helps you recognize improvement. Beliefs Affect Decisions You can make changes that support your horse while still believing that recovery is impossible without medication. That belief can move you toward medication. A medication-free approach requires you to trust your decisions, your intuition, and your horse to heal. How to Measure Progress Horses don’t heal in a straight line, and one rough day does not necessarily mean a setback. So, instead of comparing how the horse was yesterday, compare your horse with its baseline, where it was a month ago or three months ago. That is where real change becomes easier to see. Keep Notes Record a few observations several times a week. Note changes such as meeting you at the gate, trotting to the water, improved digestion, or changes in movement. Your notes will give you evidence to return to when doubt appears. Patterns Matter Patterns help you distinguish noise from information. A single good day may be a fluke, and a single bad day may not mean anything significant. Consistent changes over several weeks provide a far more useful measure of progress. Your Observations Knowing your horse and documenting what you see makes you a better advocate for them. Mention your observations to others involved in your horse’s care rather than relying entirely on their opinions. Your notes can also give your veterinarian information they cannot get from a short appointment. Visible Symptoms Your horse’s energy, demeanor, digestion, swelling, and movement may improve while the most visible symptom remains unchanged. That can make you think you need to do more when the horse’s overall picture is actually improving. Remember that the goal is progress, not immediate resolution of every symptom. Staying the Course Changing the plan too soon could undo any progress already made. Some parts of recovery take longer than others. In Skip’s case, his hooves recovered the slowest because hoof growth, strengthening, and improvement in laminar integrity take time. Building Trust Trust develops through observations and patterns over longer periods, not just one good day. Look at your horse’s progress over one to three months rather than expecting immediate change. Remember, no two horses are the same, so no two programs should be either—and no one knows your horse the way you do. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Your Horse's Root Cause Reset: Join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we spoke about supplements, exploring how to select them, how to combine them intentionally, and how a simpler program that focuses on the actual root cause will almost always outperform those built around symptoms. If you haven’t listened to Episode 107 yet, I recommend starting there because we’re picking up right where we left off today, looking at what real healing looks like, why patience matters, and why you shouldn’t give up on a treatment plan before the original symptom has been resolved. The Whole Horse Once you have a plan based on the underlying cause, assess the improvement across the whole horse, not just the symptom that initially caused concern. The original complaint is often the most advanced problem and can be the last thing to resolve. If you focus exclusively on it, you may miss significant improvements happening elsewhere. Healing Takes Time Recovery rarely happens in a straight line. There will often be periods of noticeable improvement, pauses, and even temporary setbacks. Years of dysfunction cannot necessarily be reversed quickly, so consistency and patience are essential. The horse’s body needs time and a stable environment in which to recover. Early Signs Changes in the horse’s energy and engagement can appear before any visible physical changes. A horse may greet you more readily, enjoy its food, play with other horses, or show more vitality. Those subtle changes can indicate that things are beginning to shift at a foundational level. Brighter Demeanor More alert eyes, greater interest in the surroundings, and the return of personality can be meaningful signs of improvement. Horses with equine metabolic syndrome can experience fatigue and what appears to be depression, which can sometimes be mistaken for normal behavior until their vitality begins to return. Valuable Information More consistent manure, less gas and bloating, and reduced puffiness can all provide valuable information. In horses with equine metabolic syndrome, digestive improvements are especially important because gut health is closely connected to the broader picture of metabolism, inflammation, detoxification, and absorption. Partial Improvement Swelling can improve in stages rather than disappearing completely at once. Even partial improvement can be meaningful. A noticeable reduction in swelling during the first week or two may indicate that the horse is moving in the right direction, while further improvement can take time. Metabolic Changes The crest and fat pads provide valuable information about what is happening metabolically, but they may be among the last things to resolve completely. A crest may first soften and then gradually decrease, while fat pads can take time to reduce. Hoof Recovery Comfortable movement is important, and appropriate hoof care and support are essential. Hoof inflammation and pain often take longer