Hh iss108 web ver2 by Holistic Horse

Integrative Care for Horse and Rider

APR/MAY 2017

Essential Oil Support Lymphedema Management Herbs for Worms

ISSUE 108

The Lie Down How to get there

Turn This...

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Integrative Care for Horse and Rider

Go fish! A P R I L • M AY 2 0 1 7

Today’s industrialized diets load your horse with omega-6s,

Features

which promote chronic inflammation and brittle cell

structure. One of the

Drugs and Your Horse

easiest ways to avoid or lessen

6 The Lie Down 9 Smell You Later!

the impact of joint maladies is to reduce that chronic inflammation by feeding nature’s best

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16 Managing Intestinal Worms with Herbs 26 The Dos and Don’ts of Equine Lymphedema

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Departments 2 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 10 NUTRITION The Science of Soy 18

HOOF CARE Managing Quarter Cracks

HERB BLURB Neem

2 3 BOOK NOOK Integrative Care for Horse and Rider

APR/MAY 2017

Essential Oil Support Lymphedema Management

ISSUE 108

The Lie Down

read

How to get there

Herbs for Worms

holistic horse on the web:

Check out our Calendar of Events. List your event for free! Cover photo: Janice Story

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1 W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Environment Trumps Industry

n our previous issue (107 Feb/Mar, 2017) we featured an article on the importance of quality of our horses’ drinking water. “How Safe is Your Horse’s Water?” (http://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=379349&ve r=html5&p=16) It’s a subject we hold close to our hearts. In February 2017, the American Horse Council, AHC, of which Holistic Horse Media is a member, sent out a press release “Trump Administration to Rollback Clean Water Act Rule.” The 2015 rule “Waters of the U.S.”, (WOTUS) was originally opposed by the AHC and other agricultural groups. A position I’ll admit I wasn’t aware of, or perhaps did not pay attention to in the past. But since that time, the environment, both political and natural, has changed, so I reached out to the AHC, voicing our concerns surrounding the AHC’s lobby group’s supporting the withdrawal of the rule in its entirety. Senior Vice President, Policy & Legislative Affairs for the AHC, Ben Pendergrass promptly responded. “We appreciate your email. Though the 2015 rule never went in to effect because it has been blocked by the courts, we believe it had the potential to create confusion regarding what waters are subject to CWA requirements with the use of new and confusing terms and definitions. There was widespread concern in the agricultural community regarding the intended meaning of terms used in the 2015 rule and how it would be interpreted in the field. Instead of helping members of the horse industry clearly understand the requirements under the CWA, the rule has generated a great deal of uncertainty and concern. We believe as written the rule had the potential to negatively impact almost all segments of the horse industry. We certainly do not oppose the CWA, but believe new regulations such as this should provide clarity to the industry. Additionally, because of concerns regarding the rule it generated widespread and bipartisan opposition. Put simply, while well intentioned, this was a flawed rule.” While I agree that clarity is important in lawmaking, Mr. Pendergrass’s argument does not represent the core values of a conscientious organization, and misses many opportunities. For example, the AHC has not, to my knowledge, offered any specific language to what its “serious concerns” are regarding the rule. Why not disclose those concerns to the membership in a press release? Second, the organization should make a reasonable commitment to dedicate more resources toward educating members of the horse

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Statement of Purpose Encouraging an environmentally conscious and natural approach to integrative care for horse and rider. Helping horse handlers since 1995.

P u b li s he rs

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E d itor

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De s i g n

High Tide Design htdes8@yahoo.com

Ad v e rti s i n g

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A s s i s tan t to

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Ad v i s ory B o ard

Catherine Bird Shari Frederick, BS, NMD, LE Amy M. Gill, PhD Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS Kim Henneman, DVM, DACVSMR, FAAVA, Dipl ABT, CVA, CVC, Fran Jurga Lisa Lancaster DVM Nicholas Larkins, BVSc, MRCVS Bruce Mandeville Judy L. Morgan, DVM, CVCP, CVA Bill Ormston, DVM Bonnie Sheaffer, RN Allen M. Schoen, DVM, MS Kala V. Shaw, DVM Ed Sheaffer, VMD Judith Shoemaker, DVM Mary Ann Simonds, BS, MA Madalyn Ward, DVM

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Holistic Horse™ is published bi-monthly. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. BUSINESS PROFILE LOGO DESIGNATES A PAID ADVERTISEMENT. Opinions expressed herein are those of the experts consulted and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editors and publishers. The information in this publication is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to medically prescribe or diagnose in any way.

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DRUGS

and your horse

The Dangers Of Medicating

and Rural Affairs in Guelph, Ontario. n the management of horse health, Barbara Sheridan “When used appropriately, they are injuries and disease, conscientious very safe; however, some horse owners tend to give too horse owners would never put their horse at much of a good thing,” she says. Dr. Moore goes on to risk; however, improper use of some commonly say that this form of drug (bute) is both economical administered equine drugs can impact the health and and convenient, available in either injectable and oral safety of our horses more than we think. Seldom does formulations; but is most likely to cause problems if a month go by when media attention doesn’t focus on given too long or in improperly high doses, especially a positive drug test in the horseracing world. The news if horses are more sensitive to NSAID toxicity. leaves many in the horse industry to shake their heads “If you look at the chronic use of bute, there’s and wonder how trainers or owners could do such a certainly known ramifications thing to their animals. But did from it,” says Dr. Moore. you know that the majority of “There’s health-derived these positives involve some issues including gastric of the more commonly used and colon ulcers, as well as drugs that we administer to renal impairment. Renal our horses on a routine basis impairment is more prevalent and which can produce some in older horses that have pretty unsettling results? developed issues with their Under-Diagnosis and kidney function or with Over-Treatment equine athletes that perform Used to relieve pain, allow or strenuous exercise and promote healing, and control divert blood flow from their or cure a disease process, kidneys. Chronic or repeated therapeutic medications can dehydration is also a risk be effective when they are factor for renal impairment. used properly, but are quite Chronic exposure to bute dangerous when misused. is more likely to cause Phenylbutazone, or “bute,” is signs attributable to the one of the most commonly gastrointestinal tract.” administered prescription Clinical signs of toxicity Photo: Dusty Perin drugs in the non-steroidal antiinclude diarrhea, colic, inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. When used properly, ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract (seen as low NSAIDs offer relief from pain and help in the reduction protein and/or anemia on bloodwork or as ulcers on of inflammation and fever. Found in the medicine kits of an endoscopic examination), poor hair coat, and weight many horse owners, bute can be prescribed for a plethora loss. In the event of such symptoms, the medication of ailments, including sole bruising, hoof abscesses, tendon should be stopped and the vet called for diagnosis and strains, sprained ligaments and arthritic joints. treatment. While a different type of drug, flunixin NSAIDS are invaluable as a medication, says Dr. meglumine (trade name Banamine), is found in the same Alison Moore, lead veterinarian for Animal Health NSAID family. “It’s not typically used as chronically as and Welfare at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture bute because it’s more expensive and mostly used for

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gastrointestinal, muscular, or ocular pain, but if misused, especially with dehydrated horses, kidney and digestive tract toxicity can occur similarly to bute,” Dr. Moore notes. Because of the deleterious effect, chronic NSAIDS can have on your horse, it is even more important not to “stack” NSAIDS. This is the process where two NSAIDS, usually bute and flunixin, or bute and firocoxib, are given at the same time. Not only does the dual administration create gastrointestinal and renal problems as listed above, but bute and flunixin given together can cause a severely low blood protein that may affect interactions with other medications.

