V7I6 (Dec/Jan 2012-13)

EQUINE WELLNESS

Equine

Your natural resource!

WELLNESS

BOREDOM BUSTING

POLE EXERCISES

DIY: IM INJECTION HOW TO GIVE AN

Feeding

7

A complementary approach to

OUR TOP

HUNTER’S BUMP

HORSE SHOPPING

TIPS

Is your horse in a

PANIC?

Holiday

How to tell the difference between PANIC and FEAR

treat recipes

Yoga

Seedy toe

WITH HORSES

WHAT IS IT?

Display until January 28, 2012 $5.95 USA/Canada VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6

December 2012/January 2013

+GREAT GIFT IDEAS!

EquineWellnessMagazine.com

equine wellness

1

2

equine wellness

Equine

Your natural resource!

WELLNESS

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Dana Cox EDITOR: Kelly Howling EDITOR: Ann Brightman GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Dawn Cumby-Dallin GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Meaghan Mcgowan GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Ben Martin COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Maria Itina

ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Lisa Wesson (519) 393-6808 lisawesson@redstonemediagroup.com

HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

Buy a 1-year gift subscription to Animal Wellness Magazine for only $10 US/$12 CAN.

ONLY

Associate Publisher: John M. Allan (866) 764-1212 ext. 405 john@redstonemediagroup.com

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alex Dawson Audi Donamor Isabella Edwards Linda Guanti, CYI Alexandra Kurland Hannah Mueller, DVM Johanna Neuteboom Amy Snow Kelli Taylor, DVM, CAC, CVA Jill Todd, DVM, CVA, CVCP Nancy Zidonis

10

US

$$12 CAN

Sales Representative: Ann Beacom (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com Sales Representative: Becky Starr (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING classified@equinewellnessmagazine.com

ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER: Redstone Media Group Inc. PRESIDENT/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: John Allan OFFICE MANAGER: Michelle Stewart COMMUNICATIONS: Libby Sinden IT: Brad Vader

TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue in the U.S. $15.00 and Canada is $20.00 including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail.

Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: EquineWellnessMagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212

SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to Equine Wellness Magazine, 202-160 Charlotte St. 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 We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi.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 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail libby@redstonemediagroup.com.

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 copyright© 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: November 2012

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

TOPICS INCLUDE: disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care

product recommendations integrative Vet Q & A gentle training, and so much more!

Go online today ... your animals will thank you!

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com/gift

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

MARIA ITINA

It’s not in our Gift Guide, but who wouldn’t love to find this handsome bright bay stallion under their tree on Christmas morning? After all that running around in the snow, he’ll love the yummy holiday treats and warming acupressure session in this issue. equine wellness 3

Contents 26

44

FEATURES 10 BUMPS INTHE ROAD A complementary approach to hunter’s bump or sacroiliac subluxation.

14 DO IT YOURSELF

How to give your horse an intramuscular injection.

16 YOGA WITH HORSES

Adding stretching and yoga to your equine’s routine can improve his wellbeing and performance.

22 IS YOUR HORSE IN A PANIC?

Understanding the difference between panic and fear makes all the difference in how you handle the situation.

4

equine wellness

26 LET FREEDOM REIGN

How one sanctuary is ensuring America’s wild horses live out their lives as nature intended.

31 BOREDOM BUSTERS!

Seven pole exercises to shake up your flatwork routine.

34 WINTERIZE YOUR HORSE This cold weather acupressure session promotes energy and circulation.

38 HAY HO FOR THE HOLIDAYS Yummy treats your horses will love!

40 BY ANY OTHER NAME

Many of us have heard the term “seedy toe” – but what is it, really?

44 ALONG FOR THE RIDE

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary, Wild Horse, Wild Ride.

54 A TRYING TIME Our top seven tips to make horse shopping easier!

38

31

40

DEPARTMENTS

COLUMNS 8

Neighborhood news

20 Product picks

57 Hot to trot 58

6 Editorial

Social media corner

29 Gift guide 48 Equine Wellness resource guide

50 Holistic veterinary advice

59 Marketplace 61 Classifieds 62 Events

34

equine wellness

5

EDITORIAL

spirit of TRADITION THE

T

here has been a nip in the air and frost on the ground the past few mornings, reminding me that winter is on the way – and with it come the holidays! The festive season is often rich with tradition. We all have our own favorites, along with those we share with family and friends. Maybe it’s baking a special recipe, picking out a Christmas tree, or an annual all-out snowball fight.

Here at our farm, we are fortunate to have a close-knit community of horse people, and over the years we’ve developed several traditions for this time of year. Many boarders participate in a Secret Santa that culminates with a get-together – everyone has great fun trying to guess which horse/rider pair is their Secret Santa. The horses all have stockings for their stall doors, and little goodies for horse and rider can often be found within. And last year, a Christmas tree appeared at the front of the barn, decorated with (horse safe) decorations from all the boarders – a shared effort!

The barn staff are also typically given Christmas Day off, and it has become one of my favorite things to wake up early on Christmas morning and head out to the barn to help look after the horses. The drive to the barn is typically very quiet, snowy and peaceful – you can see people just waking up, Christmas tree lights going on. The barn itself

6

equine wellness

is also usually quiet, save for a few other people – just the welcoming nickers of the horses and the munching of hay. You get to work up an appetite doing stalls, then return home just in time for a big family breakfast and the opening of presents.

This year we may do a barn treat baking day – last year, I used Audi Donamor’s holiday treat recipe to make cookies for all the horses at the farm, and they were a hit! Try out this year’s recipe on page 38 – your horses will love it. You can also keep yourself and your horse warm and mobile this winter with our articles on horse/rider yoga (page 16), winter acupressure (page 34), and some neat pole exercises to break up your flatwork routine (page 31).

And take a peek at our Gift Guide for some great ideas for the horse people in your life!

Naturally,

Kelly Howling

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Head on over to our Facebook page and let us know!

Facebook.com/EquineWellnessMagazine

equine wellness

7

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Documenting a dynamic duo The life and career of Harry de Leyer and his world-renowned horse, Snowman, is being made into a feature length documentary and the production company, Docutainment Films, is looking for help in locating film footage and stills of this dynamic duo.

Long Island riding instructor Harry de Leyer found the miracle horse who launched his career on a Pennsylvania Horse Auction block in 1957. Because he arrived late, de Leyer was left with only the rejects, already boarded on a truck bound for the meat and glue factory. He spotted the large, white, former Amish plow horse and purchased him for a mere $80.

Photo courtesy of Phelps Media Group, Inc

De Leyer named his new horse Snowman and used him as a lesson horse for children at his barn. The instructor discovered the horse’s jumping talent when he sold Snowman to a neighbor. Eager to get back to de Leyer’s farm, the horse cleared every obstacle between the new barn and de Leyer’s property six miles down the road. So began Snowman’s show jumping career.

The loveable grey took the equestrian sport by storm and made many guest appearances, including The Tonight Show, where Johnny climbed aboard the horse. Inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 1992, Snowman stayed with de Leyer until he passed away at the age of 26. To learn more, visit docutainmentfilms.com

Lameness and saddle slip There’s a significant link between hind limb lameness and saddle slip, according to a new study. The research shows consistent saddle slip in some horses with hind limb lameness, even when the lameness is fairly subtle and difficult to detect. Saddle slip in sports horses is a well-recognized problem that can occur for a variety of reasons, including asymmetry in the shape of the horse’s back, riders sitting crookedly, and ill-fitting saddles.

The study assessed 128 horses of varying size, age and type. The saddle consistently slipped to one side in 54% of horses with hind limb lameness, compared with 4% of horses with fore limb lameness, 0% with back pain and/or sacroiliac joint region pain, and 0% of non-lame horses. Diagnostic analgesia was subsequently used to abolish the hind limb lameness, eliminating saddle slip in 97% of cases.

“Detection of saddle slip provides an opportunity for the owner, riders and trainers to detect low-grade and subclinical lameness, with important welfare consequences,” says Sue Dyson, head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust. Further exciting scientific studies are planned, with the support of the Saddle Research Trust, in order to build on these findings.

8

equine wellness

New Jersey bans horse slaughter The state of New Jersey recently made horse history. The ASPCA is commending state legislators and Gov. Chris Christie for enacting a measure to prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Introduced by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-Cream Ridge) and Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Union), A.2023/S.1976 not only makes it illegal to slaughter horses, but also prohibits the sale of horse meat and bans the transport of horse meat or live horses for the purpose of slaughter.

Earlier this month, several prominent New Jersey horse owners and advocates, including accomplished equestrian Jessica Springsteen, daughter of musician Bruce Springsteen, joined the ASPCA in submitting a letter to Gov. Christie urging him to sign the critical legislation into law.

New equine complex Equine science education, research and outreach will soon have a new home, thanks to the Texas A&M Equine Complex. Phase 1 construction has already begun on the $80 million project.

Dr. Eleanor Green, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine, says that the initiative will bring together students, faculty and equine industry leaders, and provide a foundation for research discoveries and outreach initiatives dedicated to the welfare of horses.

Initial construction will include an education and outreach center, facilities for the Texas A&M Equestrian Team, a cross country course in collaboration with Texas A&M Athletics, and new facilities for the Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

Animal welfare a recognized specialty People with expertise and knowledge in the field of animal welfare science are now getting the recognition they deserve. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association recently welcomed the announcement that the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW) is now a recognized board specialty in the field of veterinary medicine.

Patricia Olson, DVM, Dipl. ACAW, charter diplomate of the new ACAW and an HSVMA Leadership Council member, says the new college provides much-needed recognition for those who specialize in animal welfare science. The new specialty also lends credibility to the veterinary profession’s overall role in advancing animal welfare. equine wellness

9

Acupuncture can help with pain and relaxation of the muscles and ligaments associated with the sacroiliac joints.

A complementary approach to hunter’s bump or sacroiliac subluxation can help resolve this debilitating condition.

BY JILL TODD, DVM, CVA, CVCP

“Hunter’s bump” is a commonly heard term in the barn. It refers to the subluxation of one or both sacroiliac joints (SI).

You may have noticed this before when you look at a particular horse’s croup and see a visible bump or “point”. SI ligaments and the tendinous attachment of muscles to the pelvis and sacrum make up the sacroiliac joint complex (SIJC). When a dislocation of the articulation between the vertebral column and the pelvis occurs, the tuber sacrale (near the loin/croup junction) is pushed upward and forward because of torn ligament attachments.

This prominence of the tuber sacrale, or “hunter’s bump”, may develop if one or both SI joints are displaced.

How does it happen?

Horses can injure their SIJC by falling, becoming cast or through a host of other traumatic occurrences. Excessive strain during training or competition, repetitive stress and lack of fitness can lead to SIJC injury. Damage can also occur secondary to saddle fit, dental issues and hoof or rider balance problems.

These injuries are common in many disciplines and horse

10

equine wellness

breeds such as hunters, jumpers, Standardbred trotters and dressage and reining horses.

If the injury is not rehabilitated properly, the damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments does not resolve completely and can cause pain or other issues due to compensation.

Symptoms and diagnostics The clinical signs of SIJC syndrome (SIJCS) include stiffness, lameness, sciatica, tight hamstring muscles and pain in the hindquarters. A poor quality canter, unwillingness to work on the bit, and refusing to jump are common complaints from trainers with horses who have SIJCS. Local palpation can reveal mild to severe pain over the SI joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms of SIJCS can range from a mild shortening of the stride, limitations in hind limb or back movement,

and reluctance to jump, to muscle spasms and debilitating pain upon palpation.

Diagnosis can be made by palpation, a lameness examination, diagnostic acupuncture, and chiropractic assessment.

Imaging including ultrasound, bone scans (scintigraphy) and MRI can identify whether changes in the soft tissues are involved in the injury, so radiographs or x-rays are usually not considered necessary.

Unfortunately, because many signs and symptoms are similar to other more minor injuries, many horse owners and trainers resume exercise too soon or too hard.

The importance of proper rehabilitation Acute injury is usually treated with rest and anti-inflammatories.

The first time a horse exhibits symptoms of SIJCS, bute and a few days or weeks off are typically recommended. Unfortunately, because many of the signs and symptoms are similar to other more minor injuries, many horse owners and trainers resume exercise too soon or too hard. When put back to work, many horses with a SIJC injury will not perform as well as they did prior to their injury. These horses are said to be “off”, “not quite right” or even “naughty”. If the injury is not rehabilitated properly, the damage to muscles, tendons and ligaments does not resolve completely and can cause pain or other issues due to compensation. Proper diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation are all important aspects of SIJCS.

Complementary therapies Chiropractic Reducing SI subluxations with chiropractic techniques can be accomplished in several ways. Adjustments can be made directly using the physical skill of the chiropractor, or indirectly using a small impacting device called an activator. Adjustments may vary

Veterinary Low Level Laser Therapy works well with acupuncture and chiropractic to stimulate healing at the cellular level, alleviating pain and reducing the prominence of the bump.

equine wellness

11

in the amount of force applied or the type of stabilization given to the vertebral segments during the adjustment. As an adjustment is designed to affect one motor unit at a time, your horse may need several treatments to correct SIJC dysfunction.

Acupuncture Acupuncture is an excellent treatment modality for SIJCS. It helps with pain and relaxation of the muscles and ligaments involved. Trigger point therapy, as well as needling specific acupuncture points, can reduce inflammation and assist in the reduction of subluxations. Dry needles, aquapuncture (injecting vitamin B12, saline or other medications into specific acupuncture points) and/or electrostimulation can help reach the deep muscles acting on the pelvis. Relaxation, negative pattern interruption, restoration of proper energy flow and muscle stimulation can be achieved with these therapies.

When VLLLT is used in conjunction with chiropractics and acupuncture, pain can be alleviated and eventually the hunter’s bump or prominence can be reduced or virtually eliminated.