to resolve, particularly following laminitis, founder, or prolonged hoof problems. You may also need to correct trimming issues and allow the hoof capsule to grow out over time. Don't Abandon a Plan Too Quickly If the original symptom is not resolved, it can be tempting to change direction or add more supplements. Before changing course, however, give the existing plan enough time to work, and look for any other improvements that may have occurred. Your Horse's Baseline Pay attention to how the horse moves in the morning, how its crest and fat pads feel, how it greets you, how it eats, and how it interacts with its environment. You don’t need to record every detail obsessively. Just become familiar enough with the horse’s baseline to notice any changes. Keep a Record When you record where your horse started and look back periodically, improvements that seemed insignificant at the time can become obvious. With root-cause work, changes can often occur gradually and quietly, so don't abandon your plan simply because the progress you see isn't dramatic. Skip’s Progress After Skip's program was simplified, his digestion relaxed first, followed by improvements in his relationship with food, satiety, energy, inflammation, and fat pads. His hooves took the longest to improve. That explains how focusing on just one symptom can make you miss any other meaningful progress. Different Recovery Patterns Improvements don't happen in the same order or on the same timeline for every horse. So, look for an overall pattern rather than expecting everything to improve at once. Always remember to pay attention to changes across the whole horse, and remember that no two horses will heal in precisely the same way. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Healing Horses their Way: Get more information and join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we explored why a supplement that produces remarkable results in one horse can make virtually no difference in another, and what that comes down to. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, go back and listen to it first, because we’re building on it today. Supplements A full supplement shelf doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing enough for your horse. Although each product may have been selected initially to address a specific symptom, the combination is unlikely to address the root cause of a horse’s problems. How to Evaluate Supplements Consider whether or not a supplement is actually helping your horse. Look beyond the testimonials and social media, examine the ingredients and the company’s reputation, and be willing to acknowledge when something isn’t working. Root Causes Treating each symptom with a separate supplement can mean missing the underlying imbalance that is driving the problem. Identifying and addressing the root cause can make some supplements unnecessary. When Supplements Are Combined Different supplements can contain overlapping ingredients, so some may be redundant or unnecessary. Using too many different supplements can also make the digestive system and liver work much harder without providing any additional benefit. Simplifying the Program Removing certain supplements can make owners worry that they aren’t doing enough for their horses. However, simplifying the program helps them focus on addressing what the horse actually needs rather than simply adding more products. Diet and Lifestyle Matter Supplements cannot fix a hungry horse or address stress caused by prolonged hunger. So, owners must consider diet, forage, feeding schedule, lifestyle, and stress levels when addressing a horse’s health issues. Skip’s Story Skip is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse with EMS who was placed on several supplements to address various problems. Despite the owner’s careful efforts, his progress stalled. When evaluating his entire picture, it emerged that stress, due to severe hay restriction, was a key issue. So his supplements were replaced with specific B vitamins and bioavailable magnesium, while his owner focused on providing consistent forage and feeding, a better lifestyle, and nervous-system support. Within weeks, Skip was more relaxed, his vitality improved, and he began to gain muscle and become more active and playful. What to Remember No two horses are the same, so no two programs should be either. Horses’ programs should always address root causes rather than simply treating symptoms, and supplements should be used for a specific reason. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Healing Horses their Way: Get more information and join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we discussed the hidden cost of chasing symptoms instead of root causes, and the importance of understanding that symptoms are the messengers, not the problem. We’re expanding on that today, looking at why a supplement that works really well for one horse may do very little for another. Choosing a supplement Don't choose a supplement simply because it produced great results for someone else's horse. Look at whether it is actually creating the changes your own horse needs, and if you can't see meaningful progress, be willing to question whether it's the right choice. Don't let an ingredient list or a product's reputation decide for you. Even a