That Calming Effect

The list of tranquilizers, sedatives, and supplements intended to calm a horse can be extensive, including some which can be purchased online or at your local tack shop. For example, Acepromazine, known as “Ace,” is commonly used as a tranquilizer to keep a horse calm and relaxed by depressing the central nervous system. It is available as an injection or in granular form and does not require a prescription. If given incorrectly, it can carry a risk of injury or illness for the horse. “Tranquilizers can be used to keep horses quiet for training purposes or for stalled horses due to injury, but it can be difficult to control the dose when given orally,” states Dr.

A.B.C.’s G.R.P.

Moore. “The difficulty with chronic administration is you don’t know how much you’re dosing your horse or how the horse is metabolizing it. Since it is highly protein bound in the bloodstream, a horse with low protein may develop side effects more quickly or react to a lower dose. Side effects include prolapse of the penis, which is more of a problem in stallions, and low hematocrit, a measure of red cell percentage in the blood. At very high doses, the horse will develop ataxia [a wobbly gait] and profuse sweating.” As every horse is different, and the correct dosage needs to be calculated based on the horse’s weight and other influences, Dr. Moore stresses the importance of having a vet oversee any tranquilizer use. It is also important to inform the veterinarian of any Acepromazine given to your horse, as it can affect the outcome of veterinary procedures, such as dentistry that requires sedation.

Drug Compounding

In equine medicine, compounding is the manipulation of one drug outside its original, approved form to make a different dose for a specific patient, whether it’s mixing two drugs together or adding flavoring to a commercially available drug. However, mathematical errors can occur. Last July, Equine Canada issued a notice asking their members to

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5 W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

THE LIE DOWN,

the natural way!

Relationships! How do you develop a strong and trusting one with your horse, much less anyone? Good solid communication, being reliable, and being dependable are all key ways, but an additional way to have good communication and connection with our horses is through the exercise of laying them down, however, it shouldn’t be scary for you or your horse. You can teach a horse to want to lie down. It can be incredibly bonding and emotionally fulfilling.

All photos: Charles Hilton

e need to develop a solid chest. Hold that rein tight until you see Brandi Lyons line of communication your horse’s head drop, even just an inch. that both of us understand; we need to When it does release all pressure. Then immediately take stay consistent and through that we can all the slack out and ask to lower the head again. Keep teach them to lie down on their own accord. Training a repeating this exercise until the horse lowers his head all horse to do anything is about getting it to have the same the way to the ground. Make sure you keep asking to drop thought as the trainer. In this case, we want the horse to the head until you see him pushing the dirt with his nose; think about lying down, so the first step is to get it to put it has to be that low. As your horse’s head gets lower when its body in a natural position of lying down so it has the you take the slack out of the rein be sure to not pull up thought to lie down. When a horse goes to lie down it puts the head, just take the slack out, and if the horse raises its head all the way to the ground and then walks in small its head as you pick up the rein, keep taking the slack out. circles. We simply need to establish a cue for the horse to Once your horse understands this part, go ahead and ask drop the head all the way down, then keep walking. Once for a walk and for him to drop his head. the horse learns to follow that cue, then we sit back until the horse “wants” to lie down. STEP 2: Head to Ground — The horse will then be walking around with his head ALL THE WAY in the STEP 1: Drop the Head — Horses learn from pressure dirt. You will need to give them enough release that as and release. Ask your horse to stand still, if standing still the head is down you are not pulling it up, but be careful is hard for your horse go ahead and let him walk. Take all the slack out of one rein. You want to make sure it is one you do not have too much slack that he can step through rein because two reins will pull the nose in towards the the reins with his head being so low. Be aware.

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STEP 3: The Lie Down — Now you need to be patient. This part can take anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours. Each horse is different but all will eventually get the thought of lying down. Once your horse does, take your feet out of your stirrups if you are in a saddle. Sit back and relax; this part is slower than you think. Once the horse lies down he will either go to the left or the right. If he goes to the left your left foot will land first on the ground. Stand on it and swing your right leg over the butt and step off. When you step off, step away from your horse. Let him roll if he wants to or get right back up or if he stays lying down, then walk back up to him and give a pat or rub. If he stands up, then immediately go to pet him. If you are having a hard time getting your horse to think about lying down, some tricks you can do is ride bareback (only if your are safe to do so), be in soft fluffy ground, hose down your horse so he’s feeling wet and itchy, or ride hard beforehand and get your horse sweaty and tired. The most

important part of this is staying relaxed yourself. Keep the environment quiet and relaxing. Keep working on getting the head down. The more you say “head down” the faster the horse will lie down but make sure you are releasing the rein tension when the horse puts his head down. STEP 4: Repeat, Rest, and Reinforce — For the first five or so times your horse lies down, let him roll if he wants, but most important, put him away right after. After the fifth time, you will create a cue to drop the head. I tap horses on the shoulder with my foot, some tap them on the neck, you can choose whatever cue you want. Do your “cue,” then pick up the rein and drop the head. Keep giving the cue first before you pick up the rein. It will end up being a “pre cue,” which will then teach a conditioned response, so when you tap it means “drop your head.” The horse will start doing it on cue, and now what was once was a mirrored thought is now a beautiful trick.

Why Teach the Lie Down?

