Horse Supplement
What exactly are you feeding your horse in his “Supplements?” PART 1
Every horse owner I know feeds her horse supplements. One for joint support, one for digestion, one for vitamins and minerals, one for hoof health, and the list goes on… We all try to do the best we can by our magnificent steeds, but do you really know what goes into the supplements you are feeding, and WHY you are feeding them? Not to mention, do you know what dose your horse needs to reap the full benefits, as opposed to the amounts that are hardly making a dent?
My favorite marketing phrase is: “Balanced nutrition.” Balanced to what? Itself is the answer. These supplements are balanced to what is in the bucket or bag, not to anything else you are feeding. So, if you are feeding your horse 20 pounds of hay a day, and one scoop of supplement, you are missing the balanced nutrition part of 20 pounds of his diet. But on the bright side, that little scoop is totally balanced.
As an equine nutritionist, it is my first and foremost recommendation that you have you try to understand basic nutrition. Consider spending some time reading through the Nutrient Requirements of Horses for topics that interest you for an introduction. Equally as important is having your forage tested! Equi-Analytical is a reliable source. After all, hay and grass are what make up the bulk of your horses diet. By having them analyzed by a specialized laboratory, you will know exactly what they need and when you are wasting your money on things they don’t.
For example, copper and zinc are the most common deficiencies in hay and grass, but general supplementation found in catalogs and feed stores barely begin to make a dent in the amounts they really need. An average sized horse’s daily need of copper is about 100mg per day. After reading labels of more than 11 vitamin and minerals supplements, not one of them provide more than 15-20 mg per dose. The average horse needs 400mg of zinc per day, but supplementation average yields about 5-7 mg per day. With those numbers yielding amounts that are barely drops in the bucket,, why waste your money?
Iron is the most over supplemented mineral in a horse’s diet. Contrary to urban belief, anemia in a horse is rare! Chances are almost 100% that your horse has more than enough, if not an overload, of iron in his/her forage. Yet, you will find iron in almost every commercial supplement. ‘ If it’s good for me, it must be good for my horse’ is not a good adage to carry over to your horse’s nutrition in this case… As humans, we are iron wasters. We use what we need and get rid of the rest. Horses, on the contrary, do not have an efficient way to get rid of iron. It becomes stored in their bodies, and they can become overloaded. A long term overload of iron can create some serious issues. Not to mention, that iron, the most over supplemented mineral, competes for absorption with copper and zinc, the most under supplemented minerals. If your horse has sufficient iron, and insufficient copper and zinc, the small amounts of copper and zinc that you are supplementing will never make it to where they need to go, as they will be blocked by iron. Check your supplement labels: is iron added along with copper and zinc? Then with the insufficient amounts of copper and zinc, the added iron will take care of those for you and you can essentially put your money into a piggy bank for all the good it is not doing…
Biotin is another supplement that is added to every hoof and hair supplement, but unfortunately, it’s rarely enough to make a difference. Most of the commercial hoof supplements claim that theirs is the best. 5mg of biotin per day is not going to do a thing for your horse’s hoof health, as the most recent research shows that at least 20mg per day is needed for optimum uptake.
Chromium has been the mineral du-jour for a few years now. In humans, it regulates blood sugar (glucose). In horses with metabolic issues, glucose is not the problem; instead it’s a high insulin level that causes laminitis and founder. Blood glucose levels of horses, even with metabolic issues, are usually normal. In addition, research has consistently shown that plants take up chromium quite readily and most parts of the country yield grass and hay that are more than adequate in chromium. Research has also shown no benefit to horses, with the exception to those living and eating in alkaline soils where chromium may be insufficient in the soil. Another supplement that your horse probably doesn’t need, but commercial manufacturers know that you think your horse should have it, so they add it in the ingredients. More money for your 401K!
Vitamin E is nearly always added as an antioxidant to commercial supplements. Did you know Vitamin E has no route of absorption without oil? It is a fat-soluble vitamin and must have oil to reach the pathways to be properly absorbed. So when you see Vitamin E on a label, and the supplement is in a dry powdered or pelletized form, the vitamin E will not be used by your horse. Toss that money into a wishing well. Notice that human form of Vitamin E is in capsules. These capsules are a combination of Vitamin E and oil (usually soybean oil) to ensure proper delivery. The fat content in a powdered or pelletized feed supplement won’t do the trick, Vitamin E and other fat-soluble vitamins need a liquid source of fat, mixed in at the same time of ingestion, to properly do their job.
