Healthy Gut, Healthy Horse highlights how equine health is influenced by diet and environment. Advances in technology and microbiology have now made it possible to examine the causes of gastro-intestinal diseases and the effects of diet on the health and welfare of horses. Extensive research has found that diseases such as ulcers, equine metabolic syndrome, colic and laminitis are caused by diet. Many of these are preceded by inflammation, which becomes the precursor for feed-related sickness. Authors Carol Hughes, an equine physiotherapist, phyto nutritionist and microbiologist, and Geertje French, an equine nutritionist and behaviourist, explain these factors and, by using the latest valuable research, provide insight, solutions and remedies for the benefit of the wider equestrian community.

Carol Hughes is an equine physiotherapist and microbiologist and has spent more than 30 years in equine health care. She has collaborated in research projects with leading vets and universities. Projects include the exploration of anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic plant secondary compounds on horses. She has also studied the use of genomic sequencing and the microbiome of horses used in competition and leisure.