Lying down in this manner is stress-free, simple, and natural. When practiced using the steps above, the exercise of lying down is conditioned as the horse’s idea, so it’s not only unafraid, but also 100 percent relaxed. The process builds both trust, and a positive connection between you and your horse. It’s a great expression of teamwork. It’s also a valuable training exercise to show students how a conditioned response works, and how important patience is to all training. Remember, be safe, never rush, and enjoy this moment with your horse! B

ssss

3 Very Practical Reasons to Get Your Horse to Lie Down

ssss

1. Teaching trust

2. Administering medical treatment (ie: putting ice on their feet for laminitis)

3. Practicing training skills

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7 W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

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From the Publisher continued from page 2 industry about safe manure removal practice and proper design for pasture and grazing near waterways. Perhaps our industry could easily self-regulate, but many states already do regulate our industry. Finally, the AHC does nothing (and promises nothing) to clarify the rules or contribute to a better writing of the law. The organization is lobbying in opposition to WOTUS. And, if the AHC’s position is complete deregulation, which can and historical has contributed to lackadaisical management, the organization needs to express more transparency in that position to members. By rolling back the CWA, other agricultural industries would be free to dump enormous amounts of manure from factory farms and breeding facilities, which would cause great harm to our waterways, our drinking water, and the produce we eat. I can only interpret Mr. Pendergrass’s response to mean the AHC’s official position favors industry over the environment, and over our health and wellbeing. While this is extremely disappointing, now is the time for consciousness-raising, and resistance. As such, Holistic Horse Media will no longer support the American Horse Council, nor will it publish any of the organization’s press releases across of our media outlets, until it addresses this position more directly and transparently to the membership, and reverses its position on this important piece of legislation. Until that time, and indeed, as long as we operate, Holistic Horse Media will continue to encourage an environmentally conscious and natural approach to integrative care for horse and rider. http://www.horsecouncil.org/press-release/trump-administrationB rollback-clean-water-act-rule/

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Smell You Later!

the importance of smell in horses

of most predators, however, a horse orses have a sophisticated Mary Ann Simonds, MA may refuse to load on a trailer that sense of smell, far beyond does not smell safe because it is too that of humans. Horses use clean. One solution is to add some of your horse’s manure smell like we use speech, gaining information or its friends’ manure to the trailer. Or, maybe your horse from their environment, their friends, their sexual partners, has become “spooky” because it smells something that it and to identify food and water. Smell may be the most associates with worry—or even a trauma—like in the case important sense to a horse, as it takes up the largest part of the racehorse who would not come out of its stall on race of the horse’s brain in neurological communications. day because the trainer wore aftershave lotion. Smell is the primary sense used in social Nix the lotion and the horse went back recognition and social bonding. Eye to normal. contact is first initiated, then You can check your horse’s a careful series of nostrilsense of smell by t o -n o s t r i l b l o w s of fering non food and sensing, often s m el l s , s u c h a s then followed by essential oils, and see vocalization and a if she goes nostril to stomp or physical nostril or tends to use c ont act such a s one side or the other. a buddy scratch. A normal horse will Stallions often use process new smells smell, sensing which first with one nostril may or many not and then the other. If initiate a challenge the smell is unusual or versus a friendship. perhaps reminds the But smell and “nose horse of pheromones bumps” (touch) are key it may elicit a Flehmen response. The horse actually has in virtually all equine social greetings. two olfactory systems. Each nostril is associated with an When observing the role smell plays in interactions olfactory bulb in the front of the cerebrum. The receptors of wild horses, it’s astonishing how, for example, blind of the left nostril go to the left side of the brain. There horses can survive using mostly smell and touch or how a is no crossover. The second pair of olfactory organs are group of stallions could not hear or see a helicopter almost the vomeronasal organs, and when the Flehmen response land on them as they were too occupied smelling mare occurs, the nose covers the nostrils allowing the smell to urine. A wild horse could smell another horse’s manure be trapped and perhaps even tasted for deeper sensing. and determine if they were male or female, friend or foe, To offset boredom in his stall, you can stimulate your what they ate and how much water they had drunk. This horse’s brain by having various smells placed around the key information often allowed the horses to make decisions stall. Make sure it is not a tasty smell like peppermint or in new territories as to where to find water or food. your stall may be eaten down. Since a horse in nature will Although smell sensitivity in horses can vary depending spend all day walking and smelling, at least you can give on the horse—what nutrients it may be missing or whether your horse the pleasure of interesting smells if it does have a tight noseband has damaged its ability to smell—horses primarily use smell to search for food in domestic life. Free to be confined. B

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9 W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

NUTRITION

The Science of Soy Soy in Equine Nutrition History of Use

oybeans have been a farmed crop since several thousand years B.C. and the plant has been used as a forage crop for animals for at least as long. Byproducts from soy oil extraction and production of soy products are fed to animals. The United States is currently the largest producer of soy in the world at 4.3 billion bushels per year. That’s a long time and a whole lot of soy. Soy products used in horse feeds include soybean hulls, which are the paper-like outer coat on the seeds similar to the skin on peanuts, soybean meal, which is defatted soy remaining after the oil is extracted and whole fat soybeans, which are either raw or cooked. Table 1 lists some of the key nutritional characteristics of these various forms. (Source: Dairy One Laboratories) Soy has been a staple in equine commercial feeds for 125 years. The main use for soy in equine feeds is as a protein source, although the whole beans are also a high calorie source because of the high fat. Soy protein is rich in Lysine, the most commonly deficient amino acid in equine diets. Soybean hulls are an excellent grain substitute with good palatability, moderate protein, and are low in fat, sugar, and starch and rich in easily fermented fiber.

Issues Recent years have seen a proliferation of concerns and precautions regarding feeding soy, fueled largely by the explosion in soy use in processed foods for human consumption. HORMONAL EFFECTS Like many other plants, including alfalfa, soy contains chemicals in the isoflavone family that are phytoestrogens—plant chemicals that can bind to the mammalian estrogen receptor. However, compared to estrogen itself, the effect is extremely weak, and there is no evidence that table

Crude Protein Fat Sugar + Starch Calcium Phosphorus 10

the levels consumed naturally in soy have any effect. Specifically, soy-based formulas have been fed to human infants for 60 years, and two large long-term studies have found no effects on puberty, development, or fertility. Lambs fed a 10 percent soybean diet (this is considered high) from birth, showed no signs of premature sexual development or early puberty. ANTI-THYROID Like broccoli, cauliflower, and other vegetables, soybeans contain substances that are potential goitrogens—blocks to the formation of thyroid hormones. However, concentration is low unless you are feeding isolated soy protein. In any event, the effect is completely prevented by providing adequate iodine in the diet. ANTI-NUTRITIVE Soy contains protease inhibitors— substances that interfere with the enzymatic digestion of dietary protein. It also contains lectins, which can bind to the cells in the small intestine and interfere with nutrient absorption. However, both protease inhibitors and lectins are inactivated by heat treatment, so cooking soybeans alleviates the problem. Further, the heat utilized in producing soybean meal also inactivates them. ALLERGIES Soy is suspected to be a common allergen in people. Reactions include rash, hives, breathing difficulty, and swelling. These reactions have not been recognized in horses. Far more common is soy intolerance. Soy contains many complex plant carbohydrates called oligosaccharides. These are not digestible but will be fermented by the organisms in the large bowel. In sensitive individuals the result is excessive bloating, discomfort, flatulence, and diarrhea, or passage of fluid with formed manure. The sensitivity can be confirmed if problems resolve when soy is removed from the diet and return if it is fed again. Since soybean oil is 100 percent fat, the aforementioned issues do not apply. All of the health concerns about soy involve the protein or carbohydrate fractions, including GM issues. Soybean oil is also glyphosate free. If feeding soybean oil, look for unfiltered, cold-pressed oil for maximum antioxidant activity and avoidance B of residual chemical solvents.