Pampered Pooch and Pony has developed a line of horse supplements, created in collaboration with an equine veterinarian and equine nutritionist, to provide your horse the minimum of what he/she needs with no expensive fillers and no ingredients they don’t need. You won’t find iron in our supplement, because we know they don’t need it. No fancy packaging or marketing ploys to convince you that our supplement is the best. Decide for yourself as an educated consumer. Our philosophy is to keep it simple, and give your horse what nature intended, not what the latest trend says they should be taking. Adequate amounts of copper, zinc and sodium, in an Omega 3 flax base, with no artificial flavors or fillers are the main components of our supplements. Antioxidants that are absorbed and digested without the need of oils, providing the maximum uptake, are what we use. We’ve done our research; it’s time to do yours…
About the Author
RFD – Laminitis & EquiPride Horse Supplement, September 2007 – Segment 1
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Succeed horse digestive supplement 10 lb bucket $449.95 |
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Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cats: Committee on Examining $352.65 |
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Corta-Flx Solution horse joint supplement 5.25 gallons $336.95 |
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Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cat $325.89 |
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Safety of Dietary Supplements for Horses, Dogs, and Cat $311.80 |
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Corta-Flx Pellets horse supplement 40 lbs. $309.95 |
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LubriSyn Hyaluronan Joint Supplement Gal W/Pump All Animals horses, dogs $295.00 |
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LaminaSaver horse hoof supplement 3 lb. $249.00 |
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LubriSyn Hyaluronan Joint Supplement 64oz W/Pump All Animals horses, dogs $209.00 |
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Ker-A-Form 25Lbs Horse Supplement $206.10 |
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Gateway Bee Pollen 25# bucket Horse Supplement $199.99 |
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Farrier’s Formula horse hoof supplement 44 lb pail $182.99 |
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Equine CORTA-FLX HA – Horse Joint Supplement -Pellets $161.99 |
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Succeed horse supplement 3.75 lbs $161.95 |
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20 lb Mineral Health Supplement for Cats, Dogs, Horses $159.95 |
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20 lb Mineral Health Supplement for Cats, Dogs, Horses $159.95 |
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20 lb Mineral Health Supplement for Horses $159.95 |
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4-in-1 H/A equine hyaluronic acid supplement horse $158.99 |
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Sand Clear Sandclear horse sand colic supplement 50 lbs $157.19 |
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Biotin 800 Pellets horse hoof coat supplement 20 lbs $154.95 |
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UlcerCure ® OTC “Horse Ulcer Supplement” Omeprazole Powder Supplement $150.00 |
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UlcerCure ® OTC “Horse Stomach Supplement” Omeprazole Powder Supplement $150.00 |
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Cosequin ASU horse joint supplement 1300 gm $149.95 |
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EquineSaver horse vitamin health supplement 25 lbs. $149.00 |
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Gen-A-Horse Supplement 52 Week Supply $146.99 |
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Cosequin ASU Plus horse joint supplement 1050 gm $143.75 |
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Biotin Plus horse hoof mane tail coat supplement 20 lb $141.95 |
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Summer Games 40Lbs Electrolyte Supplement For Horses $132.99 |
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Vita Flex Accel – Horse Supplement – 30lbs $131.80 |
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Command Serene horse calming supplement 5 lbs $129.95 |
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Equine CORTA-FLX HA -Horse Joint Supplement – Gallon $127.90 |
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PetAlive EQuine Shiny Coat Supplement For Horses $119.95 |
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Equine Shiny Coat supplement horse natural pet remedy $119.66 |
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PetAlive EQuine Shiny Coat Supplement for Horses Hair $119.66 |
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Focus HF horse hoof supplement 25 lb. $118.95 |
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Biotin II 22X horse hoof supplement 15 lb $118.95 |
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E-5000 Horse Supplement $116.95 |
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Cosequin Optimized w/MSM 1400 gm horse supplement $114.89 |