Cold laser therapy Cold Laser Therapy/Veterinary Low Level Laser Therapy (VLLLT) is, in my opinion, the “icing on the cake” when treating SI injuries. As discussed in a previous article concerning tendon and ligament injuries, VLLLT stimulates healing at the cellular level. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission Rays, or LASER, is a highly concentrated coherent light, which restores health to ailing cells of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and fibroblasts of the SIJC. Laser therapy will be directed at the site of injury as well as the brain, poll and neck to balance the whole horse.

When VLLLT is used in conjunction with chiropractic and acupuncture, pain can be alleviated and eventually the hunter’s bump or prominence can be reduced or virtually eliminated.

After multiple adjustments and treatments, horses can return to their original function and top-level competition. Laser works to stimulate healing while reducing pain, inflammation and scar tissue, decreasing the chance of re-injury.

The rehabilitation process After treatments, rehabilitation and conditioning are key to a full recovery. Massage, physical therapy and routine stretching will help maintain SIJCS patients. Effective warm-up rides and symmetrical workouts are important to prevent future injury. Avoiding fatigue,

12

equine wellness

An acupuncture session -- dry needles, aquapuncture and/or electrostimulation can help reach the deep muscles acting on the pelvis.

keeping the horse and rider’s weight moderate, and adequate muscle conditioning are keys to preventing stress. Exercising over poles, cavalettis and gentle hills all help strengthen the SIJC. As any horse owner knows, preventing injury due to accidents can be difficult. Avoiding slick surfaces and keeping paddocks free of holes and rocks may help keep your horse safe. Large stalls with adequate bedding can prevent casting and damage while horses are rolling. But more important is keeping your horse’s posture, strength and fitness correct. Good riding technique, balanced feet and well-fitting equipment including saddle fit, girth, bridle and bit comfort are keys to success. Any piece of equipment can cause rubbing, chafing or pain, which can then alter the way your horse moves. Compensation due to ill-fitting equipment can injure and/or prevent adequate healing.

Many times, there are underlying causes of SIJCS. Veterinarians may need to address hock, stifle, neck, poll or leg injuries to maintain proper alignment of the spine. If these areas were not addressed previously, and treatments are not alleviating the symptoms, then a complete lameness examination should be scheduled. This may include flexions, radiographs, ultrasound or MRI to eliminate any potential causes of injury. Very often there may be front limb lameness that causes a hind limb to compensate, therefore causing spinal subluxation and pain.

If you feel your horse has SIJCS you should contact your veterinarian to set up a consultation.

JILL TODD, DVM,

HAS

A

MOBILE

EQUINE

INTEGRATIVE

BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON, AND ALSO PRACTICES AT BELLEVUE ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR DOGS AND CATS. SHE IS A RIDER, AND COMPETING IN HUNTER/JUMPER AND EQUITATION OVER FENCES IS ONE OF HER PASSIONS. DR. TODD WAS THE FACULTY ADVISOR FOR THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY RODEO TEAM. SHE IS ALSO A CERTIFIED VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURIST (CVA), AND A CERTIFIED VETERINARY CHIROPRACTITIONER (CVCP). HER MAIN TOOLS ARE THE ERCHONIA PL5 COLD LASER, VOM ACTIVATOR, AND ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES. DR. TODD FEELS THAT THE USE OF THESE TOOLS AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH HER HORSEMANSHIP KNOWLEDGE, MAKES HER UNIQUE IN THE VETERINARY MEDICAL FIELD. JILLTODDDVM@GMAIL.COM, ERCHONIA.COM OR JILLTODDDVM.COM. COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE PRACTICE BASED OUT OF

equine wellness

13

1 Do it

yourself How to give your horse an intramuscular injection.

by Hannah Mueller, DVM

G

iving an intramuscular (IM) injection to your horse can seem a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty simple with the proper training and supervised practice. And it’s something every horse owner should know how to do!

Practice makes perfect

After tapping the neck, insert the needle all the way to the hub.

2

If you want to learn how to give an IM injection, it’s often as easy as asking your veterinarian to walk you through the procedure and asking if she will let you administer an injection under her supervision. If you are needle-phobic or haven’t handled a needle, then get one from your veterinarian or store to practice with. Oranges make good teaching models to simulate the feeling of pushing a needle through the tough skin layer into the softer muscle layer. Don’t practice on a horse until you are comfortable handling the needle and syringe. Your safety is first and foremost – accidentally poking yourself with a needle or injecting something into yourself is not only painful, but could be fatal! Also, always use caution while uncapping and recapping the needle.

Oranges make good teaching models to simulate the feeling of pushing a needle through the tough skin layer into the softer muscle layer.

Draw back on the plunger to make sure no blood comes into the needle.

3 Inject, and then rub the area briskly afterwards to take away the stinging sensation. Monitor the site for any reactions.

14

equine wellness

Locate your target The primary injection site for an IM injection is the neck. While other areas can also be used, the neck is the easiest/safest area.

A triangle forms your injection landmarks on the neck: the vertebral column, the slope of the shoulder, and the crest of the neck. It is important to know that vertebrae run along the bottom part of the neck. Palpate these bony protrusions and make sure you can confidently identify the spine prior to any neck injection. The most dangerous place to give an IM injection is into a joint or the spine.

Steps to injecting Once you’ve located your landmarks, check your horse’s temperature, pulse and respiratory rate (never vaccinate a sick or stressed horse). Next, use an alcohol swab to clean the area and mark your target. Remember to aim for the center of the triangle.

It is important to know that vertebrae run along the bottom part of the neck. Palpate these bony protrusions and make sure you can confidently identify the spine prior to any neck injection. The most dangerous place to give an IM injection is into a joint or the spine.

There are two main insertion techniques – tapping the horse’s neck with your closed fist (three or four times) and inserting the needle at the same time as the tap, or pinching the skin with one hand and slowly inserting the needle just behind the pinch. Both include inserting the needle all the way to the hub (this results in better absorption and less chance of reaction); drawing back on the plunger to see if blood comes into the needle (if it does, the needle must be pulled out and redirected because you are in a vessel rather than muscle); and injecting.

After injecting, the area should be rubbed briskly to help take away the stinging sensation.

Helpers are helpful Having a competent handler will make the learning process much easier. The handler should stay on the same side you are so the horse’s hindquarters never come towards you. The handler can use treats and scratches to distract the horse, while keeping him still. Keep in mind that as much as the horse may act as if the injection is terrible, it really doesn’t hurt that badly. Stay calm and confident and make the experience as positive as possible.

Lastly, monitor the injection site for heat, swelling, stiffness or infection after all injections and always consult with your veterinarian prior to administering any vaccinations or if problems arise.

DR. HANNAH MUELLER IS A 2004 GRADUATE OF OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. SHE STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE FOR HER PATIENTS AND BELIEVES HER UNIQUE HOLISTIC APPROACH ALLOWS HER TO DO SO. DR. HANNAH HAS A SOLID FOUNDATION IN SPORTS MEDICINE AND LAMENESS. THIS, ALONG WITH HER TRAINING IN ACUPUNCTURE, CHIROPRACTIC, STRETCH EXERCISES, MASSAGE TECHNIQUES AND OTHER HANDS ON HEALING MODALITIES, ALLOWS DR. HANNAH TO REHABILITATE HORSES TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL. CEDARBROOKVET.COM

equine wellness

15

The Mountain pose (left) improves your posture and allows you to better relate to your position in the saddle. Below and right: Lateral neck stretches increase your horse’s suppleness, and alert you to any limitations in flexibility.

Yoga

with horses?

Incorporating stretching and yoga into your equine’s routine can improve his well being and performance, and alert you to any issues as they arise.

“Y

oga with horses? How is that possible?” These are the questions I often hear when people discover what I do. It may be difficult to comprehend at first, but once you get a glimpse of what it’s all about, it actually makes a whole lot of sense. If you can appreciate the benefits of yoga for humans, then you can translate them to horses.

What’s good for you can be good for your horse The practice of yoga reconnects you with your body. You essentially teach (or re-teach) yourself where your body is and how to move it in the strongest and most balanced way with the least amount of stress. You also stretch, strengthen and tone.

Anything with a body is therefore a yogi. Body awareness is

16

equine wellness

BY LINDA GUANTI, CYI

fundamental to preventing injury and chronic pain. For riders, knowing how you are using your body can help you realize that sometimes it is your body that is preventing your horse from performing something you are asking!

Yoga for horses So how do you get a horse to stretch? There are quite a few methods.

Some are done while riding – performing certain maneuvers such as half passes and shoulder in/out. Others can be done from the ground. The horse sometimes needs a little time, encouragement and practice to figure out what you are asking of him. It is a wonderful bonding experience and you also start to figure out where your horse is lacking in flexibility and strength or may be feeling uncomfortable.

STRETCHES FOR YOUR HORSE 1. Lateral neck stretch • A carrot can help you with this stretch -- keep the carrot close to the horse’s mouth and guide him to bend his neck towards his shoulder.

• Discourage the horse from shifting his body to try to get the carrot (positioning him with a wall or fence on the opposite side can help).

• You can take this stretch further and guide the horse to stretch towards his stifle.

• Try to hold the stretch for five to 15 seconds before the horse receives the carrot.

• Remember you should always do both sides.

Benefits • Improves suppleness.

• Can sometimes provide passive chiropractic adjustment.

• Brings awareness to the horse’s comfort or range of flexibility.

2. Sternum lift Note: Some horses may not be comfortable with this stretch when first introduced! Ensure you are comfortable with your horse, and be aware of how he might react.

• Stand facing the side of your horse, just behind the shoulder.

• Bend your knees and place your hands palm up on your horse’s sternum (under the rib cage and belly where you can feel the muscles meet).

• Create a claw-like hand, and using your fingertips, apply pressure upwards.

• Start with slight pressure and increase as needed to encourage him to lift his back up.

• If constant pressure is not working, you can prod your fingertips in a short scratching motion or run your fingertips along the centerline towards the belly.

• Keep your eyes on his back. You should notice his back lift, even if just slightly. The curve behind the withers will flatten.

Benefits • Stretches and engages the abdominal and thoracic muscles, helping with posture and rider support.

• Preventative for swayback.

He has the mind

Poor hooves prevent him from reaching his full potential. Help him prove his ability with Farrier’s Formula®. Within weeks of feeding Farrier’s Formula® he will have an emerging new band of hoof growth and a glossy, more deeply colored coat. Internal benefits are harder to see, but just as dramatic.

The

courage The

heart If only he had

the feet.

800-624-1873 www.LifeDataLabs.com cservice@lifedatalabs.com http://fb.me/lifedatalabs 12290 Hwy 72 • Cherokee,AL 35616 Product of the USA

equine wellness

17

An easy addition to your daily routine Now you might be thinking the same thing I was. How can someone possibly have enough time to do yoga with your horse as well as groom, ride, do barn chores and…?

HUMAN POSES 1. Mountain -- Tadasana

Is it time to pick your horse’s hoof out? Why not throw in a forward bend? That makes four forward bends if you do it for each hoof. How about brushing the legs? Why not side lunge to the front, then to the back. That’s two of each when you go to each side of the horse. Girth all done up? Now it’s time to stretch the horse’s leg forward. It also smoothes the skin under the girth area. Your horse deserves a treat? Make him stretch his neck and head to each side to reach it, or down to his chest or between his front legs before you give him the treat.

You can incorporate yoga into your life, and your horse’s, easier than you might have thought. Take that chair yoga into the saddle and have some fun while seated on your horse (or a hay bale!). Different people do different things with yoga and their horses. I believe it is all wonderful. If you get a chance, give it a try and experience it for yourself – for your sake and your horse’s.

•Stand with your feet parallel and hip width apart (tip: two fist widths between feet).

• Feel and weight all corners of your feet (tip: lift your toes up, feeling the balls of your big and little toes. Keep that feeling and release your toes back down).

• Thighs turn inward.

• Engage the thighs slightly, lift the kneecaps and then release.

• Tailbone lengthens down toward the floor.

• Shoulder blades release down and towards each other behind you, ribcage stays in.

• Collarbones widen and arms hang by your side.

• Head balances directly over your pelvis -- lengthen the top of your head up to the sky.

• Float your body forward and backward to find your center, the place where no major muscles need to engage to hold you up -- all muscles are working equally in harmony and balance.

• Breathe.

Benefits • Experience awareness of your entire body in its vertical alignment, steadiness and stability.

• Be able to better relate to your alignment in the saddle.

• Improves posture, which in turn allows the body to function with ease.

2. Forward fold – Uttanasana LINDA GUANTI IS A CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR BASED OUT OF PEMBERTON, BC. SHE DISCOVERED YOGA AFTER AN INJURY LEFT HER WITH CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES, AFFECTING HER ABILITY TO RIDE. YOGA CHANGED HER LIFE AND SHE NOW UTILIZES IT TO HELP OTHER RIDERS, AND STRETCH THEIR HORSES TOO! YOGAWITHHORSES.COM

The Forward fold is calming, and can be helpful for riders as it stretches hamstrings, calves and hips, and strengthens thighs/knees. You can either reach your fingertips towards the ground or cross your forearms for a portion of the pose.

18

equine wellness

• Stand in Mountain Pose – Tadasana.

• Place your hands on your hips.

• On your exhale, bend forward from your hip joints, keeping your back flat, lengthening your front torso.

• Release your arms and reach your fingertips towards the floor by your feet, or palms on floor if you are able; another option is to cross your forearms and hold your elbows.

• Keep your knees straight if possible.

• Press all edges of your feet into the floor.

• Send or lift your sit bones up towards the sky (feet press down, sit bones lift up).

• Thighs roll inwards.

• On the inhale, lift and lengthen your body.

• On the exhale, allow your body to release even further forward.

The Cat pose helps to stretch your back and neck, and bring awareness to spine movement and pelvis alignment.

• Hold for 15 seconds to one minute.

• Bring your hands back to your hips, lengthen through the body and come up with a flat back (bend your knees if you need to).

Note: Another option is to clasp your hands behind your back with straight arms – this variation opens the chest and shoulder areas, which are common areas of tightness.

Benefits • Calms brain, relieves stress and mild depression.

• Stretches hamstrings, calves and hips.

• Strengthens thighs/knees.

• Improves digestion.