clean, high-quality product may not be what your horse needs, so choose according to your horse's individual situation. Don’t assume Don't assume that horses eating the same hay or living in the same environment have the same nutritional needs. One horse may already be getting enough of a nutrient while another may have a genuine deficiency, so look at the individual horse rather than the shared diet. Additionally, when two horses have the same visible problem, don't automatically treat them in the same way. Look for what is actually driving the problem in each horse, because the underlying causes may be completely different. What to focus on Don't focus only on the nutrients the horse is getting from its diet. Gut health, inflammation, toxicity, other ingredients, and the form of the nutrient can all affect how well a horse can utilize what you're giving them. If a horse fails to respond as expected If the horse isn't responding as expected, consider what else may be preventing its improvement. You may need to address its medication, the commercial feed’s suitability, digestive problems, or emotional stress rather than simply adding another supplement. Your horse's history Don't treat your horse as if it’s starting from scratch. Past illness, stress, age, breed tendencies, medication, and its environment all form part of the picture and can influence how it responds to anything new you introduce. Supplements to avoid High-quality supplements can be valuable, but don't expect them to resolve an issue they were not designed to address. If the supplement has no connection to the underlying cause, redirect your time and money toward finding what actually needs attention. Changing direction If you've given something a fair opportunity and aren't seeing improvement, don't keep on with it simply because you expected it to work. Use the lack of progress as information and reconsider what your horse may need. The underlying cause Don't rely on an anti-inflammatory supplement to resolve pain or inflammation when something else is causing or contributing to the problem. Address the underlying cause so that your supportive measures can have a better chance of helping. Keep looking When your approach doesn't work, don't decide that you've failed or your horse is beyond help. Instead, recognize that particular approach wasn't the right one and keep looking for what your horse actually needs. Individual needs If something doesn't work for your horse the way it worked for someone else's, don't automatically view that as a failure. Use it as information showing your horse's picture is different and requires another plan that will better suit its individual needs. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Healing Horses their Way: Get more information and join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Last week, we discussed what it takes for horses to recover and heal truly. Today, we’re building on that by clarifying the hidden cost of chasing symptoms instead of uncovering the root cause lying beneath them. Recurring symptoms A symptom is often a messenger rather than the actual problem. When a symptom fails to improve, or returns despite trying different products, it tells you that you have not yet identified the underlying cause. Consistency and patience Finding the right approach for a horse is not quite as simple as following someone else’s plan. Recovery requires attention, consistency, and a willingness to reassess when something does not produce the results you need. History matters A past illness, stress, age, breed tendencies, medications, environment, and other experiences can all influence how a horse’s body responds to something new. Understanding its history helps to explain why the same supplement can produce very different results in two horses. Quick fixes Symptom-focused treatments can be reassuring when they produce a quick or visible response, but improvement does not necessarily mean the underlying issue has been resolved. Repeatedly changing products can keep you focused on the symptom rather than actually understanding what is driving it. The whole picture Rather than focusing only on what is going into the horse’s feed bucket, consider the whole picture, including its diet, health history, medications, environment, digestion, and any other factors that may influence how it responds. Meaningful changes When introducing something new, pay attention to whether or not you notice any meaningful changes in the horse. If the horse shows no noticeable improvement, that approach may not be addressing what it truly needs. Good nutrition Good nutrition is not simply about what goes into the horse’s mouth. Gut health, inflammation, toxicity, and nutrient interactions can all affect how much of what a horse consumes is actually absorbed and available to its body. When something doesn’t work A lack of improvement does not mean that you, your horse, or the product has failed. It provides valuable information, telling you that your approach is not addressing the horse’s particular needs and that it is time to look in a different direction. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Healing Horses their Way: Get more information and join the waitlist Join my email list to be notified about new podcast releases and upcoming webinars.

