Equine Functional Nutrition: Understanding Root Cause to Restore Vitality

Somewhere along the way, we stopped asking why our horses were struggling. Metabolic syndrome. Laminitis. Gastric ulcers. Chronic disease. Allergies. Behavioral and physical conditions that leave owners searching for answers. For many horse owners, these have become familiar challenges, conditions we learn to manage rather than resolve. But what if we could do more than manage? What if we could address the root causes and help our horses truly thrive? Equine Functional Nutritionoffers an invitation to think differently about what horses need, and why. This book is not a rejection of veterinary science, but an expansion of it. Drawing from over two decades of clinical experience, Stephanie Carter translates the principles of functional nutrition into a practical framework that enhances conventional wisdom. By honoring fifty-five million years of equine evolution, we can better understand what the horse's body expects, and how to provide it. Through the six foundations of functional nutrition, digestion, blood sugar regulation, hydration, minerals, fatty acids, and nutrient density, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the horse's body was designed to work and how these systems influence one another. Grounded in a species-appropriate, real foods approach, you'll learn why bio-individuality matters and how to recognize what your particular horse needs. Written for horse owners, veterinarians, and equine professionals alike, Equine Functional Nutrition bridges scientific research with barn-ready wisdom, offering both the conceptual framework and practical guidance needed to support horses in reaching their full potential. The horse's body possesses remarkable wisdom. Our job is to support it. Stephanie Carter, FNTP, is the bestselling author of Managing Muscle Mayhem: A Horse Owner's Guide to Understanding PSSM1, MIM/PSSM2, MFM, MYHM, HYPP & RER. With over two decades working in the veterinary medical field, she has developed functional nutrition protocols that have helped hundreds of horses move from chronic illness to vibrant health. Through Indigo Ancestral Health, she consults for clients across the globe, collaborating with veterinarians and equine health practitioners to address complex equine conditions.