V8I1 (Feb/Mar 2013)

Mushroom Magic

Discover the benefits

Warning Signs

catching Laminitis early can make all the difference

Stem cell therapy for athletic injuries

Plus size Saddle fit Tips for the wider horse

Winter colic tips

Got a vice?

Behavior modification for cribbing Display until April 1, 2013 $5.95 USA/Canada

Making rehab a TTouch easier

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1

Herbal help for insulin resistance

February/March 2013

EquineWellnessMagazine.com

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Volume 8 Issue 1 Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Editor: Kelly Howling Editor: Ann Brightman Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Social Media Manager: Natasha Roulston Cover Photography: Ellende Columnists & Contributing Writers Marilyn Gilligan Theresa Gilligan Linda Guanti, CYI Jenna Hahn Mike Hughes Eleanor Kellon, VMD Liam Killen Jessica McLoughlin, REMT Clay Nelson Amanda Pretty Lynn Reardon Frank Reilly, DVM Anne Riddell Hilary Self, BSc., MNIMH Jochen Schleese, Certified Master Saddler Administration Publisher: Redstone Media Group Inc. President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Circulation manager: John Allan Office Manager: Michelle Stewart Communications: Libby Sinden IT: Brad Vader

Advertising Sales National Sales Manager: Lisa Wesson (519) 393-6808 lisawesson@redstonemediagroup.com Associate Publisher: John M. Allan (866) 764-1212 ext. 405 john@redstonemediagroup.com 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 To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue in the U.S. $19.00 and Canada is $24.00 including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail.

Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: EquineWellnessMagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US Mail: Equine Wellness Magazine, 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122

Submissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to Equine Wellness Magazine, 202-160 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: submissions@equinewellnessmagazine.com.

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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 copyrightŠ 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: January 2013

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

On the cover photograph by:

Ellende Stretching is good for horses and riders alike.

Just check out this gorgeous Friesan gelding tranquilly demonstrating an elegant bow. Yoga is one way to incorporate stretches into your horse’s routine, and your own, for enhanced flexibility and well being. Turn to page 48 to learn more. equine wellness

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Contents 48

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features 10 Early warning

Recognizing the signs that your horse is in the early stages of a laminitic attack can mean all the difference to his future health and soundness.

14 Got a vice?

Here’s why modifying your horse’s behavior can help eliminate cribbing.

18 Cellular healing

Stem cell therapy may sound futuristic, but it’s becoming much more common when dealing with athletic injuries in horses.

22 Mushroom magic Feeding mushrooms to your horse can have numerous benefits.

27 Cut the competition

How an invention in his parents’ barn started this entrepreneur on the road to industry-leading lawn mowers.

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28 LOPE for hope

How a childhood passion became the foundation for one of the most successful retired racehorse placement programs in North America.

32 Plus size

41 Feeding for the perfect horse Blue-green algae forms the basis for this innovative product.

42 Making rehab a TTouch easier

Here are the two main things you need to pay attention to when searching for a saddle for your wider horse.

These simple Tellington TTouch tips can be added to any rehabilitation program!

36 Tips for managing winter colic

48 Body, mind and soul

There tends to be a higher incidence of colic in the fall and winter -- here’s how to keep your horse healthy.

Yoga offers more than just physical benefits to you and your horse.

38 Herbal help for Insulin Resistance

Rehabbing any lame horse can be a challenge, but those challenges often become compounded with age.

Adding herbs to the management program of your insulin resistant horse can help him lead a longer, healthier life.

52 Last resort

56 Let’s get social

The top three social media tools for equestrians.

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22 Columns 8 Neighborhood news 26 Dream jobs 30

The herb blurb

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Green acres

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Book and DVD reviews

Departments 6 Editorial 21 Product picks 31 Social media corner 46 Wellness resource guide 59 Marketplace 61 Classifieds 62 Events

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editorial Change is good Not very many people like change – and ironically a lot of horses don’t either. We all like our comfortable routines. Change can be labeled as good or bad, easy or hard. But funnily enough, sometimes the changes that are most difficult or sudden are the ones that teach and grow us the most.

