Dr Karen Laidley on how to be your horse’s hero
We’re always excited to hear personal stories from those using PROTEK GI and the incredible results they’ve experienced. Real-life success speaks volumes, and Dr Karen Laidley’s journey is a perfect example of how PROTEK GI is helping horses stay at their best. Here’s how it made a difference for her.
Karen’s early love for horses and veterinary medicine
Dr Karen Laidley was an 8-year-old, horse-crazy girl growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, when she started riding in the hunter/jumper world. From this young age, she knew veterinary medicine was her calling. After going to veterinary school and learning about the sport of eventing, her journey began.
Mentorship and the love of dressage
Over the years, Karen has learned much from her phenomenal mentor, Diane van den Berg. She recounts, “She changed my world, not just my riding. Diane really invested in me and through her guidance, I learned to love dressage. She taught me the true art of riding, showing me how to develop horses meticulously so they could feel and perform at their best. Now, as an instructor and professional rider, I focus on the beautiful and rewarding process of bringing horses and riders along in a deliberate and thoughtful way.”
Transition to full-time riding and equine medicine
Transitioning from full-time veterinary medicine to full-time riding and teaching at her family’s beautiful home, Fruition Farm, Dr Karen continues to practice equine medicine focusing on what she is most passionate about - dentistry, podiatry, saddle fit, and whole-horse health. She does this not just for the animals, but because of the bond we share with them and how horses help heal humans and make us whole.
“Be your horse’s hero”
Karen believes in helping horses to feel their best. Her farm’s mission statement is “Be your horse’s hero.” She is driven by the desire to educate both horses and riders under her tutelage to be their healthiest and happiest selves, and she hopes to reach as many horses and riders as possible.
Karen’s approach to supplements
When asked about her supplements of choice, Karen was very clear on how she selects and recommends products, emphasizing the importance of science-backed data.
“As a veterinarian, I am constantly looking for answers to health issues. EGUS is so prominent in the equine industry and can have such far-ranging effects. I used (and recommended) products that I believed had the best chance of minimizing the risk of gastric ulcer formation, but at the time, no double-blinded studies had been performed on products intended to prevent ulcer recurrence. There are numerous products on the market, but before PROTEK GI, I didn’t have gold-standard science to back up my recommendations.”
Why Karen recommends PROTEK GI
Karen says, “PROTEK GI solves two issues. It prevents rebound acidosis when discontinuing omeprazole (eliminating the need to taper and thereby also saving money) and is proven effective in preventing gastric ulcers.
Double-blinded studies are the gold standard. It is the only product proven through such studies, and I have yet to find a single horse who does not like PROTEK GI’s taste.”
PROTEK GI is an easy decision
PROTEK GI’s potential to reduce the incidence and severity of ulcers (which, in turn, minimizes money spent on vet bills, training, feed, and medication) along with its palatability made it an easy decision for her.
“I train with even more confidence knowing that, while EGUS is always a risk in horses, I am employing every tool at my disposal to prevent it from occurring in horses directly under my care and supervision.
I believe you are giving your horse the best chance of EGUS prevention using PROTEK GI, provided you are also addressing all contributing factors (husbandry, nutrition, tack, podiatry, training practices, dentistry, bodywork, etc.).”
Trust the science and be your horse’s hero with PROTEK GI. Shop now or find out more by emailing our team at info@kelato.us