The Nutritional Lesson One Mare Taught Us About Vitamin E

Every horse that enters Seven12 Ranch rescue has a different story.

Some arrive through owner surrenders in relatively good condition, simply needing a new home. Others come through animal control, auctions, or feedlots after experiencing neglect. Those horses often arrive with Body Condition Scores between 2 and 4, dull coats, little muscle, and the visible effects of inadequate nutrition.

No matter where they've come from, every horse receives the same promise: patience, compassionate care, and the opportunity to heal.

Recovery Is About More Than Weight Gain

Helping a neglected horse recover isn't about finding one miracle product.

It starts with quality forage, clean water, veterinary care, dental work when needed, parasite control, and a carefully designed feeding program because healing happens one day at a time.

One horse might begin nickering when you walk into the barn.

Another starts meeting you at the gate instead of standing quietly in the corner.

A rough, weathered coat slowly gives way to one with softness and shine.

These small changes are reminders that the horse isn't just surviving anymore—they're beginning to feel good again.

The Mare Who Changed Our Rescue Forever

There was one horse changed the way Kimberly Boughton, owner of Seven12 Ranch, thinks about nutrition.

Her name was Rosey.

Rosey was a beautiful young Paint mare, but when she came to us, the sparkle you would expect from a horse her age simply wasn't there. Her coat was dull, lifeless, and coarse. Even more concerning, she was struggling with neurological problems that had developed long before she arrived at the rescue.

Working closely with their veterinarian, they learned that Rosey was deficient in Vitamin E.

We immediately began supplementation, hoping we had found part of the answer. Unfortunately, her deficiency had existed for so long that although she improved, she never fully recovered.

That was heartbreaking but it also became one of the most important lessons the Seven12 Ranch rescue has ever learned.

The Importance of Looking Beyond What You Can See

Before Rosey, Kimberly thought mostly about helping horses regain weight and condition.

After Rosey, she recognized nutrition isn't always about what you can see on the outside.

A horse can carry deficiencies that affect muscles, nerves, and overall well-being long before obvious signs appear. Rosey's journey taught us the importance of working closely with our veterinarian, investigating the whole horse, and making nutrition an essential part of every rehabilitation plan.

I never wanted another horse to endure what she had.

Building a Better Nutritional Foundation

Following our veterinarian's recommendation, we began incorporating natural Vitamin E into the diets of horses whose forage-based feeding programs warranted additional support.

After trying several options, Kimberly found Daily Natural Vitamin E from Equine Balanced Support.

For a rescue caring for multiple horses every day, one of the biggest advantages has simply been how easy it is to top-dress onto each horse's feed. It fits naturally into their feeding routine without adding unnecessary complexity.

One of the most rewarding moments during rehabilitation is watching a horse begin to change.

• Their eyes become brighter.
• Their coat begins to shed that coarse, weathered hair.
• A healthy shine returns.
• They carry themselves differently.

Of course, we know a healthy coat reflects many aspects of good care—from balanced nutrition and quality forage to veterinary care, parasite management, and time. But seeing those changes reminds us that we're moving in the right direction.

The Legacy Rosey Left Behind

Rosey couldn't get back everything that had been taken from her before she came into their care.

But she changed the future for every horse that followed.

She reminded us that nutrition is never "just nutrition." It's part of giving horses the opportunity to heal, recover, and experience the comfort every horse deserves.

"When they begin to look better, they begin to feel better. I've seen the neurological effects a Vitamin E deficiency can cause, and I never want another horse to have to endure that."
-Kimberly Boughton, Owner of Seven12 Ranch

Every Rescue Horse Deserves the Chance to Thrive

At Equine Balanced Support, we believe every horse deserves to be listened to, cared for, and nourished according to their individual needs.

Stories like Rosey's remind us that thoughtful nutrition isn't about chasing quick fixes. It's about building a foundation that supports long-term health, comfort, and quality of life.

Because every rescued horse deserves more than a second chance.

They deserve the chance to truly thrive.

If you're trying to improve your horse's well-being, we're here to help. Our mission is to provide science-backed education and compassionate nutritional guidance so every horse has the opportunity to live a healthier, more comfortable life.