Most cases of horses and ponies that tie up may simply have a trigger, rather than a muscle condition, that can be improved by better dietary and management practices. This includes adding a natural equine supplement that contains ingredients known to help reduce the frequency of sore muscles, stiffness and tying up. Herbal adaptogens such as ginger, licorice root and five-flavor fruit have been successfully used to treat mild and severe cases.
What Does Tying Up Mean?
Tying-up is the umbrella term that is used to classify multiple muscle disorders that affect performance horses. It causes mild to severe muscle cramping, soreness and stiffness especially in the hind end. In some cases, it can make a horse unable to even stand up. Some equines may also experience profuse sweating along with elevated heart and respiratory rates. Most cases are classified as one of two types: Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (RER) or Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) or not caused by an underlying condition.
Ginseng Root Remedies for Horses
Both Siberian and Panax (American) ginseng are adaptogens, which means they can help the body (human or equine) adapt to mental and physical stress. Both are considered to be a gentler and cooler variety rather than hot like Korean ginseng that can negatively affect nervous horses.[1] Ginseng has been shown to shift how the body metabolizes energy helping to delay the build-up of lactic acid. This helps reduce muscle fatigue, soreness and cramping in your equine athlete. [2]
Licorice Root Aids PSSM Horses
Licorice root is commonly known for its flavor in foods but it also contains beneficial therapeutic properties. It is a powerful adaptogen derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Like ginseng, it helps equine athletes adapt to mental and physical stressors. In addition to adrenal and immune support, it reduces inflammation helping to minimize muscle soreness and joint pain.[3] This benefits horses that are prone to tying up from triggers such as overexertion, electrolyte depletion or conditions like PSSM.
Benefits of Schisandra chinensis in Performance Horses
Schisandra chinensis, a potent adaptogen, is commonly known as Five-Flavor Berry, Five-Flavor Fruit or Magnolia Berry. Used in horses with chronic tie up issues, it helps reduce stiffness. Studies based on two groups of racehorses have shown that Schisandra lowers the liver enzymes that cause high levels of lactic acid. The five-fruit berry extract lowers the body’s lactic acid helping to eliminate liver issues as well as muscle damage, soreness and stiffness.[4]
All-Natural Muscle Recovery Supplement for Horses
Along with proper hydration, rest and balanced electrolytes, an adaptogen and antioxidant (vitamin c) supplement such as TWYDIL® M can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness in all equine athletes. Our all-natural, drug-free product may also aid horses suffering from diseases that cause chronic tying up like PSSM and RER, reducing the likelihood of permanent muscle damage.
As with any condition, it is advised that you seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a licensed veterinarian. From there, he or she can recommend proper dietary changes and equine management practices to reduce the typing up episodes.
References:
- Garland, Gloria LAc, Dipl. Ac & CH. “Ginseng for Horses”. Whole Horse Herbs. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://www.wholehorse.com/ginseng.html
- Shuttleworth, Beryl. “Feeding Your Horse Ginseng”. Horse and Pet Health, Dec. 21, 2012. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://www.horseandpethealth.com/horse-health/feeding-your-horse-ginseng/
- Edwards, Elisha. “The Benefits of Licorice Root for Horses”. Elisha Edwards. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://elishaedwards.com/the-benefits-licorice-root-horses/
- Staff, Herbs for Health. “Herbs for Health: Schisandra, Dandelion and Saw Palmetto”. Mother Earth Living. Web. Retrieved April 21, 2021 from https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/capsules-schiandra-dandelion-saw-palmetto