• Reduces fatigue and anxiety.

• Relieves headaches and insomnia.

• Helpful for asthma, high blood pressure, infertility, osteoporosis and sinusitis.

3. Cat/Cow -- Marjari/Bitilasana • Begin on your hands and knees in Table position.

• Knees are directly below your hips and wrists/elbows are below your shoulders.

• Head and neck centered and in line with your spine.

• From a solid straight back, exhale and round the back, pulling your belly up towards your spine. Your pelvis tucks under. Looking towards your thighs, pause.

• On the inhale, release the spine down and your belly reaches towards the earth, arching in the opposite direction.

• Shoulders stay down and back, sit bones lift to the sky, head lifts up slightly.

• Pause and then flow with your breath between the two poses ten to 15 times.

Benefits • Massages spine and abdomen.

• Stretches back and neck.

• Brings awareness to spine movement and the alignment of the pelvis.

• Increases flexibility.

Note: During these poses, take a moment to relate to the horse. Feel how a horse with a hollow back might be vulnerable or weak with a rider, or how a horse with his back up and a strong abdomen could perform better.

equine wellness

19

PRODUCT PICKS MAKE IT

last

Expand your hay supply this winter while ensuring your horses are getting consistent nutrition. How, given the lack of hay on the market? The answer is to feed hay cubes made from Ontario hay.

Canadian Bio-Cube Inc. forage cubes, using their “seed to stable” quality control system, provide guaranteed analysis, allowing you to easily maintain balanced rations for your horses. The long fiber palatable cubes made from Ontario hay are available in 50-pound bags, which add to the convenience of feeding cubes.

They soak within a half hour and are available in sizes to meet every need.

Bio-Cube.com 519-858-3060

UNCOMPROMISING

results

New EcoLicious Squeaky Green & Clean Deep Cleaning Waterless Shampoo is the perfect product for when you don’t have the opportunity for a full on bath, but don’t want to sacrifice your horse’s appearance.

It’s made with gentle coconut derived cleansers and witch hazel that are tough on dirt, but gentle on the skin. Yummy skin and hair conditioning ingredients like honey and aloe vera leave behind a soft, smooth coat. Tea tree oil protects skin and the sweet orange essential oil keeps it smelling oh-so-nice.

EcoliciousEquestrian.com

20

equine wellness

Calm DOWN

Compose® 2x contains nutrient “nerve regulators” including tryptophan, thiamine, and magnesium that are provided at twice the concentration compared to the original Compose®. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids, is a building block of a chemical in the body responsible for the transmission of nerve signals through the brain. The plant proteins of grains and hay in equine diets are low in tryptophan content.

Thiamine is important in energy metabolism and helps control hyperactivity, and magnesium is important in maintaining correct nerve transmission and muscle function.

LifeDataLabs.com

MY

hero!

Heiro is a supplement that owners of insulin resistant horses can feel good about using. It incorporates USDA certified organic herbs to help manage insulin levels, and contains no fillers/artificial preservatives. The company also offers a support system and will work with you, your veterinarian and your farrier to develop an overall program that’s right for your horse.

The website offers helpful information about insulin resistance, testing and management.

EquineMedSurg.com

Repeat LAMINITIC

STOP EPISODES

Free your horse from laminitis by reversing the underlying metabolic dysfunction; a breakdown in the cell’s ability to use glucose (sugar).

Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance (IR) can’t metabolize sugar effectively. When they have an overload of sugar in their systems, the cells in the hoof weaken and they founder. The cell’s ability to use glucose must be restored to end laminitis.

The EMS/Cushing’s/IR herbal formula restores the healthy usage of glucose and decreases elevated insulin levels, thereby lowering elevated ACTH. This regulates the insulin/glucose relationship and assists in metabolism of carbohydrates.

GO

Green

This 100% natural product, Aphanizomenon flos-aqua or AFA (blue-green algae) is harvested in the wild from Klamath Lake, Oregon. It contains over 64 balanced, naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, which nourish the body at the cellular level.

It has shown excellent results in improving the health of horses by assisting in strengthening the immune system, increasing energy levels and attentiveness, and there are specifically documented cases and clinical case studies concerning regeneration of damaged hoof tissue.

E3LiveForHorses.com 877-357-7187

ForLoveOfTheHorse.com 866-537-7336

equine wellness

21

Is your horse in a

panic?

BY ALEXANDRA KURLAND

Y

our horse doesn’t want anything to do with the shiny new trailer you’ve just bought for him. You picked it out specially with his comfort in mind – it’s an inviting space with lots of windows, and a bright interior. He’s always been good going up over platforms and onto the wooden bridges you’ve built for him. But now he’s got his feet planted at the foot of the trailer ramp, and he’s refusing to go another inch forward.

Anytime you’ve managed to get him to move, it’s to prevent him trying to get back to his pasture mates.

Does it matter?

So here’s the question: is your horse afraid or in a panic? The answer does matter because it will help determine the most effective course of action you can take to get him to walk willingly and easily onto the trailer.

So what’s the difference? We often use the words fear and panic interchangeably. You’ve gone to a friend’s barn for a weekend trail ride, and your horse all but runs over top of you

22

equine wellness

Understanding the difference between panic and fear makes all the difference in how you handle the situation.

trying to get away from the llama he’s seeing for the first time.

Later, when you’re telling the story, you say he was in a panic.

Seven core emotional systems Neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp would disagree with your use of this term. Panksepp has identified seven core emotional systems. To emphasize how basic these emotions are, he capitalizes them. Here is a quick reference for the seven systems:

1SEEKING:

Panksepp refers to the SEEKING system as the “granddaddy” of all the systems. You have to find the resources needed for survival. It is why so many people love to shop. The SEEKER circuit is being activated even if they are just window shopping.

2RAGE: Someone wants to take your resources so you have RAGE. 3FEAR: Other organisms want to eat you, so there’s FEAR.

4 LUST: You need to reproduce, which then leads to the evolution of the next system, CARE.

5 CARE: You need to care for offspring. Panksepp adds that this

system is generally stronger in females than males. Perhaps this is why there are so many more women than men horse owners.

6 PANIC: The loss of your caregiver and protector triggers this system.

Animals need social engagement, which is manifested in 7 PLAY: play. PLAY is the last system Panksepp lists, and he gives it special significance. It is through play that the neocortex becomes integrated.

The clicker connection This list is of particular interest to me. I’m a clicker trainer.

That means I use a marker signal – in my case a clicking sound I make with my tongue on the roof of my mouth.

That sound is a “yes answer” signal. It tells my horse he’s done something right. When he hears it, he knows a treat is coming. The click becomes a predictor of good things. My horse wants to get me to click so he can earn more rewards.

That means he’s going to be more likely to perform whatever behavior was occurring just as I clicked. It’s a wonderfully reinforcing loop. We’re both happy – I’m getting more of the behavior I like, and my horse thinks he’s got me all figured out! He knows how to make that magic click happen.

Clicker training is a fun, effective, horse-friendly way to train. When I look at Panksepp’s list, I understand even more clearly why my horses and I enjoy it so very much.

Clicker training activates both the SEEKER and the PLAY systems. I’m not relying on FEAR to move a horse out of

my space. In fact I actively work to avoid triggering FEAR, RAGE or PANIC.

For your training to be most effective and efficient, you want to choose a training solution that fits the emotional system being triggered.

The difference between fear and panic Panksepp makes an interesting comment: mammalian infants cry when they lose their care system. However, when infants are afraid, they are silent. PANIC and FEAR are two very different systems.

I’ve seen both in horses. With Panksepp’s discrimination in mind, you want to know which emotional system is being triggered in order to come up with an effective training solution. If we think about the difference between FEAR and PANIC, we may find it very much affects the training choices we make. Consider the horse that doesn’t want to get on your new trailer. Is he fretting because he’s being separated from his pasture mates? Or is he uncertain about the strange smell of the new rubber mats on the trailer floor? Can you see that these call for different training solutions?

If you think the issue is fear of the trailer when really you’re dealing with separation anxiety, you could spend a lot of time getting your horse used to walking through narrow chutes and stepping up on ramps, yet still have issues getting him on a trailer. If he’s worried

Recovery EQ beyond pain relief ∞Stifle Pain ∞Injury, ∞Surgery ∞Back Pain

∞Joint Pain ∞Lameness ∞Hock Pain ∞Immobility

To find out more about RECOVERY, visit www.RecoveryEQ.com or call toll free 1.866.334.2463 equine wellness

23

about his friends on the other side of the fence, making him board a trailer could end up “electrifying” it in his mind – making it a much more terrifying place than it would have been if his friends had been with him when he first got on. You may have begun with only PANIC, but now you’ve got FEAR layered on top, making the whole training situation that much harder.

Developing a training plan Before you begin any training plan, it’s worth considering the underlying emotions you are dealing with. Does your horse fret over having his feet worked on by the farrier because he’s in the barn by himself and he wants to get back to his herd? Or is he afraid of the farrier because he’s not very well balanced and the farrier has hit him – hard – when he’s shifted around? For your training to be most effective and efficient, you want to choose a training solution that fits the emotional system that’s being triggered.

If we think about the difference between FEAR and PANIC, we may find it very much affects the training choices we make.

As a clicker trainer, I’ve learned how to trigger the SEEKER circuit and turn training into play for both my horses and myself. At any point where the training begins to feel like a chore, it’s time to rethink what I’m doing. I want to come up with training solutions that don’t just manage my horse’s fear and anxiety. I want to turn the trailer, the farrier, the scary end of the arena, into a source of play and social engagement for my horse. I want him actively seeking out opportunities to engage with me and the environment.

Behavior and brain chemistry When I think about Panksepp’s list, I wonder what happens in the brain when different training methods are used. Two trainers could be working towards the same end goal behavior.

On the outside you’d see the behavior emerging. But inside the brain – what is happening?

Clicker trainers talk about their horses being different. Panksepp’s work seems to support this. When we use clicker training, we’re very much activating the SEEKER circuit. We’re engaging our animals in PLAY, and we’re avoiding FEAR and PANIC. You can train a horse with a whip, spurs and a pat on the neck.

Alternatively, you can train with a clicker and treats. Panksepp’s work would suggest that very different systems are activated within the brain. So yes, when we say our clicker-trained horses are different – at the basic level of brain mechanisms – it turns out they truly are. So, if play is critical for integrating the neocortex, what is this saying about our animals? And what is the effect on us as we participate in the process? Anyone who clicker trains can easily answer that last question.

ALEXANDRA KURLAND

IS A PIONEER AND LEADING VOICE IN

THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLICKER TRAINING FOR HORSES.

SHE CLICKER TRAINING FOR YOUR HORSE, THE CLICK THAT TEACHES: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE IN PICTURES, THE CLICK THAT TEACHES: RIDING WITH THE CLICKER, AND THE CLICK THAT TEACHES VIDEO LESSON SERIES. MS. KURLAND EARNED HER DEGREE FROM CORNELL UNIVERSITY WHERE SHE SPECIALIZED IN ANIMAL BEHAVIOR. SHE HAS BEEN TEACHING AND TRAINING HORSES SINCE THE MID-1980S. A PIONEER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANE TRAINING METHODS, MS. KURLAND BEGAN CLICKER TRAINING IN THE EARLY 1990S. SHE VERY QUICKLY RECOGNIZED THE POWER OF CLICKER TRAINING FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE,

IS THE AUTHOR OF

FOR ENHANCING THE RELATIONSHIP PEOPLE HAVE WITH THEIR

24

HORSES, AND FOR JUST PLAIN PUTTING FUN BACK INTO

equine wellness

TRAINING. THECLICKERCENTER.COM

Advertorial

Fermented supplements lead the way to more efficient equine health In today’s generation of non-molasses fermented feeds and supplements, every process and ingredient is geared toward improving nutrient utilization in the digestive tract, which in turn reflects itself in greatly improved horse health, performance and feed efficiency – all while being easily affordable for the horse owner.

All-in-one Leading edge fermented supplements, such as EquiPride® and EquiLix® from SweetPro Feeds of Walhalla, ND, are designed to minimize the need for a wide variety of malady-specific supplements.

The goal of these “all-in-one” vitamin, mineral and digestive aids is to supplement forage so well that only minimal grain, if any, is needed for additional energy while helping to improve hooves, hair coat, joint lubricity, feed utilization, circulation and reduction of gastric problems.

Yeast

Breaking it down

Part of the overall fermented blend (known as ProBiotein™ in EquiPride® and Equilix® supplements) consists of yeast. Yeast excretes a beneficial enzyme used to break down the sugars created from starches in the grain media as an energy source they can eat. During the enzyme excretion process, the waste given off by the yeast is a beneficial nutrilite for the horse’s body. Yeast is also an excellent source of B vitamins for healthy hoof growth.

in the horse’s joints, hoof wall and throughout the body. In addition to Omega3 fatty acids, flax provides lignans, which also help boost the immune system.

Prebiotics

Prebiotic oligosaccharides are also part of this technological breakthrough in fermented feed supplements. These prebiotics feed and maintain healthy probiotic (intestinal microbiome) populations naturally designed to function in the digestive tract while helping to prevent pathogenic bacteria from gaining a foothold. Along with four different classes of digestive enzymes, they help improve equine feed utilization by 25%.

Feeding for better health and performance What does this mean for the horse? When the animal’s digestive system is more efficient, health, performance and utilization of the ration will improve. Since healing and nutrition are partners, successfully improving nutrition helps provide the horse’s body with better “tools” to heal itself.

Amino acids

Protein isolates provide a broad amino acid profile with special value in sulfur amino acids such as methionine and cystine. Sulfur is a key constituent of cartilage, tendon and ligament tissue, influencing bone cover, elasticity and lubricity. Efficient delivery of this key component influences joint function; this is why there has been so much attention paid to specific additives such as MSM, glucosamine and condroitin sulfate. The horse’s body produces these compounds itself, but needs to do so from their component parts. If those component parts are flowing efficiently to where they are needed, the horse’s own ability to restore damage is enhanced. The fermented blend in these supplements is particularly strong in methionine and cystine.