Horses need rest, especially when they’re dealing with metabolic issues. Their nervous systems need it, and in many cases, rest is an important part of their recovery. So today, we’re talking about why deep work requires downtime, and why giving your horse the right kind of rest might be the missing piece in how you’re managing their metabolic health. Rest and Recovery The work that genuinely changes an outcome rarely happens in a straight line. Whether you’re helping a student or supporting a horse through recovery, you need periods of focused effort followed by time to rest, process, and integrate. Skipping the recovery phase can ultimately undermine the work itself. Making Better Decisions Building a complete health profile means taking a deep dive into your horse’s history and putting all the pieces together. That can be difficult and emotional, especially when you begin to see how past events may have contributed to the challenges your horse is facing now. It can also create a strong urge to fix the problem immediately. However, taking time to understand the whole picture first helps you make more informed decisions. Subtle Shifts Paying attention to subtle shifts in your horse—how they respond to their environment, changes in the herd, the seasons, their routine, or their recovery—can reveal patterns over time. Observing those shifts can give you valuable clues about what’s really happening with your horse. Exhaustion Working harder and constantly pushing yourself doesn’t necessarily create better results. When you’re depleted, you stop noticing subtle details, lose your ability to be genuinely present, and may even begin putting your energy into the wrong things. Downtime Downtime allows you to integrate information and experiences, gives your nervous system a chance to reset, and lets your body catch up with everything it’s had to handle. Rest is not laziness or falling behind. It is part of maintaining your ability to do meaningful work. True Rest A horse can be standing quietly and still be in a state of alertness or survival. True rest allows the horse’s nervous system to stop bracing and scanning so the parasympathetic system can support its digestion, recovery, tissue repair, and hormonal regulation. Restriction vs Recovery For horses with EMS or suspected metabolic problems, you may need to look beyond more restriction or control. Those horses also need the right lifestyle, movement, freedom, and periods of rest so their bodies can settle, find their rhythm, and recover. Constant Intervention Every new supplement, therapy, training session, or other intervention is another input. When you’re constantly applying different things, you have little opportunity to observe what is actually helping the horse, or allowing it to settle and find its own rhythm. Sometimes, just avoiding another intervention is the most appropriate next step. Panic When something is wrong, your instinct may be to act immediately. However, your panic could lead to unnecessary or poorly considered interventions. Taking a pause gives you the space to regulate yourself, observe what is actually happening, and ultimately make a more thoughtful decision. The Bigger Picture Rather than always adding something to address each new symptom, step back and consider the horse’s history, environment, lifestyle, routines, and other contributing factors. The goal is to create the right conditions for the horse to stabilize and recover, while also providing enough structure, freedom, and connection to support its natural rhythms. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Join Elisha's email list Learn more about Healing Horses Their Way

I’m delighted to have Trish Collins, owner of a 30-year-old mare called Teddy, joining me today to discuss the challenges of supporting a senior horse. We unpack the dietary changes and behavioral quirks of a senior horse and discuss the value of natural nutrition, homeopathic remedies, and holistic care. Changing Appetites Senior horses like Teddy often change their preferences or skip meals. Trish learned to stay flexible, offering alternatives and listening to Teddy’s cues rather than forcing a rigid feeding schedule. Even at 30, Teddy now displays curiosity, an enthusiasm for food, and she engages with her environment. Trish noticed how she regained her energy, playfulness, and mental sharpness after implementing a tailored nutrition and care plan. Nutrition A consistent, nutrient-rich diet is essential for senior horses. Proper nutrition supports appetite, digestion, weight maintenance, and overall vitality, even in horses with health issues or on medications. Observing and Responding Trish developed confidence by watching Teddy closely, noting her likes, dislikes, and reactions. This observation has guided adjustments in feed, supplements, and care routines, empowering Trish to make informed decisions. Natural and Complementary Approaches Homeopathic remedies and medicinal plants are important for supporting Teddy’s appetite and vitality. Natural options can complement standard care, especially when conventional solutions are limited. Consistency and Patience Teddy’s progress did not come from one dramatic change. It came from Trish’s steady and consistent changes, made after observing Teddy closely and implementing thoughtful adjustments. Nothing was rushed. Trish learned that improvement often occur quietly and gradually, not all at once. Staying patient, sticking with the plan, and allowing Teddy the time she needed proved far more powerful than constantly changing course. A Stress-Free Environment Stress-free environments are crucial for senior horses to thrive. Allowing Teddy to roam freely and move on her own terms improved her appetite, mood, and overall quality of life. Preventative Strategies The strategies Trish used with Teddy also serve as a model for younger horses. Paying close attention to their diet, movement, and health early on helps to prevent any future challenges and sets them up for longevity. Emotional and Owner Insights Trish found that supporting her own horse felt far more emotional and overwhelming than helping clients with theirs. She learned that staying observant, trusting what she was seeing, and allowing room to adjust the plan helped to calm her anxiety. Trish’s confidence did not come from having all the answers. It came from paying attention, staying flexible, and consistently moving forward. Links and resources: Healing Horses with Elisha: Links and resources Learn more about Healing Horses Their Way 2026 Pay-in-full or 3-month payment plan And for extra flexibility we also have a 6-month payment plan​ Either way, you’re stepping into an experience that your horse will be grateful for.