The latter part of 2012 was an interesting one for yours truly. It involved several major life changes, including taking over the running of a large boarding operation.

I have been challenged to do things I never thought I would or could. Most of it has been exciting, fun and enjoyable, although there were some moments along the way when I just wanted to curl up with a big glass of wine and ignore the world for a while.

By taking a more active role in the farm, I’ve been more involved with each and every horse. From my own experiences, I know horse ownership is a rollercoaster – keeping these large, wonderful athletes happy and healthy can sometimes take some doing.

When something happens to them, we always want to understand why and what we can do to prevent it in the future. Sometimes there are answers to those questions – but other times there are not. You can’t drive yourself crazy with it – stuff happens. But we’re always here to help and provide you with information to keep your horses in top form!

This issue of Equine Wellness is dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation. Whether your horse is recovering from an illness or injury or requires some behavior modification, or you’ve taken on a rescue/rehab project, you are bound to face some changes and challenges ahead! And while it may sound cliché, here’s what I’ve learned…everything happens for a reason. Breathe. Do your best. Learn from it and move on. And when all else fails, chocolate is good for you!

Our articles on feeding mushrooms (page 22) and what’s new in stem cell treatments (page 18) may give you a few more tools to help your horse. Anne Riddell joins us to get you ahead of the game by explaining the signs of subclinical laminitis on page 10. And Mike Hughes puts a new spin on dealing with vices on page 14.

Speaking of change, you’ll notice we’ve added some new columns this year – be sure to check out “The herb blurb”, “Green acres”, and “Dream jobs”!

Naturally,

Kelly Howling

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Photo courtesy of FEI

Neighborhood news Against all odds Riders4Helmets recently announced that 2008 Olympian and traumatic brain injury survivor Courtney King-Dye received the 2012 Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Against All Odds Award.

King-Dye suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2010 after a horse she was riding tripped and fell, putting her in a coma for four weeks. King-Dye, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, has endured intensive rehabilitation therapy over the past two-and-a-half years and still suffers coordination and speech difficulties. She strongly believes the FEI should make wearing helmets a rule in dressage, as they have done in show jumping and other equestrian sports.

“While we can’t control what people do at home, we can control what people do at shows, and as with show jumping, it creates a habit,” KingDye says. “Many people come up expressing their sympathetic gratitude, my response to which is…‘I think my accident was necessary in the fight for safety because an Olympian who sustains a brain injury while riding proves that injury has nothing to do with level of skill. For 15 years, I was a person who only rode the young or dangerous horses with a helmet, but my horse did nothing naughty; he just tripped over his own feet.’” riders4helmets.com

Joining forces to deter soring “Soring is an unconscionable abuse of horses that is used to produce a high-stepping gait – the “Big Lick” – and gain an unfair competitive advantage in the show ring,” says Dr. Doug Aspros, AVMA President. “For decades we’ve watched irresponsible individuals become more creative about finding ways to sore horses and circumvent the inspection process, and have lost faith in an industry that seems unwilling and/or unable to police itself.”

As a result, the AVMA and the AAEP have issued a joint statement of support for the Amendments to the Horse Protection Act, H.R. 6388. “The AVMA and AAEP are committed to strengthening the USDA’s ability to enforce the Horse Protection Act and ending this abuse for good,” says Dr. Aspros.

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“The passage of H.R. 6388 will strengthen the Horse Protection Act and significantly increase the effort to end the abuse of the Tennessee Walking Horse,” adds AAEP President Dr. John Mitchell.

“The AAEP encourages [everyone] to contact their legislators to voice support for the bill and help end the cruel soring of these beautiful animals.”

New Canadian farrier association Whether your horses are barefoot, shod or both, you like to know your companions are receiving the best standard of care. Farriers north of the border now have a professional organization that not only promotes the integrity of the farrier industry as a whole, but also strengthens the knowledge and skill set of its membership. The Canadian Association of Professional Farriers (CAPF) was recently launched as an affiliate of the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF).

