V9I6 (Dec/Jan 2014-15) by Redstone Media Group

GET

Equine

HEADSHAKING SYNDROME

SIDE

WAYS! Learn lateral work

EMOTIONAL

FREEDOM

HEAT

TECHNIQUE for horses

& COLD

EQUINE LONGEVITY

THERAPY

STEPS TO A LONG & ACTIVE LIFE

Which should you use and when?

holiday

TASTY

Horse

AGILITY

TREATS

HOOF BRUISES DISPLAY UNTIL JANUARY 28, 2014 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6

$5.95 USA/Canada

December 2014/January 2015

Gentle THE

BARN

EquineWellnessMagazine.com

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Dana Cox EDITOR: Kelly Howling EDITOR: Ann Brightman SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Kathleen Atkinson SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Dawn Cumby-Dallin SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Natasha Roulston SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR: Jasmine Cabanaw COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: The Gentle Barn COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cathy Alinovi, DVM, CVA Audi Donamor Theresa Gilligan Susan L. Guran Amy Hayek, CAC, CVA Eleanor Kellon, VMD Jessica McLoughlin, REMT Jennifer Miller, DVM, CVSMT, CVA William Ormston, DVM, CAC Sherri Pennanen Heidi J. Potter Joan Ranquet Christina Reguli Chris Richardson Karen Rohlf Hilary Self, BSc (Hons), MNIMH Kelli Taylor, DVM Stacey Yalenti, CPA, MSAC, Equine Accountant ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER: Redstone Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley CIRCULATION & OFFICE MANAGER: Libby Sinden ACCOUNTING: Karen Tice WEB DEVELOPER: Brad Vader SUBMISSIONS Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to Equine Wellness Magazine, 202-160 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: Submissions@EquineWellnessMagazine.com.

DEALER OR GROUP INQUIRIES WELCOME Equine Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call Libby at 1-866-764-1212 ext 100 or fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail Libby@RedstoneMediaGroup.com. ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Tim Hockley (705) 741-0817 ext. 110 Tim@RedstoneMediaGroup.com Eastern Sales Manager: Lisa Wesson (866) 764-1212 ext. 413 Lisawesson@RedstoneMediaGroup.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Classified@EquineWellnessMagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE Subscription price at time of this issue in the U.S. and Canada is $24.00 including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: EquineWellnessMagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 ext.315 US MAIL Equine Wellness Magazine 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL Equine Wellness Magazine 202-160 Charlotte St., Peterborough, ON Canada K9J 2T8. Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary practitioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

EquineWellnessMagazine.com Equine Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1718-5793) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyrightÂ© 2014. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: December 2014.

Improving the lives of animals... one reader at a time.

ON THE COVER Photograph By: THE GENTLE BARN Formerly a great trail horse, Whisper was sold to a man who wanted her to work cattle. Having never met cows before, she had no idea what was expected of her. Instead of teaching and training her, the man beat her in an attempt to get her to do what he wanted. Whisper, scared for her life, started fighting back, which made the abuse worse. The Gentle Barn rescued Whisper and set to work healing her physical injuries, and her heart. It took four years, but Whisper is now 18 years old, retired and a fan favorite. To read more about The Gentle Barn, head to page 32.

Equine Wellness

Contents 32

59 FEATURES 10 GIVE YOUR HEAD A

26 FLAVORS TO SHAKE Equine Headshaking Syndrome CELEBRATE THE SEASON

can be extremely painful and debilitating. Here are some things you should know, and how to help your horse.

These tasty holiday treats will be a big hit around the barn, and the best part is they’re good for your horse!

42 EFT FOR HORSES

The Emotional Freedom Technique can help you and your horse release your old stories and resolve physical and behavioral challenges.

14 HEAT AND COLD

30 HOOF BRUISES It can look 45 BREATHE EASY Answers for THERAPY They’re the“go-tos” for soft alarming, but may not be a reason to worry. winter respiratory health.

tissue injuries. Find out which you should use, and when.

16 GET SIDEWAYS!

How to learn lateral work without tying yourself in knots.

32 THE GENTLE BARN How a

little girl’s dream to help animals developed into one of the largest rescue organizations for farm animals in North America.

20 HORSE AGILITY

This fun new 39 NATURAL SOLUTIONS sport challenges and benefits horse-human FOR SCRATCHES AND RAIN ROT When it comes to these two nasty partnerships of all ages and abilities! conditions, prevention is better than the cure!

22 ARTHRITIS: A HOLISTIC APPROACH – PART 2 Integrative options for preventing and treating this common condition.

25 PROBIOTICS 101 Keep your horse’s GI tract in balance with these probiotic basics.

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48 GETTING DOWN TO

BUSINESS Equestrian businesses are notorious for financial and accounting struggles. Here’s how to get yourself, and your finances, back on track.

52 IT’S PLAYTIME!

Did you know that toys can help promote herd play, assist with proper digestion and eating behaviors, and bring fun to your training?

53 INFRARED, NEAR OR FAR Near or far, infrared can bring wonderful benefits to your horse!

54 LONGEVITY AND YOUR EQUINE ATHLETE

Top 8 ways to help him enjoy a long and active life.

22 42 COLUMNS 8 Neighborhood news

DEPARTMENTS 6 Editorial

36 Holistic veterinary Q&A

29 Special advertising feature

40 To the rescue

35 Product picks

50 Herb blurb

46 Equine Wellness resource guide

59 Homeopathic column

51 Heads up

SOCIAL MEDIA “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

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Tips, contests and more! Like us /EquineWellnessMagazine Updates, news, events @ EquineWellnessMagazine Product reviews and tutorials EquineWellnessTV

57 Book review 58 Social media corner 60 Marketplace 61 Classiﬁeds 62 Events

48 Equine Wellness

‘Tis

EDITORIAL

the season

So with visions of frozen water troughs and snowed-in gates dancing through my head, I began the winter preparations that I consistently put off as long as possible. Horse blankets to the cleaners…finish all the outdoor maintenance and yard work…winterize all things that need winterizing.

This past summer seemed to go by way too quickly, especially after the long, cold winter we had last year. But walking through

For me, the biggest challenge I face during the colder months is finding the motivation to keep riding my horses. Subzero temperatures and riding around an arena (I’ve spoiled myself with a whole summer of trail riding) don’t always result in much enthusiasm. One thing I’ve found that really helps me is riding to music, so I’ve put several riding playlists on my iPod that I can listen to while I ride. The other thing that always helps is trying something new – so, in that spirit, be sure to check out Karen Rohlf’s article on lateral work on page 16, as well as Heidi Potter’s piece on the new sport of Horse Agility on page 20. Horse Agility looks like great fun and would make for a fantastic cold weather activity, especially if you can get some barn friends involved!

the mall the other day, I was hit with the fact that we’re getting close to that time again – in fact, as of this writing, many of the stores were already decorated for Christmas, and this was well before Hallowe’en!

Before I get too down about the cold weather, I try to remind myself how lucky I really am. I’m fortunate to have horses in my life – and to have an arena to ride those horses in during poor weather, however repetitive it might seem to get at times. Horses are very powerful creatures and can bring happiness to an otherwise dreary day. This can, in fact, go for all animals – from the barn cat and resident goat, to chickens, pigs and poultry. Anyone who has had their life touched by any animal will love our cover story (page 32) featuring a fantastic organization called The Gentle Barn. This farm rescues, rehabilitates, and houses all types of animals, who in turn aid in special programs for at-risk and special needs youth. It would be wonderful if we could all find a way to support organizations like these this holiday season – not only to help the animals we love, but to bring the joy of those animals to people who need it most. And finally, speaking of the holiday season, be sure to check out Audi Donamor’s great holiday horse treat recipe on page 26, as well as our Gift Guide (page 29) for ideas on what to give the other horse lovers in your life. Happy Holidays!

Kelly Howling 6

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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS VESICULAR STOMATITIS CAUTION A

Kansas State University veterinarian is cautioning residents of Kansas and surrounding states about a highly contagious viral disease that affects horses and livestock — and can sometimes affect humans.

At least 170 cases of vesicular stomatitis have been confirmed in Colorado and Texas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal, Plant and Health Inspection Service. Although only two states are currently affected, Beth Davis, professor and section head of equine medicine and surgery at the university’s Veterinary Health Center, says everyone needs to be cautious when traveling with their animals.

“It’s an interesting disease because it does have pretty significant clinical signs,” Davis says. “Most commonly, it causes painful blisters in horses that can affect the mouth, muzzle and tongue. Additional signs may include lesions on the udder and/or around the top of the hoof where it meets the hairline. Vesicular stomatitis also can affect mules, donkeys, cattle, bison, swine, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas.” She adds that if livestock owners suspect they are dealing with vesicular stomatitis, they should contact their veterinarians immediately. “It is quite contagious,” Davis says. “The most common form of transmission is through insects, specifically biting flies. It also can be spread from one animal to another through direct contact and sharing of stable supplies.”

UNDERSTANDING TENDON INJURIES Tendons are highly prone to injury, and the likelihood of injury increases with age. Why this happens, however, is still poorly understood. Recently, University of Liverpool scientists examined the mechanisms that cause aging in the tendons of horses, opening up the possibility of better treatment for humans.

In contrast, damaged tendons in younger horses were found to contain more of the proteins used in healing than damaged samples from old horses, suggesting that healing also slows with age.

Using samples taken from young and old horses, which have similar tendon properties to humans, the team of researchers, which also included scientists from Queen Mary University of London, performed a range of tests to profile the types, quantities and proportions of proteins present in tendons.

“This now opens up the possibility of better treatment and prevention strategies to address tendon injuries in both man and veterinary species, such as the horse,” says Professor Clegg.

“Injured tendons are extremely painful and limiting in humans and we know that this increases as we get older, explains Professor Peter Clegg, Chair of Musculoskeletal Biology. “We’re now starting to get to the ‘why’ of this process by showing that the proteins produced by the cells to repair damage alter as we get older.” The researchers found marked differences in the proteins of young and old horses. The findings also showed that certain protein fragments appear in greater quantities in older horses, suggesting they are released as the tissue is slowly damaged over time. 8

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24 EQUINE ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE FUNDING Good news. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation has approved 2014 funding of $284,000 to 24 equine organizations and special projects committed to improving horse welfare. The Foundation’s Advisory Council selected recipients from a group of new applications and ongoing projects during its summer meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. Among the initiatives receiving support are Equitarian workshops, student veterinary scholarships, important equine research, programs for unwanted horses, and professional and youth development. Newer initiatives to receive funding include the Horses and Humans Research Foundation, for its research into equine-assisted rehabilitation for military veterans; and the Equine Land Conservation Resource, for its planning and zoning guide facilitating the protection and preservation of lands available for horse-related activities.

AUSTRALIAN BAT LYSSAVIRUS The first two cases of Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV) in horses were confirmed last year, and have highlighted the need for greater awareness of the disease in all domestic animals. A rabies-like virus, ABLV was previously only detected in bats and humans; and until 2013, Australia was considered free of these types of viruses in domestic and feral animals, including horses. Two veterinarians studied the two equine cases in depth, and have published a paper in the Australian Veterinary Journal on their findings. According to the paper’s co-authors, Dr. Ed Annand and Dr. Peter Reid, the equine cases demonstrate that ABLV can infect domestic animals: “This possibility had previously been acknowledged but never before confirmed,” they wrote. “ABLV presents a significant

zoonotic risk and, as with other lyssaviruses worldwide, underdiagnosis is likely. In the past, people have become infected with the deadly lyssavirus by being scratched or bitten by a flying fox or micro-bat, but the spillover to horses reported in our paper indicates that animals other than bats can pose potential human health threats. Further neurological disease surveillance would be beneficial to increase our understanding and identification of the disease’s zoonotic risk.”

APP FOR CATCHING ANIMAL ABUSERS There are apps for everything – and now there’s one specifically designed for the purpose of catching animal abusers. ICE BlackBox, a new free smartphone tool, will help law enforcement protect animals and communities from illegal animal cruelty. Available to Android and iPhone owners, the app allows users to record video of illegal animal cruelty and share it securely with law enforcement for possible investigation and prosecution. “Animal cruelty is a serious crime that is often associated with violence to people and we are using the latest in technology to help catch animal abusers in the act,” says John Thompson, executive director of the National Sheriffs’ Association. “We encourage everyone who has a smartphone and cares about protecting animals and our communities to download this new app.” In related news, the FBI has begun to include animal cruelty offenses, including neglect, in the Uniform Crime Report. It is the first time animal cruelty data will be included in federal crime reports and it affirms, at high levels of law enforcement, that animal cruelty is a serious crime.

Equine Wellness

Equine Headshaking Syndrome can be extremely painful and debilitating. Here are some things you should know, and how to help your horse.

shake

GIVE YOUR HEAD A

By William Ormston, DVM, CAC, DVet Hom, and Amy Hayek, DVM, CAC, CVA

All horses shake their heads from time to time, usually as a reaction to insects or other irritating stimuli. If your horse begins to shake his head more than normal, there may be a medical or mechanical reason for it. Medical causes can include middle ear disorders, ear mites, cranial nerve disorders, guttural pouch infection, or head trauma. Mechanical causes could encompass poorly-fitting tack, sharp teeth, or rough hands during riding. If your horse is shaking his head excessively, eliminate all these possibilities first.

This behavior can also include extreme nose blowing, snorting and coughing. The horse may exhibit signs of photophobia, or he may not. He may put his nose under another horse’s tail or dunk his nose in his water bucket. Some horses may refuse to move forward and will rear if forced. Owners should be aware that horses with Headshaking Syndrome may be suffering terribly and should not be forced to work in pain. Headshaking Syndrome is painful and debilitating and should be treated as you would treat any serious illness.

HEADSHAKING SYNDROME

THE BRAIN-BODY CONNECTION

Also called photosensitive headshaking, Equine Headshaking Syndrome is a condition in which a horse flips his head in reaction to sunlight, wind, movement, stress, etc. He may display only mild annoyance – or he may exhibit sheer panic and extreme pain. Some head-shakers will hit their heads against walls because of the deep pain in their heads. Some will strike at their noses with their forelegs because of the biting or burning sensation. Others may simply scratch their noses on everything they can find.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a human condition described as an intense nerve disorder that causes a stabbing or electric shocklike pain in parts of the face. Nicknamed “the suicide disease”, it is a disorder that is painful and confounding to many. Treatments for humans include several drugs that are moodaltering or mood-stabilizing. Phantom limb pain is a human condition that is described as pain felt in a limb or organ that was previously amputated. Most often the sensation from the body part that has been amputated is painful. However,

Equine Wellness

in most instances the patients report that they also “feel” the body part moving as it would have had it not been taken off. Both of these conditions are similar to Equine Headshaking. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Michael Merzenich, Jon Kaas and Doug Rasmusson found that by using cortical maps they were able to determine which parts of the brain were activated by certain parts of the body. What they also found was that when a part of the body was amputated, its cortical map changed. All pain is perceived in the brain. This is where the sensory cortex registers external sensory information. When a portion of the brain that has previously been assigned to a body part is no longer receiving information from that body part, it is soon occupied by the sensory information from another body part. But the brain doesn’t know which part is sending the signals. So your consciousness still identifies the previous part as the sender. Often when upper limbs (forelimbs) are amputated in people, sensory portions of the brain are taken over by portions of the face. In humans who were born with eyesight but lose it later in life, the sensory portion of the brain that once was stimulated by their eyes is often taken over by their finger tips, and they begin to “see” with their fingers.

