When my 9 year old Arab foundered last August, and failed to respond to the usual treatments, I suspected a problem beyond "clover overload". The low carb / high magnesium diet recommended for insulin resistant horses produced better results, but he still had symptoms that indicated "something smoldering". Soil tests showed toxic levels of iron, aluminum, and manganese. Cooperative extension agents claimed that these would effect only plant growth, not nutritional value, but forage analysis showed the same toxic levels in the pasture forage. Veterinarians claimed that these would not effect our horses, but blood work and hair mineral analysis (HMA) demonstrated abnormally high levels of aluminum and iron in all three horses, along with deficits of essential minerals like copper and zinc. The HMA also showed high levels of arsenic, the source of which we have yet to trace. Our 3-year-old quarter horse narrowly missed foundering also. Only our arthritic 22-year-old mare seemed unaffected.

Our horses spent the winter on a customized supplement mix prescribed by Dr. Eleanor Kellon (technical editor of Horse Journal, and author of books on equine care and nutrition). The mix was based on analysis of our winter hay and included vitamins, minerals, and a "detox" herb. Vet and farrier are pleased with my Arab’s progress despite several degrees of rotation. Our filly shows no more laminitis symptoms, and our arthritic older mare is sounder and more flexible than she has been in years.

A custom supplement was essential for us because most mixes include manganese and iron which we already have too much of; and too little copper, zinc, and magnesium in which we are deficient. The custom mix cost $1.00 a day per horse, less than I was spending on other supplements. Hay or forage analysis is less than $30 for a standard package including minerals. All cheap compared to the consequences of laminitis.

Dr. Kellon referred to our pasture situation as typical of upstate New York, and soil analysis from other farms does look much like ours. Few local vets recognize that environmental toxins and mineral imbalances cause many health problems, nor do they address metabolic issues that compound these problems. I would like to share the information and resources I have gathered with other concerned horse owners. This includes:

• books, articles, and web sites with relevant information
• labs that test water, soil, hay and forage, and hair
• veterinarians, local and national, who address these issues
• nutrition companies that make custom supplements
• consultants for adjusting pasture nutrients and pH levels

As examples, the results of our own analyses tracing mineral and toxin levels from soil to plants to blood and hair (Our water tested clean.)

I am not looking for compensation. If I can save anyone else from the pain and distress that my horse and I have suffered, that will be compensation enough.

Lynn Acton operates Sugar Run Farm in Berkshire NY