Omega 3

Also included in the blend is Omega 3 fatty acid from flax.

This assures that at least 10% of total fat is Omega 3. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of Omega 3 brings a needed balance to other fatty acids and helps counteract inflammation equine wellness

25

Let

FREEDOM

Reign

BY KELLY HOWLING

How one sanctuary is ensuring America’s wild horses live out their lives as nature intended.

n the Central Coast of California lies Return to Freedom, a 300-acre sanctuary dedicated entirely to the preservation of America’s wild horses. The ranch is owned by the DeMayo family, and the sanctuary itself was founded

by Neda DeMayo in 1997.

Herd living Over 400 wild horses and burros call Return to Freedom home. The aim of the sanctuary is to provide an environment where the horses can continue to live a natural lifestyle. Several unique herds roam the ranch, and the sanctuary also works to preserve rare breeds through its programs. Some of the herds in their preservation program include: The Choctaw herd In 2005, Return to Freedom worked with John Fusco, Bryant Rickman and Dr. Phillip Sponenberg to develop the Choctaw Indian Horse Conservation Program. These

26

equine wellness

horses participated in Choctaw culture and have been preserved first by the Choctaw and Cherokee people and later by private conservators. Once a thriving strain, there are now less than 200 of these horses, which is why the efforts of the conservation program are so vital.

The Sulpher Springs herds These two herds are named for the area in which they are found – the Sulpher Springs Herd Management Area in Utah. You may have seen photos of the stunning stallions that lead these two herds – one dun (Chief), and one grulla (Bear). These horses are of Spanish origin.

The Wilbur-Cruce herd In 1681, a missionary named Padre Kino arrived in Mexico, and he began to bring horses over from Spain.

Almost 200 years later, Dr. Reuben Wilbur purchased some of the horses, and they were kept at his ranch for nearly 100 years.

“One notable difference with the Wilbur-Cruce strain, apart from other known strains of the Colonial Spanish horses, is that the population has always been privately managed, resulting in horses whose genetics are uninfluenced by modern breeds. This cannot be said of many other groups of horses with similar ancestry.”1

A different take on breeding management The sanctuary has an interesting approach to population management and their breeding program. “Because we allow our equine residents to maintain their natural lifestyle and social behaviors, we must manage population growth,” says the website. “For us, managing population growth by gelding stallions was not an option as that further depletes an already threatened genetic pool. Separating mares and stallions was also not a solution as that separates family bands, disrupts natural behaviors and undermines the natural lifestyle of wild horse herds. To manage population growth in an ethical and sustainable manner, we administer a non-hormonal and reversible contraception to our mares under the guidance of Dr. Jay Kirkpatrick, Director of

Chief, a stunning dun stallion, leads one of the Sulpher Springs herds.

equine wellness

27

Spirit

A Return to Freedom ambassador Breed: Kiger Mustang Color: Dun with dorsal stripe Birthday: May 8, 1995 This stunning mustang is not only an ambassador for his breed, but also a model and inspiration for the animated character of Spirit in the DreamWorks movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. He now resides at Return to Freedom.

The Bureau of Land Management initially discovered Kiger mustangs in Oregon in 1977. The decision was made to preserve these unique horses, whose defining characteristics include: • luxurious manes and tails • typically dun, but also roan, grullo, red dun, black or bay • “hook-shaped” ears • smaller horses at 13.3 – 15.2hh

the Science and Conservation Center in Billings, MT. By utilizing this approach, we are able to maintain our horses in their natural bands without uncontrolled reproduction or habitat degradation.” 2

Nature’s classroom The sanctuary does much more than simply provide a home for these horses. Recognizing that education, awareness and understanding are key to the continued preservation of the wild horse, Return to Freedom offers clinics, tours, youth programs, retreats and educational programs to the public.

How you can help You can assist the conservation efforts at Return to Freedom through fostering, sponsoring or donations. Return to Freedom also started the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, which is a coalition of diverse organizations working together towards the common goal of ethical and appropriate wild horse management.

To learn more, visit wildhorsepreservation.org or returntofreedom.org.

1

returntofreedom.org

2

ibid

3

ibid

Photos courtesy of Return to Freedom, Tony Stromberg and Kimerlee Curyl.

28

equine wellness

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE EcoLicious

Naturally Healthy, Naturally Good!

Emerald Valley mashes have been designed as a treat and a nutritionally superior feed promoting healthy digestion. The combination of oils, sugars and fibers has been calculated to give the correct energy profile for the horse. Four great flavors are available, cinnamon, apple, carrot and papaya, containing high quality protein, low sugar and starch. Bran free, corn free.

The EcoLicious philosophy is that grooming products don’t have to be boring, smell bad or be harmful to our health or the health of our environment. One thing however they HAVE to be: exceptionally good at doing their job.

100% free of nasty chemicals, silicones and parabens. 100% naturally derived and organic human grade ingredients, plant extracts and essential oils. Show stopping results. Available at selected retailers or online.

EcoliciousEquestrian.com

888-638-8262 EmeraldValleyEquine.com

Get hooked Above and beyond “Beyond the 9 points of Saddle Fitting”.

Certified Master Saddler and Equine Ergonomist Jochen Schleese shows potentially serious effects of ill-fitting saddles to horse and rider - undiagnosed lameness, muscle definition, atrophy, sore backs, ‘bad’ behavior. Learn how Saddlefit 4 Life® developed – a result of Jochen’s personal experience with lameness in his competitive horse. Protect your horse from damage caused by poor saddle fit!

Schleese.com SaddlesForWomen.com 800-225-2242

The Right Diagonal Bevy Hook is a bridle hook with a beverage holder all in one.

Perfect for taking to horse shows or using in your stable.

Durable enough for every day use – powder coated to resist rust.

Easy to assemble, and can be used wherever you go!

Go online to see how to personalize your genuine Bevy Hook. (personalization only available online).

OnTheRightDiagonal.com

Concentrate on electrolytes Ultimate Turnout Battle the elements this winter with SmartPak’s Ultimate Ballistic Nylon Turnout Blanket. Made from heavy-duty ballistic nylon, we’re so sure it will last for years to come that we’ve backed with a 10-Year Indestructible Guarantee!

Available in Lite (no fill) or Medium (220 g) sizes 69-87 (3” increments) Lite-$169.95 Medium-$189.95

SciencePure Nutraceuticals Inc., makers of the Pureform equine supplement line, is proud to offer a sugar free and nutritionally balanced electrolyte/mineral replacement product called E-Concentrate.

E-Concentrate is a palatable powder, cost efficient and effective at keeping your horse hydrated and free from exercise induced muscle cramping.

877-533-9163 PureFormEquineHealth.com

SmartPak.com equine wellness

29

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Natural Remedies Dr. Rose’s Remedies skin treatment salve and spray are 100% all natural products. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Made with all human grade ingredients.

They can be used for most skin conditions from hot spots in dogs to rain rot and wounds in horses.

Organize with flair Organization can be coupled with beauty. Phenom Equine Carpentry specializes in custom tack cabinetry. The tack trunks are made of fine quality and durable wood. Each trunk is commissioned to meet the client’s specific needs. Every feature is customizable: size, type of wood, color, hardware, shelf inserts, built-in polo racks, saddle racks, wheels and more. Your personalized tack trunk, box or cabinet will be entirely one-of-a-kind – as unique to you as your equine partner.

DrRosesRemedies.com

PhenomEquine.com

Go bitless!

Treating your animals right - Naturally!

Can you control a horse without a bit?

Nurtural Bitless Bridle fans say: “I was easily able to bring my galloping horse under control before and after fences. Last year, that took a Pelham bit! Now he stops on a dime and gives you a nickel change.”

The iFEED AUTOMATED HORSE FEEDER - a proven European technology for over 12 years and now available in North America - is a revolutionary way to feed your horse in the stall by replicating how horses graze in nature.

NurturalHorse.com 877-877-5845

With iFEED, your horse is fed slowly over many small meals throughout the day, resulting in a calmer feeding environment and healthier horses with fewer digestive problems.

CanarmEquineProducts.com

An end to cold bits No one likes putting a cold bit in their horse’s mouth in the winter – and most horses don’t like it either! Now there is an innovative new solution – the electric Bit Blanket. Just wrap it around your bit while you are grooming and tacking up, and the bit will be nice and warm by the time you are ready to bridle your horse. Plugs into any regular threepronged outlet.

BitBlanket.com

Pest patrol Rodents can cause structural damage, loss of revenue from eaten or spoiled feeds and carry disease. Let us set up your operation with a customized, safe and effective rodent management program. Our friendly licensed professional technicians use only registered products and techniques. We utilize a baiting and trapping program where all baits are presented in secure tamper-proof stations. The safety of your equine family and their home is our priority.

SGSPestManagement.ca

30

equine wellness

IF YOU’RE LOOKING

for something interesting and beneficial to add to your horse’s exercise program this winter, pole work may be the answer! Pole exercises are easy to set up and there are many variations you can use to benefit yourself and your horse. You can work your horse over poles from the ground (lunging or long lining) or under saddle.

The benefits Working your horse over poles encourages him to become more rhythmic and balanced, while adding a little interest to your flatwork. It also helps you develop and improve your own eye, timing and balance, as a rider. Many people think this type of work is just for those who jump their horses, but it has benefits for horses in all disciplines.

BOREDOM

busters

BY ISABELLA EDWARDS

Tired of your regular flatwork routine?

7

These

pole exercises will shake things up!

Pole work is also very helpful when it comes to strengthening your horse, particularly through the hind end. It is useful for horses coming off of injuries, building fitness or strengthening specific areas of the body such as the stifles. Various exercises correspond well to certain areas or weaknesses in your horse’s body. If he does have a specific weak spot you are trying to target, ask your coach and/or your horse’s veterinarian or therapist for some suggestions on what to set up.

Start slow As with anything, start out slowly – make sure your horse is both mentally and physically prepared before moving to the next step or a more difficult exercise. Many people don’t realize how much effort certain exercises can require from the horse. Start out small and slow and build your way up gradually. If you and your horse cannot comfortably navigate a single pole at all gaits, then there is little point in setting up several in a row. Work towards having your horse happily go over three to four walk, trot and canter poles.

Continued on page 32.

Many people think this type of work is just for those who jump their horses, but it has benefits for horses in all disciplines. equine wellness

31

1

POLES ON SERPENTINE LOOPS On a three or four loop serpentine, place a pole at each point where you cross centerline. This gives you a very distinct marker to ride towards and over.

Helps to: • Develop your eye and control • Improve the accuracy of your serpentines and your horse’s straightness

2

CANTER DISTANCE TO SINGLE POLE This is fantastic exercise for those that jump – and from time to time can be fun for those that don’t, too.

Throw down a single pole anywhere in the arena – just somewhere convenient to canter towards. Simply canter over the pole repeatedly in each direction, working on and getting a feel for your distance to the pole. You can also start counting down your strides as you get near the pole – e.g. 3-2-1, jump.

Helps to: • Develop your eye for distances • Improve your and the horse’s adjustability to fences

Continued from page 31.

3

The spacing between poles will depend on the size of your horse or pony’s stride, as well as what you are trying to accomplish (lengthen or compress the stride). On average, the distance between poles at each gait are: Walk poles: 2½’ to 3’ apart Trot poles: 4½’ to 5’ apart Canter poles: 9’ to 10’ apart

Seven exercises to have fun with Now that your horse is comfortable with the idea of going over poles, and you know how to set things up, here are some fun exercises to try!

equine wellness

Helps to: • Improve your timing and your horse’s adjustability

4

Your horse’s footfall should land in the center of the space between each pole. You or a ground helper will have to judge whether you have the poles set up correctly; if you need more impulsion (landing too close to the nearest pole); or to stop rushing through the exercise (landing too close to the furthest pole).

32

CANTER STRIDING BETWEEN POLES Another great one for any rider. Set up a line of two canter poles, four to five strides apart. Canter through them in your regular working canter until you are comfortable.

Then try adjusting – can you extend your horse’s canter and do it in one stride less? Can you compress your horse’s stride and add one?

RAISED POLES If plain walk, trot and canter poles are getting “boring”, try raising them. You can use jump standards for this, or specially made small blocks.

Start off by just raising one end a little bit. Eventually you can raise both ends to require your horse to lift and use himself more through the exercise.

Helps to: • Improve your horse’s rhythm, balance, and strength • Develop your balance and timing

5

SINGLE POLE ON THE QUARTER POINTS OF A 20M (66’) CIRCLE To be started at a walk, progressing to a trot and eventually the canter. For increased difficulty down the road, you can raise one side of the poles, and/or practice maintaining the same number of strides between each pole all the way around the circle. It is more challenging than it sounds!

Helps to: • Develop your eye and timing of aids • Encourage straightness and respect of aids

6

THE FAN To be set up so that when you travel across the middle of the poles, you are in your regular working gait, and as you travel more towards the narrow ends your horse is more compressed, or more extended towards the ends more spaced out. Maintain your bend as you travel across the poles – be careful not to let your horse drift or cut across the poles.

Helps to: • Develop your eye and timing of aids • Increases your horse’s adjustability

7

COURSE OF POLES This is a fun exercise whether you jump your horse or not. For those who do jump, it can be a great supplement to your flatwork, or in preparation for starting your horse over fences.

Set up a little jumping course, but just with poles on the ground. You can include lines, singles, bending lines, rollbacks and so on.

Helps to: • Develop your eye and create a more accurate, rhythmic ride to your fences • Keeps your horse guessing and more attentive to you as the rider These exercises are just a few of many you can try. Get creative, and have fun!

ISABELLA EDWARDS

IS AN EQUINE ENTHUSIAST AND

AVID COMPETITOR LIVING IN

SHE

ONTARIO, CANADA.

AND HER MARE COMPETE AT THE PROVINCIAL

LEVEL IN BOTH DRESSAGE AND HUNTER/JUMPER.

equine wellness

33

Winterize

your horse

BY AMY SNOW & NANCY ZIDONIS

Try this acupressure session when the weather gets chilly to help promote his energy and circulation.