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Hy-Flex equine horse joint supplement 5 lb. $112.99 |
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FORCO Equine Horse Feed Conditioner Supplement 25# $109.99 |
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Vita Flex Accel – Horse Supplement – 20lbs $107.99 |
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Lixotinic Oral Iron Vitamin Supplement Horse DogCat Gal $105.00 |
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Command MSM horse joint supplement 20 lbs. $104.95 |
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Grow Colt Supplement for Horses 20 lbs $101.99 |
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Pro-Formula Enflmx 5# Horse Supplement Bucket $99.99 |
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Horse Health Vita Biotin Feed Supplement – 20lb $99.99 |
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Corta-Flx Pellets horse joint supplement 12 lbs $96.95 |
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Vita Flex Msm Horse Supplement – 10 lbs $93.99 |
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Biotin II 22X horse hoof supplement 10 lb $92.95 |
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Succeed horse digestive supplement 1.79 lbs $90.00 |
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DAC Bloom – horse supplement bone-building minerals 25 $89.99 |
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LaminaSaver Lamina Saver equine horse supplement 1 lb $89.00 |
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Pennwoods Next Generation 25Lb Horse Supplement $87.30 |
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Corta-Flx Solution horse supplement gallon $80.95 |
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1974 Quarter Horse Reference and 1975-1976 Supplement reference vintage books $79.00 |
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Quiessence horse feed supplement 14 lb $78.95 |
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Hyalun 90 Oral horse joint supplement $78.95 |
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Accel Lifetime w/Gluta-Syn horse supplement $78.95 |
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Senior Flex equine horse joint supplement $78.29 |
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More Muscle Feed Supplement for Horses 8lb $77.99 |
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Starting Gate Granules Working horses and old horses are more likely to get stomach ulcers. Also, horses that are stalled a lot, such as race horses, are likely to get stomach ulcers. To prevent this from happening to your horses today start using Starting Gate Granules. It is a 100% natural solution to gastric equine ulcers and will help your horses today. Starting Gate Granules comes in a 3.75 pound tub that lasts 3 w… |
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Red Cell Liquid Supplement 32 oz. $6.98 Liquid Supplement “The tonic of leading trainers.”A complete vitamin, iron and mineral supplement and blood tonic in a palatable oral liquid base. It provides the most potent reliable source of blood building ingredients available. Dosage: 2 oz. daily…. |
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Horseshoers Secret Hoof Care $40.31 The most complete combination of nutrients for strong, healthy hoofs. Unique formula contains only the purest and most digestible ingredients. Includes biotin, complete protein, mineral complexes, key amino acids, yeast culture and omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrients work together to help prevent cracked hoofs and strengthen hoof walls. Helps restore normal hoof growth…. |
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Stud 100 Male Genital Desensitizer Spray, 7/16- Fl. Ounce Box $4.25 STUD 100 Desensitizing Spray for Men works at once and is easy to apply. Clinical Trials have proven that STUD 100 is quick-acting, safe and effective. It is self-administered. It comes in a discreet 3″ high (75mm) can fitted with a metered pump spray. It contains 7.16 fl oz (12g) – around 120 sprays – and is supplied together with a multi-language instruction leaflet. STUD 100 is non-toxic, odorl… |
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Watts Beauty 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Solution – No Alcohol, No Parabens … |
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Natures Answer Horsechestnut Seed … |
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FREEWAY GOLD, Size: 2.1PINT (Catalog Category: Equine Supplements:SUPPLEMENTS) $51.50 This tried and tested product will help support healthy efficient airways and overall respiratory system in horses and ponies Particularly recommended for when horses are stabled or have restricted turnout. For use in equines only. Recommended to support a healthy respiratory system in horses and ponies.Ingredients: Tinctures Of Elecampane Root; Liquorice Root; Eyebright Herb; Cleaver Herb; Marshm… |
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SUPER-14, Size: 3 POUND (Catalog Category: Equine Supplements:SUPPLEMENTS) $34.20 For skin and coat for all classes of horses, dogs, cats. Guaranteed sleek and shiny coat in 30 days. Animals love the taste. Just sprinkle over food.Ingredients: Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Soybean Flour, Dextrose, Vitamin A Acetate, Zinc Methionine, Dl-Alphatocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochl-Oride, Calcium Silicate, Sodium Selenite , Artificial Flavorings, Mixed Tocopherols, Citric Acid.(Size: 3 … |
