FEED ADVICE – HEALTH
Understanding Tying Up in horses
Tying Up, also known as exertional rhabdomyolysis is the most common muscle disorder seen in horses resulting in muscle damage and poor performance. Tying up is primarily seen in sport horses where episodes can range from mild muscle cramps to severe muscle breakdown and damage. Although distressing, tying up can be managed effectively through diet and routine.
Key Highlights
Tying up is also known as exertionalrhabdomyolysis, Monday Morning Disease, and azoturia.
It is characterised by muscle damage and the resulting in pain, spasms and stiffness.
Genetic factors, dietary imbalances, and overtaining are some of the causes behind tying up in horses.
Immediate actions during an episode of tying up include pain relief, muscle relaxtion and blood tests.
Understanding Tying Up
Tying Up is essentially extreme muscle cramping. It is characterized by muscle damage and the breakdown of muscle cells, leading to the release of muscle enzymes into the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered by intense exercise or exertion beyond the horse’s training level. The excessive strain on the muscles can result in muscle pain, stiffness, and lameness.
Tying Up arises from a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and management factors, including:
Recognising clinical signs of Tying Up
Recognising the signs of Tying Up is essential for prompt intervention and management, as early recognition may improve outcomes and minimize long-term complications:
Diagnosis of Tying Up
Diagnosis of tying up in horses involves several diagnostic approaches. Veterinary examination focuses on observing clinical signs such as muscle stiffness, pain, gait abnormalities, sweating, and any history of previous tying up episodes after exercise. A detailed history is essential, covering the horse’s exercise routine, diet, management practices, and past episodes of tying up.
Blood tests are crucial, measuring muscle enzymes like creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to detect muscle damage, typical in tying up cases. Interpreting enzyme levels can be challenging, as even asymptomatic horses may show elevated levels post-exercise. Horses with chronic tying up may exhibit persistently high CK and AST levels at rest.
Urinalysis reviews the myoglobin content in the urine, which if found, indicates severe muscle damage. A muscle biopsy may be necessary in severe or recurrent cases, examining muscle tissue for damage or abnormalities under a microscope. Measuring electrolyte excretion (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride) can identify horses with abnormal electrolyte absorption. It’s crucial to collect samples when the horse is stable and consuming its normal diet.
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, other potential causes of muscle pain and stiffness, such as lameness or neurological issues, are ruled out through comprehensive clinical examination and diagnostic tests.
Treating a Horse with Tying Up
Treatment for a horse that has experienced tying up focuses on relieving muscle pain and inflammation and promoting muscle recovery. If your horse ties up the following steps should be followed:
Move the horse to a stable – do not make the horse travel far as tying up in an incredibly painful condition and excessive movement can exacerbate the condition
If the horse is warm apply cold water or cold packs to affected muscle groups to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. If it is colder weather, place a rug on the horse to avoid the need to shiver. Avoid excessive rubbing or massaging, which can further irritate muscles.
Once the vet arrives, they might:
- Offer Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as phenylbutazone (bute) or flunixin meglumine (Banamine), may be administered to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Provide Fluid Therapy: Intravenous fluids may be necessary to maintain hydration and support kidney function, especially if myoglobinuria (dark urine) indicates significant muscle damage.
- Offer Sedation: drugs such as Acepromazine and xylazine can be offered to alleviate acute pain and discomfort. These medications help relax tense muscles, reducing spasms and stiffness that contribute to the horse’s pain
Management and Prevention Strategies
Effective management and prevention strategies can help minimise the occurrence of tying up in horses and promote overall muscle health.
Long-term dietary adjustments, developing a sustainable exercise routine, avoiding overtraining, and implementing stress management techniques are crucial for preventing episodes of tying up.
Dietary Adjustments:
Balanced Diet: Providing a balanced diet rich in high-quality forage, appropriate levels of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals supports overall health, muscle function, and athletic performance in horses prone to ER.
Supplemental Vitamin E and Selenium: Supplementation with vitamin E and selenium, either through balanced feeds, mineral supplements, or oral supplements, helps support antioxidant defences, protect against oxidative stress, and reduce the risk of muscle damage associated with ER.
Did you know our ReFuel contains vitamin E and Selenium? Ideal for helping support your horse’s muscles.
Amino Acid Supplementation: Essential amino acids, such as lysine, methionine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), play critical roles in muscle protein synthesis, repair, and recovery, making them valuable additions to the diets of horses prone to ER.
Did you know all our complete feeds contain lysine and methionine?