MIXED SIGNALS Since amputation of organs can also cause this sensation, it is plausible to say that rewiring of the brain can go on even when there is no amputation. Pain from organ systems which are not often localized to the organ but to an external body part, such as numbness or pain in the front limbs during a heart attack, illustrate this situation. Head-shakers or fly-flicker syndrome in horses can be likened to trigeminal neuralgia. It is often treated by applying a light mask to the nose of the horse, which sends a counter sensory signal to the brain and quiets the initiating stimulation (we call this inhibition in relation to the brain and spinal cord). However, it doesn’t address where the sensory signal is originating. Similar to phantom limb pain and trigeminal neuralgia, head-shakers are likely responding to sensory signals coming from other areas of the body. This could be organs that are irritated, in a similar manner to a heart attack. If this is the case, consider gastrointestinal involvement since the GI tract in the horse sends many signals to the brain regarding sensory information. It could be as simple as sensory input from an amputated organ, such as in the case of removing the testicles from a stallion.

COMMON TRIGGERS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS The New Bolton Lecture series reports headshaking is usually an adult-onset disease, starting at around seven to nine years old. Geldings are most commonly affected, and horses that are Equine Wellness

over-conditioned seem at higher risk. Horses can be seasonal headshakers or shake all year round, and some will progress from seasonal to year-round. Common triggers for headshaking are bright light, heat, spring/summer season, and exercise. These commonalities suggest that the actual cause of the stimulus to the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face is coming from a distant sensory pathway which moved in on the face portion of the brain. Horses in heavy work are usually on high carbohydrate diets which change the lining of the GI tract, causing sensory input from this tract to change. Ulcers reported in these horses confirm this. Bright light causes constriction of the muscles of the eye, which fire into the area of the brain nearest the extensor muscles of the horse. Turning on these muscles can trigger pain muscles already in spasm through other neural channels linked to the GI tract.

Headshaking Syndrome is painful and debilitating and should be treated as you would treat any serious illness. Trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by trauma or tumors, however, its cause often remains undiscovered. Similar to head-shakers, it occurs in older humans, usually over 50, though it occurs more commonly in females. In humans, the nerves of the face often lose their coating to become pure pain fibers. This may be similar in chronic horse cases. Altering your horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet and helping remap his brain are two ways to address this issue. Reducing processed food and carbohydrates in the diet will greatly reduce the inflammatory proteins in the body. Ways to begin remapping the brain include chiropractic adjustment because it realigns the sensory input to the face, and the rest of the horse. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to help as it also helps to rewire pathways, and homeopathic remedies can aid the organ from which the pain originates. While more research is needed to locate the origins of headshaking, resolving the issue in your horse is more important. The therapies mentioned above typically offer some relief, which is often well received by both the owner and the horse.

William Ormston, DVM and Amy Hayek, DVM have a combined experience of 40 years, allowing them to teach movement to other veterinarians. Dr. Ormston owns Jubilee Animal Health in Celina, Texas and Dr. Hayek owns East Coast Equine in Summerville, South Carolina. In addition to practicing, both doctors are well known lecturers and travel extensively all over the US and internationally. They can be reached via HYHH.TV or animalchiropracticeducation.com. 12

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THEY’RE THE “GOTO’S” FOR SOFT TISSUE

AND

HEAT

THERAPY By Jessica McLoughlin, REMT

INJURIES. FIND OUT WHICH YOU SHOULD USE, AND WHEN.

There’s nothing new about heat and cold therapy. In fact, it dates back to ancient Greece. Baths, hot or cold, were used to gain the same benefits we see today using more sophisticated forms of application. Whether your horse has recently suffered an acute injury, or has an older, more chronic problem, heat and cold therapy are an excellent source of non-invasive, non-medicinal pain relief. The issue lies in understanding which form of therapy to apply, and when.

INITIAL INJURY From the moment you first injure yourself, your body starts to respond. It takes the necessary steps to provide an optimal environment for healing and prevent further damage. The first signs you will notice are pain, redness, swelling, increased heat, and in many cases, decreased function. These five cardinal signs typically occur within the first 72 hours post trauma and are commonly referred to as the acute stage. Over time, the pain, redness and heat subside, the swelling dissipates, and some if not all function is restored. After this stage, you are dealing with a chronic injury.

COLD THERAPY - CRYOTHERAPY Do you recall your mother slapping an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas on a recent soft tissue injury you sustained? If you were able to sit long enough through the sheer shock of ice therapy, you realized it actually helped. Here’s why: when your body undergoes an injury, plasma and specialized white blood cells are leaked from the blood circulation and surround the insulted area, causing swelling and inflammation. When cold therapy is applied to the area, it causes the blood vessels to constrict, limiting blood flow to the area. When blood flow is decreased, the swelling begins to dissipate, releasing pressure 14

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on delicate nerve endings, which further reduces pain. When the pain is eased, function is restored. In the horse world, we don’t always have ice at our fingertips, but we usually have hoses. Cold hosing an injury works well, but consider that the colder the treatment, the more effective it will be. Helpful hints in applying ice or cold hose therapy: • Apply to the injured area for no longer than ten minutes. • You can repeat cold therapy three to four times a day. • When using ice, keep it moving in a circular motion – never allow it to rest in one place as it could freeze the underlying tissue. • Apply cold therapy to an injury for three to four days, then switch to heat. • With lower leg injuries, always direct the water flow up the limb to avoid cellular fluids from pooling and causing swelling. • Freeze water in a Styrofoam cup, and when you are ready to use it, peel away the bottom of the cup and apply the ice to the injury. As the ice melts, continue to peel away the cup.

HEAT THERAPY – THERMOTHERAPY One week post trauma is considered chronic. At this point, avoid using ice or cold and start applying heat. Heat allows the vessels to dilate and fill with nutrient-rich blood. This increases blood circulation to help further eliminate residual, deep-seated inflammation and promote tissue healing. Also, heat acts as a temporary analgesic, reducing pain. Heat can be applied either moist or dry. Hot water and towels would provide a moist heat, but towels cool off very quickly and require frequent changes. Electric heating pads provide a more consistent heat application but they only deliver dry heat. From my personal experience working with horses, I

TAKE caution

You should consult with your veterinarian prior to applying any of these treatments. Whether you are applying cold, heat or a combination of both, always use caution. Never leave a horse unattended when applying these treatments, and always check the temperature prior to application. Some horses may be alarmed at the sensation of ice or heat, so always approach them with it slowly and carefully. Make sure they are comfortable with the application; they will not benefit if they are uncomfortable and their muscles are tense and rigid. prefer to use electric heating pads, which are easy to use and available for purchase at many retail stores. Helpful hints in applying heat therapy: • Apply heat to the injured area for 20-minute intervals. • Repeat therapy up to three to four times daily. • Do not leave horses unattended when using heating pads. • Never apply heat intense enough to burn. • When using hot water and towels, perfect the application so the muscles aren’t exposed to the environment. • Cover the heating pad with a towel or horse rug to prevent the heat from dissipating into the environment, and direct it toward the injured area. • Keep the towel or rug in place for about 30 minutes post treatment so the muscles don’t get too cold too quickly.

THE GRAY AREA There’s a time when an injury is past the acute phase, but not quite in the chronic phase. This gray area is referred to as the sub-acute phase. During this stage, you apply cold and heat therapy interchangeably – this is referred to as contrast bathing. Typically, this therapy works on a 1:3 cold to heat ratio. First, apply cold for one minute, then heat for three minutes, for a duration of 20 minutes. This causes the vessels to alternately constrict then dilate, creating a vascular pump that helps increase blood flow and dissipate inflammation. It is a very stimulating form of therapy. Next time you are feeling sluggish, try taking a shower using this concept!

Jessica McLoughlin graduated from D’Arcy Lane School of Equine Massage Therapy in London, ON in 2003. She is an active member of the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists and completed a four-month internship, followed by a one-year work term, at the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KES MARC) in Lexington. Jess returned to Nova Scotia as an enthusiastic advocate for equine rehabilitation. She established Atlantic Equine Massage in 2007, and serves Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. (902) 275-7972 or atlanticequinemassage.com

Equine Wellness

sideways! Get

By Karen Rohlf

How to learn lateral work without tying yourself in knots.

Lateral work is a great tool for developing straightness and symmetry. But the process of learning it can make you and your horse feel anything but symmetrical! Once you have both mastered a decent shoulder-in, you won’t know how you ever lived without it. However, except for the naturally talented few, most first attempts at shoulder-in or other lateral work seem to just get in the way of a horse’s ability to move freely forward. In other words, he was fine until that darn lateral work got in the way!

Once you get the hang of it, lateral work can look and feel effortless.

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Common issues seen in first attempts at lateral work can include: • loss of energy • twisting or tilting neck • loss of bend • falling sideways • rider sitting unbalanced • needing too-strong aids • loss of the line of direction • general bracing against the contact

It’s worth muddling through the process, despite all this, and I’ll show you a way to minimize the muddling. When you have the ability to do lateral positions it enables you to instantly improve the balance, lightness, quality of gait, and connection of your horse. You can more precisely strengthen the weak leg and supple the stiff side, and over time this leads to a more symmetrical and functionally straight horse.

SIX STEPS TO BETTER LATERAL WORK It has been a big puzzle for me as an instructor and trainer to figure out a way to teach lateral work to students and horses in a way that allows them to get to the good stuff sooner and more easily. I would like to share some of what I have learned!

ONE

There are only three lateral exercises. If you asked a Grand Prix dressage horse how many lateral positions there are, he would say: “Three: the one where both my front and back legs go sideways the same amount, the one where my front end goes straight and my hind legs go sideways, and the one where my shoulders go sideways and my hind legs go straight.” We call these moves different names depending on where in the arena they are done, but when it comes to the actual biomechanical challenge, there are only these three (on each side). So that is great news! It already sounds easier than having to learn shoulder-in, counter shoulder-in, haunches-in, renvers, half-pass, and leg yield!

TWO

Find the easiest place to ask for it. Remember all the choices you have. When I am teaching a horse his first lateral positions, my main thought is: “What is the easiest way for him?” Every horse is different. For some horses, the first haunches-in is much easier at the canter; for others, the first shoulder-in is easier when out on the trail. No matter how much experience I have, I always experiment to find the way a horse can experience the exercise with the most ease.

With that said, I will give you some hints. Most horses and riders have an easier time learning shoulder-in if they can do it with the wall on the inside of their bend. So if you are struggling with a shoulder-in right, for example, sometimes simply turning around (or doing it from the outside of the arena) and doing it when the wall happens to be on your right can be a tremendous help! S ometimes the best gait is the halt. Most people don’t think of practicing lateral work at the halt, but for me Equine Wellness

FOUR

Focus on the communication with your horse more than the shape. Lateral work won’t have value if you are crossing your hands over midline, squeezing your legs, holding him together, and having to tap him with the stick to keep going. It’s not about getting him into the shape, it’s about educating yourself and your horse to be able to have it as a tool, ready at your request. Lateral work is not an end point; it is something you need in order to achieve even greater qualities in your horse. But those qualities can’t manifest if you have to use strong aids. It is vital that you are able to sit relaxed and free during lateral work. It is a process to get there, but it’s worth it. If you take your time and commit to education rather than struggle, it will pay you back in the end with a horse that feels nimble, elastic, coordinated and balanced.

abilit y

When you have the to do lateral positions, it enables you to instantly the balance, lightness, quality of of your horse. gait, and

improve

connection

Lateral work is not an end point. It will develop greater qualities in your horse for future work.

FIVE

Name it later. I used to teach the theory first, but by the time students got on their horses they were so stressed about trying to remember all the intricacies and names of the movements that their brains and bodies could no longer function. Now I teach the theory last. I tell them to practice moving the shoulders or the haunches to each side in such a way that they end up with either a bend right or left. For example: Ask the shoulders to the left with a bend left, ask the shoulders to the left with a bend right. Ask the haunches to the right with a bend left, ask the haunches to the right with a bend right, and so on.

If you have to pick between naming it and doing it, I would rather you be able to DO it, then figure out later what each position is called. Develop your skills away from your horse. We know the “blind leading the blind” is not ideal. Do what you need to in order to get more awareness and control over your own body. Yoga and Pilates can really help. Out of sheer desperation to help students, I created a lateral work kit that has a booklet, DVD and a “school master” made out of a pool noodle. It is incredibly enlightening and will make it really hard to blame These are pages from the workbook your horse for of Karen Rohlf’s Kit for Learning Lateral Work. They show that Shoulder-in Left any of your lateral and Counter Shoulder-in Left are work troubles! biomechanically the same. If the

SIX

THREE

it is pure gold. You will have a chance to quietly address any issues or contortions. Practicing halting in a lateral position puts a priority on balance, relaxation, and self-carriage in the easiest possible circumstance. Way before a young horse is ready to do a shoulder-in, he can gain confidence being in the position and associating it with relaxation. I think of it almost like a yoga pose: Shoulder-in Asana! Or you can pretend you are posing for a statue of a very important person doing a shoulder-in! Later, doing transitions in and out of the halt will build strength and coordination.

wall is on your left, you call it Counter Shoulder-in and if the wall is on your right you call it Shoulder-in.

I hope this gives you some ideas that can immediately help you enjoy the benefits of having the skill of lateral positions.

Karen Rohlf is the creator of Dressage Naturally, a compassionate and athletic program designed to achieve results in harmony with horses. Karen empowers students to independently problem-solve through her many resources including her book, DVDs, and Virtual Learning programs. You can find out more about her and pick up your free Starter Kit at dressagenaturally.net. (SiMoN the School Master Noodle is available at her webshop:dressagenaturally.net). 18

Equine Wellness

This fun new sport challenges and beneﬁts horse-human partnerships of ALL AGES and ABILITIES! By Heidi J. Potter

HORSE AGILITY We all strive to create an enjoyable, trusting and mutually respectful relationship with our horses. There is no doubt that our horses desire the same type of relationship with us. The fun new sport of horse agility promotes just such a partnership with your horse!

WHAT IS IT? The IHAC (International Horse Agility Club) was founded in the United Kingdom by Vanessa Bee in 2010. The club’s purpose is to promote a safe, fun and unique competition experience for humans and horses of various ages, levels, abilities and breeds. There are divisions for ponies (including miniatures), donkeys and horses. One of the many benefits of horse agility is that it offers a fun and positive experience for those who don’t or can’t ride. It also offers the retired or rehabbing horse some fun and stimulation when he can’t be ridden, benefiting him mentally, physically and emotionally. Training for agility fosters clear, positive communication (not control), improved confidence, and healthy emotional interactions between horses and their handlers. All agility

Riders of all ages can have fun with horse agility.

Equine Wellness

Horse agility work begins in a halter, but eventually progresses to liberty work if done correctly.

play begins on the ground in a halter, and progresses to liberty work. It is an ideal activity for camps, lesson programs, therapeutic riding programs, and anyone interested in improving the overall relationship they share with their equine partner. Here are four things I love about this sport:

 Training: The training for agility is not about dominance – it is about leadership and partnership. It is about communicating with the horse in a way he understands and creating positive interactions. The focus is on developing a trusting, enjoyable relationship though patience, understanding and primarily positive reinforcement.

 Tools: No sticks, whips or ropes are allowed in competition.

Interactions are reduced to your body language, your ability to communicate through sending energy, obedience training, and the overall understanding you have developed with your horse. You many choose to use an artiﬁcial aid during training but must wean yourself and your horse off them in order to compete.

Judges are looking for horses to display an attentive and pleasant attitude.

HOW TO GET STARTED Simply visit thehorseagilityclub.com to learn more and join the club. Be sure to check out the very popular OLHA (On Line Horse Agility) competitions, which allow you to compete from home. You simply print off the month’s obstacle course, videotape your run, and send it to the club. Your performance will be judged. Your scores will be posted on the IHAC website and e-mailed to you. On the website you will be able to track how you rank in your country and in the world. You will even receive a ribbon from the UK! Have fun and

enjoy!

e The rules:

Rule #1 – It must be safe. Rule #2 – It must be fun for you and your horse.

r Scoring: 50% of your score in competition is based on your horsemanship skills and the overall attitude of your horse. The other 50% is based on the effectiveness of how well the horse performed the task or managed the obstacle.

For example, if the lead rope gets taut during your run, you lose a point off your horsemanship score. It doesn’t count against the horse’s performance. It simply demonstrates that the horse is staying with you due to pressure on the halter, not because of obedience training and desire. This happens to everyone, especially in the beginning. In agility, we are always working towards performing without halter and lead, thus requiring us to be much more aware of ourselves and our ability to communicate clearly to our horses. Judges are looking for the horse to be attentive and have a pleasant attitude during each run. We really want to see clear, calm communication between horse and handler. You should both be enjoying yourselves.

TRAINING FOR AGILITY Horse agility training promotes safe and respectful partnerships. Simply put – it is just good horsemanship. It begins with self-awareness, an understanding of equine behavior, and fosters development of a good set of skills on the ground. The goal is to achieve clear communication and the ability to move your horse through the use of body language, not through applying pressure. It begins with developing a trusting relationship, teaching proper leading skills, working on your body language, obedience training and then progressing to obstacle work.

BONUS POINTS Many students have reported how much agility training has enhanced the overall relationship they share with their horse. Under saddle they find that their communication, confidence, behavior and trust are much improved. These students, from all disciplines, range from pleasure trail riders to those who compete in various events such as hunter paces, competitive trail rides and horse shows. Here is what one student had to say about her horse’s behavior at a dressage show following a day of horse agility: “I love how obedient my horse is after spending a whole day doing ground work. It seemed like he was an entirely different creature than all the other horses on the grounds. There were so many horses having issues with basic ground manners, trouble bridling, trouble mounting, trouble standing, trouble loading, some with all these issues. It made me appreciate every moment I’ve spent gaining my horse’s trust and being able to communicate so clearly with him.” Heidi Potter is a HAAT (Horse Agility Accredited Trainer) and the owner of the New England Center for Horsemanship (NECH), located in Southern Vermont. She is a Certified Centered Riding® Clinician and CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Master Instructor/Clinician. As a Natural Style trainer, her mission is to help improve the relationship between horses and humans in a safe, compassionate manner by combining education with patience, praise, clarity and a sense of humor. For information on hosting a horse agility event at your facility or attending one scheduled at NECH visit heidipotter.com.

Equine Wellness

a holistic approach – part 2

Integrative options for preventing and treating this common condition. By Jennifer Miller, DVM, CVSMT, CVA

We’ve

all heard the saying, “It is often easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.” While this might be true in some areas of life, joint health is not one of them. Striving to prevent arthritis in our horses should be the main goal. In Part 1 of this series (Oct-Nov 2014), we looked at some of the causes of arthritis and how it’s diagnosed. This time, we will cover preventative strategies and treatments.

EARLY PREVENTION Given their druthers, most horses would probably rather spend their days in the field eating grass than working for us. Therefore, it is our responsibility as owners and riders to make sure they are prepared for the tasks we ask them to do. Many horses, especially those destined for future competitions, are started and asked to compete at high levels years before they are mature. The level of stress and repetitive motion applied to their young joints can set them up for osteoarthritis as they age. In many countries, young horses are started under saddle and then turned back out into pasture for a year to mature and grow before really being started in a work program. Starting 22

Equine Wellness

horses gently, then slowly increasing the amount of work they are asked to do, in accordance with their individual stages of maturity, will go a long way in preventing future joint disease.

FIVE TIPS FOR MAINTAINING SOUNDNESS When a horse is mature and in a steady work program, there are many things we as owners can do to help them stay sound. Here are the most important:

One of the biggest issues facing many horses today is their weight. As opposed to working equines of old, horses today are often overfed for the amount of work they are asked to do. Extra weight adds extra stress and strain to joints. I prefer to be able to easily palpate a horse’s ribs. Keeping your horse free of extra weight will reduce wear and tear on joints.

We must all strive to ride our horses in the most biomechanically correct way we are able. Horses are masters at not using their bodies in the healthiest ways when being ridden. Poor posture in people can lead to chronic back pain, and the same is true of horses. Back pain can then lead to undue stress on joints.

We must also evaluate our riding programs. Remember from the last article that consistent, repetitive motion is an insidious cause of arthritis. Our horses need to have their workouts varied. Circle after circle is not healthy. There should be some “cross-training” out and about on trails and in fields. The variation in footing between the indoor arena and outdoor areas will allow the joints to flex and extend in their full range of motion, keeping them healthy. It is our responsibility as owners and riders to make sure our riding does not contribute to undue joint stress.

3 4

Improper hoof care is a huge cause of joint instability and stress. The hoof is the only part of the horse that impacts the ground. It is the weight bearer and part of the shock absorber. Hoof care is beyond the scope of this article, but please work with a qualified hoof professional and your veterinarian to make sure your horse’s hooves are as healthy as possible.

PSGAGs and HAs

Two classes of injectable drugs are used systemically for both acute synovitis and osteoarthritis. Legend is an intravenouslyadministered hyaluronic acid. Adequan is an intramuscularly-administered polysulfated glucosaminioglycan. Pentosan is another PSGAG that is not yet approved by the FDA in the US. To simplify – hyaluronic acids are used more for synoviocyte health, while PSGAGs are used for cartilage health. Both HA and PSGAGs are available in oral form from a number of supplement companies. While there is no definitive research saying they help or don’t, it is my experience that many horses benefit from oral supplementation of these compounds, especially when the diet is adjusted.

Whole body inflammation contributes to joint inflammation. Inflammation not only causes pain, but inflammatory chemicals in the joints contribute to joint damage. Many times, inflammation begins in the gastrointestinal tract. While this may seem surprising, we are what we eat. Unless your horse is an upper level athlete, working at maximum capacity every day, he likely doesn’t need supplemental carbohydrates from grains. Continued on page 24.

Equine Wellness

Continued from page 23. Too often, horses are fed sweet feed with whole grains or a pelleted feed made from grain products. These are not natural to the horse. Horses are grazers and do best on a forage-based diet. There are many available supplements to balance a forage-based ration. Supplemental Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease inflammation in the joints, thereby decreasing the amount of damage the inflammation might cause. Adjusting the diet is a very simple way to help prevent arthritis.

Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy (VSMT) or animal chiropractic will help maintain joint stability. Instability can be so slight that it is missed by the rider, but it causes normal activities to transfer abnormal stress onto the joints. VSMT addresses not only the spine, but all the joints of the limbs. Regular VSMT can keep your horse in the best functional ability possible, so that normal joint stress is dealt with and accidents may not be as traumatic.

ACUTE TRAUMA In the case of acute trauma and synovitis (see last issue), treatment is aimed at decreasing inflammation and swelling as quickly as possible. Synovitis should be treated as a soundness emergency, and prompt treatment will most likely allow full recovery. The initial treatment will include ice alternated with bandaging the joint. Cold will help decrease the inflammation quickly, and bandaging will keep the joint from swelling. Veterinary treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone or Equiox (firoxib). Equiox has a much lower likelihood of causing stomach ulcers. Many owners do not like to use NSAIDs in their horses, but as an emergency treatment for a short time, they can help preserve the affected joint’s health. If the ice, bandaging and NSAIDs do not reduce the inflammation fast enough, your veterinarian may suggest injecting the joint with a hyaluronic acid, a corticosteroid, or both. While long-term use of intra-articular corticosteroids is not ideal, a dose in the inflamed joint is one of the fastest ways to take the inflammatory chemicals out of the area, thereby preventing further damage. Acupuncture can be used to help reduce swelling associated with synovitis and can be used to help control pain. All concerns owners have with NSAIDs and corticosteroids should be discussed with the treating veterinarian. Each case is an individual and individual treatment plans need to be determined.

Regenerative medicine

The future of treating both synovitis and osteoarthritis most likely lies in the field of regenerative medicine. Using substances collected from the affected horse, stem cell therapy, IRAP and PRP are all being used to treat affected joints. These therapies are still considered experimental and research is ongoing. They are often offered only in larger practices that treat many sports medicine patients. However, they are worth investigating if your horse is diagnosed with arthritis.

INTEGRATIVE THERAPY OPTIONS When it comes to keeping horses with chronic osteoarthritis comfortable, nothing beats VSMT, acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy. • VSMT will help keep the joints functioning; the veterinarian who treats your horse should provide you with physical therapy and bodywork “homework”. • Acupuncture will help maintain a balanced flow of energy in the body and provide pain relief. • Chinese herbs, tailored to the patient, will help balance the whole body, allowing it to begin to heal itself. • Massage therapy can provide comfort to a body that is compensating for an arthritic joint. • Horses with chronic OA will beneﬁt tremendously from the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet, along with oral PSGAGs and HAs. Using Adequan and/or Legend may also provide relief. All the preventative measures listed above should be implemented for horses with OA. It can be frustrating to own a horse with arthritis, and sometimes the treatment choices can seem overwhelming. Taking a multi-faceted approach will pay off in long-term comfort for your equine friend.

Jennifer L. Miller, DVM, CVSMT, CVA owns Prairie Rivers Holistic Veterinary Service in Byron, Georgia. After practicing conventional equine veterinary medicine for a number of years, she came to realize it did not offer all the answers to her patients’ needs. In an effort to provide well-rounded, excellent care she chose to expand her education. She obtained certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center, and in Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi Institute. She has also studied Applied Kinesiology and Craniosacral Therapy. Dr. Jennifer is herself a student of the horse and studies classical dressage, lessoning as often as she can. She has a passion for functional neurology and loves being able to integrate functional neurology concepts with classical dressage. She lectures to groups on how understanding the neurology of the horse can make all of us more empathetic riders. prairieriverholistics.com

Equine Wellness

PROBIOTICS By Chris Richardson

Keep your horse’s GI tract in balance with these probiotic basics.

ou’ve probably heard of probiotics, but what are they really? How do they work, and most importantly, what are the benefits? Simply put, probiotics are “good” bacteria that work in the digestive tract. They keep the digestive system in balance and functioning optimally. As feed progresses from the mouth into the intestinal tract, specific types of bacteria are needed to continue the digestive process so the body may absorb nutrition to maintain health and wellness. Probiotic digestive enzymes work with gastric juices to start the breakdown process, making the feed usable and absorbable. Any microbial imbalance in the digestive tract can cause severe health problems. When beneficial bacteria are destroyed or depleted, this also alters the pH of the gut environment, further affecting proper digestion. Antibiotic treatment can have devastating long-term effects, wiping out the beneficial bacteria that keep the intestinal tract healthy. Stress related to competition, illness and abrupt dietary changes also alter the normal microbe population in a horse’s GI tract. A healthy GI tract is vital in helping reduce gas and/or colic and protects against infection. Quality probiotics should include multiple strains of bacteria and have a high CFU (colony forming units) count in the billions. Chris & Roger Richardson are the owners of The Holistic Horse, and have been providing natural and holistic healthcare products since 1998. They are passionate and committed to providing the best products and helping all types of animals achieve optimal health. theholistichorse.com

Equine Wellness

Flavors celebrate TO

THE SEASON By Audi Donamor

t ast y

These holiday treats will be a big hit around the barn, and the best part is theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re GOOD for your horse!

Equine Wellness

Don’t stress over gift-giving this holiday season! These healthful horse treats are easy to make, and are bound to be a favorite with tasty ingredients like apples, carrots, cinnamon and mint.

Ingredients

Holiday horse treats

4 cups carrot and apple pu

½ cup coconut sugar*

reé

5 to 7 drops pharmace ca l grade, cer tified organic essenuti tia l oil peppermint, or include some of chopped fresh mint leaves finely

2 teaspoons Saigon cinnamo 1 tablespoon raw carob po 5 cups whole oat flour

wder

Dried mint

Instructions

Choose organic ingredients for easy cleanup. Parchme whenever possible. Cover two cookie sheets with pa convection oven works we nt paper can be stored and used again. Preheat overchment paper, ll for this recipe. n to 350°F. A Pureé carrots and apples in organic, unsweetened applea food processor or blender. You can save time by using carob powder. Ensure that sauce. Add sugar, peppermint oil or chopped mint, store-bought all ingredients are thorough cinnamon, and ly combined. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, and slowly add the spoon or spatula, until all the whole oat flour, stirring wi th a flour has been well incorpora ted into the wet ingredien wooden ts. Turn the dough onto a lightl y fl ou red sur face and knead well. Take a roll it out, cut into desired good-sized This recipe makes over six shapes, and place them on your parchment-covere piece of dough, d cookie do zen good-sized biscuits, with want, you can also make som a bit of dough left over; sosheets. e sm all if you treats by simply rolling ou a big crayon and, using a sha t the dough to mint if desired, and place in rp knife, score the pieces to any size you like. Sprinthe thickness of kle with dried pre-heated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Then turn oven down to 250°F, minutes. Remove cookie she and bake for a fur ther 20 ets fro oven for 20 more minutesm oven, turn over biscuits, and return to . completely before storingTurn oven oﬀ and allow biscuits to cool Don’t forget to “gift” some in an air tight container or Ziploc bag. horse-loving friends. You maof these special yummy treats to your y even want to try one you rself!

*Sugar can be omitted fr

om this recipe.

See about the in

gredients on page

28.

Equine Wellness

ABOUT THE

Apples

ingredients

are one of the world’s healthiest foods. Pectin, the fiber found in apple skins, is fermented in the intestines, and this produces shortchain fatty acids that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, and support the cells of the intestinal lining, making them an excellent cancer-fighting whole food, as well as a “support system” for the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers from Agriculture and AgriFood Canada have found that Red Delicious, Northern Spy, and Ida Red apples contain more potent disease-fighting antioxidants than other types of red apples.

Carrots are a nutrient-dense root vegetable related to fennel,

parsnips, cumin, and dill. They contain pro-vitamin A, betacarotene, vitamins B, C, D, E and K, riboﬂavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, copper, and iodine. Carrots support the immune system, aid digestion, and are also recognized as a glandular tonic, skin cleanser, and eye conditioner.

Oats are a strength-giving cereal. They are low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus. Oats also contain calcium, magnesium, the B vitamins, and iron. They contain 20 unique polyphenols called avenanthramides, which have potent antioxidant, anti-inﬂammatory, and anti-itching properties. Oats support the gastrointestinal system by helping remove toxins from the body.

Coconut palm sugar is a source of the B vitamins, including B2,

B3 and B6, and it contains important minerals including potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Coconut palm sugar is lower on the glycemic index than agave or honey.

Cinnamon is one of the world’s most important spices. Its history can be traced

back to the ancient Egyptians. Ancient Chinese herbal references cite cinnamon’s use as early as 2700 BC, when it was recommended for the treatment of nausea, fever and diarrhea. Cinnamon was also added to food to prevent spoilage. Native American Indians used cinnamon for diarrhea, chills, and even to freshen breath. In China, cinnamon is also recognized as an energizing herb, for kidney problems and even lung conditions. Cinnamon is a carminative and used as a digestive tonic when prepared as a tea.

Carob pods were used as far back as ancient Egypt, when they were

combined with porridge, honey and wax as a remedy for expelling worms. It is calming to the gastrointestinal system. Carob contains all the principal vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, riboﬂavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Peppermint oil is a terrific digestive aid for horses, and it also supports the liver and respiratory system. Peppermint was first used by the Egyptians, and is mentioned in Icelandic herbal pharmacopeias from the 13th century. Peppermint oil contains manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium and copper. It even contains Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and C. It is easy to grow your own mint, and prepare your own wonderful soothing tea that you can share with your horses.

Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for animals for nearly 20 years. She is the founder of the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies ® Cancer Fund and amongst her awards, is the very proud recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. 28

Equine Wellness

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

LEAVE ME BE!

EcoLicious Equestrian is launching a solid version of its popular All Natural Leave Me Be Fly Spray to get to those hard-to-spray areas like the face, ears and belly. This bug-repelling balm with a seriously amped up eucalyptus volume that bugs hate so much is also super soothing and calms already bug-bitten, irritated skin. As with all EcoLicious bugrepelling products, it is 100% natural and 100% free of nasty chemicals, silicones and parabens. Available at selected fine retailers and online.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

ULTIMATE SLOW FEED HAY BAGS Take comfort in knowing your horse is eating more naturally. Hay Pillow® Inc. offers bags for use on the ground, hanging and horse trailer mangers including a bag designed specifically for miniature horses! Your choice of ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1 ¼” and 1 ¾” mesh sizes. Give your beloved equine the Xmas gift that keeps on giving – hay!

TheHayPillow.com

EcoliciousEquestrian.com

ALL-NATURAL SOLUTIONS Dr. Rose’s Remedies Skin Treatment is an all-natural herbal salve and spray that promotes rapid and complete healing of skin ailments. Developed by a veterinarian, our skin treatment is patented and is made with all natural ingredients. It’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-hemorragic, anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic. It heals wounds, burns, bruises, lacerations, rain rot, scratches, and it relieves itching, inflammation and irritation.

BALE BUDDIES The SLOW BALE BUDDY small mesh slow feeder is the perfect gift for the horse lover (or horse) on your list! It mimics grazing, aids digestive health, calms nervous and aggressive horses and eliminates waste. Available in all bale sizes. One year warranty.

BigBaleBuddy.com 866-389-9952

610-558-4610 DrRosesRemedies.com

GET PAST THE ICE AGE COLDFLEX® Self-Cooling Products are ending the dangers, discomfort and inconvenience of the “ice age” and providing the world with a far superior cold therapy product! COLDFLEX® does not require refrigeration, is reusable, safe and effective – a simple “wrap and go” cold therapy product for you and your pets. COLDFLEX Compression Wraps and Blankets come in a variety of sizes. The blankets are also heat resistant to just over 3500°F degrees, making them a must have for emergency fire situations. Made in the USA, COLDFLEX is guaranteed to never cause tissue damage or muscle cramping and is non-toxic and eco-friendly.

GIVE YOUR HORSE SUPERIOR HEALTH NAG Bags, the Original Slow Hay Feeder, wants to help you with your winter chores. Using a NAG Bag will reduce feed wastage, keep horses busy, reduce time taken to feed, and provide a healthier and more natural atmosphere for your horses; all while combating limited feeding health issues.

Natural Alternative Grazers slowhayfeeders@live.ca SlowFeeders.com

Coldflex.com, Facebook.com/coldflex Within Canada, please email ColdflexCanada@gmail.com Facebook.com/coldflexcanada

Equine Wellness

HOOF

BRUISES By Sherri Pennanen

It can look ALARMING, but may not be a reason to worry.

The

equine hoof is a marvelous piece of anatomy. It is made to withstand the horse’s weight and let him live his life. In short, hooves are meant to take a real beating. From time to time, we see evidence of what is known as a “hoof bruise”. It can occur anywhere on the hoof wall, sole, heel, bars, tip of the frog, or near the white line, making it appear pink or bloody. Bruises are generally more noticeable on lighter hooves, but that does not mean light hooves are more prone to bruising. Let’s look at what you need to consider when you see the discoloration of bruising.

WHAT’S IN A BRUISE? Bruises are usually a sign that something has or is happening with the hoof. It can mean there has been a trauma. It can mean that part of the hoof wall is too long, creating pressure in a specific area. It can also mean that the heels are too high or the bars are laid over. We may never really discover the full reason for bruising, but one thing is certain – hoof bruising is usually not serious. In fact, it is the least serious of all external hoof problems and horses are rarely lame from bruises. We can equate a bruise in a horse to a bruise in humans. While we see evidence in the form of discoloration, and may have some mild tenderness at the site, it rarely stops us from doing what we do. In some rare cases, bruises can be severe and can lead to other problems, but this is not common.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION So what do we do about hoof bruises and when, if ever, do we need to address them? Let me begin by saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping your horse 30

Equine Wellness

well nourished on good forage, providing plenty of turnout (ideally 24/7), and giving him regular balanced barefoot trims will optimize his ability to cope with minor injuries such as bruises. If he does take part in some typical horseplay with his herd mates, or steps on something that might make him flinch, he is best prepared for recovery if he is generally in good shape to start with.

SYMPTOM OF A BIGGER ISSUE At times, I have customers tell me their horses have been bruised by walking on gravel or stones. I can say that dramatic changes in surfaces can cause some tenderness; it is important to acclimate your horse to new surfaces at times. But I also often consider that the horse might have an early or low grade inflammation or laminitis, or a thin sole, rather than bruising. Hooves are pretty darned tough and withstand a lot of concussion and different surfaces. In such cases, the bruises may be a symptom rather than the actual problem.

WHY BRUISES DEVELOP As a barefoot trim specialist, I am generally not too concerned about bruises on the bottom of a hoof. I trim normally and only respond to areas that seem mushy or wet. These are often abscesses rather than bruises, though they may initially just seem to be areas of discoloration. As I noted before, bruises on the hoof wall may mean there is an area of too much pressure or leverage. Hooves don’t grow symmetrically at times and this can be the result. I equate this to fingernails – you may cut them into a nice even curve, but they will not continue to hold that same shape as they grow. And wear and tear may chip

HOOVES CAN STILL BRUISE WHEN SHOD, AND IN FACT, THE SHOD HOOF IS LESS AND LESS ABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, MAKING BRUISING NO LESS LIKELY.

flexible

them or ding them up. The horse’s hoof is no different. That is why regular trims help. One other point of interest is that bruising might not appear immediately after the injury or occurrence. In some cases, bruises develop slowly (such as with a long hoof wall). Just as we don’t see a bruise immediately if we sustain an injury, the horse may not show the bruise for days or even longer, especially in cases of hoof wall bruising. This can make the cause of the bruise elusive.

TO TREAT OR NOT TO TREAT Understanding that treatment is generally not needed, and recognizing that lameness may be a sign of inflammation or early laminitis rather than bruising, are key points. I often have customers who feel that shoes are the answer to bruising. Shoes generally do not improve things. Hooves can still bruise when shod, and in fact, the shod hoof is less flexible and less able to function normally, making bruising no less likely. Hoof boots are an alternative for dramatic surface changes with no time for transition or preparation. They are also useful for sudden “bursts” in riding time. There are many makes and models of boots that can do the job. But once again, I stress that horses that suffer lameness are often responding to something more than bruising. If your horse is lame and we determine that inflammation is the culprit, we will treat for the root cause. Understand that treatment is not for bruising from walking on gravel or stones. It is, instead, for the inflammation or early laminitis. This is why it is important to report lameness early. There is no doubt that a vividly colored hoof bruise can be alarming. They are rarely nearly as serious as they might first appear. Consult with your farrier and be prepared to report any other signs of injury (puncture wound, swelling of leg, etc.) as well as any associated lameness. The reassuring thing is that hooves are generally pretty resilient structures and can withstand the rigors of day-to-day use and minor injury. Sherri Pennanen is the owner of Better Be Barefoot Natural Trim, Rehabilitation, and Education Center in Lockport, NY. She has been certified as a natural trim specialist for almost 20 years and has over 45 years of horse experience. She is committed to herd-based living for horses in a chemical-free environment. betterbebarefoot.com

Equine Wellness

How a little girl’s dream to help animals developed into one of the largest rescue organizations for farm animals in North America.

The

Gentle barn

y By Kelly Howling

oung Ellie Laks had a dream that she would one day have a place full of animals to look after. “I was always running after a dog, or playing in the lakes with the frogs, or in the woods with the bunnies,” says Ellie. “I realized that animals sometimes need help and when I found them injured or lost I would bring them home. My parents were not amused and would get rid of them. I would be terribly upset and they would say, ‘Ellie, when you grow up you can have as many animals as you like.’ I would respond that when I grew up I would have a place full of animals and I’d show the world how beautiful they were.” With no land, funds, nor real experience with farm animals, it took Ellie awhile to get her dream off the ground. But in 1999, The Gentle Barn opened its doors, and just as Ellie envisioned in her dream, it’s filled with animals.

Equine Wellness

A PLACE FOR EVERYONE The Gentle Barn is home to a wide variety of animals. Over 170 animals, including horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, llamas, peacocks, dogs, cats, and even a parrot, are currently under the care of Ellie and her helpers. With so many charges, The Gentle Barn relies on a system of foster homes to help care for and rehabilitate the animals. Some people might be surprised at the range of animals The Gentle Barn provides a home for. “As humans, we like to put animals into categories: dogs are loyal, cats are independent, cows are dumb, pigs are dirty, and so on,” says Ellie. “What the animals at The Gentle Barn have taught me is that no matter what they look like, they are all the same. Each animal has the same intelligence, affection, and love to give – the only difference between the species is our perception of them. Each life on this planet is as valuable as the next. It is our job to protect and cherish all living beings. Our mission is to teach people to be kind to animals, each other and our planet. We want to help animals recover from abuse, help people fall in love with them, and help our world be more peaceful.” Continued on page 34.

saving Sir Lancelot The Los Angeles Police Department confiscated Sir Lancelot from his abuser after he was nearly ridden to death. He was grossly underweight, suffered from a pronounced limp, and had skin fungus, bad teeth and overgrown hooves. He was absolutely terrified of everything and everyone. Sir Lancelot was put up for adoption but was later deemed unadoptable and scheduled for euthanasia. When the police officer who pulled him out of his abusive situation found out, she called The Gentle Barn and begged them to save him. He was brought home and Ellie and her volunteers set to work to heal him, heart and body. It took almost a year, but with acupuncture, massage therapy, patience and lots of love, Lance softened, gained weight, recovered and found joy. He is now 29 years old, gorgeous and healthy. He has made friends with the other horses and even has a girlfriend! He is groomed every day and taken for walks, and will be a part of The Gentle Barn family for the rest of his life.

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“There are so many ways people can help,” says Ellie. “They can sponsor an animal at The Gentle Barn and stay connected to him for the rest of his life; the funds can go towards his care. They can get a Gentle Barn membership and support our work with animals and kids. They can come for a visit on Sundays from ten till two, or get a private tour and see how wonderful animals really are when they are loved – and then they can tell their friends about us!”

How you can help Continued from page 33.

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HELPING HANDS

HELPING AT-RISK YOUTH

With so many animals to look after, every day is busy and adventurous. “Running The Gentle Barn requires a lot,” explains Ellie. “We have a handful of staff members, each of us wearing many hats, and we rely on volunteers to help us as well. The day starts at sunrise, feeding 170 animals, filling water buckets, and cleaning up. We spend the rest of the day grooming and walking horses, brushing and hugging cows, rehabilitating and treating newly-rescued animals in quarantine, watering trees, raising funds, adopting out healthy animals, and making everyone comfortable. In the afternoons, we host groups of kids, and do private tours. Each day we have practitioners come in to treat the animals with acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, massage therapy, ultrasound, ice therapy, water therapy, energetic healing, nutritional supplements, and lots and lots of love. The evenings are spent feeding the animals again, refilling water buckets and cleaning up all over again. Before bed we check on the animals one last time, making sure they are all healthy, happy and tucked into bed with treats and kisses. We have many volunteers who come to help us each day and we could not do this work without them!”

Many of the animals at The Gentle Barn are given a special job to help with once they are settled in at the farm. “We work with at risk, inner city, and special needs kids who won’t talk to therapists and do not respond to traditional therapy because they are too angry and shut down,” says Ellie. “Through interacting with and hearing about the stories of the animals, the kids learn kindness, compassion and confidence. They are inspired by the animals – if the animals can heal, trust, forgive, and learn to love again, then they can too.”

CREATING A BETTER TOMORROW Now that Ellie’s dream of having a place full of animals has come true, she would like to see it happen on an even bigger scale. “We want to create Gentle Barns in every state and around the world so everyone can hug a cow, feed a horse a carrot, give a pig a tummy rub, cuddle a turkey and realize that even though we all look different, we are really all the same!” To find out more about The Gentle Barn and Ellie’s new book, My Gentle Barn, visit GentleBarn.org.

PRODUCT PICKS FIRST AID FOR EQUINE INJURIES

FOR THE PERFECT HORSE

Flexible, portable PEMF therapy units put healing power right on the site of an injury. Every rider’s first aid kit should have a HealFast Therapy loop or patch unit, and tape at the ready to provide quick relief for swelling and pain. The device reduces swelling in soft tissues and relieves pain quickly. It increases blood flow to the injury, thus reducing inflammation and stimulating sensory neurons to reduce pain.

The micro-nutrients contained in The Perfect Horse® with Crystalloid Electrolyte Sea Minerals have been shown to: • Encourage the regeneration of damaged hoof tissues as they relate to hoof problems (i.e. laminitis, shelly feet, cracks and karatomas)* • Strengthen the immune system and act as an antiinflammatory* • Enhance energy, vitality, and endurance* • Improve attention, alertness and brain function*

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*This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

ThePerfectHorse.net

ULTIMATE FOOTING SOLUTION

STOP COLIC

WHOA Dust is a professional-grade arena additive for both indoor and outdoor arenas. It reduces watering frequency and volume by up to 80%; moisture is more evenly distributed; and the tensile strength of the footing is increased for better traction and concussion support. The product is easy to apply using a hand-broadcast seeder. It provides effective and economical dust control that’s chloride-free and is scientifically proven to be safe for the environment, animals and humans. “What is your horse breathing?”

SayWhoa! for horses in distress. Give your equine a one-time dose per event when there’s an onset of symptoms related to fecal impaction, gas, sand and spasms. He’ll just swallow it – oral doser is included. You’ll quickly hear a return of gut sounds. Safe for mares who are lactating or in foal, as well as performance horses. This drug-free formula offers an allnatural holistic way. Keep it on your shelf for your moment of need!

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Equine Wellness

HOLISTIC VETERINARY ADVICE

Talking with Dr. Cathy Alinovi Dr. Cathy Alinovi – veterinarian, animal lover, and nationally celebrated author – knew she wanted to be an animal doctor since she was nine years old. Her mission then was simple: to make the world safe for animals. Relentlessly committed to her patients’ care, Dr. Cathy is quickly gaining national recognition for her integrative approach to animal health. She began her veterinary education at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and also holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology from Purdue, but quickly realized that conventional medicine didn’t meet all her patients’ needs. She went back to school and became certified in animal chiropractic. Since then, she has also been certified in Veterinary Food Therapy, Veterinary Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, and Aromatherapy. Dr. Cathy is the owner of Healthy PAWsibilities in rural Pine Village, Indiana, and Hoopeston Veterinary Service in Hoopeston, Illinois. HealthyPawsibilities.com Send your questions to: Holistic veterinary advice. email: info@equinewellnessmagazine.com. Our veterinary columnists respond to questions in this column only. We regret we cannot respond to every question. This column is for information purposes only. It is not meant to replace veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your horse any remedies.