1 – average composition of soy products Whole Soybeans Soybean Meal Soybean Hulls 39.90% 20.30% 11.50% 0.28% 0.64%

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Drugs and Your Horse continued from page 5 use compounded drugs with caution, citing that because these medications are not available as a licensed product, they may contain different concentrations compared to a licensed product. There have been several instances where the medication contained too little of an active ingredient, leaving it ineffective, or too much, which can result in death. Because this process is not regulated with respect to quality, safety, and efficacy, there can be risks associated with compounding drugs. “Technically, veterinarians are not supposed to dispense a compounded drug if there is a commercially available product already, such as Phenylbutazone [bute],” says Dr. Moore. “If your vet felt that there was a therapeutic use for a combination product of bute and vitamin E, then that is a legitimate reason for compounding it. But a lot of people want to use compounded drugs because they’re cheaper. But cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better.” Dr. Moore explains that without careful attention to the appropriate dosage and administration, such as shaking the bottle properly so that no residue will settle in the bottom (or the last few doses will be extremely concentrated), health issues can occur. Compounded medications have provided a lot of benefit to horse health by providing access to products or product forms that would be difficult to obtain otherwise, but because of the concerns regarding quality control, horse owners should fully understand the potential risks of using a compounded product and discuss these concerns with their veterinarian.

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Deworming Strategies

In the past, traditional deworming programs didn’t consider each horse as an individual, as common practice was to deworm the entire barn on a fixed, regular schedule. However, over the past 10 years, studies have shown there is a growing concern regarding parasite resistance to dewormers. Veterinarians now recommend that horses be screened for parasites by way of a fecal egg test first instead of deworming with a product that may not be effective against parasite burdens. A fecal exam is far safer than administering deworming medications that they don’t need. Dewormers are safe when used properly, including testing first and using a weight tape for an accurate dosage. Dr. Moore suggests contacting your vet to develop a deworming program that is right for your horse and your specific area.

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A Question of Welfare?

Horse owners should be aware of the more frequent reactions to drug use in their horses and consider both

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the short term and long term effects before use. Consideration of the horse’s welfare should not only for the present, but also for its future. With the use of drugs and horses, it’s important to: uu proceed with the guidance of your veterinarian;

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Check out our archive, and get back up-to-date! holistichorse.com holistichorse.com/subscribe-to-our-print-magazine

“It’s being very aware of the use of our common, everyday drugs. As good a drug as it is, when it’s misused, negative effects will occur,” says Dr. Moore. “There’s a greater importance on knowing the

overall health level of your horse. It’s always best to have a good base point first, and because the kidneys and liver are the two main organs that process medication, it’s important to know that those organs are working properly. That’s why those annual veterinary wellness exams are so important.” About Equine Guelph Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.EquineGuelph.ca. Visit Equine Guelph’s Welfare Education page for more information. Web Link: http://equineguelph.ca/ B news/index.php?content=428

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Essential Use of essential oils c Oils the health of key bod for

Healthy Horses

Strengthen Your Horse’s Vital Body Systems with EOs

Use of essential oils can support the health of key body systems e of essential oils can support NERVOUS ENDOCRINE RESPIRAT SYSTEM health of keySYSTEM body systems SYSTEM

The use of essential oils has become extremely popular inNERVOUS recent years, and the benefits keepENDOCR SYSTEM SYSTEM emerging. The role of EO’s support the major body systems, such as the central nervous system, The nervous system is made up of The endocrine syst endocrine, immune, and others, is also becoming more widely reported and well known. the brain, spinal cord, and several group of tissues tha

different kinds of nerves that are found into the bloodstrea throughout the body. These create parts of the body. M ow does this support work? and produces a number of critical complex circuits through which animals sues are glands) th Yvonne Litza and Wendy Williams When oils are inhaled, hormones that control many parts experience and respond to sensations. directly into small b they travel to the lungs, Supporting this system can are chem Many different types of of body? diseases can Hormones thereby affecting the respiratory system. The oils also interact contribute tothe thenervous health of most every organ inThis the body. affect system, including that have many diff system is the m The nervous system is made up of The endocrine system consists ofmajor a with the limbic system of the brain, sometimes referred to as the Many essential oils support this system. birth defects, infections, infl ammatory effects of hormone horse circulates air the brain, spinal cord, and several group of tissues that release hormones “emotional brain,” which connects with vital controlling conditions, poisoning,for metabolic wide-ranging and v organs. The equine different kinds of systems nerves that are found into the bloodstream travel to other RESPIRATORY This system is the meansso byhighly whichspecialized stress levelsThese and hormone RVOUSblood pressure, heart rate, breathing, ENDOCRINE disorders, disorders, injuries, so much more than throughout the body. create partsRESPIRATORY of thenutritional body. Most endocrine tisaare horse circulates air around its internal organs. Theslightest d The effectsthrough can be which immediate TEM balance. (Higley & Higley, 1998) SYSTEM degenerative diseases, or cancer. tive organs. even the complex circuits animals suesSYSTEM glands) that release hormones