W

hen the temperature drops, everything slows, including both wild and domesticated horses. In the wild, herds move more slowly than in any other season in their search for adequate grazing. Luckily, they know from experience passed down from previous generations where the best grazing is to be had in winter.

Survival instincts

The herd’s movement is direct and purposeful. They have to eat as best they can and must keep their bodies moving to generate warmth. Their coats have grown out to protect them from external cold, wet and wind while preserving internal warmth. As long as they find shelter in a stand of trees or rock

34

equine wellness

outcrop when the weather is harsh or the winds blustery, they will survive the darkest, coldest season of the year.

Winter is a time of survival. It’s the season when horses must go deeply into their core essence to survive both physically and emotionally. During the cold of winter, horses must retain and manage their body heat. In the wild, loss of body heat could be fatal since the sources of nourishment to sustain life are scarce. The horse must endure the whims of weather, be it icy cold, lashing rain, deep snow or extremely frigid nights.

Our domesticated horses experience the same physical reactions and needs as their wild counterparts. In the winter,

they move more slowly and retain their body heat if not in a climate-controlled environment. It’s good for horses to contend with the seasonal elements because it’s in sync with the natural order of life. Horses are healthier and perform better when allowed to live in concert with the seasonal cycles.

Your horse’s body in winter

Actual physiological changes take place in the horse’s body when it is cold. All the soft tissues such as skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments become more constricted. These body tissues are less flexible and any sudden movement can cause damage. Expending too much body heat when exercising can compromise the horse’s health because he’s not able to retain enough internal heat to withstand the cold.

It’s good for horses to contend with the seasonal elements because it’s in sync with the natural order of life. Horses are healthier and perform better when allowed to live in concert with the seasonal cycles.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view, winter is a time to preserve energy for warmth and move slowly and deliberately so as not to stress the body. Winter challenges the health and balance of a horse in such a way that the animal must use his inner resources – his physical essence and emotional determination – to endure this rugged season.

The leader of the wild herd lives and survives by this instinctive wisdom of herd preservation. We can follow this example with our own horses. During the winter, horses need consistent access

equine wellness

35

If the horse is enclosed in a stall without being able to move about, he is not able to generate his own body heat and circulation to his limbs. to grass hay and water. They need to be able to move freely to maintain their own body heat. Being too quick to blanket in cold weather actually reduces the effectiveness of the horse’s own natural immune system. If the horse is enclosed in a stall without being able to move about, he is not able to generate his own body heat and circulation to his limbs.

Winter warm-up acupressure session

Acupressure, which is based on TCM, offers a resource for “winterizing” your horse. Before you expect your horse to do more than walk, or get on his back to ride, think about helping him warm up his muscles, tendons and ligaments to avoid discomfort and possible damage. By offering your horse an acupressure session every four or five days along with your grooming routine, you can enhance his ability to retain and generate warmth.

The intentions underlying the acupressure chart included in this article (top left) are to support your horse’s immune system and sustain a healthy flow of life-promoting energy and blood circulation to warm and nourish his entire body, while also maintaining your connection with him throughout the winter.

By following this routine, you will enjoy the winter more and be ready to get out and go when spring arrives.

NANCY ZIDONIS AND AMY SNOW ARE THE AUTHORS OF EQUINE ACUPRESSURE: A WORKING MANUAL, ACU-DOG: A GUIDE TO CANINE ACUPRESSURE, AND ACU-CAT: A GUIDE TO FELINE ACUPRESSURE. THEY FOUNDED TALLGRASS, OFFERING BOOKS, MANUALS, DVDS, MERIDIAN CHARTS, AND APPS. TALLGRASS ALSO PROVIDES HANDS-ON AND ONLINE TRAINING COURSES WORLDWIDE INCLUDING A PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (ANIMALACUPRESSURE.COM OR TALLGRASS@ANIMALACUPRESSURE.COM).

36

equine wellness

A history of

Excellence How one saddle maker is improving the industry through education and innovation.

Most equestrians are familiar with the Schleese name; for years it’s been synonymous with comfortable, quality saddles.

But how did Jochen Schleese, the youngest German master saddler ever to be certified in Europe, end up launching his international vision from North America?

A commitment to education

It all started when he was invited to Toronto in 1986 to be the Official Saddler for the World Dressage Championships.

A former international three-day event rider, Schleese understood the saddle from a rider’s point of view as well as how it should be made.

His saddle fitting technique is taught globally (including at the German National Riding School in Warendorf) using the Saddlefit 4 Life® philosophy and system. Schleese now has a team of dedicated Saddle Fit Technicians and associated Independent Saddle Fitters all over North America and Europe. Through Schleese’s continuing education endeavours (seminars, lectures, symposiums, and professional training) the ever-expanding network of SaddleFit 4 Life-associated professionals is working to protect every horse and rider from long-term damage.

Improving the industry Following on that success, Jochen worked with the Canadian government to develop an authorized apprenticeship for saddlers and saddle fitters. In 1996 he received an international patent for the innovative AdapTree® saddle tree, one of few fully adjustable trees on the market (adaptable both in gullet angle and in gullet width) to provide a custom fit, while accommodating the horse through all stages of development.

After 27+ years as an innovative leader in the industry, Jochen has more recently turned his expertise to designing saddles for women, and speaks to audiences around the world about the unique anatomical differences between the female and male pelvis (while continuing to cater to male riders).

Jochen continues to be dedicated to the industry he is so passionate about. He confers regularly with other professionals and speaks at veterinary conferences, equine veterinary schools, and trade shows.

Building on his commitment to education, Jochen’s first book The Silent Killer was released in Germany (WuWei publishing) this Fall, followed by his first commercial DVD Beyond the 9 Points of Saddle Fitting. saddlefit4life.com saddlesforwomen.com hippohfoundation.org

equine wellness

37

Hay ho for the holidays Your horses will be dashing through the snow to get to these yummy treats!

BY AUDI DONAMOR

Who doesn’t love the smell of holiday baking? Here are some tasty treats you can make for your horse and his friends this year.

Apples and oats are the perfect combination for the season, and the addition of almond meal gives an extra special boost to your horse’s diet!

Almond delight with apples ’n oats Ingredients

6 cups whole oat flour 2 cups oat bran – and extra for rolling out dough 1 cup whole almond meal/flour 2 tablespoons carob powder 3 cups unsweetened apple sauce Local honey (optional) Instructions

1. Try to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

2. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

3. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or mixer, except the honey.

4. Mix thoroughly, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If you find your dough is a bit dry, add a little filtered water.

5. Transfer dough to a counter or cutting board.

6. Take small rounds of dough and knead gently, sprinkle extra oat bran on your cutting board or counter, then roll out the dough using a rolling pin. Continue until you have used up all the dough. This recipe will make six dozen large biscuits.

7. To make this recipe even easier, you can place half the dough on each cookie sheet, roll out to the corners, and score with a knife.

8. Now for the option…local honey! If you wish, after placing the biscuits on the cookie sheets, drizzle a bit of honey onto each one, or just a few.

9. Place the cookie sheets in the oven. Turn the oven to 350°F. 10. When the oven reaches 350°F, turn it down to 250°F and let the biscuits bake slowly for 1½ to 2 hours. Then turn off the oven, and allow the biscuits to cool completely.

You can even leave the biscuits in the oven overnight.

11. Store biscuits in a cookie jar or Ziploc bags. Choose a fancy tin for perfect gift giving.

If you would prefer chews to biscuits, all you have to do is omit the second baking! Chews should be stored in the refrigerator.

AUDI DONAMOR SPENT HER CHILDHOOD AND EARLY TEENAGE YEARS RIDING HORSES, RIGHT BESIDE HER DAD. SHE IS THE FOUNDER OF THE SMILING BLUE SKIES CANCER FUND, PART OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH’S PET TRUST, AND HAS BEEN WORKING VOLUNTARILY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS COMPANION ANIMALS FOR 15 YEARS. SHE IS THE ONLY TWO-TIME RECIPIENT OF THE SILMARIL KENNEL TROPHY FOR THE HUMAN/ANIMAL BOND AND WAS THE 2009 RECIPIENT OF THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S CHRISTOPHER BURTON MEMORIAL TROPHY.

38

equine wellness

About the ingredients Oats

Oats soothe the digestive tract and nervous system. They are low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus. Oats also contain calcium and magnesium, and are a good source of B vitamins and iron. Oats support strong teeth, hooves, nails and hair.

Almonds

Almonds contain the entire vitamin E family, tocopherols and tocotrienols, the B vitamins, copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc and bioflavonoids. Magnesium supports healthy nervous system function and helps horses be more resilient during bouts of stress, because their nerves and muscles are more relaxed. Great for metabolic horses because they are low on the glycemic index!

Red Apples

Red apples are rich in antioxidants.

They are heart smart, and studies have demonstrated that a diet rich in red apples helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells. One red apple is the equivalent of about 1,500 mg of vitamin C. Red apples contain phytochemicals, lycopene and anthocyanins as well as calcium, chlorine, fluorine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur, and trace minerals.

Red Delicious, Northern Spy and Ida Red have the most potent disease fighting antioxidants.

Carob

Carob is the fruit from the carob tree. It is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principal vitamins and minerals – calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, silicon, vitamin A, vitamins B1 and B2, niacin and protein.

Honey

There are more than 300 types of honey in the United States alone. The darker the color, the deeper the flavor. Darker honeys contain the most antioxidants.

equine wellness

39

BY ANY

Other NAME T

here are so many different terms for things in the horse world that it can be challenging to know when something belongs in its own category – or is simply another name for a single disease/condition. “Seedy toe” is the more commonly heard term for white line disease, a microscopic bacterial infection that enters the hoof wall/laminae junction via cracks, injuries or separation of the hoof wall, and then propagates very quickly in the non-oxygenated environment.

Early detection can be difficult because there are often no external signs visible on the hoof wall. You may only be aware that the horse is experiencing short periods of unexplained lameness during work. And as many veterinarians or farriers will confirm, those symptoms can mean almost anything.

Seedy toe can be a minor issue that requires virtually no

40

equine wellness

Many of us have heard the term

“SEEDY TOE” TOE” – but what is it, really?

BY JOHANNA NEUTEBOOM

maintenance beyond proper attention to trimming methods… or it can be a serious problem affecting the vast majority of the white line.

Cause and effect Essentially anything that affects the natural mechanical action of the hoof will affect growth structure and proper hoof function. Toe clips on metal horseshoes have often been implicated as a factor in seedy toe, as have imbalanced feet and/or long toes, whether shod or barefoot.

The added stress applied by the length of the toe interferes with the smooth break-over action of the foot, and the toe clip of a horseshoe tends to apply excess pressure in the toe region of the foot. This can cause the lamina to

be stressed in this area, weakening it to the point where it becomes vulnerable to environmental microbes (specifically an anaerobic bacteria) that then begin to multiply and feed off the compromised lamina.

The opposite hoof conformation can also cause the same problem. Heels left too high in effect cause the coffin bone inside the foot to eventually tip forward from its natural, almost ground parallel position, and create pressure on the sole corium in the toe region, damaging that internal vascular structure. Once again, this creates a weakened area where opportunistic bacteria may take hold and do damage.

Seedy toe can be a minor issue that requires virtually no maintenance beyond proper attention to trimming methods… or it can be a serious problem affecting the vast majority of the white line.

Another factor often implicated in the weakening of the walllaminar connection is of dietary and/or metabolic origin, most often an overactive case of Candida yeast. When the horse’s immune system becomes overtaxed, the yeast can become prolific.

This can affect individual horses in different ways, one of which is the chronic issue of seedy toe where anaerobic bacteria feeds on the yeast fungi.

Hide and seek Seedy toe is initially identified by a careful examination of any small crack on the solar surface of the hoof along the lamina, where sole meets wall. A quick pass with the mild side of a farrier’s rasp can help ascertain if the crack merits further attention, and some skilled probing with a hoof pick or hoof knife may expose some soft chalky material. That’s the beginning.

Continued on page 42.

equine wellness

41

Resecting – necessary or not?

If white line deterioration fails to show significant improvement after two or three trim cycles, more drastic measures should be taken.

The hoof wall should be pared back by a skilled professional.

The invasive bacteria will need to be removed and the entire area exposed to more air. It is very important to remove all the pathogen, which means resecting beyond the visible seedy toe and a small way into the healthy inner wall to ensure removal of penetrating spores. This method should not be overly invasive, draw any blood, nor cause any discomfort to the horse at all.

Don’t be alarmed by the use of the word “resection”. Some forms of resection, for example with regard to founder, are ill-advised or detrimental to the horse. But in the case of a moderately severe seedy toe, it can actually be quite helpful and requires little to no treatment or maintenance between trim cycles.

Another factor often implicated in the weakening of the wall-laminar connection is of dietary and/or metabolic origin, most often an overactive case of Candida yeast.

Continued from page 41.

This bacterial infection can happen anywhere along the sole/wall juncture: toes, quarters and/or heels.

What to do about it One simple and fairly effective way to address and manage the initial stages of seedy toe in a healthy horse is to simply trim with a more aggressive roll on the outer wall to remove any mechanical forces (flares, long toes, etc.). Essentially the hoof will need to outgrow the rate of bacterial feeding.

In more serious cases, treatment of seedy toe requires the hoof wall to be pared away to expose the affected areas to the air (remember the bacteria are anaerobic), thus causing the infection to die off.

Care should be taken to remove all the unhealthy material back to good, clean hoof wall laminae. Keep the horse in as dry an area as possible while this section of the hoof wall is open. While some external treatments have merited positive results, it is best to use non-caustic topical solutions such as apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil or basic unpasteurized honey. These agents address and attack the harmful bacteria, while not affecting healthy cells and tissue required for re-growth.

At times however, even the most diligent horse owner and skillful farrier can’t clear up a stubborn seedy toe case. These situations tend to be seen in horses that are immuno-suppressed and require a dietary change to improve their metabolism.

Until the yeast issue is resolved, the seedy toe tends to come and go intermittently and never really goes away completely. It is worth reviewing this possibility with a veterinarian, equine nutritionist or other horse health care professional.

