Traditional, unfiltered cider vinegar with mother has been used for the treatment of horses for many years.

Horses have been fed cider vinegar for centuries

Traditionally fermented cider vinegar has been fed to equines for hundreds of years. As with people, horses can suffer from stiffness and arthritic pain and cider vinegar can help. A daily dose will work to remove toxins and balance the animal's pH as well as supplying a cocktail of minerals – all of which will help to alleviate joint pain.

Somerset Cider Vinegar is made only from pure cider apple juice. We use no sugar, concentrate, sulphites or any of the other nasties added by industrial vinegar producers.

We now know that cider apples have more powerful antioxidants than dessert or culinary apples and horses learn to love the taste of real cider vinegar. If the cider vinegar you buy doesn't state that it's made from whole cider apples - it won't be!

Improved digestion

Cider vinegar will acidify the stomach which will encourage improved digestion and absorption of minerals. This can help protect your horse against bacteria, parasites and water-borne diseases. Research has also shown that it can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which is helpful for ponies sensitive to sugar.

Deterring flies

Traditional cider vinegar is also good for treating swellings and bruises (but not open wounds). Soak a bandage in cider vinegar before binding the affected area and wrap with cling film. Cider vinegar can be used neat to treat fly bites (as long as they are not infected) and quickly reduces swelling. It can also be added to water for washing down or for showing. This will bring a shine to the coat and deters flies.

Natural detangle mains and tails!

Adding a cup of Cider Vinegar to the water used to rinse your horses main and tail will act like a natural hair conditioner. They will feel smooth and softer and the vinegar will help with tangles. The Cider Vinegar will also remove any build up of soap products in your animals main and tail.

Horse's drinking water when travelling

Some horses will refuse water if it doesn't taste like what they're used to. If you are showing your horse in different parts of the country the chemical make-up of the water available will change. An animal which is familiar with the taste of Cider Vinegar in its water will be less prone to these changes in its drinking water.