Summer is a busy time for horse owners, particularly if you enjoy taking part in the competition circuit. Three-day events, showjumping, dressage and endurance rides demand great stamina, strength and resilience from your horse. To help them keep performing at their best, it’s essential to manage post-ride recovery. 

Here’s a look at how green clay for horses can provide a powerful complementary therapy for the competition recovery process.

What is green clay?

Green clay is 100 per cent natural mineral clay that is rich in iron oxides, calcium, magnesium, and up to 70 other trace minerals. It can be given as a dietary supplement, and also applied externally as a poultice, or to soothe wounds and treat inflamed and irritated skin. 

How green clay can help your horse recover from competitions

Competing puts intense pressure on horse’s legs, joints and tendons, particularly in the summer when it’s hot and the ground is hard. This can increase the risk of muscle fatigue and swelling. If the recovery process is not well managed, it can lead to more serious issues such as stiffness, discomfort, or even injuries. 

Green clay can be applied as a poultice to the lower legs to ease soreness and stress from physical exertion or travelling. This can help to cool the horse down directly after an event, and reduce swelling and inflammation. It can also reduce the risk of fluid build up in the tendons and fetlocks. 

A green clay poultice can be used to treat puncture wounds or bruising to the hoof, as it helps to draw out toxins and lactic acid. It can also be applied directly to any minor cuts or grazes, or to soothe insect bites. 

Bathtime with babies can be fun as well as a necessary part of their care routine. It’s also an opportunity to bond with your baby, but if they have sensitive skin, extra care needs to be taken to ensure that bathtime doesn’t become a battle. 

Here are some steps you can take to keep your baby safe from irritants and other negative experiences, so that their bath is a calming experience that always leaves them (and you) ready for rest or play, rather than stressed and irritable.  

Keep it short and sweet

If your little one has sensitive skin, introduce them to baths gradually. When they are very little, a top and tail wash with a sponge might be all they need. When you first give them a full bath, make sure that you are feeling calm and well rested yourself so that your baby doesn’t pick up on any tension. 

Be brisk but gentle, and aim to have the bath finished within five to ten minutes. Talk soothingly and smile at your baby as you wash them to help keep any objections in check. Remember that this is a new and potentially alarming experience for them, particularly if their skin is sensitive, and it’s important to start off on the right foot. 

Safety first

Above all, be sure to use lukewarm water that is neither too hot nor too cold: test it yourself with the inside of your wrist or elbow. When your baby is in the water, always support them with one hand to prevent slipping and provide reassurance. 

Never be tempted to leave them alone even for a few seconds: if your attention is absolutely necessary elsewhere, pick your baby up and take them with you. While they are sitting in the bath, frequently squeeze out warm water from a washcloth onto the parts of their skin that are not in contact with the water to prevent them from getting too chilly. 

Pick the right time

For the best experience, choose a time when your baby is already chilled out, and not hungry or overtired. This might be at the start of the day after a morning feed, or as part of their bedtime ritual to help them wind down and feel ready for sleep. It might take a while for you to settle your little one into the perfect bathtime routine. 

Use mild products with a neutral pH

Soaps can be too harsh and irritating for babies, particularly those with sensitive skin. Instead, use gentle products that are specifically formulated for babies. You may wish to explore Mylk Bath Blend, which is made with 100 percent natural and cleansing ingredients including French white clay, colloidal oats and food-grade sodium bicarbonate. 

Dry off gently but thoroughly

As soon as your baby is washed, lift them out of the water and pat them dry with a soft towel, paying special attention to the folds in their skin. You may wish to apply a light moisturising lotion if your baby has dry skin. 

To help prevent rashes and irritation, dust some Mylk powder in the nappy area and other areas that are prone to holding moisture, such as the underarms and rolls of flesh around the legs or neck. 

The winter is finally drawing to a close, and as we welcome the freshness of spring, you might have noticed that your skin is looking tired and dull. It’s an ideal time to switch up your skincare routine and introduce some natural products that will reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, and help your body to detox and revitalise.

If you have never used natural skin or bodycare products before, such as clay toothpaste powders, natural deodorants, and cosmetic clay masks, no doubt you will have a few questions about the benefits and how to use them. Here’s a guide to help you explore a more natural way to take care of yourself as the season changes.

Natural tooth powders

Tooth powders are not a modern invention: they have been around for centuries as a gentle yet effective way to clean the teeth. The powders are made with a blend of premium clays that contain minerals such as calcium, silica, magnesium, and manganese. 

These help to re-mineralise the enamel coating of the teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to decay. The clay has a mild abrasive effect to remove plaque and surface stains, and it is also naturally antibacterial. This slows down the formation of plaque that can lead to decay, and helps to neutralise acids and balance the pH of the mouth. 

The powders are gentle enough to use on sensitive teeth and gums, and can be used alongside or as an alternative to regular toothpaste. You can also use them with charcoal toothpaste, which naturally whitens the teeth without harsh chemicals. It can reduce yellow staining caused by drinking beverages such as tea, coffee, and red wine. 

Natural deodorants

Many people are now waking up to the benefits of natural deodorants. These are deodorants that do not contain aluminium, which is used to block the sweat glands in regular deodorants. Switching to aluminium-free deodorants allows the body to remove toxins through the natural process of sweating. 

The natural deodorant works by neutralising any odour that occurs when sweat mixes with bacteria, rather than preventing the body from sweating. This reduces irritation and clogged pores, and also means that your body isn’t exposed to strong synthetic chemicals that may disrupt hormonal balance and upset sensitive skin. 

As you adjust to a natural deodorant, you may notice that you sweat more than usual as your pores are unclogged and your system works to eliminate toxins. This stage should pass after one to two weeks, and your perspiration will settle back into a regular pattern. 

Clay mask skin detox

Natural clay masks are a gentle way to draw out toxins and balance the oils in your skin. They also have a mild exfoliating effect, to remove dead skin cells and reveal your glowing spring complexion underneath. Simply mix a tablespoon of clay with rosewater, apply to the face and leave for 10-20 minutes.

We are on the cusp of spring, and it’s an exciting time for horse owners, as the muddy quagmires of winter begin to revive back into lush pastures. However, the transition to rich spring grass can place stress on your horse’s digestive system, and can increase their risk of laminitis, a painful inflammation of the hooves. 

Therefore it is important to manage the transition in your horse’s diet carefully, particularly if they have been stabled full time during the winter months. Here’s a look at how green clay for horses can help with this process. 

What is green clay?

Green clay is a naturally occurring mineral rich substance that is derived from ancient volcanic ash deposits. It contains over 70 trace essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and silica, which can support your horse’s overall health when used internally and externally as a poultice. 

How green clay can help with a spring detoxification 

During the winter, horses may have had limited access to fresh grazing, with a diet mainly of hay and processed feed. This can lead to toxins building up in the system, which need to be eliminated. The influx of fresh spring grass can cause further upset, so it’s best to introduce the change gradually, starting with an hour or two of turnout each day. 

Removing toxins from the system

Green clay is highly absorbent, and also has the ability to bind with toxins and heavy metals. This can flush out harmful substances from the gut and eliminate them naturally through the digestive system. 

Supporting healthy gut bacteria

The minerals in green clay can support a balanced gut microbiome, which can improve nutrient absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. This can increase your horse’s energy and stamina levels, and also improve the condition of their skin, coat, and hooves. 

Boosting the immune system

Green clay can boost your horse’s immune system and help them to ward off infection, through the elimination of harmful toxins and increased absorption and circulation of nutrients to the vital organs. 

Joint and muscle support

Green clay has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to support the joints and muscles and aid recovery from injury. 

This is particularly important for older horses, who need extra help to keep their joints supple and mobile. Staying active helps you and your horse to enjoy life to the full, avoid lameness and take part in fun activities such as hacking or even jumping. 

Competition horses who regularly take part in cross country, showjumping or dressage events may also benefit from green clay supplements to enhance their flexibility and boost their energy levels. 

How to use green clay as a feed supplement

To feed as a supplement, add one tablespoon of green clay to your horse’s feed twice a day, for two to three weeks then discontinue use. You can also mix green clay into a water source, but this should be spring water or rainwater rather than tapwater. Your horse should also have access to regular water. 

The use of natural remedies such as clay supplements has become a popular way to support the health of pets such as cats and dogs, and also larger animals such as horses. Here’s a look at the specific benefits of clay for pets. 

What are clay supplements?

Clay supplements are derived from mineral-rich clays such as bentonite and zeolite. These clays have been used for centuries as both an external cosmetic treatment for skin and hair, and as a dietary supplement to soothe the digestion and detoxify the internal organs. 

How can clay supplements support my pet?

Improved digestion 

Animals will naturally eat clay when they are feeling unwell, because it is rich in vitamins and nutrients, and has specific healing qualities. For example, Montmorillonite clay has binding properties that can help dogs and cats that are suffering from loose stools and diarrhoea. It contains no artificial additives or chemicals that could further upset your pet. 

Wound healing

Montmorillonite clay also has natural detoxifying and soothing properties, and can be used to make a poultice to support the healing of wounds and injuries. 

Improved skin and coat

Kaolinite clays that are rich in silica may help to improve the condition of the skin and coat of your pet. They can also help to eliminate toxins that contribute to allergies and skin conditions. 

Protection against parasites

Diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural dewormer to remove internal parasites without using harsh chemicals that your pet may not be able to tolerate well. 

Always consult a vet before starting treatment 

Clays are meant to be used as a health supplement rather than to replace medical treatment that is prescribed by a vet. If your pet has skin or digestive issues, always seek veterinary advice, and ask if a clay supplement is suitable for your pet.