Cathal’s Journey to the RDS with Precision Microbes

As part of Precision Microbes’ “What’s the Story” video series, Episode 10 took us to County Sligo to spend a day with young horse owner and breeder Cathal McKeon‑Devaney, culminating in his trip to the prestigious RDS Horse Show in Dublin. In this feature, we explore Cathal’s journey, insights into equine gut health, and actionable advice for horse owners across the UK and Ireland.

Cathal’s Journey: From Sligo to the Showring

Cathal’s story is one of dedication to his equine companions. From careful feed routines to managing turnout, his daily farm practice shows a deep commitment to horse welfare. The trip to Dublin for the RDS show symbolises both a rite of passage and a learning opportunity, amplifying the importance of gut health as his horses face the added pressures of travel, competition, and a new environment.

Learning Through the Lens of Equine Gut Health

Precision Microbes, led by veterinary consultant Tommy Heffernan, developed their video series to highlight the critical role a resilient gut plays in equine health. As Cathal travels to the RDS show, his routine is anchored by stress management through nutritional and microbial support.

Key considerations for preparing horses include maintaining a stable feeding schedule, introducing prophylactic gut support, and monitoring behavioural changes that may signal digestive upset. These practices aim to keep the gut microbiome both balanced and robust, preserving feed conversion, immune function, and overall wellbeing, even under competitive stress.

Case Study: Pre‑Show Gut Support Protocol

Cathal’s pre-show regimen illustrates best practice for horse owners. Two weeks prior to departure:

• Diet consistency: He ensures feed amounts remain unchanged, avoiding abrupt switches.

• Microbiome support: Precision Microbes’ liquid complementary feed is introduced. This enhances gut stability during periods of elevated stress.

• Environmental consistency at home: Stabled horses receive consistent turnout and familiar routines to reduce stress-related digestive disturbances.

Such measures are particularly relevant to equine enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland, where events like the RDS and Royal International Horse Show put similar pressures on equine companions.

Gut Health Science: Why It Matters

Equine gut health impacts performance through three main pathways:

1. Digestive efficiency – A balanced microbiome enhances nutrient absorption, which in turn supports stamina and coat condition.

2. Immune resilience – About 70% of an animal’s immune system lies within the gut; a healthy microbiome helps guard against gut infections and respiratory illnesses often seen post‑travel.

3. Stress mitigation – Supplements can help buffer against transport, unfamiliar surroundings, and competition anxiety, reducing the likelihood of colic or loose stools.

Live‑culture formulations, like those from Precision Microbes, are tailored for quicker absorption and ease of administration—benefits both Cathal and his veterinarian value.

What UK & Irish Horse Owners Can Apply

For horse owners preparing for shows or handling seasonal stress, Cathal’s routine offers a model:

• Advance planning: Begin fit‑out 10–14 days before travel.

• Introduce gut supplements early: Liquid microbiome support can become part of feeding to promote stability.

• Maintain consistent routines: Feeding and turnout schedules should mirror home environments when feasible.

• Track indicators of gut well‑being: Stool consistency, feed intake, demeanour, and body condition can signal microbiome health.

• Tailor transit approaches: Adapting travel and stall practices to each individual’s needs reduces gut‑related issues.

Precision Microbes Complementary Feed for Horse & Foal is a vet-developed, science-led liquid formula designed to support gut health and digestion. Its unique composition specifically targets hindgut health, promoting overall wellbeing in horses and foals. Highly palatable and easy to use, it is organically certified and safe for use in competition horses, making it a trusted choice for owners and professionals alike.

Precision Microbes: Support Through the Season

Precision Microbes’ equine gut health initiative—spurred on by insights from veterinarians like Tommy Heffernan—provides science‑based tools for gut support in various scenarios: weaning foals, high‑performance horses, and during travel to events like the RDS.

Precision Microbes’ liquid complementary feed offers:

• Rapid impact: Designed to stabilise the digestive system quickly.

• Ease of use: Can be administered directly, mixed with feed.

• Flexible administration: Suitable for acute episodes or as a long‑term maintenance regime.

• Safe integration: Compatible with vaccines and deworming schedules.

In Practice: A Sample Regime

Here’s an example routine based on Cathal’s approach and general veterinary guidance:

Maintenance phase (everyday management):

• Daily dose with feed or water.

• Supports microbial balance year‑round.

Pre‑event phase (10–14 days before show):

• Increase dosage to prime digestive resilience.

• Ensure consistency alongside stable routines.

Transit and competition phase:

• Administer pre‑travel and each day at the venue.

• Pair with electrolytes if necessary to maintain hydration and gut motility.

Post‑event recovery:

• 3–5 days of continued supplementation to aid adaptation back home.

Benefits Seen in Cathal’s Experience

Cathal reports that horses on the supplement experience smoother travel, fewer episodes of loose manure, stable appetite, and quicker recovery after returning home. These practical benefits echo findings in the wider equine community.

Beyond the RDS: Broader Applications

Even outside show environments, practices like gut support help address common challenges:

• Seasonal feeding changes: Transitioning between pasture and stable rations.

• Medicated feeds: Supplements during illness or recovery.

• Weaning and growth phases: Establishing a resilient gut microbiome early in a horse’s life.

Final Thoughts for UK & Irish Horse Owners

Cathal McKeon‑Devaney’s journey—from his farm in Sligo to the RDS Horse Show—highlights that the cornerstone of equine performance and welfare is gut health. By proactively supporting the microbiome with liquid complementary feed formulations like those from Precision Microbes, owners can build resilience, promote recovery, and enhance wellbeing across the seasons.

For UK and Irish horse owners, integrating a well‑planned gut support protocol offers a clear pathway to happier, healthier, and better‑performing horses—whether competing or simply enjoying life at home.