Vitamin E is an important nutrient that supports a horse’s overall well-being and performance by playing a key role in muscle function, nerve health, and immune support. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. This protection is especially beneficial for horses recovering from intense exercise, stress, or illness.
Recognizing the essential benefits of equine vitamin E, Finish Line Horse Products is now proudly offering our newest product, Exemplar-E™. Developed over a two-year period with the help of veterinarians, trainers, and our expert team, Exemplar-E is a daily flaxseed-based supplement containing 2,000IU per scoop of natural vitamin E.
Fresh pasture is one of the most important natural sources of vitamin E in a horse’s diet, with young, green grasses and legumes providing high levels of this essential nutrient. However, the vitamin E content in forage declines rapidly as plants mature and is significantly reduced during harvesting and storage (e.g., in hay). As a result, horses that do not have consistent access to fresh pasture are at increased risk of low vitamin E and may require supplementation to maintain optimal health.
Older horses, or those with genetic predispositions, may have reduced gastrointestinal absorption, making it harder for them to meet their daily needs of Vitamin E, even when their diet appears balanced. Younger horses, and those kept in stalls or dry lots, are also more vulnerable. Research shows that despite supplementation, nearly 35.5% of horses remain below optimal plasma α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) levels, and 15.4% are clinically deficient, highlighting the importance of providing consistent, high-quality Vitamin E support for equine health and performance.
Low Vitamin E in horses can present itself through a range of symptoms primarily involving the neuromuscular system, muscles, and immunity, making it tricky to pinpoint.
Horses may exhibit muscle weakness or atrophy, tremors, incoordination, an abnormal gait, and fatigue or reluctance to work. The deficiency can also increase susceptibility to infections and delay recovery from illness or injury. In breeding stallions and mares, reduced fertility may occur, though this is less common.
Subclinical cases are frequent, with many horses showing no visible signs until stress triggers symptoms. In some instances, neurodegenerative problems may develop, though these typically progress gradually. For proper diagnosis and treatment, always work closely with your veterinarian.
Vitamin E has the following benefits for your horse:
The National Research Council recommends 1 IU/kg body weight daily as the standard. For growing foals and working, athletic horses, that goes up to 2 IU. So, for basic math, that would be equivalent to 450–900 IU/day for a 1,000-pound horse.
Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) offers several advantages over synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) in horses. The most significant benefit is greater bioavailability—natural vitamin E is more efficiently absorbed and utilized by the horse’s body. Additionally, natural vitamin E stays active in the body longer, providing more sustained antioxidant protection.
During one controlled study, horses fed the natural form of Vitamin E had higher α-tocopherol levels, which reduced oxidative stress, and better performance outcomes compared to synthetic groups.
Synthetic Vitamin E is widely used in commercial feeds. However, natural Vitamin E is more potent, meaning lower doses can achieve higher effectiveness, which can make it cost-efficient in the long run.
Vitamin E is essential for keeping your horse’s muscles strong, nerves healthy, and immune system resilient—especially for horses without consistent pasture access or those under stress. Exemplar-E™ from Finish Line® Horse Products delivers natural, highly bioavailable Vitamin E in a convenient daily supplement, supporting recovery, performance, and overall wellness. Give your horse the consistent Vitamin E support it needs to stay healthy, strong, and performing at its best.
Active Ingredients per level scoop (1 scoop = 13 grams): D-alpha tocopherol acetate (natural vitamin E), min: 2,000IU/scoop
Inactive ingredients: Flaxseed meal, Wheat germ oil, Blueberry powder, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Rosemary extract
Exemplar-E™ contains no artificial preservatives or colors.