Over the last few episodes, we’ve explored topics related to mindset, how we approach our horse’s health, what we notice, and how to interpret what we see. This week, I help you understand what your horse’s body is actually telling you, and, more importantly, how to recognise those signals with clarity and confidence. You Know More Than You Think You’ve accumulated years of data from observing your horse directly. Every time you pick up their feet, watch them move, notice shifts in their energy, skin, coat, eyes, or behavior, you’ve been learning. The problem is that you don’t trust what you’re noticing. Your horse’s body is dynamic, and its chemistry is changing every millisecond, so you need to bring the power back to yourself. Why We Doubt Ourselves Self-doubt usually comes from three patterns. First, we treat our observations as less valid than measurable data, even though lab tests are only snapshots of a moment in time. Second, we confuse observation with diagnosis, jumping from “stiff today” to catastrophic conclusions without enough information. Third, we minimize what we see because we are afraid of what it might mean—both overreaction and avoidance block clear decision-making. Structure Structure includes posture, muscle development, hoof quality, coat condition, body composition, and movement patterns. Those are visible and measurable expressions of deeper processes. Structural changes are often a result of diet, stress, movement-related issues, environmental issues, toxicity, and time. A dull coat, dropped topline, or poor hoof quality reflects what has been happening internally over weeks, months, or longer. Function Function is how the horse moves through the world. It includes energy levels, behavior, digestion, respiratory patterns, appetite, and emotional expression. Functional shifts usually occur before structural breakdown. Subtle changes in manure quality, food aggression, pacing, anxiety, coughing, or stiffness are often early signals. Addressing those signs early prevents bigger problems later. Connection Connection reflects emotional well-being, trust, and a sense of safety. Changes in willingness, engagement, affection, or reactivity may signal physical discomfort or unmet needs. Health challenges such as chronic pain or metabolic issues can alter a horse’s emotional state. A shift in connection may indicate a hidden health issue. From Observation to Understanding Clear thinking requires separating observation from interpretation. An observation is specific and descriptive. A diagnosis requires evidence. Patterns matter more than single moments. When did it start? What makes it better or worse? Is it constant or intermittent? Patterns reveal root causes and guide informed action. The Whole Horse Perspective Every symptom exists within a system. Stiffness may be related to limited movement, cold weather, circulation, trimming, or management practices. Digestive changes may be due to stress, diet, or environmental factors. Viewing the whole horse allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than react fearfully. Framework Builds Confidence Observation without structure leads to anxiety. Observation within a framework leads to clarity. When you record patterns, make thoughtful adjustments, and monitor outcomes, your confidence grows naturally. You begin making decisions based on knowledge instead of fear. Knowledge and Action Work Together Understanding how the horse’s body systems connect strengthens your decision-making. You do not need perfect certainty before taking action. Thoughtful changes, followed by observation, build experience and trust in your own judgment. Community Reduces Isolation Health journeys can feel lonely. Shared learning, pattern recognition, and collaborative problem-solving provide perspective and reassurance. Noticing how other horses move through similar challenges helps normalize recovery and refine expectations. Trust Is the Foundation Your horse communicates through structure, function, and connection every day. The goal is not perfection. It is presence, awareness, and the willingness to trust what you see. Confidence grows when you combine observation, understanding, and action. Links and resources: Connect with Elisha Edwards on her website. Masterclass: How to Trust Your Horse Instincts with Confidence (even when everyone else disagrees)