What is the best way to draw out a hoof abscess? I am work on my horse. My veterinarian says to poultice,

bacteria in. Use short soaks or hosing to keep the area clean, fill the hole with a drawing salve, and keep the hoof clean and dry until the hoof wall heals.

but my farrier says to just leave it alone, as poultice will

My mare has begun peeing as soon as I take her saddle

soften the sole and make the foot more prone to injury.

off after every ride. She never used to do this. Should I

Actually, both your farrier and veterinarian are correct. A poultice and foot wrap are meant to draw out the infection more quickly than just letting time do its job. Keeping the hoof wet all the time definitely makes it soft, especially in a white-hooved horse. One way or the other, an abscess needs to drain to relieve pressure (and pain) and to get the infection out so healing can happen.

be worried about this change in behavior?

receiving conﬂicting advice from the professionals who

Similarly, controversy surrounds whether or not to give antibiotics for a foot abscess. Modern thinking suggests that antibiotics do not get into abscesses because there is no blood supply in an abscess; and that antibiotics do not go to the foot very well as the blood supply there is poor anyhow. Yet for decades, horse owners, farriers and veterinarians have prescribed oral antibiotics to treat foot abscesses. Ideally, your farrier should identify the location of the abscess, pare down the hoof so it can drain, and then you can apply a drawing salve to draw out the infection without affecting the entire hoof. There will be a hole in your horse’s hoof (whether made by the farrier, veterinarian, or nature when the abscess ruptures) and you want the infection out, not more dirt and 36

Equine Wellness

This is definitely a reason to be concerned. Any behavior change is an indication of a problem. This particular behavior can suggest anything from pain to infection. There are a few different things to check to figure out what’s going on. First, when you remove your saddle, is your mare’s back evenly wet everywhere the saddle was? Also, look at the line at the end of the saddle which often corresponds to the lower back, where the kidneys are. Is there sweat there also? Or is there a crease in the flesh? A dry spot, especially over the kidneys, suggests your saddle isn’t fitting right and is the cause of her problems. Check the underside of your saddle and make sure the tree is solid and not broken. Check your saddle pads for wear, ensuring they are an even thickness all over. Even a saddle pad that breaks down and causes wear can make a difference, and create pain on your horse’s back. Next, have your veterinarian check a blood and urine sample to look for systemic infection, kidney disease, or bladder infection.

Depending on the age of your mare, it is normal for kidneys to start to age along with the horse, but you shouldn’t notice changes in the bloodwork until 60% or 70% of the kidneys are functioning abnormally. This tends to happen at a fairly advanced age. Once your mare passes a standard veterinary exam, it’s time to check for chiropractic issues; is the location of the saddle on your horse’s back making her uncomfortable and “out of alignment”? Does your mare flinch when you touch her lower back? Are her muscles warm in that area? Veterinary spinal manipulation therapy (chiropractic) can restore comfort, motion and health to your mare, once all the other issues mentioned above have been addressed.

I have seen some equine shampoos labeled “pH balanced”. What is the pH of a horse’s skin, and would using these products actually make a difference to his well-being? There is very little regulation in the grooming product industry. In fact, the only products regulated by a government agency are those that contain insecticide (the EPA in this case). This means the quality of ingredients and the pH range of any shampoo can be quite broad.

Interestingly, human shampoos tend to have more pH range than animal products. Most shampoos should be close to the neutral pH of 7.0 – the pH of normal, healthy skin. So a balanced shampoo will have a pH somewhere between 6.0 and 8.0. Human shampoos can range from a pH of 3.0 all the way to 10.0! (Smaller numbers are more acid, higher numbers are more alkaline.) So, if a horse shampoo tells you it’s pH balanced, that’s a good first step in identifying a quality product. The next thing you would like your grooming products to do is list their ingredients. Sadly, there is no law that says they have to list ingredients; manufacturers will cite proprietary recipes as a reason for not doing so. However, if a horse breaks out in hives because of a new grooming product, you will want to know exactly what the ingredients are to find out what caused the allergic reaction. A shampoo manufacturer who will not share this information, citing proprietary discretion, is not helping the consumer. The next thing to look for is a shampoo that contains more natural ingredients and fewer surfactants. Surfactants are the chemicals that make lots of bubbles and give the perception of extra cleanliness; SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) – a petroleum derivative – is an example. Continued on page 38.

Equine Wellness

Regardless of species, daily use of anti-inflammatory medication becomes pro-inflammatory. As horse owners, we give antiinflammatory medications because we want our horses to feel better. Sadly, long-term use of these medications can cause serious, and harmful, side effects. These side effects can range from worsening arthritis to intestinal bleeding and ulceration. Alternatively, approaches ranging from herbal medications to physical-type therapies can have fewer side effects. These therapies are based on the knowledge that movement inhibits pain, so the more your horse moves around the better. It can be as simple as walking on a lead line, or physical therapy. Medically, there are nice homeopathic and herbal remedies for the arthritic horse. Arnica Montana has been used for centuries to treat arthritic pain. Herbals such as Devil’s Claw and Boswellia can help. Herbal pharmacies make some great blends. Nutraceuticals like glucosamine and hyaluronic acid help arthritis patients.

Continued from page 37.

Scrutinizing your horse’s shampoo can actually be quite a science. Beginning with a balanced pH is a great start.

I have an elderly gelding with arthritis in both knees. He is fully retired, receives as much turnout as possible, and gets daily Previcox. He is generally quite a happy fellow – he enjoys his horse friends and is in good weight and health. I have, however, noticed some changes lately – he is slowing down, tends to look off in front, and doesn’t really lie down (or roll) anymore that we can tell. I am concerned about keeping him comfortable heading into the colder months. Is there anything else you would do for him? I know that we will soon likely have to make a decision about his quality of life, but I don’t think we are quite there yet. Arthritis is a complicated, and emotional, issue. As we age, we all have inflammation in our joints that makes us creak and pop as we walk, regardless of our species. Yet having arthritis also makes us think about quality-of-life issues, since it can become quite painful. Consequently, we often give nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Previcox.

Equine Wellness

Massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture are fabulous physical modalities to help your horse feel better. Each of these treatments creates movement, which stimulates the body to naturally release its own beta-endorphins, reducing pain and restoring function to the elderly patient. There are even some newer therapies that can help the painful horse, including magnet blankets and electromagnetic fields therapy – called PEMF. Since your horse has been on Previcox for quite some time, it’s worth considering whether or not he has intestinal or stomach ulcers. There are some nice oral aloe blends that can be given over two or three months to help with such problems. And if you couple it with the natural treatments, your horse is going to feel better than he ever has before – simply by reducing the inflammation in his body. Another thing to think about is that food is the greatest source of inflammation for horses. Rather than feed the standard pellet, look for a whole-grain feed, not one based on grain byproducts and waste from the human food industry. Hay and flaxseed diets are wonderful sources of nutrition for the elderly horse. When needed, beet pulp can definitely help older horses pack on some weight in the winter.

Natural solutions for SCRATCHES and RAIN ROT By Hilary Self, BSc (Hons) MNIMH

When it comes to these two nasty conditions, PREVENTION is better than the cure! Scratches and rain rot are no fun for your horse. They’re caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that penetrates the skin’s keratinised epithelium. There may also be a fungal infection present. The condition can be contagious, and may spread between horses if conditions are suitable. Scratches results in lesions on the lower limbs while rain rot will appear as lesions distributed over the body, neck and head. The skin becomes sore, inflamed and swollen and oozes serum. Scabs develop with matted hair that comes off when the scab is removed. Horses with white socks, pink skin, heavy feathers or those that live in wet, muddy or warm and humid conditions are most at risk.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Improve the overall integrity, strength, condition and resistance of the skin’s epidermal layer. • Flax seed – provides essential fatty acids to strengthen the epidermis and support the keratinex layer, making the skin more water resistant. • Brewers yeast – contains B vitamins for hair re-growth. Rich source of inositol – vital for hair growth and production of cell membranes. Contains skin respiratory factor (SRF), which has wound-healing properties.

Provide a natural supply of the amino acids needed for the construction of keratin and elastin, which form the hair and skin’s first layer of resistance. These amino acids are channelled by the blood until they reach the hair root, and then require an intake of zinc and vitamin B6 in order to be synthesised. • Seaweed – contains zinc and amino acids. • Brewer’s yeast – contains amino acids, zinc and B6. • Garlic – contains the sulphur compound needed for strong hair and keratin production.

Use “antibiotic” herbs internally to help destroy the grampositive bacteria. Use infused oils and tinctures topically to kill infection, reduce inflammation and help soften scabs so they can be painlessly removed.

• Echinacea, garlic, goldenseal and liquorice – use both internally and topically. • Propolis – anti-microbial, offers superoxide radical scavenging action against gram-positive bacteria. • Goldenseal – destroys gram-positive bacteria.

4 5

Use “antifungal” herbs internally and topically to destroy any fungal infection. • Myrrh, garlic, tea tree, calendula and Echinacea Use herbs internally and topically to encourage strong regrowth of skin and hair. • Calendula, aloe vera, brewer’s yeast, coconut oil, flax seed, seaweed

Use “anti-inflammatory” herbs internally and topically to reduce the body’s inflammatory response, and encourage removal of blood toxins. • Garlic, Echinacea, calendula, goldenseal, myrrh, liquorice

Use herbs to raise the overall health of the horse so the immune system is able to respond to the infection. • Liquorice – adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, recommended for topical application where it has a steroid-like action. • Echinacea – anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory when used internally or topically. Will stimulate the body’s immune system. • Myrrh – anti-fungal, anti-infective – use internally and topically to stimulate and strengthen the immune system.

I always recommend starting to use these herbs in the early fall, so the skin will be in the best possible shape to resist wet, muddy conditions and resulting bacterial infection.

Hilary Self is cofounder of Hilton Herbs Ltd., a company that manufactures and formulates herbal supplements for animals. She is a Medical Herbalist, a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, and a member of the NASC Scientific Advisory Committee. Hilary is the author of two books: A Modern Horse Herbal and A Veteran Horse Herbal. HiltonHerbs.com

Equine Wellness

TO THE RESCUE BEAR VALLEY RESCUE

Equine Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code EWA038 to Bear Valley Rescue. Location: Sundre, Alberta Year established: 2003 Staff/volunteers/foster homes: Two full-time and ten part-time volunteers. Over 40 foster homes.

Types of animals they work with: “Our main focus is horses, but we also provide sanctuary to poultry, pigs, goats, llamas, and other livestock,” says co-founder Kathy Bartley.

however, for survive she did, against all odds. She likes to lie down at night so we keep her in the barn overnight; but because she is still unable to rise by herself due to her injury, we get her up at least twice during the night using a hoist and straps. Beth has gained at least 100 pounds over the last two months and is getting stronger every day.”

BearValleyAB.org

Fundraising targets: “We rely mainly on private donations, grants, and adoption fees to fund the rescue, but we do have ‘used tack’ sales, gift cards, hoodies and T-shirts for sale, and volunteers hold various fundraising events such as yard sales throughout the year.” Favorite rescue story: “We are currently caring for a pretty black two-year-old filly we’ve named Beth. She came into our care at the beginning of July. In addition to most likely having been hit by a car, either fracturing her pelvis or tearing the muscle, she had a halter left on her that ended up growing into her face. Both of these conditions contributed to her being at least 200 pounds underweight. Beth must have an incredible will to survive,

THE EQUINE CANCER SOCIETY

Equine Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code EWA182 to the Equine Cancer Society. Location: Mansfield, TX Year established: 2012 Staff/volunteers/foster homes: Average of ten Types of animals they work with: “The Equine Cancer Society specializes in helping equines and their owners understand equine cancers, their causes, treatments, and options,” says president and founder Rebecca Mead. Fundraising targets: “Through Cow’s Cause, named for Scout (aka ‘Cow’), who is the inspiration behind the Equine Cancer Society, we help to pay veterinary bills for horses fighting cancer. ECS raises funds for equine cancer research and donates it to studies being done through the Morris Animal Foundation.” Favorite rescue story: “My story began in July of 2009. I had a beautiful paint horse named Scout (‘Cow’) who came into my life in need of a lot of TLC. In December of 2010, I noticed a small lesion on his eye that would not heal. I called the veterinarian and he performed a biopsy of the tissue. To my dismay, it was cancer. The doctor informed me that it was squamous cell carcinoma, one 40

Equine Wellness

of the most aggressive forms of cancer. I went to the barn that night, held my soulmate close and promised him I would not give up as long as he didn’t. That is how the Equine Cancer Society was born. I am proud to say that despite all the trials and tribulations we went through with Scout, we can help others in need of information and support.”

EquineCancerSociety.com

Equine Wellness is committed to donating $100,000 to rescues and shelters through our Ambassador Program. When you subscribe, you support the rescue of your choice by using the unique promotion code assigned to each organization, and we will donate 40% of your subscription directly to the cause. To become an Ambassador and be featured in our magazine, please have your organization contact Natasha@EquineWellnessMagazine.com.

OUR MIMS RETIREMENT HAVEN

Equine Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code EWA184 to Our Mims Retirement Haven.

Location: Paris, KY Year established: 2006 Types of animals they work with: Our Mims is a retirement facility for pensioned Thoroughbred broodmares. Fundraising targets: “The Haven has a grand list of fundraising projects for the winter,” says Cheryl Belucci, director of fundraising and promotion. “There’s a neverending quest to keep the coffers full enough to pay for feed, hay, farrier, and vet bills. A horse trailer is on the list of needed items. One of the stalls in the main barn needs to be reconstructed. And some of the claybased soil in the horse cemetery needs to be replaced so that the flowers around the graves can thrive.” Favorite rescue story: “Although founder Jeanne Mirabito grew up far away from the bluegrass hills of Thoroughbred country, the Rochester, New York native fell in love with the 1977 three-yearold Eclipse Champion Filly “Our Mims” after watching her race on television. Two decades later, Mirabito came face-to-face with her childhood hero after she moved to Kentucky and the mare was pensioned off following noted racing and broodmare careers.

“When Mirabito and Our Mims first met, the older mare was not getting the attention an elder equine needs to thrive; she was very much underweight and unloved. Mirabito adopted Our Mims in February of 2000, and the lives of the two were forever changed once she brought the mare home to our farm in Paris, Kentucky. “During their time together, Mirabito made promises to the mare – a promise that she would never let Our Mims be forgotten again, and that she would help other older mares live out a healthy retirement. When Our Mims died at 29 years old, it was time to keep those promises.”

OurMims.org

SUNSHINE HORSES

Equine Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code EWA183 to to Sunshine Horses. Location: Central Square and Syracuse, NY Year established: 2003 Staff/volunteers/foster homes: Over 200 volunteers Types of animals they work with: “We take in retired racehorses and any other horse in need – space and finances permitting,” says Kate Starr, president.

Fundraising targets: “We have many fundraising options and events, such as annual open houses, and finding sponsors for individual horses while they are awaiting adoption.” Favorite rescue story: “The rescue I will always remember as the most intense was one that couldn’t be told until now because the identity of the hoarder, who was going to lose his horses in a possible SPCA seizure, had to be protected. He was an older man who was not cruel, just beyond his resources.

14 horses, four of which were stallions. The horses were up to their knees in either mud or ice. Six of the mares were pregnant. The mares had never been handled and we didn’t know conception dates so had no idea when they would foal. The horses were quite skinny and had rain rot on their bodies and their legs. Between volunteers, people with stock trailers and a veterinarian donating her services, 13 horses were safely relocated. Many horses were rescued that night, many lifelong friends were made, and an old man’s dignity was saved.”

SunshineHorses.org

“I was given 48 hours to relocate the horses and it was in the middle of March with cold winds and freezing temperatures. There were

Equine Wellness

By Joan Ranquet

FOR HORSES The EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE can help you and your horse your old stories and resolve physical and behavioral challenges.

release

The

first time I tried EFT on a horse, I was living in South Florida. I got the call around 12:30 in the afternoon, midway through a typical day of phone consults. It was Chris, my horse trainer. He told me I had to come out to the horse show he was at. As an animal communicator, I most often enjoy the luxury of working on the phone and never getting out of my riding pants! I was sure I could help Chris over the phone. “It’s Shakespeare – he’s jumping fine, but he’s going after ponies in the warm-up ring, he’s going to kill them,” implored Chris. “This is the worst I’ve ever seen.”

