From the moment Emma McCauley met her gelding, Jack Sparrow, she knew he was something special. Based in Leinster, Emma describes him as the kind of horse that just finds a place in your heart and stays there.
“I’ve owned Jack Sparrow for just over six years now, and he’s truly one of a kind. We’ve learned so much together, and the bond we have now is something really special,” Emma says.
Over the years, Emma and Jack Sparrow have taken part in all sorts of disciplines. He’s the kind of horse who gives his best no matter what’s asked of him. Their standout moment came at the Royal Trim Show, where they won the Open Working Hunter class and went on to take Reserve Champion. As Emma says, “it made all the hard times worth every minute.”
A Sensitive Soul
Jack Sparrow has always been on the sensitive side, he’s the kind of horse who feels every change in the weather or his feed. As Emma explains:
“He struggles a bit when the weather changes. Dust and pollen set off his allergies, his gut reacts when grass or haylage changes, and he’s prone to mud rash and lymphangitis. He even battled colic before. Thankfully, he pulled through, and Glas Equine really helped rebuild him after that.”
A Natural Approach That Works
Emma’s always preferred to keep things as natural as possible for her horses and that’s what first drew her to Glas Equine.
“I like using products that don’t interfere with the gut biome. What I love about Glas Equine is that everything’s raw, no fillers, no rubbish. Just pure plants. It feels like the kind of thing my horses would forage for if they had the chance.”
Jack Sparrow and his field mate Buddy certainly seem to agree and they’re often found nibbling happily at the hedges!
Real Results with the Winter Blend
Emma admits that Jack’s gut and allergies used to be “completely out of control.” Now, her go-to is Glas Equine’s Winter Blend, which she uses all year round.
“I actually took him off Marshmallow Root over the summer once and it was a big mistake! Within a week he had a massive pollen reaction, his face swelled up, and let’s just say there were a lot of baby wipes involved. After a few rounds of antibiotics I put him straight back on Marshmallow and added Liquorice Root and he cleared up overnight.”
That moment convinced Emma that natural support really can make the difference.
Shine, Condition & Comfort
Winter has always been a tricky season for Jack but the combination of Glas Equine supplements has helped him stay in top form.
“His coat’s usually my first tell if the shine goes, I know something’s off. Marigold has been brilliant for his skin and helps with the lymphangitis too. He’s not an easy keeper, but his condition and energy are miles better now. And since starting Liquorice Root, his immune system has been so much stronger.”
Emma’s learned not to overcomplicate things, just to listen to her horse and adjust gently as needed.
“After that pollen reaction, I learned my lesson. I don’t try to fix what isn’t broken,” she says with a smile.
A Happy Horse, a Happy Owner
What shines through most in Emma’s story is the happiness she feels seeing Jack Sparrow thriving again.
“It’s so nice seeing him happy in himself. Glas Equine products have really helped us get here and now everyone can see what I saw all those years ago when I bought him: a true superstar.”
And it’s not just Jack Sparrow reaping the benefits. Emma’s retired horse Buddy has also found a new lease of life.
“Buddy’s in his 30s now and was getting really stiff, barely wanting to pick up his feet. I started him on Devil’s Claw and honestly he’s like a new horse. Seeing him trot up to me every day makes me so happy.”
The Glas Equine Difference
Emma’s story is a perfect reminder of why Glas Equine exists. To give horses like Jack Sparrow and Buddy the natural support they need to feel their best. No fillers, no shortcuts, just pure, purposeful ingredients chosen with care.
Head over to our Instagram to watch Emma and her superstar Jack Sparrow in action.
If you’d like to learn more about the products Emma uses, you can explore them here: