Madalyn Ward, DVM shares her answers to specific holistic horse care questions from clients. To see more questions and answers on real holistic horse care situations check out our Holistic Horsekeeping and Horse Harmony Facebook pages.

Q – I am trying to find the product “Stomach Soother” on your website and can’t find it. I read the article on papaya and wanted to see about ordering the product. Do you carry this?

A – Unfortunately the Stomach Soother product is no longer available. Instead, you can just get human grade papaya tablets from your local health food store or online health venue, read the label for dosage and give twice as much for a horse as is recommended on the product for a human. It can be added to feed or just given by itself. Some people are also opting to just use fresh papaya, but of course that would be harder to determine an amount to feed since it would depend on the size of the fruit, etc…

Q – Read your article on prebiotics. Is there any one of the three you mentioned that you recommend for older horses? I am trying to add stronger health to some I am supporting over 18.

A – I am not certain which article you are referring to but 2 of my favorites for an older horse are this algae, probiotic, prebiotic, enzyme blend and Ration Plus.

Q – I was wondering when I would start to see changes (approximately) in my horse once I start the aloe vera juice/slippery elm mixture. He is a 33 year old Thoroughbred that has had problems with ulcers since he came to me ( he is a rescue from the track) . I have used ULcergard, it helps but is quite expensive. I am looking to for something to give maybe daily to help prevent them.

A – I would expect you will see changes within 10 days of starting the Aloe/Slippery Elm. Another good option is GastroPlus Pro.