Around The Traps

The energy meridians and the acupuncture points used to stimulate them.

While acupuncture needles are usually Ben’s first option, as horses improve they tend to become more sensitive, to the point where needles have to be replaced by a moxa stick. Ben’s preference is for charcoal and mugwort sticks. “Mugwort is a heating herb,” he explains, “and while the stick is hard to start, once the charcoal catches and begins to glow, they’re really hot. So I find the point where the horse is sore and hold the moxa a couple of centimetres above the skin and let the

heat spread through the area. Some horses get very stiff and sore and are cold internally, so this is the way I warm them and open their channels back up.”

Ben also practises iridology, a diagnostic tool used to assess health by analysing the fibre structure and colour of the iris of the eye. Iridology can help to pinpoint organ strengths and weaknesses, and can also indicate the overall state of the horse’s constitution. “I became interested in the practice when, some years ago, a herbalist friend who was also an iridologist demonstrated it to me. So I’ve long had a fascination with it, and eventually studied it formally. I find that iridology helps give me confirmation as to exactly what and where the horse’s health problems are,” he says.

So, if helping a horse to regain their health, or maintain their general wellbeing is the goal, then the modality of acupuncture shouldn’t be overlooked. It may not be the first option that springs to mind, but it certainly shouldn’t be the last.

You can call Ben on 0429 369 530 to discuss your horse’s health issues and make an appointment.

SADDLES WANTED

The role of The Saddle Hub is to make the process of selling your saddle as effortless as possible.

If you have a saddle that doesn't suit you or your horse, or is no longer needed, get in touch with us about how we can assist you in re-homing it.

Find more info at: equestrianhub.com.au/sellers-information/

SADDLE REVIEW

Bates Innova

A keen rider from an early age, Olivia Mills couldn’t wait to start riding again after a break away. But things didn’t go entirely according to plan …

Once the site of the largest silver mine in Australia, Sunny Corner is a small town located a half-hour’s drive from Bathurst, NSW. A Registered Nurse in one of the town’s busy medical practices, Olivia Mills has been around horses her entire life. “We were a horsey family. Mum competed in both hacking and dressage events when she was younger, and Dad rode horses on a cattle station with his dad. So it was only natural that both my sister and I learned to ride.”

Olivia was a keen equestrian competitor, but that came to an end when she moved away from home to study. “When I returned, I was looking forward to getting back into it again. My main discipline is eventing, which I love, plus a little dressage and show jumping – but really it depends on what events are being held locally,” she explains.

But sadly, Olivia’s horse suddenly and inexplicably became lame. Despite every effort being made to discover the cause of the problem it remains a mystery, and although he’s pain free and happy, he can’t be ridden competitively again.

It was Olivia’s sister, a dressage rider, who saved the day. She had moved to Canberra, leaving behind Heath, her beautiful Friesian. “We’ve had Heath since he was four. He turns 20 this year and he’s a wonderful horse. My sister said I could ride him for as long as I wanted. Without her I wouldn’t be riding today so I’m very thankful,” Olivia says.

As with many Warmbloods, Heath has a broad back so when Olivia began searching for a saddle, she knew she would need to find one that was a good match for them both. “I wanted a saddle that was comfortable for me, but also wide enough to allow Heath freedom of movement. It was really important to me that we were both happy with the saddle, and after some research, I realised that a Bates Innova would be perfect.”

Olivia’s mother had told her about The Saddle Hub, so she decided to visit their online store in the hope that an Innova might be available. “And there it was! It was in perfect condition and a really good price. I’d heard some really good things about The Saddle Hub, so I decided to go ahead and order the saddle,” Olivia says.

But was it a good decision? That would be a definite ‘yes’! “I adore the saddle. It’s so comfortable and Heath works really well in it. It also allows me to have great contact with my seat. I couldn’t be happier.”

Olivia and Heath have attended a couple of local clinics following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and are looking forward to plenty more outings to come.

The Equestrian Hub has a wide variety of second-hand saddles, so be sure to visit www.equestrianhub.com.au and browse through their fantastic range.

All saddles come with a two-week trial, finance options, and a courier right to your door.

The perfect match: Olivia and Heath are delighted with their Bates Innova saddle.