We're getting uncomfortably honest today. In this episode, I continue the conversation I began early in January, to support you with invaluable mindset and perspective shifts, and the knowledge to empower yourself to make the best decisions for your horse, to get the best outcomes with their health and your relationship with them throughout 2026, the year of the Fire Horse. Invisible Walls Many dedicated owners are following protocols, investing in care, researching, and trying every recommended solution, yet true wellness still feels just out of reach. That is often not due to a lack of effort, but invisible internal walls that unintentionally block any progress. Those walls are built from habit, fear, and misplaced trust in external systems, rather than relying on direct feedback from the horse. Once you see them, meaningful change begins to happen. You can’t change what you can’t see. But once the patterns become visible, everything can shift. Wall #1: Prioritizing Being Right Over Being Responsive Conventional wisdom often overrides individual feedback. Feeding charts, supplement labels, trimming schedules, and doing “what everyone does” can become more important than what your horse is showing you. Textbook health is based on averages and generalizations, whereas your horse’s health is based on its unique metabolism, stress response, digestion, genetics, and environment. Standardized Models No research paper applies universally to every horse. Horses living in the same herd, on the same feed, and in the same environment, will still show completely different imbalances and needs. When we force them into standardized models, we risk damaging their health trying to make them fit systems that were never designed for them. Real progress begins when feedback takes precedence over protocol. Textbook Health Textbook health is theoretical and based on statistical significance. It gets repeated as a universal truth. Individual health is dynamic and constantly changing. Your horse doesn’t care about recommended feeding charts or daily minimums. It cares about what its body needs today. True responsiveness means asking: Is this actually improving observable wellness? If not, it’s not working. no matter how good the reviews are. Wall #2: Fear Disguised as Control Over-management often stems from anxiety. Restricting turnout to prevent injury, limiting forage to control weight, isolating horses for safety, and excessive blanketing to prevent cold can create the fragility they were meant to prevent. Fear-based Management Horses are designed to move, graze, socially regulate, and adapt to weather. When those natural systems are suppressed, metabolic dysfunction, ulcers, behavioral issues, weakened hooves, and chronic stress can follow. Fear-based management creates systems that require even more management. Allowing horses live more naturally builds resilience. Micromanagement builds dependence. Control = Anxiety Control is often anxiety projected onto the horse’s body. A powerful shift occurs when the question changes from “How do I prevent every possible problem?” to “What does my horse need to become more resilient?” Wall #3: Trusting Protocols More Than Feedback Supplements, feeding systems, and management routines are tools, not guarantees. When supplements or medications continue for months without any noticeable improvement, when balanced feeds do not result in better coats or stronger hooves, when calming supplements replace environmental or training changes, it means protocol has replaced feedback. Supplements Supplements should function as feedback tools, not permanent fixes. Management should serve the horse’s biology, not the owner’s schedule. “This is how we’ve always done it” is not a sufficient reason to continue something that isn’t working. Your horse’s body is the curriculum. Observable wellness is the only true test. The Confidence Triangle: Physical, Emotional, Mental True wellness depends on three interconnected systems working in balance: Physical healthEmotional well-beingMental clarity You cannot supplement your way out of emotional stress. You cannot manage your way out of physical pain. You cannot train your way out of mental overload. Those systems influence one another constantly. When one is compromised, the others follow. Holistic Health Holistic health requires integration, not fragmentation. Instead of chasing symptoms, support systems. Instead of reacting to problems, create conditions for wellness. Instead of working against their nature, work with the horse’s biology. When the Walls Come Down When responsiveness replaces ego, fear loosens its grip, and feedback becomes the guide: Problems are caught earlier.Money stops flowing toward ineffective solutions.Resilience strengthens.Chronic issues begin to shift.Decision-making becomes confident instead of anxious.Partnership deepens. Healing often occurs not because the perfect product was found, but because the barriers blocking natural health were removed. Awareness Awareness is the first step. Notice where you may be prioritizing being right over being responsive, controlling out of fear instead of building resilience, or trusting protocols more than feedback. Once visible, those walls can come down, and your horse’s innate wisdom can emerge. Links and resources: Healing Horses with Elisha: Links and resources Learn more about Healing Horses Their Way 2026 Pay-in-full or 3-month payment plan And for extra flexibility we also have a 6-month payment plan​ Either way, you’re stepping into an experience that your horse will be grateful for.