Use of essential oils can support the health of key body systems

equine respiratory is so highly specialized significant, toendocrine be studied. Detailed mal canfor limit a hors experience and system respond to below sensations. directly into is small blood tract vessels. This system the means by which a us systemand is made up of and continue The consists ofare a exercise that even the slightest deviation from normal canyou limitknow that Keeping this system healthy and Did Many different types of diseases can Hormones are chemical messengers some of the systems affected and the ways EOs are changing the horse circulates air around its internal spinal cord, and several group of tissues that release hormones strong isThe imperative to proper is partofofthe this syste athletic career. Many product affect thebloodstream nervous system, including that have many different functions. way we treat organs. equine respiratory tract The is inds of nerves that are health found issues holistically. into the for travel to other a horse’s movement and locomotion of our and number of criti our horses everyday birth defects, infections, infl ammatory effects of hormones in the body are Many of the products we use around our horses everyday have so highly specialized for exercise that t the body. These create parts of the body. Most endocrine tisNERVOUS The nervous system is made up of the horses. Many Essential Oils can control many parts harmofthe delica conditions, poisoning, metabolic wide-ranging andalveoli, encompass that can harmand thevaried delicate which are incan charge the slightest deviation from norircuits through which animals sues are glands) that release hormones toxins even and are used to support normal this system con brain, spinal cord, and several different kinds of are in chargecan of abs disorders, nutritional disorders, injuries, so much more than just the reproducabsorbing the oxygen into the bloodstream. Even low levels of toxins mal can limit a horse’s athletic career. e and respond to sensations. directly into small blood vessels. NERVOUS ENDOCRINE healthy function of this system.RESPIRATORY of most every majo into the bloodstream degenerative diseases, or cancer. tive organs. nerves that are found throughout the body. These erent types of diseases can Hormones are chemical messengers inhaled over a period of time can damage these tiny structures. SYSTEM SYSTEM SYSTEM ofYoutoxins can inhaled support ove th create complex that circuits whichfunctions. animals Many theassist products we use around nervous system, including have through many different The Essential oilsofcan in detoxification of these substances. many essential oils can damage these Keeping this andendocrine Did you know pituitary gland This system by which a t system consists of athat the The nervous system is made to up ofsystem healthy experience and respond sensations. Many different our horses everyday have toxins that is the means cts, infections, infl ammatory effects of hormones in the The body are these oils can be c Wouldn’t you prefer strong is imperative to proper is part of this system and produces horse circulates air around its internal group of tissues that release hormones the brain, spinal cord, and several IMMUNE The equine immune system, which is conditions can affect the nervous system, including can IMMUNE harm the delicate alveoli which , poisoning, metabolic wide-ranging and variedbirth and defects, encompass well being! that you know are movement and locomotion of our and number of critical hormones that organs. The equine respiratory tract is sa into the bloodstream for travel to other different kinds of nerves that are found designed to protect a horse from invading pathogens, is are in charge of absorbing the oxygen nutritionalinfections, disorders, injuries, so much more than just the reproducSYSTEM inflammatory conditions, poisoning, metabolic Support healthy horses. Many Essential Oils can control many parts of body? Supporting so highly for exercise of the body. Most tisthroughout the disorders, body. tive These create degenerativeparts intoendocrine the bloodstream. Even low levelsspecialized ve diseases, or cancer. organs. extremely complex. When everything is functioning in thattiss disorders, nutritional injuries, diseases, The equine immune system, which toxins. That’s a winn and are used to support normal this system can contribute to the health even slightest from norsues are glands) thatof release hormones complex circuits through which animals toxins inhaled overwell. a period ofthe time synchrony, the system works The problem is thatdeviation many things or cancer. is designed to major protect a horse from healthy function of this system. of most every organ in the body. mal can limit a horse’s athletic career. directly into small blood vessels. experience and respond to sensations. can damagethe these tiny structures. his system healthy and Didand youstrong know isthat the pituitary gland can compromise immune system, and when that happens, Keeping this system healthy imperative to proper invading pathogens, is extremely Youmessengers can support thisto system by using MUSCULA Hormones are chemical Many different types of diseases cansystem and produces Wouldn’t you prefer use products mperative to proper is part of this the horse is at anWhen increased risk ofis developing disease. movement and locomotion of our horses. Many EOs can and complex. everything many essential oils, learning about of the products we use around that have functions. Thesafe ANDMany including SYSTEM that you know are effective? and locomotion affect of our the nervous system, and number of critical hormones thatmany different There can be many variables affecting the health of your functioning in synchrony, system are used to support normal healthy function of this system. these can crucial tothe your horses our horses everyday have toxins that of hormones in the oils body arebetissue inflammatory IMMUNE Support healthy and remove any Essential Oilsbirth can defects, infections, control many parts of body?effects Supporting As to most well.system, The problem that many horse’sworks immune such asisstress, travel, exposure sickhorse owne well being! can harm the delicate alveoli which wide-ranging and varied and encompass conditions, poisoning,this metabolic This is just the aspec tip of toxins. That’s a winning combination! ed to support normal system can contribute to the health SYSTEM ENDOCRINE The endocrine system consists of control every things can compromise the immune animals, etc. But did you know that a great deal of your horse’s are in charge of absorbing the oxygen so much more than just the reproducdisorders, nutritional disorders, injuries, that you can support nction of this system.ENDOCRINE of most every major organ in the body. RESPIRATORY a group of tissues release hormones the movement, but did system, and thatby happens, the of their gut? Thethat equine immune system,into which immune system is when affected the Many intohealth the bloodstream. Even lowtolevels tive organs. degenerative diseases, or can cancer. from nose tail. Joi support this system bySYSTEM using SYSTEM also control interna bloodstream forisYou travel to other parts of the body. horse is at an increased risk of designed to protect a horse from EOs are used to support the healthy of the of toxins inhaledfunction over a period of time live and online traini many essential oils, learning about operations of some developing disease. So many is extremely Most endocrine tissuespathogens, are that release This system is the means by which asystem. of The endocrine systeminvading consists of a glands) digestive can damage these tiny structures. know that the pituitary gland Keeping this system healthy andcan be crucial toDid MUSCULAR learn more waysoftomu su these oils youryou horses MUNE various types thingsits affect the health of your complex. When everything horse is circulates air around internal ral group of tissues that release hormones hormones directly into small blood vessels. Wouldn’t you prefer to use products is part of this system and produces strong is imperative towell proper SYSTEM and SO MUCH MORE being! This isMUSCULAR just the tip of As the most iceberg areas know,wide variety of task horse’s immune such as in stress, functioning synchrony, the system organs. The equine respiratory tract is system eTEM found into theare bloodstreammessengers for travel toin other horse muscles Hormones different that you owners know are safe AND effective? number of critical hormones that movement chemical and locomotion of ourthat have manyand that you can support and help your horse can support travel, exposure to sick animals, etc. As most horse owners know, muscles well. The that many highly specialized forcontrol exerciseevery that aspect of our horses’ movement, but also almost ate parts of theeffects body. Most endocrine tis-problem isso not only The of works hormones widee immunefunctions. system, which Support healthy tissue and remove control many parts of body? Supporting horses. Many Essential Oils can in the body are YVONNE LITZ from nose to nortail. Joinofusaour in upcoming the smooth cardiac But did you know great deal control every aspect horses things theeven immune the deviation from sues are glands) that releasecan hormones danimals to protect a horse from internal movement and that operations of some There are ranging and varied encompass so compromise much more than justsystem theslightest toxins. That’sorgans. a winning combination! this can contribute to the health and are used and to support normal Young Living Indepe live and online you ing blood to the ske of your horses immune system is can movement, buttrainings did you where know muscles system, and when that happens, thelimit a horse’s mal can athletic career. ations. directly into small blood vessels. athogens,reproductive is extremely types muscles The pituitary gland is part of this of system most every various major organ inofthe body. performing a wide variety of tasks, and healthyorgans. function of this system. MUSCULAR learn more ways to support these systems controlling locomot affected by the health of their gut? also control internal movement and horse is at an increased risk of s can everything Hormones are chemical messengers When is You can support this system by using 630-596-645 SYSTEM and SO MUCH MORE. your horse’s entire Many Essential Oils are used to support operations of some organs? There are developing disease. Many of the products we use around uding thatsystem have many different functions. The So many g in synchrony, the many essential oils, learning about yvonne@your-oils.co Essential13oils have the healthy function of the digestive a various types of muscles performing things affect the health of our your horses everyday have toxins matory in +of hormones »Asthe most horse muscles . The problem that A PisReffects I L many M A Y 2 body 0 1 7are owners know, W that W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M these oils can be crucial to your horses IMMUNE supporting the vari system. Yes! of Many Young Living’s wide variety tasksofand essential oils LITZA horse’s system such asharm stress, can the delicateYVONNE alveoli which c wide-ranging and varied and immune encompass control every aspect of our horses

