Bluegrass Horse Feeds is proud to announce the launch of our latest innovation—Respire Cubes, a revolutionary high-energy performance cube formulated to support respiratory, joint, and gastrointestinal health. This groundbreaking product is the first of its kind, incorporating marine-derived oils, including fish oil, which provide science-backed health benefits for equine athletes.

Respire Cubes were developed with the unique needs of performance horses in mind, providing both high energy and targeted nutritional support. From reducing respiratory inflammation to promoting joint health and digestive balance, Respire Cubes offer comprehensive care for horses at every level of competition. This product is the result of extensive research and collaboration with Kentucky Equine Research (KER), with whom Bluegrass Horse Feeds works exclusively in Ireland to bring the latest scientific advancements to the Irish equine community.

Crystal Black’s Success on Respire Cubes

At Bluegrass Horse Feeds, we’re proud to highlight the success of Crystal Black. Crystal Black, owned by the ‘Wear A Pink Ribbon’ syndicate and trained by Gerard Keane, has flourished since switching to Respire Cubes. The gelding’s syndicate owner, Neville Eager, attributes his remarkable improvement to this new feed:

“Feeding Respire Cubes has been a vital part of Crystal’s success. Having been suggested to feed this by Michael at Pollardstown Horse Feed, the change in this horse has been phenomenal, he really has turned inside out, and his performance has never been better. Crystal Black proved his class when he recently won the Edinburgh Stakes at Ascot, followed by a Group 3 at Leopardstown.” - Neville Eager

Crystal Black’s impressive recent victories demonstrate the real-world benefits of Respire Cubes, underscoring how targeted nutrition can make all the difference in a performance horse’s results.

Respire Cubes: Designed for Performance

Bluegrass Horse Feeds developed Respire Cubes to meet the specific needs of performance horses, meeting not just energy demands but providing nutritional support for common health challenges like respiratory issues, joint stress, and digestive upset.

"At Bluegrass Horse Feeds, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge nutritional solutions for equine athletes. Respire Cubes represent a significant leap forward in performance feed, combining the latest scientific research with the highest-quality ingredients. By incorporating marine-derived oils and a unique blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, Respire Cubes provide horses with comprehensive support for respiratory health, joint integrity, and digestive balance. We’re proud to offer this innovative product, designed to help horses achieve their full potential."
— Kenneth Irwin, Managing Director, Bluegrass Horse Feeds

Through our exclusive partnership with Kentucky Equine Research (KER), we ensure that Respire Cubes are backed by world-class research and cutting-edge nutritional science.

The Science Behind Marine-Derived Oils

Marine-derived oils, particularly fish oil, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are proven to offer a range of health benefits to horses, especially those in strenuous training. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, promoting better joint function, enhanced respiratory health, and improved gastrointestinal balance, all essential for supporting optimal performance and recovery.

Respiratory Health: Combatting EIPH

Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage (EIPH) is a common concern for performance horses, particularly racehorses and eventers. EIPH occurs when the small blood vessels in the lungs rupture during intense exercise, leading to bleeding in the airways. This condition can impair a horse’s ability to perform at its best, affecting both health and competitive outcomes.

Marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, potentially mitigating the severity of EIPH. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2017) found that supplementation with fish oil reduced markers of lung inflammation in racehorses, which could lower the risk of EIPH and improve overall respiratory function.

Furthermore, Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, molecules that mediate inflammation in the body. By shifting this balance towards anti-inflammatory pathways, fish oil supplementation can support clearer airways and better oxygen uptake, directly enhancing athletic performance.

Joint Health: Protecting Mobility Under Pressure

Performance horses endure significant stress on their joints, often leading to inflammation, stiffness, and long-term degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Joint health is a critical component of a horse’s ability to train and compete without pain or loss of mobility.

Fish oil’s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) have well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the degradation of cartilage and synovial fluid that typically occurs with joint stress. A study published in Equine Veterinary Journal (2011) demonstrated that Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources reduced the expression of inflammatory enzymes (COX-2 and IL-6) in the joints of horses, suggesting that supplementation could slow the progression of joint damage and maintain flexibility.

By incorporating marine-derived oils into Respire Cubes, we aim to offer joint support that can enhance the longevity and comfort of performance horses.

Gastrointestinal Health

Respire Cubes are formulated not only to support respiratory and joint health but also to promote a healthy gastrointestinal system through a unique combination of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, marine-derived calcium, and marine oils. These ingredients work together to enhance gut health, which is vital for performance horses often at risk of colic, ulcers, or poor digestion due to high starch diets.

The inclusion of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, promoting optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Marine-derived calcium contributes to gut health by buffering stomach acidity, while marine oils add anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to protect the intestinal lining. This multi-faceted approach ensures that Respire Cubes provide comprehensive digestive support.

Why Respire Cubes?

Respire Cubes are specifically formulated to address the unique needs of performance horses, providing not only energy but also comprehensive health support through the power of marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids. These cubes offer:

• High energy for sustained performance.
• Respiratory support, reducing the impact of EIPH and promoting lung health.
• Joint health benefits, reducing inflammation and supporting long-term mobility.
• Digestive balance, promoting a healthy gut in horses prone to stress-related digestive issues.

This unique combination of high-energy performance fuel and scientifically proven health benefits makes Respire Cubes a must-have for competitive horses across all disciplines.

Conclusion: Elevate Performance with Respire Cubes

At Bluegrass Horse Feeds, we understand the demands placed on performance horses and the need for comprehensive nutrition that goes beyond energy supply. Our Respire Cubes bring together cutting-edge nutritional science and high-quality ingredients to support your horse’s respiratory, joint, and gastrointestinal health—ensuring they stay at the top of their game.

With the proven benefits of marine-derived oils, Respire Cubes are setting a new standard in equine performance nutrition. Explore our full range today or contact our team of experts for personalized nutritional advice to elevate your horse’s health and performance.

References:

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2017). Fish oil supplementation reduces lung inflammation markers in racehorses prone to EIPH.

Equine Veterinary Journal (2011). Anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 fatty acids in equine joints: A study on COX-2 and IL-6 expression.

Animal Feed Science and Technology (2018). Fish oil and intestinal health: A review of its effects on gut integrity in performance horses.