Electrolyte Balance: Maintaining electrolyte balance through appropriate supplementation, particularly during periods of increased sweating or intense exercise, helps support muscle function, hydration, and acid-base balance, reducing the risk of muscle cramping and fatigue associated with ER.
Did you know that regular electrolyte supplements can be abrasive to the digestive system and companies must add a lot of sugar to make them palatable? That is why our Pure Electrolytes are fat coated, to make sure they are more bioavailable to the horse and kinder on the digestive system.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, derived from sources such as fish oil or linseed oil, may help modulate inflammatory responses, support cardiovascular health, and enhance muscle recovery in horses prone to ER.
Did you know all our feeds contain micronized linseed? We even sell Pure Linseed for horses that require a little bit extra!
Developing a Sustainable Routine
Developing a sustainable exercise routine is crucial in managing and preventing tying up in horses. Strenuous exercise without proper conditioning and rest periods can increase the risk of muscle damage and tying up.
Start with low-intensity activities such as walking and light trotting, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of workouts as the horse’s fitness improves. Avoid sudden, intense exercise sessions, as these can trigger episodes of tying up. Additionally, ensure the horse has adequate warm-up and cool-down periods to promote muscle flexibility and circulation. Incorporate rest days and monitor the horse’s response to exercise closely, adjusting the program as needed. Providing a balanced diet with sufficient electrolytes and ensuring proper hydration can also help manage the condition.
Horses prone to tying up benefit from a regular, consistent exercise routine, but this does not necessarily mean they should work daily from a regular, consistent exercise routine, but this does not necessarily mean they should work every day. Daily exercise can help maintain muscle function and prevent episodes of tying up by promoting steady muscle metabolism and preventing the buildup of lactic acid. However, the intensity and duration of exercise should be carefully managed. Incorporate rest days or very light activity days to allow the horse’s muscles to recover. This is especially important if the horse shows any signs of stiffness or discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding why horses tie up is crucial for their well-being. From recognising the signs to implementing management and prevention strategies. Genetic factors, dietary imbalances, and overtraining play significant roles in this condition. By taking immediate actions, making dietary adjustments, and managing stress, you can help minimise the risk.
Featured products to help with Tying Up
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Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Boost your horse’s diet naturally with Pure Linseed 🌿
A high-quality, oil-rich, micronised seed that’s gentle on the gut and provides slow-release calories to support condition, coat quality, and overall wellbeing. Packed with natural oils and fibre, linseed promotes a shiny coat, skin condition, and a balanced digestive system, all without added sugar or starch.
Micronised for optimal digestibility, it can be fed to support weight gain or sprinkled over feed to enhance skin and coat. Versatile, natural, and wholesome nutrition you can trust.
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Struggling with less grass this winter? All Pure Feed complete feeds are high in digestible fibre, keeping your horse’s gut moving and energy steady.
Need extra fibre or a hay replacer? Pure Meadow Mash is perfect – safe to feed in larger quantities and great for popping straight out into your horse’s field so they can nibble naturally 🩵
Think feeding large meals will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs, only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut, where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds maximise nutrient absorption, support normal gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely Think feeding big buckets will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs — only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut — where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition. 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds — like Pure Feed — maximise nutrient absorption, support healthy gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely 🩵
Think feeding large meals will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs, only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut, where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds maximise nutrient absorption, support normal gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely Think feeding big buckets will help your horse put on weight? 🐴
Even large horses have small stomachs — only 8–15 litres. One giant feed can overload digestion, sending a lot of nutrients straight into the hindgut — where much of it passes out as wasted manure instead of helping your horse gain condition. 💸💩
Smaller, frequent meals of high-fibre, energy-dense feeds — like Pure Feed — maximise nutrient absorption, support healthy gut function, and help your horse gain condition safely 🩵
Good doer? Keep the weight off without cutting out their feed 🌿
Pure Balance – low-cal balancer, the base of every Pure Feed
Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer
Easy – low-cal with extra oil & fibre to support energy
Struggling to get it right? Our Diet Plan Service builds the perfect feeding plan for your good doer 🩵 Link in bio
Good doer? Keep the weight off without cutting out their feed 🌿
Pure Balance – low-cal balancer, the base of every Pure Feed
Fibre Balance – handful of chaff + balancer
Easy – low-cal with extra oil & fibre to support energy
Struggling to get it right? Our Diet Plan Service builds the perfect feeding plan for your good doer 🩵 Link in bio
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
Feeding shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. ⏱️
With Pure Feed, everything your horse needs is already in the bag 👉 balancer, fibre, vitamins, minerals, slow-release energy = all sorted.
Just scoop ➜ feed ➜ get on with the fun stuff 🩵
Want a simpler winter routine?