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AromaEase JuvaCleanse

DiGize Peppermint

Tea Tree

INTEGUMENTARY SUPPORT MUSCULAR SUPPORT IMMUNE SUPPORT

YVONNE LITZA

Copiaba Longevity Frankincense Immupower PanAway DiGize AromaPeppermint Siez

MUSCULAR SUPPORT

Deep Lemon Relief Lavender Copaiba Lemongrass AromaEase Basil JuvaCleanse

Purification Heliachrysum Cedarwood

Lavender Copiaba Frankincense Tea Tree

CopiabaSUPPORTDeep Relief URINARY Lavender Frankincense Tea Tree Lemongrass Lemongrass PanAway Copiaba Lemon Basil Aroma Siez Frankincense Purification Thieves

URINARY SUPPORT Tea Tree Lemongrass DIGESTIVE SUPPORT Copiaba Lemon Frankincense PurifiDiGize cation Lemon Thieves Ocatea AromaEase Ginger Peppermint

Fennel

DIGESTIVE SUPPORT LYMPHATIC SUPPORT

Lemon DiGize Rosemary OcateaLemongrass AromaEase FennelJuvaFlex GingerCypress Citrus Fresh Peppermint DiGize

LYMPHATIC SUPPORT Rosemary Cypress Citrus Fresh DiGize

Lemongrass JuvaFlex

W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

SKELETAL SUPPORT Lemongrass Cypress Helichrysum

Copiaba Peppermint Wintergreen PanAway

SKELETAL SUPPORT Lemongrass Cypress Helichrysum

Copiaba Peppermint Wintergreen PanAway

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NERVOUS SUPPORT Lavender Lemon Ylang Ylang Clarity

Copaiba Lemongrass PanAway Frankincense

essential oils can support almost all of these. From the smooth cardiac muscles for pumping blood to the skeletal muscles controlling locomotion, these muscle groups all must work together for optimum health and performance. Essential oils have a long history of supporting the various types of muscles throughout your horse. While essential oils can be a beneficial addition to your animal’s health, it’s important to remember, with any health or medical regimen, to consult with your veterinarian first, and use all products as directed by a professional. B Yvonne Litza has been using Essentials Oils to help animals and their owners since 2001. She has been working with horses for more than 30 years and currently runs a small holistic equine farm where she focuses on teaching other how to support their animals and themselves naturally through the use of essential oils and other healing modalities.

ENDOCRINE SUPPORT Frankincense Thieves Stress Away Lemongrass

Endoflex Nutmeg Clove

REFERENCES Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing. https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explorehealing-practices/aromatherapy/how-do-essential-oils-work Higley, C., Leatham, P. & Higley, A. (1998). Aromatherapy A-Z. Hay House. Battaglia, S., (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: The International Centre of Aromatherapy. Price, S. & Price, L. (2007). Aromatherapy for health professionals, 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Schnaubelt, K. (1999). Medical aromatherapy: Healing with essential oils. Berkeley, CA: Frog, Ltd. Tisserand, R. & Balacs, T. (1995). Essential oil safety: A guide for health professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

o YVONNE LITZA

CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT Lemon Aroma Life Helichrysum StressAway

PanAway Lavender Peppermint Frankincense

RESPIRATORY SUPPORT R.C. Dorado Azul Copaiba Thieves

A P R I L

M A Y

Peppermint Tea Tree Frankincense

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630.596.6457 yvonne@your-oils.com www.your-oils.com

15 W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

Using Herbs t

Catherine Cox- McDowell

TO MANAG E INTESTINAL WORMS

very time we visit a stockfeed store or saddlery shop, it seems we are inundated with advertising slogans for the best wormer rotation program, along with life-cycle charts detailing every stage of the nematode. It is a very satisfying feeling knowing that the worming paste has killed the offending larvae of the Bot fly. And you know it works because the wormer is a toxic chemical. The fact that chemical drench resistance is a problem is not a subject of deep thought—the assumption is that whenever a chemical company is in operation, a drench to deal with the next resistance is only a season away. Animal health is now practically synonymous with agricultural chemical companies—something that was unheard of in the days when my grandfather had 30 head of Clydesdales to pull the combine at harvest. I would guarantee he did not drench his horses every three months as recommended, irrespective of management or requirement.

THE PROBLEM WITH CHEMICAL DRENCHES

Besides the obvious drench resistance that can occur with the overuse (or under-use if you read the inserts) of anthelmintic and other well-known systemic chemical parasite controls, is that of the damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal system, and organ (liver and kidney) damage. A survey of adverse effects associated with Ivermectin use in horses was conducted in March to August in 1983, and it was determined that 366 of the 3316 horses developed adverse reactions following the use of Ivermectin. One death was reported and 91 percent of reactions were reported as ventral midline pruritus or oedema. Some horses developed colic and some became disoriented and one horse became depressed. One horse died immediately after the injection was given. (KarnsLuther Oct 1984 – PMID 6548469) A study done on Moxidectin (Cobb and Boeckh-2009 – Sept 2009 – BioMed Central) states that the chemical has a higher potency, better half-life and is well distributed in tissue, thereby making the chemical a useful de-wormer with less likelihood of resistance. However, there are no studies easily found on the impacts of this chemical on metabolic processes, or the stored chemical in the tissue on DNA. The obvious link between stored toxins, damaged DNA sequencing and imperfect cells has yet to be explored. This suggests a problem with the scientific bias due to research that is commissioned by the company who is manufacturing 16

W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

the chemical, as the above study was. The Cochrane Library review into studies sponsored by le ad i n g chem ic a l companies revealed a bias, skewing results and notably designing trials that focused on the positive desired outcome for effective sales, rather than the overall impact of the drug/ device. (Sydney Morning Herald – page 2 Feb 24 2017-

Burdock

Garlic

L Cormack)

It is fair to say that any toxic load on an animals system will compromise the liver and kidneys, as these chemicals are cleaned Flax out of the system via the normal metabolic process. Any toxicity not cleared naturally will be stored in fat, and is released again when the system can finish its processing. If this is not cleared, the system becomes compromised resulting in lowered immunity, never really catching up its metabolic “housekeeping.” THE ALTERNATIVE

Giving bitter herbs is not popular in our modern age, when we all seek treatments that are candy flavored and nice to take. There is a place, however, for astringent and bitter tonics in digestive system health. The simple answer is that there is no herbal treatment that will kill all worms and register a zero count in a fecal worm count. Worms evolved along with all animals’ digestive ecology, and if the horse’s general health is properly supported, any infestation will be controlled so that it does the animal no harm. The herb Wormwood (and many others) was used for hundreds of years to assist in managing worm loads in people and animals alike. These herbal wormers are safe for the host, have no side effects, and discourage worms by making the animals system healthier and discouraging worm reproduction. Chemical wormers may be more powerful than what you

 continued on page 24

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17 W W W . H O L I S T I C H O R S E . C O M

HOOF CARE

Managing Quarter Cracks with Proper Trimming and Pour-in Pads Hoof with a “quarter crack.”