Welcome to our 100th podcast episode! In the last episode, we discussed permitting yourself to trust your instincts. Today, we continue that discussion, diving even deeper into the topic. Tuning In Horses are constantly communicating their needs, but we often stop noticing the subtle ways they demonstrate how they feel physically, emotionally, and instinctually. By slowing down, tuning in, calming down, and asking what they need, we can start seeing them clearly again. Physical Silence Early intervention means noticing whispers of pain before they escalate. Horses often show early discomfort through subtle cues, such as stiffness, girth sensitivity, or reluctance to move, but those signals are often dismissed as personality quirks. Ignoring physical signs can ultimately lead to chronic health problems. Emotional Silence When horses express anxiety or stress, and it is dismissed or medicated rather than addressed, they stop communicating their emotional needs. Separation anxiety, behavioral stress, and high arousal are not problems to suppress. They’re messages that require consistent attention, gradual training, and emotional support to rebuild trust. Instinctual Silence Ignoring the natural biology of a horse (Social needs, movement requirements, and grazing behavior) creates systemic stress, metabolic dysfunction, and delayed healing. With long-term confinement, isolation, or mismanaged diets, horses become quiet, masking their real health and welfare needs. Human Awareness Our own anxiety, busyness, or problem-focused mindset can block communication. Horses mirror our nervous state, so pausing, grounding yourself, and observing calmly allows subtle signals to emerge. Daily wellness check-ins, curiosity-driven observation, and tracking patterns will help you identify root causes before problems escalate. Re-establishing Communication Shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What does my horse need?” Focus on body, mind, and spirit. Pause, breathe, and observe before taking action. Small, consistent practices, including meditative observation and affirmations, can help you maintain a focused mindset, reinforce trust, and encourage your horse to start communicating once again. Tracking Patterns Observe your horse’s energy, movement, social behavior, and emotional responses every day. Look for correlations with diet, herd dynamics, weather, or schedule changes. Noticing patterns allows early intervention, supports holistic well-being, and prevents symptoms from worsening. Prevention and Wellness Horses never stop talking. By creating space to listen and responding thoughtfully, you become a true health advocate. Supporting wellness instead of chasing symptoms fosters partnership, helps catch issues early, and leverages your horse’s innate wisdom for better health outcomes. Links and resources: Healing Horses with Elisha: Links and resources Learn more about Healing Horses Their Way 2026 Pay-in-full or 3-month payment plan And for extra flexibility we also have a 6-month payment plan​ Either way, you’re stepping into an experience that your horse will be grateful for.

We’re talking about permission today. In last month’s Firehorse Fierce episode, we briefly touched on permission-seeking. Today, I clarify what that really means. Too often, we turn to another professional opinion, recommendation, or protocol before fully understanding what we are facing. The truth is, you know your horse better than anyone. So, this episode is about allowing yourself to trust what you already see in their eyes, feel in their body, and sense in their energy. Permission Starts With You Permission does not come from professionals, protocols, or expert opinions. It comes from you. In an industry full of strong opinions and conflicting advice, it’s easy to believe you need someone else to validate what you already see. But as your horse’s primary caregiver, you are the one who knows their baseline, their patterns, and when something feels off. That lived knowledge truly matters. Waiting vs. Being Paralyzed There is a difference between pausing to calm your fear so you can make a clear decision and being paralyzed while waiting for external permission. Most hesitation comes from fear of being wrong, not from lack of care. When your doubt delays your decisions, the horse often pays the cost. Outside Opinions Every outside opinion can quietly erode trust in your own observations. Over time, decision-making shifts away from the horse and toward outside voices, even though your horse is communicating clearly through changes in energy, movement, digestion, and behavior. Those early signals are meaningful. Disease seldom shows up loudly; it builds through whispers long before it screams. Expert Support Professional support has a place, but professionals are consultants, not permission givers. You remain the decision-maker. True advocacy means staying grounded in what your horse is showing you while using outside expertise to support, not override, that awareness. Flexibility matters far more than rigid adherence to any single philosophy. When You Trust Yourself When you give yourself permission to listen and act, everything changes. Communication becomes clearer, stress decreases, and trust deepens. When their whispers are heard, horses don’t need to scream. Your horse is counting on you to trust what you already know. Links and resources: Healing Horses with Elisha: Links and resources Learn more about Healing Horses Their Way 2026 Pay-in-full or 3-month payment plan And for extra flexibility we also have a 6-month payment plan​ Either way, you’re stepping into an experience that your horse will be grateful for.