Free diet plans in our bio.
Here at Pure Feed, we use unmolassed sugar beet for one reason: it works. 🌱✨
This super-fibre gives your horse cool energy, better digestion, and natural condition, plus is naturally low in sugar and starch. No spikes, no fizz, just smart nutrition that supports every horse, every day.
High fibre ✔️
Naturally digestible ✔️
Gut-friendly ✔️
Performance you can feel ✔️
Link in bio to explore the full range 🩵
Here at Pure Feed, we use unmolassed sugar beet for one reason: it works. 🌱✨
This super-fibre gives your horse cool energy, better digestion, and natural condition, plus is naturally low in sugar and starch. No spikes, no fizz, just smart nutrition that supports every horse, every day.
High fibre ✔️
Naturally digestible ✔️
Gut-friendly ✔️
Performance you can feel ✔️
Link in bio to explore the full range 🩵
The festive break is over, and we’re back! 🎉 Our office is open and ready to help you kick off the new year on the right hoof!
Give us a call: 01458 333333
Email: info@purefeed.com
Or simply send us a DM - we’d love to hear from you!
The festive break is over, and we’re back! 🎉 Our office is open and ready to help you kick off the new year on the right hoof!
Give us a call: 01458 333333
Email: info@purefeed.com
Or simply send us a DM - we’d love to hear from you!
Hello 2026! 🎉
A new year is the perfect moment to reset your horse’s routine, review their diet, and make sure they’re getting exactly what they need for the season ahead.
Whether your goals are condition, performance, weight control, or simply keeping things consistent through winter, the Pure Feed range is designed to make feeding easier; complete, molasses free, high fibre, and built around slow-release energy.
If you want help planning your horse’s nutrition for the year ahead, try our free personalised diet plan to start 2026 on the right hoof 😉
👉 https://www.purefeed.com/free-personalised-diet-plan/
Hello 2026! 🎉
A new year is the perfect moment to reset your horse’s routine, review their diet, and make sure they’re getting exactly what they need for the season ahead.
Whether your goals are condition, performance, weight control, or simply keeping things consistent through winter, the Pure Feed range is designed to make feeding easier; complete, molasses free, high fibre, and built around slow-release energy.
If you want help planning your horse’s nutrition for the year ahead, try our free personalised diet plan to start 2026 on the right hoof 😉
👉 https://www.purefeed.com/free-personalised-diet-plan/
As we wrap up 2025, we just want to say a huge thank you to our Pure Feed community; every horse, every owner, every yard that’s chosen to feed the fibre-first way this year.
From good doers to performance horses, golden oldies to cheeky youngsters, you’ve trusted us to keep their diets simple, balanced, and molasses-free… and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Here’s to shiny coats, happy horses, and more Pure-fuelled adventures in 2026 🩵
As we wrap up 2025, we just want to say a huge thank you to our Pure Feed community; every horse, every owner, every yard that’s chosen to feed the fibre-first way this year.
From good doers to performance horses, golden oldies to cheeky youngsters, you’ve trusted us to keep their diets simple, balanced, and molasses-free… and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Here’s to shiny coats, happy horses, and more Pure-fuelled adventures in 2026 🩵
Ready for better results? Start with the right diet.
Get a free, personalised Pure Feed diet plan; fast, expert and tailored to your horse’s goals. Better condition, better performance, better clarity.
Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
Ready for better results? Start with the right diet.
Get a free, personalised Pure Feed diet plan; fast, expert and tailored to your horse’s goals. Better condition, better performance, better clarity.
Start your plan now via the link in our bio 🩵
Even in winter, horses lose essential electrolytes and nutrients through sweat and that can impact hydration, muscle function, and post-exercise recovery.
Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.
Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.
Recovery made simple 🍒
Even in winter, horses lose essential electrolytes and nutrients through sweat and that can impact hydration, muscle function, and post-exercise recovery.
Pure Refuel is designed to make recovery simple. It provides a balanced combination of electrolytes, amino acids, antioxidants, and pre- and probiotics to support hardworking muscles, hydration, and overall wellbeing after work.
Whether your horse is training, competing, hunting, or hacking, Refuel helps them bounce back effectively.
Recovery made simple 🍒
Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
Wishing all our wonderful customers, horses and supporters a very Happy Christmas! 🎁✨
Thank you for being part of the Pure Feed family this year 🩵
We love hearing how Pure Feed is making a difference! Here’s Jemma’s experience with Yogi:
"Honestly, my horses were on another feed for nearly 10 years before I switched them to Pure about a year ago and the difference has been huge. They absolutely love the feed, their coats and condition look incredible, and they just seem so much happier.
