We have written in depth about the horses microbiome and how you might support this already and you can read our microbiome article here. In this article we mentioned the supplements we found successful in supporting our horses challenges and Relyne GI was listed as one of the solutions we found useful. I wanted to share our observations after using Relyne GI on two of our equine partners at Holistic Reflections HQ after exhausting all other solutions to resolve their (GI?) issues.
We were first introduced to Reylne GI by an equine podiatry client who works in the veterinary drug industry. Our client found Relyne GI resolved her horses behavioural and training issues and helped him develop a healthy posture once more and in a very short space of time. We had been working to improve our equine team members wellbeing and resilience and have been focused on supporting their microbiome holistically with help from Equibiome and the supplements we outlined in our microbiome article. But we had some challenges still with two equine team members Florida and Turtle who didn't respond as well as the others and veterinary investigation did not offer further insight or diagnosis.
Their faecal egg counts, saliva tests for tapeworm and blood test for and encysted red worm were totally clear yet their general thriftiness, compensatory posture and responses to being touched, groomed, rugged, etc led the team (vet, therapist and ourselves) to believe this was somehow to do with their GI tract. We talked in length to Brendan from Merlin Vet UK, who specialise in importing and exporting pharmaceuticals and equipment to veterinary professionals. I thought this was a little odd as Relyne GI is not a vet prescribed drug, but I soon learned Brendan and Merlin Vet UK have a lot of faith in this supplement and persuaded me to give it a try based on the positive feedback they had already received from vets, trainers and other professionals as well as horse owners.
What is Relyne GI?
Relyne GI is (according to Resolvet) "a carefully formulated blend of gut-friendly hyaluronan and wellness-boosting beta glucan aimed at providing a natural, long-term alternative to support gastric health in horses."
Further more, it is "safe for long-term daily use in horses that need a maintenance supplement for gastric upset" and it is said to support joint health too!
You can watch a 55 minute webinar all about Relyne GI and the science and research behind it here
We ordered the 1.9 litre bottle which came with a handy dispensing pump and immediately gave both horses the full dose of 2 pumps twice daily. Within about 4 days, myself and our equine yard manager Val independently noticed a change in behaviour... both were less reactive to touch or being groomed and they seemed to be more relaxed when in and around their stables. In the past, they seemed a little precious about their personal space and would pull faces when you entered their stable, despite being patient and respectful of their needs.
Within a month it was clear there was indeed a difference but we continued with the full dose for the recommended 3 months. We also noticed a shinier coat and a change in posture and hoof proportions - we had been fighting with low palmar P3 angles for years and suddenly it seemed we might finally achieve healthy ideals! I can tell you, it is a bit embarrassing when an expert hoof carer cannot achieve a perfect hoof in the horses under their stewardship, so this was a big deal to us!
After 3 months we reduced the dose to a single pump twice daily to see what would happen and we both noticed a change once more... a slight return of previous behaviour.
We have accepted that either these horses, for whatever reason, are in need of the support the Relyne GI is providing, and we have to use it long term, or they need more time on the full dose. I am not sure which, but I am sure that I will continue to support them with Relyne GI while they need it, for however long they need it for! I talked to Brendan about this and he agreed that for some reason, some horses are not able to function optimally without this level of support and will always need assistance. He has learned from other professionals and horse owners of similar instances too, whereas some just need it for the recommended 3 months. I'm grateful for Relyne GI and in particular, for both mares happiness, soundness, comfort and health!
If you think your horse might benefit from Relyne GI, visit our online shop HERE to purchase it. We run offers from time to time and it is frequently on sale for less than RRP. Sign up to our website here for e-newsletters about our current offers.
If you think your horse might have challenges with his or her well-being and resilience, consider the health of the digestive tract. We fully appreciate from first hand experience, and after helping dozens of horse owners on their journey seeking solutions; that knowing where to start can feel daunting! We are here to support you and your horse and can provide consultations to help identify the issue and signpost to solutions, be these an intervention, product or other professionals to best assist you and your horse. We provide a report for you to share with your team and can also provide expert integrative hoof care. Contact us today or browse our equine consultations and book a service with us today!
"Sun", happily grazing once more after years of grass sensitivity and after overcoming a myriad of health challenges including an "inoperable tumour" (which completely resolved once we relocated to an organic environment), laminitis, pedal osteitis, kidney issues and more! Photo taken at our HQ at Holistic Reflections CIC, West Cumbria, England. Photo taken in early May 2021.
Beccy Smith BSc ADAEP EBW
Diploma in Advanced Applied Equine Podiatry and Independent Equine Podiatrist, Consultant and Therapist
CEO and Founder of 100% Non-Profit Community Interest Company Holistic Reflections CIC
If, like our clients, you want to learn a PRO-Active approach to hoof care and wish to prevent lameness in your horse, consider booking us for an Integrative Podiatry Consult, Educational Event, Mentorship, On-line Course or join our new VIP membership where you can learn top tips straight from an expert!
We take an integrative and holistic approach to whole horse hoof and body health. We appreciate the relationship between body, limb and hoof and seek to address imbalances while positively influencing appropriate static and dynamic hoof balance and biomechanics.
Beccy Smith BSc DAEP EBW – Independent Equine Podiatrist and CEO of Holistic Reflections CIC
Holistic Reflections CIC – a 100% non-profit organisation promoting wellbeing and resilience in people, horses and the environment - for the benefit of all.