PONY PROBLEMS Next thing I knew, I was driving out to Wellington. When I got there, the situation bordered on being like a horror movie. Little girls were perfectly perched on their little ponies. Chris, one of the more masterful riders on the planet, couldn’t control Shakespeare. Shakespeare, a 16hand Warmblood, would bolt and lurch, ears pinned and teeth bared like a rabid dog, toward a pony on the other side of the jump. Little girls were screaming and cantering off, terrified. I assessed the situation and said: “I want to do something that is going to seem crazy – we need to find a quiet barn aisle to hide in because we’re going to do something really weird-looking!” 42

Equine Wellness

EFT TO THE RESCUE We found our quiet barn aisle. Before doing this weird-looking technique, I wanted to connect and communicate with Shakespeare and find out from him what was going on. Then we proceeded to do EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping. I had been tapping on myself, and had tapped with clients about their situations, but I had never tapped on a horse before. EFT tapping is a healing technique that quiets the nervous system, spurs emotional healing, and helps with physical pain as well as performance anxiety. In Chinese Medicine, each meridian is associated with an emotion. By “tapping” on a series of points through the meridians, while talking through the painful situation, the overwhelming feelings and emotions can be mitigated. Because horses have their operating systems set to fight or flight, they are tuned into the vibrations or energetics of what is going on with their humans. Sometimes EFT tapping on the human is enough, as she is carrying the worry or fear in her nervous system. The horse will pick up on the relief from the human’s field. A perfect example of this would be if a horse isn’t healing as quickly as hoped. His owner may have a trapped emotion with regard to moving forward, such as disappointment, grief or frustration. Or, if she has come off her horse, she may have great trepidation about getting back on again.

A SOLUTION FOR SHAKESPEARE What I discovered that balmy day back in 2004 is that sometimes, when it’s a big situation that encompasses both the horse and rider, you’ve got to tap on both the horse and rider. When I tuned into Shakespeare for the communication, he revealed his dislike for ponies. By using this communication, I got his “story”, and now it was time to unwind and release the “story” with EFT tapping. I showed everyone the points for tapping. With my left hand, I tapped on my own face while Chris and Karen (Shakespeare’s owner), imitated me. With my right hand, I tapped on Shakespeare’s face and body. Continued on page 44.

7 2

Tapping Order 1. Inside of the eye

2. Outside of the eye

3. Under the eye 4. Nose

5. Under chin 6. Chest 7. Poll

6 Equine Wellness

EFT has many applications

While I have tapped on many animals for a variety of reasons, here are some recent horse-related scenarios: • A feral horse that was coming around to accept humans.

• A mare that was still grieving the loss of her foal.

• A pony that dumped his rider. This took several sessions, but by December 2013 the rider was back on her pony.

•A horse that didn’t know what his job was and was super nervous all the time.

•A polo horse that was spooking at the goal.

• Horse show nerves.

• A horse that had been retired and didn’t have a job.

• Trailering. • A horse that wouldn’t get over his alleged chronic lameness.

Continued from page 43. I had Chris and Karen repeat the scripting after me while they tapped. We started very simply: “Even though I hate ponies, I love and accept myself.” We repeated it, and as we tapped through the points, we released Shakespeare’s old story of being bullied by ponies. Chris rode Shakespeare out in the warm-up ring that afternoon. The horse behaved better toward the ponies and they got through the show, placing well. Months later, Shakespeare lived in a barn across the aisle from a pony and showed no aggression. That was world peace for him!

EFT FOR ALL Shakespeare was the first of many, many horses (and dogs and cats) that I have tapped on directly. I have also taught others to tap on animals through classes or specific instructions during a phone session. When tapping on animals, we mimic the position of where we tap on ourselves. We want to be mindful of their degrees of sensitivity. Many behavioral issues could come from a head injury; being delicate during tapping will still be powerful. The bladder meridian parallels the spine and has association points to each of the organs along it. If you have a head shy or spooky horse, tapping along the spine can be enough to start to release the story. Like any other healing technique, you are looking for softness of the eye, a changed breathing pattern, licking, chewing and yawning – the usual signs of healing or shifting. Shakespeare’s dangerous addiction to going after ponies was remedied in one session. Like any other healing technique, however, the situation/challenge may require several EFT sessions to undo an old story or stuck emotion. Shakespeare taught me a lot that day, and I’m glad I rearranged everything and drove out to the horse show!

Joan Ranquet is an animal communicator, author and speaker, and the author of Communication With All Life (Hay House). Her new book, Energy Healing for Animals (Sounds True), will be out 2015. In 2008, Joan founded Communication with all Life University, a program for Animal Communication and Energy Healing. joanranquet.com 44

Equine Wellness

Breathe

easy By Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD

Answers for winter respiratory health. For most horses, winter means more time confined to the stall or indoor arena. Unfortunately, protection from the weather can come at the expense of lung health for some equines.

Many effective systemic and inhaled drugs can be tried and this approach should be discussed with your veterinarian. Some horses can be managed with reduced or no drugs, through a combination of environmental management and supplements.

INFLAMMATORY AIRWAY CONDITIONS Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is a condition characterized by few symptoms except a cough when the horse is at rest. When exercising, however, it shows up as poor performance, exercise intolerance, or coughing, together with an inflammatory reaction in the lung, often with excess mucus. IAD can occur at any age, but the first bout is typically triggered by stall confinement and exposure to common irritants such as dust and molds from straw and hay, and airborne bacterial endotoxins, as well as ammonia. RAO, recurrent airway obstruction, is a chronic allergic and/ or hypersensitivity reaction that may have some similarities to the human condition “farmer’s lung”. Airflow is obstructed by a combination of inflammation, mucus and bronchospasm. In the later stages, gas exchange may be compromised because of irreversible damage to the lung tissue. A major difference between IAD and RAO is the symptoms that present at rest with the latter. These include coughing, flared nostrils, expiratory wheezing, and a prominent “heave line” at the junction of the chest and abdomen where the diaphragm muscle is located. Ability to exercise is severely compromised.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT In both conditions, exposure to high concentrations of organic and inorganic material in the air can both cause and worsen symptoms. The last place these horses should be is inside a tightly closed barn. If the horse must be confined, you should guarantee good circulation of fresh air throughout the barn. Hay should not be stored in the same building and should be wetted down thoroughly before feeding.

SUPPLEMENTING FOR LUNG HEALTH Several studies have identified oxidative stress as a component of lung disease in the horse. A 2012 study found reduced serum levels of the antioxidants copper, zinc and selenium, and the glutathione enzyme system. A 2006 study found significant decreases in vitamin C in the lung fluid of RAO horses exposed to organic dusts (mold); vitamin C has been shown to be a major antioxidant in the equine lung. Revving up the glutathione system in the lungs can also help protect against the effects of organic acid exposure. Horses can synthesize their own vitamin C and those on fresh pasture also have very generous amounts in their diet. For horses not on green pasture, supplementing 1000 to 4000 mg/day is reasonable to help counteract the drops caused by lung disease. Plant-based antioxidants both directly combat oxidative stress and also have a sparing effect on vitamin C and the glutathione enzyme system. These antioxidants include citrus bioflavonoids, quercetin, grape seed extract, N-acetyl-cysteine and herbs such as turmeric. Spirulina is also an antioxidant with the added benefit of blocking histamine release, and is often very helpful for horses with lung disease at a dose of 2 grams/100 lbs bodyweight, given twice daily. Bronchospasm can be directly addressed by the use of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan) at 20 mg/100 lbs bodyweight.

Eleanor Kellon, VMD, currently serves as the Staff Veterinary Specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition. An established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, Dr. Kellon is a valuable resource in the field of applications and nutraceuticals in horses. Founded in 1962, Uckele Health & Nutrition has been a trusted leader in the formulation, development and manufacture of quality nutritional supplements for 50 years. uckele.com

Equine Wellness

EQUINE WELLNESS

RESOURCE GUIDE • Associations • Barefoot Hoof Trimming • Communicators

• Chiropractors • Integrative Therapies • Resource Directory

• Saddle Fitters • Schools and Training

• Thermography • Yoga

AS SO C I AT I O N S American Hoof Association - AHA Ventura, CA USA Email: eval@americanhoofassociation.org Association for the Advancement of Natural Hoof Care Practices - AANHCP Lompoc, CA USA Phone: (805) 735-8480 Email: info@aanhcp.net Canadian Barefoot Hoof Association - CBHA Carolyn Myre Renfrew, ON Canada Phone: (613) 432-3620 Email: info@cdnbha.ca Equinextion - EQ Lisa Huhn Redcliff, AB Canada Phone: (403) 527-9511 Email: equinextion@gmail.com Equine Science Academy - ESA Derry McCormick Catawissa, MO USA Phone: (636) 274-3401 Email: info@equinesciencesacademy.com Liberated Horsemanship - CHCP Warrenton, MO USA Phone: (314) 740-5847 Email: BruceNock@mac.com Natures Barefoot Hoofcare Guild Inc. NBHG Woodville, ON Canada Phone: (705) 374-5456 Email: kate@natureshoofcare.com Pacific Hoof Care Practioners - PHCP Sossity Gargiulo Ventura, CA USA Email: sossity@wildheartshoofcare.com

BAREFOOT HOOF TRIMMING ABC Hoof Care Cheryl Henderson Jacksonville, OR USA Phone: (541) 899-1535 Email: abchoofcare@msn.com Website: www.abchoofcare.com

Anne Riddell - AHA Anne Riddell, Certified Natural Hoofcare Practitioner Barrie, ON Canada Phone: (705) 427-1682 Email: ariddell@csolve.net

Cynthia Niemela Rapid City, SD USA Toll Free: (612) 481-3036 Phone: (612) 481-3036 Website: www.liberatedhorsemanship.com

Barefoot Horse Canada.com Anne Riddell, Certified Natural Hoofcare Practitioner Barrie, ON Canada Phone: (705) 427-1682 Email: ariddell@csolve.net

G & G Farrier Service London, TX USA Phone: (325) 265-4250

Becky Goumaz Tulsa, OK USA Phone: (918) 493-2782 Email: pulltheshoes@yahoo.com Better Be Barefoot Lockport, NY USA Phone: (716) 432-2218 Email: sherri@betterbebarefoot.com Website: www.betterbebarefoot.com Bruce Smith Raleigh, NC USA Phone: (919) 624-2585 Email: bruce@father-and-son.net Certified Hoof Care Professional Miriam Braun, CHCP Stoke, QC Canada Phone: (819) 543-0508 Email: Hoofhealth13@yahoo.com Charles Hall Elora, TN USA Phone: (931) 937-0033 Cori Brennan Horsense - Hoof/Horse care that makes sense Sharon, SC USA Toll Free: (704) 517-8321 Phone: (803) 927-0018 Email: brombie1@yahoo.com Cottonwood Stables Chantelle Barrett - Natural Farrier Elora, ON Canada Phone: (519) 803-8434 Email: cottonwood_stables@hotmail.com

46 Wellness ViewEquine the Wellness Resource Guide online at: EquineWellnessMagazine.com

Gill Goodin Moravian, NC USA Phone: (325) 265-4250 Gudrun Buchhofer Judique, NS Canada Phone: (902) 787-2292 Email: gudrun@go-natural.ca Hoofmaiden Performance Barefoot Hoof Care Elizabeth TeSelle, EQ Leipers Fork, TN USA Phone: (615) 300-6917 Email: hoof_maiden@hotmail.com Website: www.blue-heron-farm.com/hoofmaiden HossHoofHo Sandra Judy, Hoof Care Professional Gibsonville, NC USA Phone: (336) 380-5543 Website: www.hosshoofho.com Jeannean Mercuri - PHCP Ridge, NY USA Phone: (631) 345-2644 Email: info@gotreeless.com Website: www.horseguard-canada.ca Kel Manning, CP, Field Instructor, NTW Clinician Knoxville, TN USA Phone: (865) 579-4102 Email: naturalhoofcare@me.com Lost July Natural Hoof Care Nina Hassinger Bridgetown, NS Canada Phone: 902-665-2151 Email: nina@lostjuly.ca

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Margo Scofield Tully, NY USA Phone: (315) 383-6429 Email: thehoofchick@hoofkeeping.com Mary Ann Kennedy Fairview, TN USA Phone: (615) 412-4222 Email: info@maryannkennedy.com Marie Jackson Jonesborough, TN USA Phone: (423) 753-9349 Natural Concepts Joseph Skipp Wynantskill, NY USA Phone: (518) 371-0494 Email: joe@naturalhoofconcepts.com Natural Barefoot Trimming Emma Everly, AANHCP CP Columbiana, OH USA Phone: (330) 482-6027 Email: emmanaturalhoofcare@comcast.net Website: www.barefoottrimming.com

Kathleen Berard San Antonio, TX USA (210) 402-1220 Email: kat@katberard.com Website: www.katberard.com The Oasis Farm Ingrid Brammer Cavan, ON Canada (705) 742-329 Email: ibrammer@sympatico.ca Website: www.animalillumination.com

C H I RO P R AC TO R S

Dr. Bonnie Harder, D.C. Ogle, IL USA (815) 757-0425 Email: drbonniedc@hbac4all.com Website: www.holisticbalanceanimalchiro.com

INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES

Natural Hooves Ben Fortkamp Shelbyville, TN USA Phone: (931) 703-8149 Email: ben@naturalhooves.com Website: www.naturalhooves.com

The Happy Natural Horse Lorrie Bracaloni Boonsboro, MD USA Phone: (301) 432-6216 Email: naturalhorselb@gmail.com Website: www.happynaturalhorse.com

Natural Horse, Natural Hoof Sarah Graves Boone, CO 81025 Phone: (719)557-0052 Email: msbarefootequine@yahoo.com

Healfast Therapy North Caldwell, NJ USA Phone: (551) 200-5586 Email: support@healfasttherapy.com Website: www.healfasttherapy.com

The Veterinary Hospital Nancy Johnson Eugene, OR USA Phone: (541) 688-1835 Email: thevethosp@aol.com

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

SCHOOLS AND TRAINING Equinology, Inc. Gualala, CA USA Phone: (707) 884-9963 Email: office@equinology.com Website: www.equinology.com Healing Touch for Animals Highland Ranch, CO USA Phone: (303) 470-6572 Email: drea@healingtouchforanimals.com Website: www.healingtouchforanimals.com Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute Larkspur, CO USA Phone: (303) 681-3033 Email: info@animalacupressure.com Website: www.animalacupressure.com Virginia Natural Horsemanship Training Center Blacksburg, VA USA Email: sylvia@NaturalHorseTraining.com

T HE RMOGRA PHY Thermal Equine New Paltz, NY USA Toll Free: (845) 222-4286 Email: info@thermalequine.com Website: www.thermalequine.com

YO G A Yoga with Horses Pemberton, BC Canada Toll Free: (604) 902-4556 Email: yogawithhorses@gmail.com Website: www.yogawithhorse s.com

COMMUNICATORS Animal Energy Lynn McKenzie Sedona, AZ USA (928) 282-9800 Email: lynn@animalenergy.com Website: www.animalenergy.com Animal Paradise Communcations & Healing Janet Dobbs Oak Hill, VA Canada (703) 648-1866 Email: janet@animalparadisecommunication.com Website: www.animalparadisecommunication.com Communication with Animals Kristin Thompson Newfane, NY USA (716) 778-6233 Email: kristen@communicationwithanimals.com Website: www.communicatewithanimals.com Claudia Hehr Georgetown, ON Canada (519) 833-2382 Email: talk@claudiahehr.com Website: www.claudiaherh.com

ADVERTISE

SADDLE FITTERS

your business in the

Action Rider Tack Medford, OR USA (877) 865-2467 Website: www.actionridertack.com Happy

WELLNESS RESOURCE GUIDE

Horseback Saddles Vernon, BC Canada (250) 542-5091 Website: www.happyhorsebacksaddles.ca

Call TODAY!

1-866-764-1212

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: EquineWellnessMagazine.com

Equine Wellness Equine Wellness 4747

BUSINESS GETTING DOWN TO

By Stacey Yalenti, CPA, MSAC, Equine Accountant

Equestrian businesses are NOTORIOUS for FINANCIAL and accounting STRUGGLES. Here’s how to get yourself, and your finances, BACK ON TRACK.

On a crisp day last fall, I met Joanna (known to her friends as JoJo*) for the first time. The leaves had already turned and many trees were bare. A stone driveway wove its way between two large pastures where several horses were grazing.