Timely treatment is key Seedy toe can often be kept in check by simply maintaining a good, well-balanced trim that allows the weight of the horse to land on the back of the center of the foot, as nature intended. Proper hoof function allows for proper growth and circulation within the hoof, and a healthy hoof rarely succumbs to minor bacterial infections.

Combined with a healthy diet and an awareness of the horse’s overall immune system condition, seedy toe need not be a major concern. Early detection of the mechanical breakdown of the hoof wall and lamina juncture is key. As with many equine ailments, treatment is easy if attended to quickly.

JOHANNA NEUTEBOOM TRIMMER THERAPIST.

AND

IS A PROFESSIONAL BAREFOOT

CERTIFIED

EQUINE

SPORTS

MASSAGE

HER COMPANY, BARNBOOTS.CA OFFERS SERVICES DEDICATED TO HOLISTIC HORSE CARE, RESOURCES AND NETWORKING, EDUCATIONAL EXPLORATION AND SELECT EQUINE ADVENTURES. SHE SHARES HER LIFE WITH HER FIVEYEAR-OLD FRIESIAN MARE, THE HALF BROTHER OF THE SAME AGE AND HIS OWNER, AND LIVES IN THE MUSKOKA REGION OF ONTARIO. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HER SERVICES AND OTHER CLINICS AND WORKSHOPS, PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE: BARNBOOTS.CA

42

equine wellness

of

75 years

Quality and

innovation

For three-quarters of a century, this company has been providing value and knowledge to its equine customers.

When an equine company has been around for 75 years, you know they must be doing something right.

Canarm (canarmequineproducts.com) is just one of those innovators. It’s a privately owned Canadian company founded in the late 1930s. Canarm was built around the philosophy of providing customers with value, knowledge and quality products – a philosophy that has continued to the present. Today, the company is a global marketer and manufacturer of livestock stabling, lighting, air moving and related products that supplies the agricultural, residential and commercial/HVAC markets.

Promoting health and wellness In January 2005, Canarm merged with BSM Agri Ltd., a manufacturer of livestock confinement equipment based in Arthur, Ontario. This merger significantly broadened the agricultural product offering, and the newly acquired product line became a fitting complement to Canarm’s existing agricultural ventilation package.

Using this strong agricultural base, they have recently developed and sourced a number of products that meet the air quality, watering, flooring and lighting needs of horses and equestrians. “We are excited with the solutions these

products offer and the quality built into every piece,” says __________. “We are committed to product development and have recently come out with several innovative products to promote equine health and wellness, including our Aqua Equus heated water bowl, Bubble Bed rubber mats and iFEED – an automated horse feeder.”

The iFEED system was developed to mimic the way horses were designed to eat in nature – small continuous portions, rather than two or three large grain rations in the day. This method of feeding can reduce vices and boredom, as well as decrease the incidence of colic, ulcers and other digestive disorders.

Custom fit In addition to innovative quality products, Canarm also offers custom design services for all their product lines. Their knowledgeable representatives can assist you in determining which products are best suited to your equine application and where to place them for maximum effectiveness.

equine wellness

43

BY AleX dAWson

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary,

Wild Horse,Wild Ride.

HEN MY HUSBAND, Greg Gricus, and I stumbled upon a blurb about the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge in our local paper, we knew it was the story we’d been waiting for. It was the summer of 2008, and for years we’d been searching for the right subject for a documentary film that explored the human/horse relationship. While not “horse people” ourselves per se, we’d both always been captivated by horse stories and had dreamed of making a film about the bonds that build between species. And there it was in front of us in black and white.

horses, will have to bid against the public, would surely make for a film packed with suspense, drama and emotion.

THE EQUESTRIAN CONNECTION It was a journey that would take us all over the country to meet professional and amateur trainers from all walks of life, connected to each other only by a deep love for horses. The first person we filmed with was George Gregory, a 69-year-old,

100 TRAINERS, 100 HORSES, 100 DAYS In the Challenge, 100 people are each given 100 days to take a totally wild mustang recently rounded up from public lands, gain his trust, and prepare him to be adopted into a better life beyond government corrals. To have the opportunity to document some of these trainers from the moment they are randomly paired with their mustangs, and over three months as they transform from scared strangers to partners, was all we’d hoped for. And to then have them all converge in Fort Worth, Texas to compete and ultimately put the horses up for adoption at an auction in which the trainers, if they want to keep their

44

equine wellness

Charles and his son Carlos entered the Challenge together. Charles’ mustang, Comanche, proves to be quite spirited.

The gentleness of their methods and

the dumbfounding results of their training speak volumes about the effectiveness of natural horsemanship and the importance of slowly building trust rather than forcing a horse into submission.

260-pound cowboy from Saint Jo, Texas, who with the help of his (seventh!) wife Evelyn, was out to win the competition.

Driving to the pick-up facility in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, George tells Evelyn that he wants a big sturdy horse. “I hope they’re not the tiny ones, I like a big horse.” But George is paired with Waylon, a scrawny and ornery little mustang who will challenge everything George has ever thought about himself.

We always say the film is a collection of love stories. George and Waylon’s is like a romantic comedy – where two completely different beings are forced together by circumstance, battle it out, and gradually have to figure each other out only to profoundly change one another’s lives. Theirs is a story that is humorous, at times harrowing, and ultimately, beautiful to watch.

BROTHERLY LOVE In contrast to George is Kris Kokal, who along with his brother Nik is training a mustang for the event for a second time. Just 19 and

26-year-old Melissa has her PhD in biomedical engineering, but has never trained a horse before. Working with Zero will challenge everything she knows.

21, Nik and Kris were homeschooled by their parents on their New Hampshire farm and have developed their very own brand of horse training based on hundreds of hours of just observing horses and their behavior. “That’s where we’re getting our education from – the horse,” Kris says as he approaches his mustang Sioux, attempting to touch him for the first time. The gentleness of their methods and the dumbfounding results of their training speak volumes about the effectiveness of natural horsemanship and the importance of slowly building trust rather than forcing a horse into submission. Two months in, Kris’ horse literally trusts him blindly – allowing Kris to put a blindfold over his eyes and ride him down hills and over obstacles.

The Kokal brothers have a strong love for those mustangs, and the animals become part of their family over the three months.

When Greg and I were filming Kris and Nik with their horses on the morning of the adoption auction, we cried with them.

There is a scene in which Nik takes his mustang Ranahan into an empty parking garage for a quiet moment just ahead of

equine wellness

45

going into the auction ring. To me, it’s one of the most moving moments in the whole film.

horses on the Reservation; and Melissa, a 26-year-old engineering PhD who has never trained a horse, let alone a wild one.

HORSES AS TEACHERS

To follow such a wide range of people was an exciting opportunity. But we were at once surprised and delighted to discover that the equine characters were just as varied. Rembrandt, Wylene’s mellow and easy going mustang; Comanche, Charles’ dominant and forceful steed; Jesus’ majestic

In addition to the Gregorys and the Kokals, we follow Jesus, a Mexico-born roofer with a gift for communicating with horses; Wylene, a flamboyant blond cowgirl with nerves of steel; Charles and Carlos, a Navajo father and son who’ve spent their lives with

…we expected to make a film about how these people transformed the horses, but we were blown away by how much the horses transformed their trainers.

and dignified Compadre; and Melissa’s mischievous and sometimes dangerous Zero…each had his own quirks and characteristics, each becomes as much of a focus of the film as his human counterpart, and each ultimately teaches his trainer perhaps even more than the trainer teaches the horse. I think for us that was one of the most exciting and rewarding revelations from working on the film: we expected to make a film about how these people transformed the horses, but we were blown away by how much the horses transformed their trainers.

Ultimately, Wild Horse, Wild Ride is a film about relationships. It’s a story about all that can be accomplished through patience, communication and trust. It’s a story of a few special people with a passion and devotion to these animals and their futures…and a story of how these animals let them in. We feel so privileged to have been along for the ride.

ALEX DAWSON IS A PRODUCER AND WRITER WITH OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN NON-FICTION TELEVISION. HER WORK COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECT MATTER AND GENRES AND HAS APPEARED ON NETWORKS INCLUDING

THE HISTORY CHANNEL, DISCOVERY CHANNEL, TRAVEL CHANNEL, CNBC, HGTV, OLN AND PBS. IN THE SUMMER OF 2009 ALEX AND HER HUSBAND, GREG GRICUS, BEGAN PRODUCTION ON THEIR FIRST FEATURE FILM, WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE. THE DOCUMENTARY CHRONICLES PARTICIPANTS IN THE EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER CHALLENGE, A COMPETITION IN WHICH TRAINERS TAME WILD HORSES IN ORDER TO HELP GET THEM ADOPTED.

THE

FILM WENT ON TO WIN OVER A DOZEN

JURY AND AUDIENCE AWARDS AT FILM FESTIVALS ACROSS

U.S. AND CANADA. A GRADUATE OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, ALEX WORKED OUT OF NEW YORK CITY AND CHICAGO PRIOR TO MOVING TO WYOMING IN 2006.

THE

Brothers Kris and Nik Kokal have a gift for working with horses. Here Nik works on approaching his mustang, Ranahan.

The DVD for Wild Horse, Wild Ride goes on sale on December 4th.

46

equine wellness

equine wellness

47

Equine Wellness

Resource Guide • Associations • Barefoot Hoof Trimming • Custom Cabinetry

• Equine Shiatsu • Equine Naturopathy • Integrated Therapy

ASSOCIATIONS Association for the Advancement of Natural Hoof Care Practices - AANHCP Lompoc, CA USA Phone: (805) 735-8480 Email: info@aanhcp.net Website: www.aanhcp.net Canadian Barefoot Hoof Association - CBHA Carolyn Myre Renfrew, ON Canada Phone: (613) 432-3620 Email: info@cdnbha.ca Website: www.cdnbha.ca

• Iridology • Massage • Schools & Training

BAREFOOT HOOF TRIMMING

Back to Basics Natural Hoof Care Services Carolyn Myre, CBHA, CP, FL Renfrew, ON Canada Phone: (613) 432-3620 Email: carolyn@b2bhoofcare.com Website: www.b2bhoofcare.com

Servicing Greater Ottawa Area, Upper Ottawa Valley and some areas of Quebec.

Barefoot with Barnboots Johanna Neuteboom,

Natural Hoof Care Practitioner Port Sydney, ON Canada Phone: (705) 385-9086 Email: info@barnboots.ca Website: www.barnboots.ca

• Thermography • Yoga

Dr. Bonnie Harder - AANHCP Ogle, IL USA Phone: (815) 757-0425 Email: drbonniedc@hbac4all.com Website: www.holisticbalanceanimalchiro.com Flying H Farms Equine Hoof Clinic & Wellness Center Fredericksburg, VA USA Toll Free: (888) 325-0388 Phone: (540) 752-6690 Email: info@helpforhorses.com Website: www.helpforhorses.com

Barefoot Trimming, Hoof Clinic & Equine Wellness Center

Hoof Authority Asa Stephens, AHA, PHCP Las Vegas, NV USA Phone: (702) 296-6925 Email: asa@hoofauthority.com Website: www.hoofauthority.com Serving Nevada

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 Servicing Middle Tennessee and online

Better Be Barefoot Lockport, NY USA Phone: (716) 432-2218 Email: sherri@betterbebarefoot.com Website: www.betterbebarefoot.com Equinextion - EQ Lisa Huhn Redcliff, AB Canada Phone: (403) 527-9511 Email: equinextion@gmail.com Website: www.equinextion.com Equine Science Academy - ESA Derry McCormick Catawissa, MO USA Phone: (636) 274-3401 Email: info@equinesciencesacademy.com Website: www.equinesciencesacademy.com Liberated Horsemanship - CHCP Warrenton, MO USA Phone: (314) 740-5847 Email: BruceNock@mac.com Website: www.liberatedhorsemanship.com Natures Barefoot Hoofcare Guild Inc. NBHG Woodville, ON Canada Phone: (705) 374-5456 Email: kate@natureshoofcare.com Website: www.natureshoofcare.com

48

equine equinewellness wellness

Natural balance trimming, rehabilitation, and education centre.

Certified Hoof Care Professional Miriam Braun, CHCP Stoke, QC Canada Phone: (819) 543-0508 Email: Hoofhealth13@yahoo.com Website: www.soinsdessabots-hoofcare.com Cottonwood Stables Chantelle Barrett - Natural Farrier Elora, ON Canada Phone: (519) 803-8434 Email: cottonwood_stables@hotmail.com Serving Ontario

Cynthia Niemela Minneapolis, MN USA Phone: (612) 481-3036 Website: www.liberatedhorsemanship.com Liberated Horsemanship Trimming Instructor

Dino Fretterd - CEMT Norco, CA USA Phone: (818) 254-5330 Email: dinosbest@aol.com Website: www.dinosbest.info

Jeannean Mercuri - PHCP Ridge, NY USA Phone: (631) 345-2644 Email: info@gotreeless.com Website: www.gotreeless.com Serving Long Island, NY

Jeff Chears Natural Hoof Care Dade City, FL USA Toll Free: (813) 967-2640 Phone: (352) 583-2045 Email: jchears@founderrehab.com Website: www.founderrehab.com

Servicing the central Florida area and willing to travel.