Tab Pigg

hen a person wears the same pair of shoes for a long period of time, parts of the shoes wear out more than others based on how the person walks and distributes his or her weight. Once shoes wear out, the feet are not properly supported. This scenario is also true for horseshoes and hooves. When hooves aren’t trimmed properly or horseshoes don’t fit correctly, horses distribute their weight unevenly, and land on their feet differently. While some horses can be genetically predisposed to quarter cracks, they often happen because hooves are not being properly trimmed. When hooves are not well maintained, the horse strikes the same area every time it bears weight, causing stress on one quarter of the hoof wall, hence the name “quarter crack.” This usually happens at the widest point of the hoof wall between the toe and the heel where pressure is built up from uneven weight distribution.

Symptoms and Conditions

There are different causes and symptoms that can be identified before a quarter crack occurs. Some examples include: uuLong Toes: Oftentimes owners and farriers are afraid to trim a foot too much, and the heel grows forward toward the toe and underneath the foot. When this happens, the horse’s foot is not flat on the ground. (see photo, top right) uuHeels: Heels grow at an angle, as seen in long toe photo. The angle continues under the foot because it is not trimmed. As the heel grows under the foot, it affects how the horse bears its weight. As the coronary band (where the hoof and hairline meet) bends down into the hoof, the hoof wall will eventually crack to relive the pressure. A photo of a healthy, trimmed hoof is pictured below. uuUneven Hairline: If a horse distributes its weight unevenly, the hairline above the hoofwall becomes uneven. 18

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If you notice that a horse is lame and the hairline is crooked, that usually means its weight is being distributing unevenly. On a balanced hoof, the hairline is straight.

Managing Quarter Cracks

A horse often becomes lame when it has a quarter crack, and it can become very lame if the condition is not treated. First and foremost, it’s important to figure out what caused the quarter crack. Is the horse’s toe too long? Is its weight being distributed evenly? Is the horse striking in the same place repeatedly during a racing competition? It’s important to know what causes the cracking in the hoof wall because the condition will never go away if the foot isn’t balanced properly. A horse needs to distribute its weight evenly so that it can land on its feet without putting stress on the hoof wall. A farrier should be able to measure and decide if the toe is too long and trim the feet as needed. After the quarter crack is diagnosed, it’s important to apply support to the hoof. Since the horse needs to relieve pressure around the quarter crack, pour-in padding materials are key to providing relief to the horse. Depending on the severity of the quarter crack, there are materials that can help close the cracked area. If it appears to be an exposed wound, it’s important that the area is cleaned and left uncovered to heal, and treated by a hoof care professional or veterinarian. If the crack seems to be healing and is not infected, hoof-bonding compounds can be applied over the crack to help close the gap. The product can be bonded to the hooves while the horse is standing.

Preventative Measures

To reiterate, the feet support a horse’s entire body weight. If its weight is not distributed evenly, it can cause injury and cracking to the hooves. With proper trimming and pour-in pads for support, a horse will be able to stand evenly and bear weight A P R I L

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prepare

perform

increase bloodflow

help increase mobility

recover help prevent injuriesreduce muscle tension

Hoof crack filled in

comfortably. No matter its activity level, it’s important that a farrier is managing and trimming a horse’s hooves consistently. Just as humans need new shoes for proper support, horses also need that treatment. Whether preventing or managing quarter cracks, trimming and pour-in pad materials can provide the support and durable protection necessary for optimal hoof health. Tab Pigg is a retired farrier with more than twenty years of experience in the field and a Vettec Hoof Care representative.

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he Neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is a beautiful evergreen tree that can reach a height of over 90 feet and live up to 200 years. Native to India, Burma, and Sri Lanka, the neem tree now grows in many tropical areas of the world. The honey-scented, tiny white neem flowers turn into a small fruit that turns yellow when ripe. The bark, seed, leaves, and fruit of the tree are used in traditional herbalism for a variety of ailments. The bark, leaves, and oil are considered antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antiviral, antiamoebic, and antiparasitic. Neem has been traditionally used for malaria, fungal or bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, improving digestion, and many more health-promoting properties. Neem leaves are cold and drying with a very bitter flavor. The powdered leaf can be combined with water and made into a paste to apply to red, inflamed, weepy skin issues. Taken internally, the bitter flavor stimulates digestive function and can cool heat and infection in the blood. Combine it with other warming bitter herbs, such as turmeric, to help balance the cold nature of this plant. Neem leaf extract has also been studied for the ability to reduce blood glucose levels and has been found to be beneficial. Combine it with other blood-sugar regulating herbs, such as fenugreek or cinnamon, to balance the cold nature of neem. Neem is also a good herb to include in anti-parasite formulas, as it strongly expels many types of parasites. Neem is a powerful herb so dosage rates are small and best used combined with other herbs. uuEquine Dosage ground leaves is 1–2 tsp twice daily. uuTincture

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dosage is .5-2ml or 10–40 drops twice daily

Neem bark, with its bitter flavor, has been used with other

gastric healing herbs to heal ulcers. Combine it with other herbs that heal the gastric mucosa such as plantain, meadowsweet, calendula, or marshmallow. The bark dosage is the same as the leaves. Neem seed oil is often used in shampoos, fly sprays, and topical

creams to repel insects and heal inflamed skin and wounds. 20

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Neem seed oil is usually mixed at a dilution of 3–5 percent oil combined with water, apple cider vinegar, or a base oil such as sesame oil or coconut oil. The beautiful Neem tree has often been called the “Village Pharmacy” due to its multitude of uses. However, it should not be used internally in pregnant or nursing mares or foals. There is a possibility of neem preventing or inhibiting fertility with extended internal use.

Natural Animal Care Solutions

Neem Flower Essence This amazing tree also has a flower

essence that opens the heart connection and clears barriers for you and your horse to connect. Neem is an amazingly versatile plant that has been used for repelling insects, healing skin, supporting healthy digestion, and much more. B Andrea Baldwin is a Clinical Herbalist with training in various herbal traditions, including Western, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic and Native American. As a lifelong horse advocate she believes that herbs and other holistic modalities, when used thoughtfully, offer the gentlest and most powerful way to bring balance to your horse. Andrea is the co-author of Equine Herbal and Energetics and founded EquiBotanical to empower others to restore balance in mind and body through education of the traditional uses of our plant allies. www.equibotanical.com.