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Joint Max Triple Strength Horse Health Supplement (Pack of 2) $145.99 Joint MAX TS EQ is a powerful nutritional supplement for your horsesPet treats have a palatable molasses and apple flavorSupplement has added EPA and DHA for improved skin and joint health in horses |
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Cool Horse 32 ounce Peppermint Flavor Holistic Joint Care Formula $30.99 Color: ClearMaterials: Glucosamine sulfate, purified water, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, hyaluronic acid, natural flavor, natural occurring preservativeSize: 32 ounces |
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LaBlanche Horse From Behind Collage Silicone Stamp $7.59 This high-quality silicone stamps will provide endless inspiration and comes mounted on a durable 1/2-inch thick white foam block so you can stamp easily with minimal pressure. |
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Retriever Training (Paperback) $9.86 Through gentle training methods learned from Ray Hunt–the original “horse whisperer”–Robert Milner shows retriever owners how to train the hunting retriever by using its own natural tendencies instead of force. Supplemented with the latest scien… |
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Red Vanilla White Stallion Horse Head $57.59 This stunning statue will bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office. Made from white ceramic, this statue is easy to clean and care for. |
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Thunder Horse with Saddle and Accessories (19-inch) $59.99 Your ‘On the Go Girl Fashion Doll’ can now take the reins and hit the trails on her very own horse. Thunder is strikingly handsome with his velvety brown coat, four white “socks” and big dark eyes. |
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Set of 2 ‘Blue Winter Horses’ Celadon Ceramic Ornaments (Thailand) $22.49 Handmade ceramic horse ornaments brighten the holiday seasonDecorative accent offered in partnership with NOVICAAccent pieces feature celadon glaze and crackle finish |
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‘Horse of Gold’ Iron Coat Rack (Mexico) $45.49 Cast in iron, this coat rack is a unique addition to your home decorCast iron wall adornment is forged and painted with acrylic and enamel paintsAn original wall ornament of rustic allure |
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Chinese 13-inch Tang Tomb Horse Statue (China) $49.49 This beautifully handcrafted horse is a reproduction of a ceramic Tang dynasty era reliquary statue recovered from an archeological dig in Xian, China. Horses had huge practical and symbolic importance in ancient China. |
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Iron ‘Wild Horses’ Wall Adornment (Mexico) $80.99 Rearing and snorting, wild horses stampede across the horizon in this wall decorationWall sculpture is perfect for many home decorsElegant iron silhouettes are perforated to reveal the details of each magnificent creature |
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Felix 3-piece Attachment Set 1998AM $0 Materials: Plastic, stretch vinyl, horse hair brushDimensions: 3.25 inches high x 9.375 inches wide x 19.875 inches long Weight: 3 pounds |
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Canvas 6-foot 6-panel Double-sided Horses Room Divider (China) $269.99 This beautiful decorative folding screen is crafted from quality art canvas on sturdy wood frames. Images of horses gallop across both sides of this room divider, with black animals on one side and a mix of black and white on the other. |
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Red Vanilla Black Beauty Horse Head $34.19 This stunning statue will bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office. Made from black ceramic, this statue is easy to maintain and care for. |
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Canvas Double-sided Horses Room Divider (China) $121.99 Create unique and individual spaces in your home with this gorgeous screen. This decorative room divider features a heard of black horses and a herd of white on the other side with durable canvas and wood. |
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White Bonded Marble Voukefalas Horse Head Statue $51.99 The great horse of Alexander the Great, Voukefalas, translates from Greek to ‘large oxen head’. This stunning statue is crafted by artisans and can bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office. |
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Silhouetted Horses Coir Door Mat (30 x 18) $27.99 Constructed of beautiful coir, this door mat features an enchanting horse pattern. Rich tones of blue complete this yellow door mat. |
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Animal Horses Nintendo DSi XL Decal Skin $15.29 Protect your Nintendo DSi XL from scratches with this protective vinyl skin. Featuring a Animal Horses print, this skin will give your Nintendo DSi XL color and style. |