AN OUTSIDE PERSPECTIVE

Inside the barn, I find JoJo, who has just finished riding. She firmly shakes my hand and introduces me to Hawkeye, a gorgeous gray gelding. Hawkeye is JoJo’s newest OTTB and she is retraining him as an event horse. It is hard for her to hide her excitement about Hawkeye.

As we tour the barn, JoJo tells me she feels stuck. She has no health insurance and can’t get any credit to buy a new truck and trailer. She would love to buy a house and put down roots, but says she’ll never be able to get a mortgage. Saving for retirement garnered a look of, “Are you out of your freaking mind?”

CRY FOR HELP JoJo and I go to her office as Hawkeye heads to the wash stall. Framed images of riders with blue and red ribbons and goofy summer camp pictures line the wall in the office. Cards from students are stuck to a corkboard next to her desk. JoJo sits down, takes one deep breath and begins to cry. For five minutes, she wavers between apologizing for crying, sobbing, and telling me she is a disaster. The cool, confident, collected horsewoman was the exact opposite at this moment. JoJo slowly pulls herself together and admits she is completely overwhelmed every time she tries to tackle her finances. She looks down at the floor and mumbles that in addition to being perpetually broke, she hasn’t filed tax returns in three years. “Help, I need help,” she says. She is waving the white flag. 48

Equine Wellness

Already, I like JoJo. Her horses and boarders look happy and healthy. She gives OTTBs a new education so they can continue working, and she teaches countless people how to ride.

We come around to the detached indoor ring and JoJo lets out a groan. The roof leaks and is in desperate need of repair. She shudders at the thought of the upcoming winter, knowing she will have trouble making the barn rent come January. Most parents will pull their kids out of lessons over the winter, and a few boarders will go elsewhere. JoJo and I part ways and I get to work building her books and getting her back into compliance. Instantly, I spot two major problems. The first glaring issue is that JoJo pays almost double the barn rent compared to other horse farms in the area. The first change she needed to make was obvious. When it was clear her landlord would not renegotiate the lease or remedy the drainage and roof hazards, she knew she had to leave.

JoJo moved ten miles down the road to an impeccably maintained facility with an attached indoor, six more stalls, and all for a considerably lower rent! Her boarders went with her, lesson enrollment was up compared to the prior winter, and Hawkeye is out on a full lease.

BALANCE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT Another issue is overdraft fees. In 2010, US banks collected $32 billion in overdraft fees from financially struggling Americans. And since the bank controls your bank account, they will always get their $35 overdraft fee. I have observed banks stacking the order of transactions in a day to their benefit. For example, some banks will clear the largest outgoing transaction first and then charge overdraft fees on each transaction after that, even if you only exceeded your available balance once. The bank loves it when you overdraw your account, and often unbeknownst to you, enrolls you in “overdraft protection”. Rather than having your debit card declined at the tack shop, gas station, Wendy’s, etc., the bank covers your overdraft. Isn’t that nice of them? However, every time this happens, the bank charges a $35 overdraft fee. So let’s put this in perspective: your account is overdrawn and you go to the tack store and buy some polo wraps for $15. Your debit card goes through, but only because your bank “loans” you the money for a $35 fee. In reality, those $15 wraps now cost $50 and you just paid interest of 333% on those wraps! Next stop is a sandwich for $5.75. Debit card goes through; the bank “loans” you the $5.75 for a fee of $35, and you pay 708% in interest! No sandwich is worth that! This can happen numerous times before you get your bank statement and notice it. Each time the bank extends you this “borrowing” courtesy, you end up paying an additional $35 fee. By the end of the month, you could easily have done this ten times with overdraft charges of $350. JoJo had between 12 and 20 overdrafts per month. In three years, she paid $18,900 in overdraft fees!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP Every business owner needs to come to terms with the fact that absolutely no business runs well all by itself. Each and every business brings in professionals for various aspects of its operation. Right about now you’re saying to yourself, “I’m already having money problems, why would I spend more money for someone to help me with money?” The real question is, what will it end up costing you if you don’t?

TWEETS

I knew we had to rein in JoJo’s negative cash flow. She put a bank app on her phone and now checks her balance before every single purchase. She keeps a running list of checks that haven’t cleared so she knows what to deduct from her available balance. In the first month of adopting this new discipline, JoJo had five overdrafts; by the third month she had two; and now she has had only one in the past six months. JoJo’s journey to owning a financially successful business has just begun, but she is moving in the right direction. A business with cash flow issues is gravely ill. If you have a horse that is ill, you wouldn’t hesitate to call the veterinarian. Nor should you hesitate to call in a professional to help keep your business strong and healthy. *Names have been changed Stacey Yalenti, CPA, and Abby Road Group provide accounting, bookkeeping and tax services to equine businesses across the US, using cloudbased technology. For more information, visit abbyroadgroup.com.

Equine Wellness

HERB BLURB

Celery seed

By Theresa Gilligan

A must-have Ayurvedic herb.

Winter is upon us, and along with it, the stark reality of frigid temperatures, colds, flu and other illnesses. We feel less likely to venture out to the barn and spend quality time with our equine friends, and our horses are adorned in extra layers to keep them warm and comfortable. However, the struggle need not be so daunting. There’s a little help to keep us toasty and comfortable from the inside out – behold, celery seed! If you are the chef of the household, you have most likely heard of or used celery seed in your creations. As it’s an Eastern Ayurvedic herb, however, most Western cultures are not privy to the incredible medicinal benefits of celery seed. Traditionally, its medicinal properties include treating flus and colds with its warming antiseptic properties. The main and unique compounds in celery seed include 3-nbutylphtalide (3nB) and lutein (which has also shown potential as a preventative cancer treatment).

FULL BODY BENEFITS Celery seed can benefit the liver, spleen and urinary systems in several ways. The diuretic properties eliminate harmful toxins and excess fluids through urination. This can provide an excellent cleanse in many cases, such as a horse coming off the racetrack and who was treated with multiple potentially damaging conventional medications. It can also be beneficial for a horse that was hospitalized and treated with long-term antibiotics. It’s important to note that most conventional 50

Equine Wellness

diuretics can be very dangerous as they alter the sodium-topotassium ratios. Celery seed does not do this. Celery seed can also be helpful for urinary infections, due to its antibiotic and antiseptic properties. The herb restores balance to the entire prostaglandin system. If the colder weather brings on aches and pains, celery seed can help there too. Remarkable studies show the efficacy of celery seed for reducing the pain and inflammation of osteo/ rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical studies show celery seed to be even more effective than conventional NSAIDs. Its diuretic properties also eliminate edema in joints and soft tissue. And finally, if the holidays tend to be stressful, this herb can assist in lowering blood pressure. The compound 3nB is considered hypertensive and highly effective in reducing blood pressure – clinical results to prove this are outstanding! So if you or your horse are struggling with the challenges of the colder months this year, consider reaching for celery seed.

Theresa Gilligan has been involved in riding and training horses for 25 years, including racing and breeding Thoroughbreds. She also has over 14 years in the financial industry and degrees in International Business. She has dedicated the last five years to researching alternative medicinal practices, with a specific focus on Ayurveda. Neachai (Neachai.ca) is the first Equine Ayurvedic-specific alternative practice in North America.

HEADS UP! TRY SEAWEED

FROM Z TO A

New to tack and feed stores are Certified Organic Atlantic Seaweed granules under the PUREFORM Equine Health line. This product has been tested by PUREFORM Farms and offered to you because it is naturally rich in iodine, complex trace minerals, and amino acids as well as macro and micro nutrients, promoting noticeable improvements for equine GI tract digestive disorders. 2.5 kg (166 scoops) retail $27.95.

Helping to correct nutritional deficiencies in the horse’s diet, Zenamin supplies a wide range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements from different clays, including Montmorillonite, Bentonite and Diatomaceous Earth. Zenamin targets respiration, feet, performance and condition. It has been energized by applying a proprietary technology to enhance bioavailability and assist in nutritional conversion. GMO-free, Zenamin is safe and legal for racing and competitions. Ask for Zenamin at your local tack or feed store!

1-877-533-9163 PureformEquineHealth.com

Zenamin.com

BETTER THAN EVER!

Eco Nets has updated its whole product line by adding D Rings. All sizes from Square to Round bale have had a D Ring added to make securing it closed simple and easy. The Mini and Half nets now have an option of D Rings and snaps that eliminate the need to tie the net closed. Designed for hanging, now just Load, Snap and Go!

Econets.ca

TREATS FOR HORSES

Great Lakes Agra BIO-BITE treats are the Natural Treat – it’s candy from the horse’s most essential food group without the addition of sugar. BIO-BITE treats are a highly palatable treat containing alfalfa, timothy, canola oil and flavorings. All ingredients are natural, providing a premium treat in three flavors – apple, peppermint, and anise. • • • • • • •

Highly palatable Small bite size cube Digestible ﬁber source Pleasant aroma Ideal for horses of all ages Low glycemic index Manufactured in a drug free environment

GreatLakesAgra.com

Equine Wellness

The terms “toy” and “treat” tend to be associated with images of overindulged, spoiled ponies. Many horse owners can’t even imagine a scenario in which their horses would use (let alone need) a toy of any sort. After all, they’re horses, not dogs! Photo courtesy of Nose-It!®, nose-it.com

TOUGH TOYS But that doesn’t mean horses don’t like to play. In fact, they have a natural desire to do so. If you find yourself with a horse who has an overly high play drive, a toy can help take some of the pressure off his field-mates to entertain him. These types of horses seem to particularly like playing with those oversized horse balls (like yoga balls, but sturdier) or tough Jolly Ball-type toys with a handle they can grab – sometimes you’ll even see two of them playing tug-of-war! The oversized horse balls can also double as training tools for your groundwork, play time, and under saddle work with your horse.

WORK FOR IT

it’s

PLAY tIME

Did you know that toys can help promote herd play, assist with proper digestion and eating behaviors, and bring fun to your training? By Kelly Howling

The second type of horse that often benefits from some extra entertainment are those on restricted turnout or forage. I have seen some creative new toys lately for horses who could use something to help pass the time, or for those who need their meals to last a little longer. Toys like the Likit Snack-A-Ball and Nose-It® are designed so that your horse has to work a little longer for his snacks. These toys have multiple benefits for your horse: • Grain meals last longer, important for those horses that like to gulp their food down. They’re also helpful for horses prone to choke or digestive issues. • They can provide entertainment for horses on stall rest, limited turnout, or individual turnout. • They can dispense roughage or hay cubes as a method of slow feeding, and imitate grazing behavior for horses on a diet.

TRAINING TOYS Toys can also be used as training tools, and you are only limited by your imagination here. I’ve seen people get very creative with things like large horse balls, pedestals, tarps, pool noodles, flags, balloons, barrels, bridges, tires, cones, plastic milk jugs, plastic bags, hula hoops…the options are endless!

Photo courtesy of Likit Products, likit.co.uk

You don’t have to equate toys with an unhealthy indulgence for your horse. From encouraging play in the field, entertaining the stall-rested horse, and adding fun to your training, to aiding with proper eating and digestion, toys can promote a happy, healthy, well-behaved horse if you go about it right. So get playing!

Equine Wellness

Advertorial

Near or far, infrared can bring

near or far By Christina Reguli We hear a lot about infrared treatments, but keeping the options straight can be confusing. Is it heat or is it light? Infrared is both heat and light and it is delivered in very different forms across diverse technologies. Understanding the different treatment choices isn’t complicated with a basic understanding of the science behind them.

wonderful benefits to your horse!

infrared wavelengths in the 600 nm to 1000 nm range react with tissues differently than far infrared.³ This technology is referred to by many scientists as photobiomodulation, but is more commonly known as light therapy or photon therapy.

THERAPEUTIC HEAT: FAR INFRARED RADIATION

When applied to damaged cells using low energy lasers or light-emitting diode (LED) arrays, these specific wavelengths have been shown to promote tissue repair and modulate pain. Studies show that a photoacceptor molecule within the cell called cytochrome c oxidase actually absorbs the photons and accelerates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the form of energy the cells use.4 Damaged cells have a hard time making the energy they need to repair themselves, and light therapy gives them the fuel they need to repair and regenerate cell components, foster mitosis, restore homeostasis and reduce inflammation.

Far infrared radiation can be used as a powerful therapeutic heating source. Studies have shown that these longer wavelengths of over 1000 nm are more readily absorbed by the water in the tissue.¹ When far infrared radiation is absorbed by water in tissue, the molecules in the water become more excited and begin to vibrate, and this creates a thermal or heating effect.

Light therapy provides not only a temporary increase in circulation but also increases new capillary formation. These treatments help tissue and nerves heal up to 50% faster with less scar tissue, while reducing pain caused by injury, arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.5

WAVELENGTH MAKES THE DIFFERENCE Light and heat are all around us every day, but what we see as light or feel as heat depends on the wavelength. Both energy types have wave properties and the measurement between the peaks of those waves determines the wavelength, which is measured in nanometers (nm). Different wavelengths produce very different effects on the tissues of the body.

Studies have shown that deep heating of the tissue can bring a temporary increase in circulation, which in turn brings more oxygenated blood to the area. It can also be very soothing to sore muscles and joints. Delivery can be achieved by using a bio-ceramic impregnated fabric which absorbs and stores infrared thermal energy and delivers it back into the tissues or by an electrical device that contains infrared heating elements. Its thermal waves exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic capabilities.²

The beauty of infrared treatment technologies is that they are non-invasive, have no negative side effects and are affordable. Whether your equine partner is a competitor, companion, or both, science is paving the way to greater healing and improved performance!

HEALING LIGHT: NEAR INFRARED TREATMENTS

Christina & Dennis Reguli founded According to “Gospel”...Equine Light Therapy®, 10 years ago. Named for their showjumper, Gospel Hour, their goal is to provide quality light therapy products that are safe, effective and affordable for horse and dog owners, trainers and for health care professionals world wide. EquineLightTherapy.com

What we recognize as light is actually energy that behaves like a wave, made up of a stream of particles called photons. Near

Byrnes, James (2009). Unexploded Ordnance Detection and Mitigation. Springer.

Dr. Sasaki Kyno, MD, The Scientific Basis and Therapeutic Benefits for Far Infrared Ray Therapy

“Mitochondrial signal transduction in accelerated wound and retinal healing by near-infrared light therapy.” Eells JT, Wong-Riley MT, VerHoeve J, Henry M, Buchman EV, Kane MP, Gould LJ, Das R, Jett M, Hodgson BD, Margolis D, Whelan HT. Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA. jeells@uwm.edu

R ehab Management, The Interdisciplinary Journal: Therapeutic Light by Chukuka S. Enwemeka, PT, PhD, FACSM

P hototherapy and the Peripheral Nervous System Roberta Chow, M.B., B.S.(Hons.), F.R.A.C.G.P., F.A.M.A.C., Ph.D.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Natural Pain Relief Guide; Chronic Pain Management Dr. Ronald J. Riegel Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology “Light-induced vasodilation of coronary arteries and its possible clinical implication.”

Plass CA, Loew HG, Podesser BK, Prusa AM Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. PubMed

Equine Wellness

and your

8 long

Top ways

to help him enjoy a and ACTIVE life. 54

Equine Wellness

equine athlete By Kelli Taylor, DVM Most of us amateur riders can only afford one performance horse at a time. We pour all our extra time, money, blood, sweat and tears into creating a lasting partnership with these equines. So we want to do everything in our power to keep them happy and healthy for as long as humanly possible. Unfortunately, more than 70% of all sport horses are laid up at least once in their careers, due to musculoskeletal injuries, and many are retired before they even reach senior status. Why is it that longevity is so difficult to obtain in our equine athletes, especially when it is of the utmost importance to us? Luckily there are many ways we can help prevent injury and maintain soundness in our performance horses, and keep them working well into their golden years. To maximize longevity, injury prevention and good health, we must use a multi-factorial approach when caring for sport horses.

