Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Title: [RC] Sluggish horse, part II - Claire Nystrom

Hello Claire,
You asked about folks who have worked with horses having thyroid issue.
I have one that I purchased as an 8 yo, he appeared healthy and athletic,
and after working with him for more than three years, we did a blood test
and found that he had low thyroid.  He had many symptoms, which we
never connected with thyroid issues - we just didn't know. 

Before we discovered his problem, he was never able to finish a 25-30 mile ride without some issues. 
He did not eat well, would not drink, and had skin allergies.  He had a cresty neck, thin
mane and tail, and low tolerance for grain of any sort.  He is a very athletic horse, so we
were very confused for a long time about his symptoms, until the blood tests showed very
low thyroid (T4) and low selenium.  We put him on supplements for both immediately, and
changed his diet to low starch, almost nothing other than hay/grass, and found his life
changed immediately. He became energetic, began to eat better, lost his skin problems, and
his coat improved.  Unfortunately, six months after putting him on the thyroid meds, he
developed a very serious heart murmur (grade 5) and we retired him.

He now lives comfortably in our pastures, educating the youngsters.  His heart condition has
improved sufficiently to the point that he can now be lightly ridden, but we don't take him off the
property.  He's now a healthy, happy 17 yo, and I hope to have him many more years.

Lorretta Hopkins
Bryans Road, MD