Decoding Equine Supplement Labels: Why It’s Critical for Your Horse’s Health and Competition Eligibility

In the equestrian world, the health and performance of our horses are paramount. Whether you’re a competitive rider or a dedicated horse owner, equine supplements play a vital role in ensuring your horse’s overall well-being. Misinterpreting a label or overlooking certain ingredients can lead to unintended consequences, including health risks and disqualification from competition. In this blog, we’ll break down how to read equine supplement labels, what to watch for, and how ARKequine ensures its products are tested to meet the highest standards.

What’s on an Equine Supplement Label?

Like human supplements, equine supplements come with labels that list their ingredients, dosages, and intended use. Here’s what you should pay close attention to:

1. Active and Inactive Ingredients

• Active Ingredients: These are the compounds that provide the intended benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or herbal extracts. They are usually listed with their exact quantity per serving.
• Inactive Ingredients: These are fillers, preservatives, or binding agents. While they don’t contribute directly to the supplement’s effect, they can sometimes contain hidden sources of restricted substances.

Example: If a supplement contains MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) for joint support, the label should specify the exact amount per dose. Some ingredients, like Devil’s Claw, have known anti-inflammatory effects but are prohibited in competition settings.

2. Measurement Systems and Dosage Clarity

Equine supplement labels use different units to indicate ingredient amounts. Misinterpreting these can lead to ineffective dosing or potential health risks. Here’s what to look for:

• Milligrams (mg) vs. Grams (g): 1,000 mg = 1 g. Even small measurement mistakes can have a significant impact.
• Micrograms (µg): Used for very small amounts, particularly in vitamins like biotin. (1,000 µg = 1 mg).
• Percentage (%): Indicates the concentration of an ingredient. For example, a supplement labeled 5% calcium contains 50 g of calcium per 1,000 g (1 kg) of supplement.
• International Units (IU): Measures potency for vitamins like A, D, and E. IU values vary by nutrient type, so always check recommended guidlelines.

Key Takeaway: Always measure supplements carefully and verify dosages with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist. Too much or too little of a key nutrient can have serious consequences for your horse’s health.

Why Misreading Labels Can Lead to Disqualification

Recent cases, such as the disqualification of a competition horse due to testing positive for a banned substance, underscore the risks of overlooking supplement labels. Many supplements contain naturally occurring compounds that metabolise into substances restricted by equestrian regulatory bodies (FEI, USEF, etc.).

Commonly Overlooked Ingredients That Can Cause Issues

• Devil’s Claw: A natural anti-inflammatory, but considered a controlled substance in many competitions.
• Caffeine & Theobromine: Found in cocoa-based products and some herbal supplements, these can trigger a positive test.
• Valerian Root: Used for calming but is a prohibited substance in competition.
• Prohibited NSAIDs: Some supplements may contain compounds with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory properties that are restricted in competition.

Even if an ingredient isn’t outright banned, it could be restricted within a certain timeframe before competition. Always consult your governing body’s regulations before giving your horse any supplement.

What is NOPs Testing and How does ARKequine Ensure Compliance?

At ARKequine, we understand the critical importance of clean, safe, and competition-compliant supplements. This is why all our products undergo rigorous testing for Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances (NOPs).

What is NOPs Testing?

NOPs are substances that naturally occur in some plants but can result in a positive doping test if present in equine supplements. Even in trace amounts, these substances can be problematic for horses competing under strict regulations, such as those set by FEI and British Equestrian.

Common NOPs include:

• Morphine (found in poppy seeds)
• Hordenine (found in barley and sprouting grains)
• Hyoscine (found in nightshade plants)
• Caffeine (found in some herbal extracts)

To prevent contamination and ensure compliance, ARKequine will continue to focus on:
✅ Sourcing: Work with trusted suppliers to ensure raw materials are free from contamination.
✅ Testing: Conduct independent laboratory testing on all products to confirm they meet NOPs-free standards or make us aware of products that do not pass so we can inform our customers.
✅ Quality Assurance: Follow strict batch testing and traceability protocols, so every supplement meets competition regulations.
✅ Transparency: Provide detailed ingredient breakdowns so owners can make informed choices.

Our commitment to clean, competition-safe supplements means you can trust that ARKequine products will never put your horse’s performance or eligibility at risk.

How to Ensure Your Supplements Are Safe

1. Look for Third-Party Testing Certifications

Choose brands that undergo independent testing for purity and prohibited substances. ARKequine products are rigorously tested to ensure compliance.

1. Check Expiration Dates and Storage Instructions

Expired supplements may degrade, losing potency or forming harmful byproducts. Proper storage ensures ingredient stability, particularly for probiotics and vitamins.

1. Consult with a Veterinarian or Equine Nutritionist

Before introducing a new supplement, seek professional advice to confirm safety and necessity.

1. Keep a Detailed Log of Supplements

Document when and how much you administer of each supplement. This helps in case of testing disputes or performance tracking.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge is Your Best Defence

As horse owners and competitors, we strive to provide the best for our equine partners. Reading and fully understanding supplement labels isn’t just about getting the best nutrition—it’s also about protecting your horse’s health and competition eligibility.

By staying informed and proactive, you can confidently supplement your horse’s diet without fear of unintended consequences. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, take the time to research or consult a professional. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.

At ARKequine, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, transparent, and competition-safe supplements. Every product we sell is NOPs tested and fully transparent as to which products are suitable for competition animals.

🔍 For more information on equine anti-doping regulations and competition rules, visit FEI Clean Sport.

🔍 Visit ark-equine.com/shop/ to explore our tested and certified supplements.