Muscular tightness

A common muscular problem in horses is muscular tightness, also known as tying up or Monday's disease.

Recognition

Muscular tightness usually occurs on a day after rest or very light work. Muscular retardation due to sudden cramping of the muscles shortly after the horse has been put to work. There are also slight forms of muscular stiffness where stiffness occurs after work in stables.

Prevention

Daily motion with prolonged warm-up and cooling-down is an important measure to prevent muscle retention in horses. To prevent muscle trapping, try to replace the starch and sugars as much as possible with extra fiber (raw fiber) and fat.

The NSKs (starch and sugar) in the ration must be reduced. Because good quality roughage is very important, Hartog Lucerne-mix can be fed. Lucerne contains fewer NSKs than grass and hay, reducing the amount of sugar and starch in the ration. Read more about Sugar in roughage.

For horses who need to do a lot of work, up to 500 ml of vegetable oil per day can be added as a power supply to the concentrate. The horse needs to get used to it slowly, but within a few weeks this transition can be made. As a result, the horse uses oil as a source of energy and less carbohydrates; hence, is less likely to acidify the muscles.

The best strength foods in addition to our Lucerne-mix that are sensitive to muscle captivity are Hartog Balance Structure Muesli and Hartog Concept kruidenbrok. Both have low levels of starch and sugars.