Yogi can be really sharp in the winter, but since being on Pure, I haven’t needed to give him a calmer at all! I rave about you guys to anyone who’ll listen!"
- Jemma & Yogi 🩵
We love hearing how Pure Feed is making a difference! Here’s Jemma’s experience with Yogi:
"Honestly, my horses were on another feed for nearly 10 years before I switched them to Pure about a year ago and the difference has been huge. They absolutely love the feed, their coats and condition look incredible, and they just seem so much happier.
Yogi can be really sharp in the winter, but since being on Pure, I haven’t needed to give him a calmer at all! I rave about you guys to anyone who’ll listen!"
- Jemma & Yogi 🩵
Soft, minty and easy to chew, Meadow Mash is perfect for older horses, fussy eaters or those who struggle with long fibres.
The high water content helps keep your horse hydrated and their gut moving, especially when they’re stabled more during wet weather or on box rest.
Fibre and hydration go hand in hand for a normal digestive system, and Meadow Mash provides both in one tasty, easy-to-digest mash 💚
Soft, minty and easy to chew, Meadow Mash is perfect for older horses, fussy eaters or those who struggle with long fibres.
The high water content helps keep your horse hydrated and their gut moving, especially when they’re stabled more during wet weather or on box rest.
Fibre and hydration go hand in hand for a normal digestive system, and Meadow Mash provides both in one tasty, easy-to-digest mash 💚
Did you know Pure Feed is a complete feed?
That means every scoop already includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
No need to buy separate balancers, oils, or extra supplements; it’s all already in there!
Simple for you, balanced for your horse, and often far more cost-effective than feeding multiple products. Fibre-first nutrition that saves you money 🩵
Did you know Pure Feed is a complete feed?
That means every scoop already includes:
✔️ A full balancer
✔️ Fibre
✔️ Slow-release energy
No need to buy separate balancers, oils, or extra supplements; it’s all already in there!
Simple for you, balanced for your horse, and often far more cost-effective than feeding multiple products. Fibre-first nutrition that saves you money 🩵
🎄 Office Holiday Hours 🎄
Just a reminder, our office will be closed for the festive period:
🎄 Closed: 20th December - 1st January
🎄 Reopens: 2nd January
If you need help over the holidays, our info@purefeed.com
email will be monitored, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to top up your feed while we’re away?
Use our stockist map on the website to find your nearest Pure Feed supplier.
From all of us at Pure, wishing you and your horses a happy, safe festive season!
🎄 Office Holiday Hours 🎄
Just a reminder, our office will be closed for the festive period:
🎄 Closed: 20th December - 1st January
🎄 Reopens: 2nd January
If you need help over the holidays, our info@purefeed.com
email will be monitored, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Looking to top up your feed while we’re away?
Use our stockist map on the website to find your nearest Pure Feed supplier.
From all of us at Pure, wishing you and your horses a happy, safe festive season!
Condition Mix vs Condition Pellets – what’s the difference?
Condition Mix 🌿
Chaff-based complete feed packed with fibre, oils, and nutrients in a natural, forage-style texture. Supports chewing, saliva production, and steady hindgut fermentation — ideal for poor doers who enjoy a chaff-based feed.
Condition Pellets 🟤
All the benefits of the Mix, but in a compact, easy-to-feed pellet. Perfect for fussy eaters or horses that don’t like soaked feed. Fully balanced to support condition, energy, and digestive health — no soaking needed.
Not sure which is best for your horse? Get expert guidance with our free personalised diet plan 👉 link in bio
Condition Mix vs Condition Pellets – what’s the difference?
Condition Mix 🌿
Chaff-based complete feed packed with fibre, oils, and nutrients in a natural, forage-style texture. Supports chewing, saliva production, and steady hindgut fermentation — ideal for poor doers who enjoy a chaff-based feed.
Condition Pellets 🟤
All the benefits of the Mix, but in a compact, easy-to-feed pellet. Perfect for fussy eaters or horses that don’t like soaked feed. Fully balanced to support condition, energy, and digestive health — no soaking needed.
Not sure which is best for your horse? Get expert guidance with our free personalised diet plan 👉 link in bio
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
Stockley Trading have been trusted Pure Feed stockists for many years, with teams in Littlehampton and Midhurst who hold exceptional technical knowledge of our full range. Whether you need support with condition, energy levels, weight management or specific ingredients, they can guide you to the right feed with confidence!
And of course, while we were at the Littlehampton store, we couldn’t resist topping up on some Pure Treats and a bag of Pure Easy!
What people say about Pure Feed
