Empowering Equine Health: The InSynergy Method for Nutritional and Wellness Needs

Emphasizing a holistic and supportive approach to equine health by enabling horses to actively engage in meeting their nutritional and wellness needs. The InSynergy method involves offering horses a recommended daily dose of supplements- or botanicals, carefully diluted in one quart (1 L) or more of clean water. This preparation can be provided either free choice—allowing the horse to self-select when and how much to consume—or under supervised conditions targeting the goal of recollecting feedback/data. This strategy aligns with the principles of zoopharmacognosy, the process through which animals instinctively select plants and substances that support their health - allowing us to enhance and improve care routines

EXPLORATORY CURIOUSITY

insynergy - equineliberty

8/31/20243 min read

white and brown horse near river
white and brown horse near river

Understanding Equine Health: A Holistic Perspective

Equine health is often misconceived as a mere focus on the physical attributes and nutritional needs of horses. However, a holistic approach emphasizes that the well-being of equines encompasses not only their physical health but also their mental and emotional states. This perspective recognizes that horses are sentient beings with complex emotional needs that significantly influence their overall wellness. Therefore, when considering equine care, owners should foster an environment that promotes not just physical vitality but also emotional security and psychological comfort.

The holistic perspective on equine health integrates several fundamental principles. Firstly, it acknowledges the intricate connection between a horse's body, mind, and environment. For instance, factors such as stress from their surroundings, social interactions with other horses, and even training methods can impact a horse's physical health. By understanding these interrelationships, owners can adopt strategies that ensure not only optimal nutrition but also a supportive lifestyle that addresses mental challenges and emotional needs.

Nutrition lies at the heart of equine health, but it is essential to view it through a broader lens. Providing balanced diets that align with the horse’s activity levels, age, and health status is crucial, yet it is equally important to evaluate how stress and environment might hinder digestion or nutrient absorption. Furthermore, a horse’s emotional state can impact its appetite, making the nutritional aspect even more intertwined with other health areas.

Moreover, holistic equine care stresses the importance of regular veterinary check-up, socialization, environmental and exercise assessments in maintaining a horse's well-being. These components when in harmony contribute to stress reduction and emotional fulfillment, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to wellness. Addressing each aspect of a horse's existence allows owners to promote a healthier, happier life for their beloved animals.

a horse standing in the middle of a field
a horse standing in the middle of a field

The InSynergy Method Explained

The InSynergy method represents a groundbreaking approach to equine health, merging nutritional supplementation with holistic wellness and participatory/liberty training principles. At its core, the method integrates a selection of specially formulated botanical supplements and empowering horses to exercise free will while enabling them to intuitively identify their own needs leading to more appropriate diagnostics. This strategic combination not only optimizes the utilization of vital nutrients but also ensures that horses receive the maximum benefit from these natural ingredients.

The mixture is then provided in a manner that promotes free-choice consumption, allowing horses the autonomy to consume the supplements as desired or needed. Supervision during this phase is vital; it ensures that horses are engaging with the system effectively and that they receive encouragement to make their own health decisions.

so WHY drowned, and Free-choice?

Horses have highly developed olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) systems, which they use to assess the contents of what they consume. When supplements are mixed with water, the dilution allows the scent and taste to disperse more evenly, making it easier for the horse to detect and evaluate individual components. This improves their ability to decide if the supplement meets their needs. Additionally, this method promotes hydration, encourages self-regulation, and prevents rejection that might occur with concentrated forms of supplementation

a horse standing in a field of tall grass

to foster improved health in domestic equines with the use of movement encouragement through practical enrichment strategies, offering diluted supplements for self-selection along with unlimited forage is an effective approach. This practice not only enhances digestion and supports overall well-being but also aligns with a horse’s natural foraging instincts. By placing buckets with different supplement options in various locations, horses are encouraged to navigate, explore, and engage with their environment. This method serves as both physical (exercise) and mental (choices) stimulation, promoting natural behaviors while allowing them to address specific physiological needs, such as replenishing minerals, restoring electrolytes, or addressing anti-inflammatory requirements, ultimately contributing to balanced, holistic health.