01 Oct SA horse breeder praises Opti-Gut for maintaining horse health
Anneke Sterk of Happenstance Morgans stud in South Australia has owned horses most of her life.
“I’m not super competitive. I really have them for the enjoyment and companionship,” she explained.
Around 6 years ago, Anneke fell in love with a Gypsy Cob, Watermark Sharpshooter, when she bought the foal at six weeks old.
“I gave him the paddock name of “Baloo”, after the bear in Jungle Book. And because his mum was called “Big Bear”. He definitely suits his name. He’s the best-natured horse, gorgeous in every way, but he internalises everything. I took him to a few shows, but he always had a bit of a dodgy gut.
“Thinking back, I remember when he won Supreme Champion Gypsy Cob as a yearling at Adelaide Autumn Royal. I spent the whole day washing his tail because he kept scouring. My proudest moment was not his Supreme ribbon. It was when he had his first solid poo right in front of the judge immediately after the sash was tied around his neck! That was the beginning of my journey into all things gut-related.
“When Baloo was two years old, I discovered the Morgan breed. I have recently started a small Morgans stud, Happenstance Morgans. I own a small group of broodmares, as well as my main ridden mare Black Ruby, and Nightwing, a stunning black morgan gelding.
“Ruby has had some tummy trouble, fore and hindgut ulcers, and when she is uncomfortable, she definitely lets me know! Nightwing also had grade 3 ulcers after he was started under saddle. This was probably due to the stress of being separated from his best mate Baloo for four weeks! Fore gut ulcers are not too hard to diagnose, as they can be detected by scope. But hind gut issues, well I’ve found them hard to diagnose and treat.”
Anneke’s first step was to develop her own formula to assist with her horse’s gut health
Anneke has a science background, so she put together a bespoke formula to treat her horses’ gut health issues. This was based on peer-reviewed studies on marine calcium, yeast metabolites, and lecithin.
“I started using these products before Sucralox was available in Australia. Plus, I also use Mycosorb A as a toxin binder. I found it helpful for preventing photosensitivity in Baloo, my gipsy cob.
“I’d tried all the other available supplements. None of them seemed to have much effect, and they’re also very expensive.”
“Although I felt like my horses were much improved, I was still reliant on Vet prescription medication. Plus, their manure was definitely not consistently good.”
Then she discovered Opti-Gut Probiotic for Horses.
The Opti-Gut difference to horse health
“I was breeding one of my Morgan mares to a very good stock horse stallion. The stallion owner told me about Opti-Gut. Though I didn’t think it would work, I thought it was worth a go.
“Within three days, my horse’s manure looked and smelled different. There was no ‘looseness’, and it definitely smelt better. I gradually took them off all the other things, and now they’re all on Opti-Gut. What I like about it is that it’s so affordable and easy to use.”
Opti-Gut has helped maintain her horses’ gut health even when she moved properties.
“Moving them can be a bit stressful. But on Opti-Gut, none of the horses got scoured. Even when turned into a lush green paddock after being on a dry lot. Unfortunately, I ran out of Opti-Gut about a week after moving – and they got diarrhoea when they came off it.
That’s when I approached Opti-Gut to buy the product in bulk in SA.
My Opti-Gut arrived, and within a day of resuming the supplement, they were fine.
Opti-Gut Probiotics for Horses: the affordable supplement for year-round gut health
“I genuinely believe equine health products should be affordable. Opti-Gut is pelletised, too, which makes a difference. The fact is you don’t know when a horse is going to be stressed. I think it’s just not worth taking them off it. “
Since using Opti-Gut successfully, Anneke has recommended the product to two friends.
They were very sceptical at first. Now, having used it on their horses, they’re sold! Their horses are eating and putting on weight, and the quality of their manure looks much better.
Anneke has also decided to distribute Opti-Gut Probiotics.
“Because I’ve got eight horses, I need to order in bulk. Ordering in small quantities is a bit of a hassle. But I always want to ensure I have it on hand. The great thing about distributing Opti-Gut is the people who come back to me absolutely thrilled that the product works for their horses. One customer, an equine bodyworker, was so impressed with the results for her own mount that she has recommended it to all of her clients.
“All of my horses and youngstock are on Opti-Gut. I’m even giving it to my dogs, and there are days that I have thought about adding some to my breakfast too!”