Kel Manning, CP, Field Instructor, NTW Clinician Knoxville, TN USA Phone: (865) 579-4102 Email: naturalhoofcare@me.com Kimberly Ann Jackson - LH & AANHCP Calabassas, CA USA Phone: (818) 522-0536 Email: KAJ@kimberlyannjackson.com Website: www.kimberlyannjackson.com Serving Agoura to San Diego

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: EquineWellnessMagazine.com

EW Wellness Resource Guide Continued WITH OUTLINES

Michelle Collins Galway, NY USA Phone: (518) 275-3260 Email: balancedbarefoot@yahoo.com

EQUINE NATUROPATHY

Serving Eastern Upstate NY

Natural Hoof Care Alicia Mosher - PHCP Cottonwood, CA USA Phone: (530) 921-3480 Email: alicia@hoofjunkie.com Website: www.hoofjunkie.com Serving Shasta & Tehama County

Natural Trim Hoof Care Hopatcong, NJ USA Phone: (973) 876-4475 Email: info@naturaltrimhoofcare.com Website: www.naturaltrimhoofcare.com

Serving NJ, central to eastern PA, and lower NY state

Natures Hoofcare Kate Romanenko - NBHG Woodville, ON Canada Phone: (705) 374-5456 Email: kate@natureshoofcare.com Website: www.natureshoofcare.com

Pawsitive Touch

NORMAL TEXT

WELLNESS RANCH

w w w. w e l l r a n c h . c o m

Turn Sickness into Wellness with

Dr. Cassie’s Wellness Consults

Certified Naturopath & Master Herbalist

www.WellRanch.com

Professional Edge Equine Massage Southwold, ON Canada Phone: (519) 652-2789 Website: www.professionaledgeequinemassage.com Serving Southwest Ontario

SCHOOLS AND TRAINNING

INTEGRATED THERAPIES THERMOGRAPHY

The Hoof Whisperer - NBHG Woodville, ON Canada Phone: (705) 341-2758 Email: info@thehoofwhisperer.org Website: www.thehoofwhisperer.org Serving York, Durham, Brock & Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

The Naked Hoof Trimming Services The Parkland Region and Surrounding Areas Ochre River, MB Canada Toll Free: (204) 572-0866 Phone: (204) 572-0866 Email: thenakedhoof.herrenbrueck@gmail.com

Thermal Equine New Paltz, NY USA Phone: (845) 222-4286 Email: info@thermalequine.com Website: www.thermalequine.com

Natural Barefoot Hoof Care for all breeds by Equine Soundness Practitioner expected to graduate in spring 2012

Vanderbrook Farm and Natural Horsemanship Center Marie Reaume CEMT - Natural Trim Specialist Killaloe, ON Canada Phone: (613) 757-1078 Email: barefootvbf@gmail.com Website: tba

YOGA Yoga with Horses Pemberton, BC Canada Phone: (604) 902-4556 Email: yogawithhorses@gmail.com Website: www.yogawithhorses.com

Serving Eastern Ontario, Ottawa Valley

CUSTOM CABINETRY IRIDOLOGY Your Health 321, LLC Merritt Island, FL USA Phone:(321) 432-0174 Email: lrubin@yourhealth321.com Website: www.yourhealth321.com

EQUINE SHIATSU Kristina Fritz Catasqua, PA USA Email: equishi@gmail.com

MASSAGE Horses2go Queensville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 251-0221 Email: horses_2go@hotmail.com Website: www.horses2go.com Serving Ontario - York Region

Equine Wellness Resource Guide Promote your holistic business inexpensively to a targeted market!

866-764-1212 wrg@equinewellnessmagazine.com

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: EquineWellnessMagazine.com

equinewellness wellness equine

49

HOlistic VeteriNarY adVice

TALKING WITH DR. KELLI TAYLOR

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 HAS ALSO COMPLETED HER CERTIFICATION IN VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE. DR. KELLI IS VERY EXCITED TO BE ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF HER OWN MOBILE VETERINARY CHIROPRACTIC AND ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE - MINDFUL HEALING VETERINARY CARE. WHEN NOT WORKING, YOU CAN FIND DR. TAYLOR TRAIL RIDING OR HIKING WITH HER HUSBAND IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. MINDFULHEALINGVET.COM, KELLITAYLORDVM@GMAIL.COM SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: HOLISTIC

VETERINARY ADVICE. EMAIL: INFO@EQUINEWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM.

VETERINARY COLUMNISTS RESPOND TO QUESTIONS IN THIS COLUMN ONLY. WE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY QUESTION.

THIS

WE

OUR

REGRET

COLUMN IS FOR INFORMATION

PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT MEANT TO REPLACE VETERINARY CARE.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR

VETERINARIAN BEFORE GIVING YOUR HORSE ANY REMEDIES.

q Several horses in our area have been diagnosed with West Nile.

Our horses received the vaccine in the spring, but are there any other ways we can protect them?

A

The best way to prevent West Nile Virus infection is to stop your horse from being bitten by mosquitoes. This requires some management and environmental changes. Try planting herbal repellants around your barn, such as chrysanthemum (though it can be poisonous if ingested), catnip, lemongrass, basil and sage, to naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Regular application of fly repellents (natural/herbal repellents need to be reapplied at least every six to eight hours to be effective) and the use of flysheets are also helpful. Bring your horses inside during peak mosquito biting times – dawn, dusk and early evening, and use mosquito netting on stall windows and doors to keep the insects out of

50

equine wellness

the barn. Keep air moving with the use of fans in stall doors or windows; this hinders the mosquitoes’ ability to land on and bite your horses.

Environmental management includes the removal of standing water from your property to reduce the number of places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. At least once or twice a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans. Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out. Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water. Also, be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your barn or home.

A

Vaccination in endemic areas is important and may be warranted more often than once per year depending on your geographic location/mosquito prevalence. Talk with your veterinarian if you are concerned that your horse may need to be vaccinated more frequently to determine whether or not that is the best course of action.

q

My barnmates and I were having a conversation recently about the euthanasia process, and realized how little we knew. I think it is important that horse owners understand what to expect. Could you take us through the process, the types of drugs used, and what to expect during each stage?

A

What is the most accurate type of thermometer, and the best method of taking a horse’s temperature to get a good reading?

A

q

I prefer using a digital thermometer these days – they are pretty accurate, quick and safe. You do not have to tie them to the tail while you wait, and they are hard to break, unlike the traditional glass mercury thermometers. Unfortunately, the only accurate way to take a temperature in our horses is to do so rectally.

You want to make sure you are placing the thermometer gently against the rectal wall and not into a manure ball to get the most accurate reading. To do this, I place the lubricated thermometer tip at the edge of the anus closest to me and then insert the tip until I reach the digital display. I then lightly press the length of the thermometer toward me to make contact with the rectal mucosa. The digital thermometer will beep when the reading has stabilized and voila – you have a pretty accurate estimate of your horse’s body temperature, which should be around 99°F.

Euthanasia can be a stressful and traumatic experience if you do not know what to expect, so I am glad you asked this question.

First of all, the decision to grant your horse euthanasia can be made only by you. It is your veterinarian’s job to clearly communicate the facts about your horse’s condition and his odds of recovery or survival, but then you must make the difficult decision on your own unless your veterinarian believes there is no other way to relieve his suffering. Also, if your horse is insured, you should make sure you have read and understand your horse’s coverage before euthanizing. Many insurance companies require that they approve the procedure beforehand.

Once you have made the decision to euthanize – defined by Merriam-Webster as the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy – your veterinarian will first administer a combination of

q I believe my teenage gelding caught a kick to the jaw recently, and he appears to be missing a front tooth. Should I be concerned?

A

Horses adapt quite well to missing incisors, so if that is the only problem it should not cause you concern unless your horse is having difficulty biting off grass, chewing or seems to be in pain. You may want to have your veterinarian out to check him over anyway just to make sure the lost tooth is the only thing that has been damaged. Several horses I know that have sustained kicks to the mouth actually had fractured bones in their jaws, which were revealed through radiographs. equine wellness

51

sedatives/analgesics and tranquilizers to calm and relax your horse. Tranquilizers, such as Acepromazine, are used to reduce tension and anxiety. Sedatives, such as Xyalzine, are used to provide central nervous system depression, which leads to calming and muscle relaxation as well as pain relief. Once your horse is very relaxed after about five to ten minutes (with head down and ears out, numb to his surroundings), an overdose of a barbiturate drug (normally sodium pentobarbital) will be administered. The barbiturate overdose produces euthanasia by sequentially depressing the cerebral cortex, the lungs and the heart. Your horse will first lose consciousness and voluntary muscle control, causing him to fall to the ground. At this point he is no longer with us and has been released from all his pain and suffering, but his bodily reflexes may continue for a minute or two longer. Some animals urinate or defecate after death, others may gasp or twitch. Their eyes remain open. These normal, mechanical responses can be very disconcerting to owners who stay with their horses during euthanasia if they are not prepared in advance. Your veterinarian will then confirm death by listening to make sure there is no heartbeat and by checking the corneal reflex by touching your horse’s eye. This is the last reflex to disappear.

The final step in the process is to decide how you want to dispose of the body. Euthanasia is a very emotional time for most people and it is hard in the moment to think about and make these types of decisions. It is best to arrange beforehand for a renderer or crematorium to come and pick up the body or a backhoe to dig a hole in which you may bury your horse. Each county has different rules on livestock disposal, so you should familiarize yourself with these regulations before making your decision.

q My horse was recently diagnosed with navicular. What types of complementary therapies are useful for this condition?

A

Unfortunately, navicular disease is a complex syndrome with multiple possible causes and is therefore difficult to treat. Most veterinarians recommend rest, antiinflammatories and trimming changes as treatment.

I believe proper trimming and/or shoeing is a very important part and this is where I would concentrate my efforts and resources – get lateral and AP radiographs of all affected feet and share them with your farrier.

52

equine wellness

Chiropractic and/or postural rehabilitation may help correct musculoskeletal imbalances that predispose a horse to navicular syndrome. If you would like to reduce the amount of NSAIDs needed to manage the pain, acupuncture has been quite helpful for many horses. Adequan has also been beneficial for those that have some osteoarthritis of the coffin joint. IRAP injections into the coffin joint seem to help as well. Others have tried Extracorporeal Shock Wave with varying results, and low level laser therapy (cold laser) is now being tried, but there are no studies yet to prove its efficacy. Homeopathics are used by some holistic vets to help boost the immune system and aid in healing, but again no research has been done for its use in the treatment of navicular syndrome. Many horses improve with rest, but you may need to switch them from sports with excessive concussion (i.e. cutting, racing, jumping, roping) to something a little easier on their bodies.

equine wellness

53

A trying

time

BY KellY HoWlinG

Horse shopping doesn’t have to be a drawn out nightmare – here are our top 7 tips to make the process a little easier.

S

hopping for an equine partner can seem a daunting task, and is something many people don’t find particularly fun. As one client put it to me: “How am I supposed to know if I’ve found my special horse from a video clip and a 30-minute test ride?”

It isn’t easy, and in many cases you’re taking a leap and a chance based on a few brief meetings, but here are some guidelines to get you started.

1

Know what you want…within reason Before you even start to look for a horse, you have to have an idea of what you want/need. You’d be surprised how many people have a tough time defining this, even on a basic level.

Schoolmaster or young prospect? Jumper or trail horse? What will fit in best with the rest of the horses in the herd?

Now, I added the “within reason” part because I have had clients come to me with a list so extensive and detailed that the chances of finding that exact horse were fairly slim – or would at least entail a long wait. If you are dead set on the exact breed/breeding, age, sex, height, color, training, health and performance record of

54

equine wellness

your future horse, that is fine – as long as you have the patience and budget to back it up. Otherwise you may have to be prepared to compromise on certain points. I laugh when I look back to when I purchased my first horse – I got pretty much exactly what I “thought” I wanted: bay, Warmblood, 17.2hh, gelding, jumper, in my age range. And after a couple of horses, what has my “heart horse” turned out to be? A 16.2hh red roan Tennessee Walker/ Mustang mare. And am I ever glad I didn’t rule her out because of her color or breeding, or the fact she was a mare.

Along these lines you also need to know in advance what your budget is and how flexible you are. Make sure you take into consideration the cost of horse shopping itself – travel costs, vet checks, coach fees and trailering to name a few.

2

Window shopping I think we are really fortunate in this day and age because we can preview thousands of horses for sale at our own convenience, thanks to the internet. For some, this may make things more difficult because it really opens up your choices in comparison

to just going to your local auction, but that’s half the fun (or insanity?).

So once you have your basic criteria in mind, start searching – the ads that will make things easiest for you will have photos at the very least. Video is a bonus and can sometimes be requested from the seller.

Whether it’s your first horse or your twentieth, it can always be helpful to have someone else look at the photos and video with an unbiased eye. Once you think you’ve found a horse you would like to see in person, you can contact the seller to get additional information, ask questions, and from there set up a “date” with your potential future equine!

3

On trial Taking a horse on a 30-day trial used to be a much more common practice than it is now. While some sellers will still agree to it (particularly if they know you or your coach), it

Try before you buy

comes with a lot of challenges and liabilities. Do

Everyone has different preferences when they go out to try a horse, but I like to see everything the first time – from the horse being caught and haltered in the field, to grooming and tacking up, warming up/lunging, riding, cooling out, untacking, bathing and stall/barn manners. I take notes on all aspects of the horse’s personality, training and manners.

As well, the first time I see a horse I’m comfortable with (and I recommend this to clients, too) I have his owner, trainer or rider ride him first so I can observe.

Pending that, I will get on the horse.

consider insuring the horse for the time he will be with you. And make absolutely sure you have a solid contract in place between yourself and the seller so everyone is clear on who is responsible for what, what the expectations are, and so on.

Continued on page 56.

equine wellness

55

5

On hold

Horse shopping etiquette tips •

Be courteous to sellers who have taken the time to call you back or respond to an e-mail inquiry. Even if you are no longer interested, a simple “thank you for taking the time to answer my questions” will be appreciated.

•

Arrive on time when you arrange to see a horse, or call ahead if you will be late or need to cancel.

•

Wear appropriate and safe riding gear.

•

Be prepared to sign a liability waiver.

•

Be respectful of the facility you are visiting – save any potentially negative comments for the car ride home.

•

Ask for permission before posting any photos or video you have taken of the horse to public sites like Facebook or YouTube. Along these same lines, be careful what you post on public forums or chat groups.

Continued from page 55.

If possible, have someone else go with you. Again, a critical unbiased eye can be super helpful for reminding you of how broncy the horse got during the canter departs when you start gushing: “But I loooove his mane and tail!” If said person can also take photos and/or video, that is a big bonus. And it is always advantageous having your coach or trainer go with you whenever possible.

4

A second date?

