Proper use of Fastrack probiotics?

[Tracey Ritter <tracey_ritter@yahoo.com>]

Here's a stumper for the nutritionists out there:  

A friend of mine gives her horse, a 15 y.o. appendix QH, Fastrack 
(sp?) probiotics every day.  She said that she was told that it would 
help her horse, who apparently only becomes a hard keeper in the 
winter, metabolize his food better and help keep weight on him as a 
result.  This horse has also been diagnosed as having Navicular 
Syndrome, which may or may not suggest that there might be something 
else systemically relating to that, contributing to the fact that he 
has a hard time keeping weight on in the winter.

The only time I had ever heard of it being used was usually after an 
aggressive blast of antibiotics or worming, in the event that too 
many of the body's natural "bugs" were wiped out as a result.  

When is it best to use probiotics?  Should it be used everyday?  And 
if so, under what circumstances?  Also, what are some "typical" 
factors that might make a horse have a hard time keeping on weight 
during the winter?  He has been rarely ridden during the three years 
she's owned him, so over-activity isn't a factor.  

Your experience, expertise and feedback will be greatly appreciated.  
Fortunately, my Peruvian Paso is just the opposite - a very easy 
keeper - and has never needed anything more than grass hay and a 
small amount of whole oats to keep him fat-n-happy.  My friend is 
considering having her horse come live with us permanently, as she 
doesn't have much time for him, and I want to know what I'm getting 
myself into beforehand!

Kindest Regards,

Tracey Ritter
Portland, OR  (soon to be Camas, WA)
-- 
I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it!