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Hand-woven Cotton Horse Arm Warmers (Nepal) $22.99 These hand-woven arm warmers feature a horse design and are lined with fleece to keep hands snug and warm. These arm warmers are an essential for stylish comfort. |
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White Bonded Marble Athenian Horse Museum Fragment $47.99 This fragment replica is from an entire wall frieze panel from the Acropolis, part of a scene with other horses, chariots and warriors. This stunning statue is crafted by artisans and can bring a touch of classic beauty to your home or office. |
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Cool Horse Holistic 32 Ounce Banana Flavor Joint Care Formula $30.99 Color: ClearMaterials: Glucosamine sulfate, purified water, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, hyaluronic acid, natural flavor, natural occurring preservativeSize: 32 ounces |
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Jim Shore ‘Grim Reaper On Horse’ Figurine $49.49 This Jim Shore ‘Grim Reaper On Horse’ Figurine features a highly detailed hand painted decoration piece. This Jim Shore licensed figurine is made of stone resin. |
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Yarn Sea Horse Ornament (Colombia) $11.42 Cotton yarn is hand-wrapped to create this cute ornament that is handmade in Colombia. This is a wonderful gift for children. |
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Hand-carved Teak Wood Horse Wall Hanging $17.99 Horse wall hanging makes an ideal gift for friends and family with refined tasteDecorative accessory is hand-carved of teak wood with exceptional attention to detailWall decoration makes an excellent addition to your home decor |
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Versace Women’s Silk Horse Print Scarf $279.99 Rows of bedazzled pastel horses adorn the front of this unique Versace scarf. Constructed of 100-percent silk, this women’s scarf features an intricate scrollwork border. |
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Handmade Wild West Decorative Wood Rocking Horse (Thailand) $158.39 Warm any room with the classical charm of a handmade mini rocking horseDecorative accessory is hand-carved with striking detailsEqually whimsical and rustic, decorative rocking horse is true delight |
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Recycled Steel Drum Sea Horse Wall Art (Haiti) $21.49 Accent any room in your home or office with this handcrafted Haitian tin wall art, made by gifted artisans from recycled oil drums. A true conversation piece, this piece of art features a sea horse design in a bunch of colors. |
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Versace Women’s Silk Horse Print Scarf $279.99 Rows of bedazzled pastel horses adorn the front of this unique Versace scarf. Constructed of 100-percent silk, this women’s scarf features an intricate scrollwork border. |
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Galloping Horses Storage Boxes (China) $157.99 Stylish and functional galloping horses storage boxesHorses are often used in Chinese art as symbols of strength and perseveranceBeautiful hand-carved apron |
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Yarn Horse Picture Holder (Colombia) $11.42 These cute horse picture holders are made by hand-wrapping cotton yarn to create the animal figures. More than just a picture frame, this can be used as a quirky figurine, part of a collection or a conversation piece. |
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Yarn Horse Ornament (Colombia) $11.42 Cotton yarn is hand-wrapped to create this cute ornament that is handmade in Colombia. This is a wonderful gift for children. |
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Set of 2 Celadon Ceramic ‘Kneeling Horse’ Figurines (Thailand) $40.49 Fully tacked with saddle and bridle, two kneeling horse figurines await a rider. Duangkamol depicts the reclining steeds in fine celadon ceramic figurines with the characteristic crackled glaze of true celadon. |
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‘Animal Mustang Horse’ Apple iPhone 4 Skin $8.99 Protect your iPhone 4 from scratches with this protective vinyl skin. Featuring a ‘Animal Mustang Horse’ print, this skin case will give your iPhone 4 color and style. |
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Handmade Arabian Dream Decorative Rocking Horse (Thailand) $158.39 Warm any room with the classical charm of a handmade mini rocking horseDecorative accessory is hand-carved with striking detailsEqually whimsical and rustic, decorative rocking horse is a true delight |
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Handmade Eagle Saddle Decorative Rocking Horse (Thailand) $185.39 Decorative rocking horse is an imaginative addition to any living room, den or officeSkillfully hand-carved with striking detail to fills any room with brilliant colorAccent piece is a youthful way to accent your home decor |
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‘Animal Mustang Horse’ BlackBerry Curve 8500 Decal Skin $9.49 Protect your BlackBerry Curve from scratches with this protective vinyl skin. Featuring a ‘Animal Mustang Horse’ print, this skin case will give your BlackBerry Curve color and style. |