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BOOK NOOK

Open Heart, Open Mind: A Journey in Horsemanship By: Heidi J. Potter Open Heart, Open Mind: A Journey in Horsemanship follows the author’s journey to better understand horses and to mindfully co-exist and communicate with them. Heidi J. Potter shares personal stories and lessons learned from horses and humans that have touched her life. Her book gives readers a new way of looking at horses from a position of knowledge, mindfulness, compassion, and understanding. She examines lessons in horsemanship and stories of training, including successes and failures. She discusses how her training progressed from a place of dominance to a place of understanding and how lessons from martial arts enhanced her horsemanship, teaching, and everyday life. Potter’s book offers insight on co-existing in the world horses need and desire, a world full of peace, security, comfort, and joy. She encourages readers to have an open heart and open mind for taking the same journey to a more safe and enjoyable life with horses. The author is a professional horsewoman respected for her clear, kind, and consistent style of teaching and training. As a natural style trainer, she specializes in the gentle and progressive way of working with horses. For more information, visit www.heidipotter.com. B

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Managing Worms with Herbs continued from page 16 would want or need, and work only because they kill worms quicker than killing the host. However, if the situation calls for a chemical wormer, I am not against judicious intervention. Herbs can be used to help detox from the negative effects of chemical drenching. Assisting your animal to manage the worm loads is a much more realistic target and can be done using a number of different approaches. I make up a mixture of traditional anti-parasitic herbs that work by toning up the wall of the gut while at the same time helping to expel worms. Regular use leaves the gut healthier than before and more able to manage a natural and harmless worm load. These herbs are steeped in raw apple cider vinegar and specific dosages are given in a set program over weeks. Wormwood, Chinese Rhubarb, Tansy, Burdock, Flax Seed, Cloves and Garlic are a few of the herbs that I like to use for their anti-parasitic and vermicide effects. Aloes, Comfrey and slippery elm powder can be used to heal damage to the lining of the gut, making the environment and GIT ecology much healthier. There is no resistance build-up, nor chemical residue to deal with.

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MANAGING THE ENVIRONMENT

Another factor often overlooked is the season. In a country like Australia, with its harsh climactic extremes, nature works in the horse’s favor. Worm cycles are interrupted by dry periods and frost, and the likelihood of herd infestation lowered. Naturally, if you’re not living in these kinds of conditions, you must still keep manure under control, especially if you have a high animal population on small acreage. It’s advantageous to rest paddocks for a minimum of three months, starting in the middle of winter, and then allow for a spring flush. Horses can be allowed to access the rested paddocks at the first signs of their drying off, and, where possible, rotate grazing to sheep or cattle. Using biodynamic soil sprays, basalt, and dolomite to condition the soil is also part of maintaining your whole system’s balance. Encouraging natural forages of larvae and eggs is part of well-nourished balanced ecosystem, and will keep parasite levels in check. Avoid the overuse of herbicides and insecticides to encourage a diverse and balanced animal, insect and microbial population. B Catherine Cox-McDowell is an herbalist with years of experience using herbal medicines to heal. Her earliest experience comes from her grandparents, who were traditional farmers. Her holistic approach and expertise was developed working alongside the well-known Robert McDowell. Catherine offers comprehensive herbal healing services including consultations via her website or in person. Contact her at www.mcdowellsherbal.com

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the

DOS and DON’TS of Equine Lymphedema Christa Veinotte

Edema is always a concern for horse owners We are constantly checking the legs for new lumps and bumps. Sometimes, minor areas of swelling can lead to temporary lymphedema. If this edema worsens over time, the horse may develop a complicated condition called Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL). CPL occurs slowly over time. The body uses it’s unique lymphatic system to move fluid through the body. Specific pathways allow fluid to go down the legs via one channel and reroutes it back up the leg another way. If one pathway becomes altered or blocked due to infection, surgery, injury or fibrosis, there is a risk that your horse will develop CPL.

DON’T

1. Seek immediate veterinary advice on undiagnosed lumps, swellings or areas of excessive heat.

1. Apply heat or ice to any area that is hot and swollen. Cellulitis, a potential life threatening infection occurs commonly with CPL

2. Follow directions for prescriptions and topical ointments

2. Leave open wounds untreated. These allow pathogens to enter the body.

3. Request a treatment consultation with a qualified health care practitioner to help evacuate the stagnant fluid.

3. Try to massage the swelling down to the hoof.

4. Use cold hydrotherapy if no heat is present 5. Keep legs clean and dry especially during wet and muddy seasons 6. Towel dry excess sweat off the legs 7. Allow the horse to drink as much fresh water as he wants 8. Discuss an appropriate exercise program with health care team members

4. Add salt to the diet 5. Panic if the edema returns. It will take a few treatments to make significant progress 6. Bandage the leg too tight or leave it on for long periods of time 7. Use wrap or tape that will tear the skin 8. Wait to call your veterinarian if the condition worsens or changes 9. Believe everything you read online

9. Take photos to document the condition

Since 1999, Christa Veinotte has specialized in equine massage therapy and rehabilitation. Her clients include World Cup and Olympic athletes She completed her advanced Lymphatic Drainage studies in 2003 and is currently developing an Equine Lymphatic Drainage course for other health care practitioners. christaveinotte@yahoo.ca • https://www.facebook.com/clvequinetherapy/

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Even if your horse seems fine, her DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

may be under duress. Ask your veterinarian to test your horse with the SUCCEED® Equine Fecal Blood Test™. Your horse looks good, training is good…what more can you ask for? But what if the horse had more to give? What if her digestive health was keeping her from reaching her true potential? After all, the digestive system is the key to a horse’s overall health, temperament and ability to train and perform. That’s why you should have your vet test your horse regularly with the SUCCEED Equine Fecal Blood Test (FBT). The SUCCEED FBT allows your vet to assess whether the horse has an underlying GI tract condition in minutes, right in the barn...even when things appear “normal” on the outside. When you know what’s going on beneath the surface, you can take

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Photos: Getty Images, Tammi Nowack Photography. The SUCCEED Equine Fecal Blood Test is a quality product from Freedom Health LLC.

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soyBEAN

free Finally, there’s a horse feed on the market featuring a recipe that’s GMO Ingredient Free, Soybean Free, and never includes artificial flavors or colors. Introducing Naturals Pelleted Horse Feed from Triple Crown. Fortified with EquiMix® Organics, Naturals Pelleted Horse Feed is one of the few horse feeds that can boast about what’s in the bag by highlighting what’s not. Because, sometimes, what you leave out is more important than what you put in.

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