If they have a positive experience, many people will go back to see a horse a second time (and sometimes a third – after that you may be trying the seller’s patience a little). This gives you an opportunity to determine whether the horse’s personality is consistent or not, and maybe ride him right from the get-go so you can see how he warms up with an unfamiliar rider. You may also be comfortable doing a little more with him than on the last ride; for example jumping a course or going on a short hack.

56

equine wellness

If you like the horse and want to ensure you have the first right to refusal on him, pending any vetting or other viewings, you may want to consider putting a deposit down on him. This should be accompanied by signed paperwork stating that a deposit of X amount was given, and that the agreed upon price will be paid in full pending a vet check, trainer visit, etc. Make sure you check with the seller in advance to see whether your deposit will be refunded should you decide not to purchase the horse.

6

The vet check Whether the horse is $1 or $10,000, I always recommend at least a basic vet check to my clients. The $1 horses are frequently (though not always) the ones that cost more down the road. The vet check can help alert you to any issues that already exist or might arise later, and assist you in determining whether the horse is physically suited to what you would like to do.

7

Sign on the dotted line If the horse you have selected vets out – congratulations!

Make sure an appropriate sales contract is drawn up and signed by both parties, and that you receive any paperwork (i.e. registration papers) that should accompany the horse. From here you will just need to arrange trailering to your farm, and then you can begin enjoying your horse! If the sales process was a pleasant one, keep in touch with the sellers from time to time – they may be able to answer questions or offer tips down the road should you run into any issues with your new friend.

Happy shopping!

Hot to tRot Check these cute and comfy items!

Add some color to your ride Add some excitement to your ride and your horse’s wardrobe with these clip-on mane and tail extensions. Perfect for shows, parades, or just having fun, they are quickly becoming a new trend. They are available in a variety of colors, and even fiber optic extensions that light up.

For every pink extension sold a donation will be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $5.50 and up

colorfulmanesandtails.com

Get the look Jean breeches have become all the rage this year. The new Bradley Full Seat Jean Breeches from SmartPak are flattering and comfortable. Features include a sock-fit calf (no velcro!), floral embroidery and contrast stitching, and a synthetic full seat. These front zip breeches are available in low-rise (sizes 24-36) or mid-rise (38-46). $185.00

smartpakequine.com

Dress it up Fashionable feet The Women’s Barnsley Fleece boot is fashionable footwear from the top down and a riding boot from the bottom up. Constructed with a waterproof full-grain leather upper and seam-sealed construction to keep water out, the moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry and comfortable. The Barnsley Fleece will garner attention around the barn, in the saddle or on the town.

This new raglan long sleeved plaid shirt from the Rock 47TM collection by Wrangler offers stylish comfort for around the farm, or it can be dressed up for a night on the town.

Featuring a Y-neck and cute lace inset at the waist, it is available in black/brown, sizes S – XXL. $50.00

wrangler.com

$189.95

ariat.com

Want to see your line featured in Equine Wellness Magazine? Tip us off to any new trend at

kelly@equinewellnessmagazine.com equine wellness

57

WHats HappeNiNG Launches the NEW Magazine APP!

Only

$1.99

includes 2 free issues

www.equinewellnessmagazine.com www.equinewellnessmagazine.com

Or contact John Allan, Associate Publisher John@EquineWellnessMagazine.com

58

equine wellness

Marketplace

If you would like to advertise in Marketplace, please call: 1-866-764-1212

equine wellness

59

Marketplace

60

equine wellness

If you would like to advertise in Marketplace, please call: 1-866-764-1212

Classifieds associations THE CANADIAN ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORKERS ASSOCIATION (CAMBA) – Mission is to network, encourage and maintain a high standard of business practice within this growing industry & take advantage of the more affordable premiums of a group rate insurance. Canadian Inquiries: www.c-amba.org, bootcamp147@orilliapronet.com INTERNATIONAL ASSOC. OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK/ ASSOC. OF CANINE WATER THERAPY – Welcome trained practitioners of Animal Massage & Bodywork. The IAAMB/ACWT supports and promotes the practitioners of complementary care for animals through networking, continuing education, website, online referrals, newsletters, insurance, annual educational conferences, lobbying and credentialing of schools. www.IAAMB.org

Bare Hoof TRIMMING THE HOOF WHISPERER – Barefoot trimming for your equines – horses and donkeys. We trim to promote hoof function and hoof health. Member of Nature’s Barefoot Hoofcare Guild, Inc. Serving York, Durham, Brock, Kawartha Lakes and Oro-Medonte. www.hoofwhisperer. org info@thehoofwhisperer.org or Call Paola di Paolo (705) 341-2758

Bitless Bridles NURTURAL HORSE BETTER BITLESS BRIDLE – Is ideal for those who want to school without a bit or are avid trail riders. The design is extremely durable, and the hardware is top-notch. This bridle is highly effective, never compromising safety or control. It is ideal for Western and English disciplines alike. Many riders will appreciate the variety of colour and material options available – truly an all-around bridle. www.nurturalhorse.com or (877) 877-5845

breeders ONCE UPON A FARM – Gypsy Vanner Horses for sale – all ages and training levels. Once Upon a Farm, Canada’s first Gypsy Vanner Farm, breeds traditional, classic Gypsy Vanners. www.gypsyvannerhorses.ca or call for an appointment to visit the farm. (613) 476-5107

Equine Events – Exhibitors Wanted HOLISTIC HORSE AFFAIR – Over 15, 000 attendees in 3 days? Where? The Holistic Horse Affair at the 2012 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver, CO from March 8-10, 2013. Join us as a vendor. www.Holistic-Herd.com info@holistic-herd.com (970) 631-7812

natural products CALIFORNIA TRACE – Is a concentrated trace mineral supplement designed for horses on west coast forage diets. In addition to the balanced trace minerals, each serving contains biotin, vitamin A, vitamin E, lysine and methionine. California Trace supports optimal hoof growth and healthy coats that resist sun bleaching and fading. A common comment from customers after just a few months of feeding California Trace is that their horses seem to “glow.” It’s not unusual to see the incidence of skin problems and allergies decrease over time while feeding California Trace. www.californiatrace.com or (877) 632-3939 ECOLICIOUS EQUESTRIAN – Detox your grooming routine with natural earth friendly horse care products so delicious, you’ll want to borrow them from your horse. 100% Free of Nasty Chemicals, Silicones & Parabens. 100% Naturally Derived & Organic Human Grade Ingredients, Plant Extracts & Essential Oils. www.ecoliciousequestrian.com letusknow@ecoliciousequestrian.com (877) 317-2572

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

schools & training INTEGRATED TOUCH THERAPY, INC. – Has taught animal massage to thousands of students from all over the world for over 17 years. Offering intensive, hands-on workshops. Free brochure: (800) 251-0007, wshaw1@bright.net, www.integratedtouchtherapy.com

FOR LOVE OF THE HORSE – Natural Herbal Horse Health Care. Contemporary Chinese Herbal Solutions precisely formulated to target the root of the issue; Immune Health, Insulin Resistance, Laminitis, Hoof Abscesses, Gastric Ulcers, Allergic Skin Reactions, Pain Relief, Uveitis and more. Nourish your Horse’s Health at the Source. (866) 537-7336 www.forloveofthehorse.com HEALTH-E is the most potent equine vitamin E in the country at over 16, 000 units/oz. Contains all 8 forms of vitamin E including the natural form for complete protection. Lowest price per unit in the USA. www.equinemedsurg.com equimedsurg@aol.com (610) 436-5154

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 SEABUCK CANADA – Seabuck is a natural equine health product and performance product for all classes and breeds supporting healthy digestive function, maintain health skin and coat, and promote healthy reproductive function. www.professionaledgeequinemassage.com ronkjones@yahoo.com (519) 652-2789

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD 1-866-764-1212 or classified@equinewellnessmagazine.com

Equine Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

equine wellness

61

EVENTS 17th Annual Horse World Expo January 18-20, 2013 - 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!

At the Pomona Horse Expo you will find a wide variety of demonstrations, lectures and competitions as well as presentations and seminars. Find trailers, trucks, saddles and other shopping items.

For more information: (301) 916-0852 info@horseworldexpo.com www.horseworldexpo.com

For more information: (800) 352-2411 letters@horseexpoevents.com www.horseexpoevents.com

January Thaw Expo January 19, 2013 – Fredericton, NB

20 Mustangs will be available for adoption!

Featuring events in Handling & Conditioning, Reining Patterns, a Trail Course and more!

L

SPECIA

ISSUE:

ance

Teach

your hor

se how

Sweet

vrapeyl wtheaoo ShockC !

CTOR Wow FAG ha YOU R WKEEP

BEH IND

ER

selectin

How to manag

ga

Cool

UR hydration se’s KEEPeYO your hor Manag son this sea

3 E 7 ISSUE VOLUM

$5.95

VolUMe

d 1

V7I3 v2.ind

EWM_

Display until October

3

.com

agazine

ellnessM EquineW

natura

8, 2012

da $5.95 USA/Cana

august/septemb

EQUINE WELLNE SS

ESS

dust-off

E – THE TRU TH

A NEW

WHITE

THE MIS NO

for dam to sadd le-foa fitl bon

ME R

The ben

16/07/12

2:01 PM

indd 1

ding

e

HOOF FORM 7 issU e

EquineWellnessM agazine

EquineW ellnessM

equine wellness.com

1

1-866-764-1212 •EquineWellnessMagazine.com 12-09-11

indd 1

EWM_V7I4.

equine wellness

Canter

2

How dd 1 it effects limb functio and conformation n

post your event online at: equinewellnessmagazine.com/events 62

nomer

ding

r your horse foal to lead say good bye

VolUMe

EWM_V7I5.

slow fee

Teach How to help you

V7I2.in

ber

EASE

the mis

does it

efits of

IS HE

GRIEVM ING?

t

EWM_

October/Novem

1

th behind

GIRLS ONLY:

BEH IND

$5.95 USA/Cana da

.com agazinewellness EquineWellnessM equine

2

LINE DIS

the tru

Display until Decembe r 3, 2012

08 PM

E

TH

A c u pTIPreSs s u re WAVE E L I N E 5 COMFORT

Regulations

ESS

PART

Can veterinary THERAPY help COLD LASER your horse?

T SuppTWIS lemINen

RALLY

Uta Gräf

2 12:59:

5/16/1

er

GIVE DUST THE

Your na tural res ource

THE BR OODMAR

BitEtiSCnIENgCE OF

RidinW g HIT DIS EAS

WELLN

Feeding

FOOD FIGHT

How to treat and muscle disord avoid these ers

SUBMIT STORIES

department

WHAT COMES NATU An inter view with

lly

ses ning hor 1 Shoeing for transitio e wellness equin options

14, 2012 August

da USA/Cana

e 7 issU

s hydration e your horse’

shine –

Metal

4 VOLUME 7 ISSUE

until Display

w ring

t sho ILDIN REBU ENC anE FID CON e Th Mor AFTER A FAL L

Get tha

RE FO AL

Understand ing the WHYS behind food AGGRESSIO N

AL

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 5

H E TR UT E – TH

SN OM TH E MI

8 tips for Our top g barn boardin

Help your fire help you

d t’s behin

HOME HOME

FEED AND SUPPLEMENTS

Your natural resource!

ALL

Fire!

HealthM HerdPRO GRA

Colorin

Equine &

IAL ISSU WELLNSPMECES A S E:

TiedUP

drop Rain THER APY

DEVELOPING A

y raph eness mog ine lam Ther ld of equ g the wor

LINE WHITE

DISTRIBUTE MAGAZINES

SPECIAL ISSUE

MARE AND FO

Paradise

to clip

Equine

resource!

Your natural

WELLNESS

CIAL ISSUE:

Equine

Contact Bill or Bev Brown @ (519)740-7485 www.CanAmEquine.ca

EQUINE WELLN

ESS

Equine A BUILDING PADDOCK

Monster TAME

!

Barn &Farm

IPPING THE CL

Canada’s largest Equine Show is now accepting vendors.

Attention Equine Retailers! The CEEAA is Eastern Canada’s premier trade show event for equine retailers and is a trade only event that is not open to the general public.

SPE

perRfoSrm HO ES

Can-Am has worked very closely with the Hills of Headwater and Dufferin County to bring you one of Canada’s largest equine shows. With over 380,000 horses in Ontario, the Can-Am show will now be located in the centre of the horse population. This new location is ideally located to reach out to many new people, along with the horse people that have enjoyed the Can-Am for the last 10 years.

ADVERTISE

NESS EQUINE WELLN

SS WELLNE EQUINE

Equine

Can-Am All Breeds Emporium New Location: Orangeville, Ontario New Dates: March 28, 29,30, & 31, 2013

Canadian Equestrian Equipment & Apparel Association February 9-11, 2013 – Toronto, ON

For more information: (512) 869-3225 www.extrememustangmakeover.com

resource

SAVE THE DATE

For more information: 785-215-5390 Jared@horseplaypromo.com www.equifestofks.com

Mustang Magic Trainers Challenge January 24-26, 2013 - Fort Worth, TX

tural Your na

For more information: (519) 821-9207 info@ceeaamarket.ca www.ceeaamarket.ca

This is an amazing event offering equine shopping for items such as tack, horse trailers, clothing and equipment as well as gifts! Visit one of the breed showcases or stallion reviews. You also have a wide variety of educational lectures and demonstrations to enjoy.

For more information: www.januarythaw.com

WELL

At this event you will connect with 40+ equestrian wholesalers that offer retailers the chance to pick up new merchandising tips and techniques. You will see what’s new and exciting in the equine industry! There will be seminars and training opportunities as well.

16th Annual EquiFest of Kansas February 8-10, 2013 – Wichita, KS

All are welcome to this public event at the Fredericton Exhibition Center! Featuring over 50 exhibits to view and explore as well many presentations.

DIS EAS

Horse Expo Pomona January 31 - February 2, 2013 – Pomona, CA

8:39 PM

agazine

How tho finding roughbreds their for are ever ho mes

.com

equine

wellness

1

3/12/1

2 4:14:3

9 PM

!

equine wellness

63

64

equine wellness