ENVIRONMENT Horses are herd animals, and have evolved to cover upwards of 25 miles a day while grazing for about 18 hours a day. Taking any horse out of the pasture and confining him to a 12’x12’ stall will change his musculoskeletal makeup and affect his mental health. It is best if horses can be kept together in a pasture 24/7. If this is not feasible, at least give them ten or more hours of turnout while providing free choice access to appropriate forage. If you do stall your horses, adequate bedding is preferable so that they will be inclined to lie down and rest properly. Regular cleaning and adequate ventilation in the barn is also a must to prevent respiratory compromise and illness, which will decrease your horse’s ability to perform.

DENTAL CARE Horse’s teeth are constantly erupting. From an evolutionary viewpoint, this gave them a constant solid grinding surface with which to break down rough forages. Modern horses eat much softer forages than their ancestors, and are often eating at mealtimes instead of constantly grazing. For these reasons, sharp enamel points tend to develop along the edges of the cheek teeth and can lead to discomfort when chewing; ulcerations on the inside of the mouth; and pain caused by the bit or bridle when ridden. Continued on page 56.

Equine Wellness

3 4

Continued from page 55.

NUTRITION No two horses will have the exact same nutritional requirements, and as the exercise intensity of their workload increases, so will their nutritional demands. It is important to work with your holistic veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure your horse is receiving an appropriate balance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat) as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to maintain strong bones, support joint health, and allow for proper muscle development. Traveling and nutritionrelated health issues (gastric ulcers, metabolic issues) must also be considered when designing a sport horse diet.

HOOF CARE Proper hoof balance is essential to body balance and joint health. If the hoof is unbalanced, every joint in that leg will then be unevenly loaded. If this happens repeatedly over time, osteoarthritis will develop as the body lays down new bone to try and stabilize the wobbly joint. The question of whether your horse should be barefoot or shod is one to discuss with your veterinarian and farrier. Many horses today are competing barefoot across the disciplines, and maintaining soundness. If shoes are applied, the choice of shoe should be based on the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gaits, the surface he will be competing on, and the level at which he is competing.

VETERINARY CARE Perhaps the most crucial point of all is that riders and trainers need to know their horses. Behavior changes, saddle asymmetry, fighting with the bit, a resistance to working on one rein or lead, tension in the back, or a change in performance are all subtle clues that there may be a lameness issue. A rider will be much more likely to recognize early on when something is not quite right if she not only knows what her horse feels like under saddle when healthy and sound, but also if she knows what his legs, body and mind feel like on a day-to-day basis on the ground. Detecting problems early means veterinary treatment can also be instituted early. With newer diagnostic technologies, we can often pinpoint where these subtle lameness issues are coming from and treat them before they become chronic and debilitating.

Routine bodywork (such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic work) is a great adjunct to keeping your equine athlete balanced and supple, and allows him to recover more quickly from strenuous workouts and competitions.

HORSE/RIDER/TACK INTERACTION

FOOTING In general, a good footing should provide strong support and resistance to the hoof, while allowing the toe to sink in a bit. Recent studies show that the smallest number of injuries occur on wax-coated and sand-and-rubber surfaces. However, training on varied surfaces is important for strengthening the nervous system and improving coordination, which will help prevent injuries in the long run. This is especially important if you are going to be competing on arena surfaces that are different from those you normally train on.

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Assessing tack fit on a regular basis is of great importance. Many physical and performance issues can arise due to illfitting saddles, bridles and/or artificial aids. Rider stiffness and imbalances may also influence tack fit, and therefore the horseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfort under saddle.

TRAINING The individual horse will dictate the speed at which training progresses. But in general, a careful balance of strength (especially core strength), endurance, fitness, flexibility, and skill training is required to produce a healthy, fit horse that is ready for competition and less prone to injury. Part of maintaining this balance includes incorporating cross training into your regular routine. The most common cause of early retirement or decreased performance in sport horses

is osteoarthritis, and the number one cause of osteoarthritis is repetitive trauma. This is typically referred to as the result of “the wear and tear of old age”, but it actually begins as micro-trauma from schooling the same movements over and over again, day after day. So resist the urge to continually repeat the same exercise over and over, and instead reward your horse both physically and mentally for a job well done by taking him out for a hack. In order to avoid overtraining, which can be mentally as well as physically detrimental, use interval training (e.g., trot three to five minutes, then walk one minute). This is especially important for younger horses whose attention spans are much shorter than those of adult horses. And always allow at least two days between strength training workouts (canter pirouette, piaffe, jumping, etc.) to allow the muscles to rest and recover. A thorough warm-up is important for all horses, but especially for the older horse who has some stiffness. Plan for at least a ten-minute free walk warm-up followed by a ten-minute trot on a loose rein to increase blood flow to the muscles and prepare the horse for more strenuous work. Listen to your horse; if he feels stiff or stuck in a certain area, use lateral work and schooling figures to target and break up the stiffness prior to asking for more difficult work at higher gaits.

Equally important is a sufficient cool-down if you have worked your horse into a sweat. Keep him moving until his respiration returns to normal; returning occasionally to short intervals of walk and trot will help keep the blood flowing to the muscles and minimize soreness.

CONCLUSION A mixture of stable exercises (stretches, dynamic stability exercises), ground work (longing, long lining), in-hand work, and cross-training under saddle (dressage, jumping, hacking, working on varied surfaces), all combined with proper nutrition, dental and hoof care, regular veterinary check-ups and bodywork, will keep your horse healthy, sound and able to compete well into his senior years.

Dr. Kelli Taylor is a 2008 summa cum laude graduate of Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She was born with a love of horses and has striven to be near them her entire life, even when it was impossible for her to have her own. Just after graduation, she completed an internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, Washington and obtained certification in animal chiropractic through the IVCA. She will be completing her certification in veterinary acupuncture this year. Dr. Kelli is very excited to be announcing the opening of her own mobile veterinary chiropractic and acupuncture practice in Washington State this winter. When not working, you can find Dr. Taylor trail riding or hiking with her husband in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached via e-mail at kellitaylordvm@gmail.com.

BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: The Power of Magic AUTHOR: Debbie Garcia-

Bengochea

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is an organization that does amazing work all over the world. Their horses help both children and adults who are facing challenges such as an illness or traumatic event. The Power of Magic shares the story of the first Gentle Carousel therapy horse, Magic, and her friends as they journey around the world helping people. The book is full of heartwarming images, stories, and fun facts, making it a great book for young people to read and share. At the heart of it all is an important message that arises from the work Gentle Carousel does. “Magic and her therapy horse pals have brought hope and encouragement to countless lives around the world with their ‘You Can Do It’ message,” writes the author. “In every person young or old is that same power to make a positive difference. We all have remarkable gifts to give. Compassion and imagination. Energy and enthusiasm. We can all help to improve the lives of others in our communities. We can all create a little magic.”

PUBLISHER: DT Publishing Group, Inc.

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING IN SOCIAL MEDIA! RESCUES OF THE MONTH Congratulations Bear Valley Rescue for being our September Rescue of the Month! Bear Valley has been saving unwanted horses in Alberta, Canada since 2003. Learn more about them on page 40.

Congratulations to RVR Horse Rescue! This October Rescue of the Month rescues, rehabilitates and provides sanctuary for neglected, abused, abandoned, and traumatized horses and farm animals. Their goal is to take them out of their bad situations and find loving homes for them. LIKE them at Facebook.com/RVRHorseRescue to learn more!

VISIT US AT FACEBOOK.COM/ EquineWellnessMagazine

GENTLE CAROUSEL

Left: Therapy horse Sky discovers herself on the cover of Equine Wellness Magazine in a bookstore. Middle: Sky enjoys a good read of our feature story on Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. Right: A hospital visitor sits and reads with Sky.

THANK YOU

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TO COLDFLEX SELF-COOLING PRODUCTS FOR DONATING TO OUR RESCUES OF THE MONTH!

HOMEOPATHY The

By Susan L. Guran

PHOSPHOROUS CONSTITUTION In homeopathy, a horse’s symptoms often reveal their constitutional remedy. A constitutional remedy describes a pervasive state of being, including personality traits, physical tendencies, and appearance. This type of treatment can fortify your horse in times of stress, if symptoms are within its sphere of influence. Other cases are considered acute and would have symptoms that are uncharacteristic of the animal’s typical state of being. Phosphorous is a polychrest, which is a remedy with a broad sphere of influence. Lily is a beautiful example of the phosphorous constitution. Her long legs and neck give a delicate appearance to her otherwise sturdy body. This is seen in other ways throughout the remedy. The phosphorous constitution is hardy with hidden weaknesses that can emerge suddenly or overwhelmingly in an otherwise resilient picture.

THE CYCLE OF PHOSPHOROUS IS AS FOLLOWS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Desire to connect, desire for protection Energetic, open, bubbly Overdo and burnout (weakness) Closing off (stricture, tightening, congestion) Loneliness/isolation (shutting down, insecurity) Anxiety/worry (fearful, reactive)

Lily’s owner sought treatment for her over-reactivity and a sudden buckling of the knee joints when walking, particularly downhill. She had a history of swelling and inflammation of the joints, especially in her knees, and frequent abscesses, seemingly related to sidebones.

These observations relate to the first few pieces of the cycle. The phosphorous personality loves people, is easy to influence and also easily reassured. This horse can be visually excitable, have bright eyes, and express a sense of openness and connection that is easy to recognize. The senses are acute and the horse is very impressionable. Too much connection can lead to closing off and constriction. Lilly’s examples included swelling, hardening, ossification and weakness of the knees. This led to anxiety. She was described as: “Anxious about mounting…reactive to completely unglued”. The Materia Medica offers these correlated descriptions: “Joints suddenly give way…heaviness in hollows of knees…stumbles easily…balance problems.” Also relevant are “suddenness of symptoms, sudden prostration…hard swellings…a great tendency to start…oversensitivity to external impressions.” Lily had a history of sudden inflammation and extreme weakness and collapse prior to her present symptoms. The remedy addressed both main concerns. Lily’s knees stopped buckling and she became calm, focused and easy to handle. In the future, her constitutional remedy can be repeated during times of stress, if necessary, to effectively address emerging symptoms that are characteristic of the phosphorous state. Susan L. Guran is a Homeopathic Practitioner treating animals in Vermont. She owns and operates The Horse’s Touch as a PATH certified instructor. homeopathyhorse.com

Lily’s owner described her personality in the following ways: • Very trusting • Would go anywhere she was asked • Compliant about treatments • Appreciates recognition • Curious and smart • Fidgets when bored and when processing information

• Friendly, loves people • Learns quickly, gets bored quickly • Very willing, responsive, likes to move and explore

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RETAILERS & DISTRIBUTORS WANTED EQUINE LIGHT THERAPY – Many veterinarians and therapists offer their clients the healing benefits of photonic energy with our Equine Light Therapy Pads! Contact us to learn more about the advantages of offering them through your practice! According to “Gospel”…Equine Light Therapy/Canine Light Therapy. www.equinelighttherapy. com, questions@equinelighttherapy.com, (615) 293-3025 THE PERFECT HORSE™ - Organic Blue Green Algae is the single most nutrient dense food on the planet with naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals and amino acids; all are provided in The Perfect Horse (E3Live® FOR HORSES) Our product sells itself; other make claims, we guarantee results. Join a winning team at www.The-Perfect-Horse.com � (877) 357-7187 � sales@e3liveforhorses.com

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SADDLES SOFT TREE SADDLES – Vogue SoftTree Saddle, Memory Foam Core, Dressage and GP Models. Provides optimized strength and ﬂexibility, for unmatched freedom of movement. Customizable panels. Adapts to horse’s changing shape! 7 day Trial. (360) 295-3338 info@SoftTreeSaddles.com � www.SoftTreeSaddles.com

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through our Ambassador program.

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ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD 1-866-764-1212 ext100 or Classiﬁed@EquineWellnessMagazine.com

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EVENTS 60th Annual AAEP Annual Veterinary Conference December 6-10, 2014 – Salt Lake City, UT

Cold Lasers And The Massage Practitioner Free Webinar January 7, 2015 – Online

Visit the AAEP’s 60th Annual Convention and learn valuable knowledge from this educational program that will give you the opportunity to:

Laser therapy has become much more popular with equine and canine veterinary and massage practices during the last few years. Learn how lasers are classified, and how their use can be a great addition to an animal massage practice. We will also focus on appropriate scope of practice use of low level light therapy, and how to communicate with veterinarians regarding their use.

•L earn imaging techniques to get a fast, clear picture of the problem. •G et the facts behind medications and your legal limitations. •L earn resourceful skills to perform joint treatments in the field. •D evelop your understanding of areas of equine health that are inevitably addressed in practice, including dermatology, ophthalmology and dentistry. • And much more! For more information: (800) 443-0177 aaepoffice@aaep.org www.aaep.org/info/annual-convention-318 Equine Pre-Purchase Examination December 12, 2014 – Las Vegas, NV Pre-purchase examinations are often requested by a potential buyer of a horse. The objective is to reduce the buyer’s risks in relationship to the general health and athletic soundness of the horse for sale. The goal of this course is to present selected abnormalities encountered during the physical and moving exams, radiographic examination, common mistakes in radiographic techniques and approaches to interpretation. During the 1 day course, participants are also encouraged to submit or bring DICOM or screen film prepurchase radiographs to be reviewed by the instructors verbally or privately in written form with suggestions on improvement. For more information: (866) 800-7326 s.wheatley@wvc.org

For more information: http://anymeeting.com/rmsaam 19th Annual Horse World Expo January 16-18, 2015 - Timonium, MD You will find top quality seminars and clinics. Different mounted demonstrations. You can take a stroll down Stallion Avenue and of course there is plenty of shopping! Great family fun and entertainment! For more information: (301) 916-0852 info@horseworldexpo.com www.horseworldexpo.com North American Vet Conference January 17-21, 2015 – Orlando, FL The North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) is a non-profit organization that provides world-class continuing education to all members of the veterinary healthcare team. Held each January in Orlando, Florida, the NAVC Conference welcomes over 15,000 attendees from over 70 countries. We offer 50 intensive Hands-on Laboratories, over 350 speakers, dozens of different daily lecture tracks, the largest meeting of exotics practitioners in the world and the largest exhibit halls in the industry. An excellent opportunity to socialize and network with other industry professionals at our evening entertainment programs.

EMAIL YOUR EVENT TO:

info@equinewellnessmagazine.com

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For more information: (800) 756-3446 info@navc.com www.navc.com

January Thaw Expo January 17, 2015 – Fredericton, NB All are welcome to this public event at the Fredericton Exhibition Center! Featuring over 50 exhibits to view and explore as well many presentations. For more information: www.januarythaw.com Mustang Magic January 22-24, 2015 – Fort Worth, TX Mustang Magic will be returning to the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show! This invitation-only event features competition between past top-placing Extreme Mustang Makeover trainers. For more information: (512) 869-3225 www.extrememustangmakeover.com

AETA International Trade Show January 31 – February 2, 2015 – Philadelphia, PA Spend 3 days viewing English and Western merchandise, networking with each other, exchanging ideas on marketing and learning the latest in equestrian products and services at this years’ AETA International Trade Show. This equestrian event is specifically for equestrian trade exhibitors and buyers and is not open to the general public. For more information: (717) 724-0204 www.aeta.us Does My Horse Need A Massage? Free Webinar February 4, 2015 – Online Equine massage is generally a well-known and accepted modality, and has been around since the mid 1970’s. However, why does my horse need a massage? Do I have a horse in training and getting ready for the show season? A retired senior horse with arthritis? Or a rescue horse struggling to find his place in the human and horse herd at a new home? Massage can benefit all these horses, and many more! For more information: http://anymeeting.com/rmsaam

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