CAPF invites farriers representing all horse breeds and disciplines to join. Industry accreditation can be achieved by enrolling in educational programs designed to enhance the art and science of farriery.

As part of the launch, JLT Sport, a division of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Inc., has announced the introduction of a tailored and affordable Farrier Insurance Program.

You’ll find articles for horse owners, and a listing of farrier and trimming schools at ProfessionalFarriers.com and ProfessionalFarriers.ca.

A leg to stand on A healthy leg needs good blood circulation and lymph flow but leg trauma can have a negative impact on both.

EquiCrown™ Medical Compression Braces are designed to provide an anatomical fit along with defined and mild compression that decreases from the fetlock joint upwards.

Both blood and lymph flow are stimulated and supported, promoting a stronger leg.

The braces are used for legs swollen due to trauma, surgery or infection as well as for long transports, lymphatic disorders and as a prophylactic.

The breathable fabric in these braces has been used in human medicine for many years; in fact, this product’s development was based on over 100 years of experience in human medical compression therapy.

The braces are available in many standard and custom sizes and colors. equicrown.com

$2 Million milestone for EAF Last year marked a huge milestone for the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF). The 16-year-old non-profit has now distributed more than $2 million in aid for medical, healthcare, rehabilitation and essential expenses – such as housing and food – to its recipients during times of need. EAF financially assists equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries.

Currently, EAF provides funding for severe illnesses, major injuries and critical medical emergencies for 25 recipients totaling nearly $15,000 per month. equestrianaidfoundation.org

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By Anne Riddell

Recognizing the signs that your horse is in the early stages of a laminitic attack can mean all the difference to his future health and soundness.

You’ve heard the saying “you are what you eat”. Well, what goes into your horse’s mouth or system comes out in the foot.

The horse’s hoof is an ever changing and adapting vascular mechanism. The outside hoof wall mirrors the inside of the hoof, especially in the area of the sensitive laminae, otherwise known as the white line.

The laminae are composed of both epidermal laminae and dermal laminae. The two fit tightly together like Velcro, interlocking and securing the outside capsule of the foot to the inside structure. This bond is virtually indestructible through force, unless it is compromised by a metabolic or toxic effect taking place in the horse’s system.

Destruction of the connection Thanks to the studies of Dr. Chris Pollitt in Australia, we now understand how the connection of the laminae in the hoof is destroyed. Simply stated, there are good bacteria and bad bacteria

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in the horse’s gut. The good bacteria are killed off by sugars, creating a lactic acid, which then causes lesions or ulcers in the hindgut. The bad bacteria love the sugars and carbohydrates, and end up mass-producing. These bad bacteria die off very quickly, however, creating endotoxins. These endotoxins seep into the bloodstream through the gut lesions and go straight to the laminae of the horse’s foot, causing inflammation and destroying it. The once tightly connected epidermal and dermal laminae lose hold of each other. This is referred to as laminitis and founder.

Subclinical signs There are varying degrees of laminitis, from subclinical to fullfledged founder. Subclinical laminitis (also referred to as low grade laminitis), is what we as natural hoof care practitioners see every day when we trim horses. A horse with one or more of the following is showing signs that the laminae are being

compromised due to too much sugar and toxins in his system: • a stretched white line • seedy toe • re-occurring abscessing • annoying thrush that won’t go away • dropped flat sole • small re-occurring pit in the center of the sole at the toe • chronic cracks and stringy, tattered walls • visible horizontal laminitic hoof rings • overall disintegrating poor quality hoof capsule Low-grade laminitis can also be brought on by seasonal and hormonal changes. Anything toxic to the horse’s system comes out in the feet.

There are varying degrees of laminitis, from subclinical to full-fledged founder.

What he eats shows up in his feet Horses were not meant to consume large amounts of nonstructural carbohydrates and sugar. They are a foraging species that has lived millions of years on fresh and dried grasses, herbs, plants, and minerals in rocks. In the last 25 years, domestic horses have been plied with enormous amounts of sweet feed, complete feed, and toxic chemicals through wormers and inoculations. Today’s hay and pasture grasses have been genetically modified and are designed for the dairy industry to be high in sugars. Now, with the environment changing so quickly, these issues are tipping many otherwise healthy domestic horses into a subclinical laminitic and toxic state, which over time very quickly leads to founder. Laminitis and insulin resistance are on the rise in domestic horses, just as diabetes is in humans.

