In Monday Myths we debunk common misconceptions about a range of topics regarding equine digestive health and care. These are real statements made by real horse people. Have a question or topic you would like to see covered? Submit your idea here.
Statement: My horse doesn’t show any signs of weak digestive health. I don’t need SUCCEED.
It’s a common misconception that SUCCEED Digestive Conditioning Program is just a supplement for horses showing signs of weak digestive health. Typically, we find that many owners turn to SUCCEED to help maintain GI health when they want to support a healthy digestive system all the time, to ensure good manure consistency, a healthy weight, optimal nutrient absorption, and just to ensure their horse is healthy and comfortable in the face of the challenges of modern horse keeping, traveling, and competing.
But while many people may start using SUCCEED with their horses for specific health reasons, they say that they stay on it long term because of the benefits they see in their horses’ attitude, behavior, willingness, trainability, and performance as well as overall health and wellness.
Real-Life Examples of Behavior and Performance Benefits
Don’t take our word for it, though. We’ve spoken with top competitors and trainers in many disciplines who use SUCCEED on the horses in their programs, and here’s what they had to say.
Reined cowhorse trainer Ted Robinson once shared that he sees the most difference in the new horses that come to him for training. “The first change I see is in their coat,” Ted says. “But the biggest thing I notice is an attitude change. They are happier to see you and more willing to train.”
Susan Treabess, an FEI Para Dressage rider, originally tried SUCCEED to encourage her partner Moneypenny’s ongoing digestive health. Susan then says, “We saw dramatic results in her ride-ability and trainability. I wouldn’t dare compete a horse without SUCCEED.”
Arabian trainer John Rannenberg was one of the first to use SUCCEED, ever. “I saw a change in less than a week after I began using SUCCEED,” John said. “One of my best English Pleasure horses is very high strung and sensitive. She wants things her way and can be very difficult. The difference with her on SUCCEED has been dramatic. She really enjoys her work now and has become much easier to train.”
These are just a few specific examples of how SUCCEED benefited these top-level horses (and their owners, riders, and trainers) in areas you may not associate with digestive health.
Why Digestive Health May Impact Attitude, Trainability, and Ride-ability
So, just what is the tie-in between a healthy equine digestive system and a horse’s attitude and performance? Ted Robinson put it best: “A happy horse is like a happy person. He does a lot better. If the horse’s stomach and GI tract are healthy, he will perform much better.”
Much of the way we care for horses today, along with the challenges of training, travel, and competition, can compromise the natural health of the equine digestive tract and may impact how a horse feels and performs. Also, some horses are more stoic and don’t necessarily show signs of digestive health concerns.
It’s worth considering that the benefits of supporting digestive health even in a seemingly “healthy” horse could still have a positive impact on how well that horse relates to you and performs for you.
Digestive support only impacts physical health = myth. As the equine digestive system is a critical component of overall wellness, the better a horse feels, the better it may respond and perform.
Have a horse you think could be performing better? Try SUCCEED risk-free today.
