We all know that our horses can be the most graceful of creatures, but we also know that many of them seem to be the clumsiest and most accident-prone beings we will ever have the pleasure to deal with. For some, they never seem to be without some sort of scrape or cut. Others can have especially sensitive skin, our pintos, chestnuts and heavily chromed horses that, despite our very best efforts, seem to pick up every fungus and skin condition out there. The skin or epidermis is the horse’s (and our own) largest organ, and it receives the brunt of life’s daily wear and tear. While horses are typically hardy animals with thick layered skin, constant skin irritation and disturbance can lead to an overall degradation in the health of your horse. Luckily, there are many methods and useful products to help us combat these problems. Here we will touch on one line of those products that is new to System Equine.
We all know that our horses can be the most graceful of creatures, but we also know that many of them seem to be the clumsiest and most accident-prone beings we will ever have the pleasure to deal with. For some, they never seem to be without some sort of scrape or cut. Others can have especially sensitive skin, our pintos, chestnuts and heavily chromed horses that, despite our very best efforts, seem to pick up every fungus and skin condition out there. The skin or epidermis is the horse’s (and our own) largest organ, and it receives the brunt of life’s daily wear and tear. While horses are typically hardy animals with thick layered skin, constant skin irritation and disturbance can lead to an overall degradation in the health of your horse. Luckily, there are many methods and useful products to help us combat these problems. Here we will touch on one line of those products that is new to System Equine.
Ionic silver has been historically recognized for its antibacterial properties and ability to kill viruses, moulds, and fungi. It is a smart material that will only release its antimicrobial properties when microbes are present “on demand” to kill them and to prevent the development of resistant strains. After tapping into this power, EquiFit inc has developed the AgSilver line of silver infused horse care products.
System Equine carries four AgSilver products, each with outstanding benefits, individually or when combined. The Daily Strength CleanWash is a therapeutic shampoo recommended to use as a preventative measure for horses prone to fungi or infections on their legs and bodies. This shampoo aids in limiting the growth of antibacterial organisms which often can lead to more serious fungus, like rain rot, stopping the infection before it takes hold. Rain rot is a disease caused by the opportunistic bacterium, dermatophilus congolesis which enters through damaged skin such as an insect bite and prospers in moist conditions. Usually appearing around the horse’s neck, back, croup and legs, this contagious skin fungus leaves the skin crusty and raises tufts of serum-matted hair. These tufts usually shed, creating hairless patches on the horse.
Similarly, the Daily Strength CleanTalc performs equally well and is just as efficient as the CleanWash. This therapeutic powder is recommended for more frequent infections and can also help prevent the growth and spread of fungi. As an even further preventative measure, CleanTalc can be used on tack and other equipment to prevent the spread of skin infections such as ringworm. Ringworm, a complete misnomer, as it is not in fact caused by any sort of worm, is a highly contagious fungal infection and is named after the ring-like shape the skin lesions it produces take on. Ringworm will also leave a hairless and scabby patch on the horse’s skin with a raised edge surrounding it. Just by dusting CleanTalc on the area of the horse where a problem exists can prevent and limit further growth…easy!
We all know the importance of clean fresh water for our horses, but bucket slime can build up in only a day in the right conditions. This is where the Agsilver CleanBucket comes in. The difference between your traditional water bucket and the CleanBucket is, of course, that the clean bucket is infused with ionic silver which controls bacterial growth even underwater. Even with the use of a CleanBucket, water should still be replaced daily and the bucket cleaned frequently as airborne particles and your horses’ food left overs will invariably end up in there too. Decreased bucket slime and clean, better tasting water makes for happier horses!
Lastly, made of a stretchable, breathable material, SilverSox (literally a sock for your horses’ legs) provide the same benefits as EquiFit’s HorseSox providing protection for horses prone to leg irritations. They offer compression as well, aiding in increasing circulation. And of course, they protect against fungus and other bacteria. These socks do the work for you as the silver lining in them goes to work as soon as they are put on the horse.
AgSilver is an environmentally friendly product line and can be used separately or combination. This naturally occurring element has been proven safe and effective and can help keep your horse happy, healthy and fungus free. To learn more visit our store, peruse the website or give us a call and talk to one of our knowledgeable sales staff and try it for yourself today! At System Equine, we have a wide selection of equine, stall, barn, and farm solutions to meet your needs. From high-quality dutch doors and dutch windows, to stall matts, horse stall doors, paddock fencing, and so much more.