Catch it before it’s too late We now have the knowledge to prevent subclinical laminitis from happening and accumulating until the horse can’t walk. Please don’t ignore the telltale signs. If a horse that usually moves freely suddenly becomes stiff while trotting, is paddling or short-strided, these are more advanced signs that he’s laminitic. If he is tenderfooted on gravel or cement, this is a warning sign that his system is overloaded with sugar/toxins and his system and hooves are very seriously compromised. If your horse is insulin resistant or metabolically challenged, then as little as one tablespoon of sugar in his diet can keep him in a subclinical laminitic state.

Research still needs to be carried out in wild horse country to truly determine what a natural diet for horses is. Wild horses

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Diet plays a huge role in the health of your horse’s hooves, and the success of a barefoot horse starts here. Let’s look at some hooves that have been compromised through a toxic high sugar/ fructan/ carbohydrate diet.

Healthy Hoof

More examples of compromised hooves displaying those subtle signs of subclinical laminitis.

Unhealthy Hoof

Flat footed/dropped sole, stretched laminae, stringy, tattered walls.

Notice that the ridges and bruising on the wall are lined up with the dislocated, inflamed laminae.

Persistent cracks.

Stretched white line, unhealthy, thrushy frog.

Rings, deteriorating brittle walls that sound hollow when tapped.

After we had successfully rehabilitated this pony, his owner decided to put him back on a complete feed. This is the resultant bruising.

He is very sore and lame again.

forage all day and night on dried grasses and certain plants, tree barks and minerals that occur naturally in rock deposits. They don’t eat oats, wheat, corn or molasses as part of their native diet. If you suspect your horse is having trouble dealing with sugar and carbohydrates, take him off grass pasture and place him in a dry lot with grass hay, minerals and water only. Eliminate all grains, supplements, apples, carrots and other feeds you suspect have sugar in them. There are now feeds, hay replacements and naturally organic chelated mineral supplements that test under 10% for non-structural carbohydrates and are safe for the insulin resistant horse – and for all horses. Finally, get that horse moving and exercising, for lack of movement will surely slow or impede the healing process he so desperately needs.

References

Jaime Jackson, AANHCP Founder Dr. Chris Pollitt, Queensland University, Australia Pete Ramey, hoofrehab.com

Katy Watts, safergrass.org Cindy Sullivan, tribeequus.com

Anne Riddell is a certified natural hoof care practitioner who specializes in founder, laminitis, navicular lameness, and high performance barefoot horses. She offers trimming instruction to horse owners and other professionals. barefoothorsecanada.com

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got a

vice?

By Mike Hughes

A

Cribbing is destructive to your horse’s health, and your property.

Here’s why modifying his behavior can help eliminate this habit.

t some point, many horse people will deal with or own a horse that cribs. Simply put, cribbing is when a horse grasps onto a fixed surface and pulls backwards, producing a grunting noise caused by sucking air into his stomach. In some locales, cribbing goes by the name “wind-sucking”.

The act of cribbing has been associated with colic, weight loss, oral infections and a laundry list of other health issues, as well as property damage (it should be noted that cribbing is not the same as wood chewing).

and acts as an anti-inflammatory. But when a horse is chronically stressed, it’s bad news for his health.

Chronic stress leads to health and behavior problems such as stall vices, digestion issues (colic), and reproductive conditions (miscarriage). The immune system becomes impaired, leading to illness, chronic muscle tension, increased blood pressure, heart disease and more. These problems may lead to serious life-threatening illness such as colic, kidney disease, muscle damage, etc.

Stressing out The root cause of many stable vices such as cribbing, weaving or stall walking is stress. Stress is the emotional and physical way in which the horse’s body responds to pressure from the outside world. The acute stress response is necessary for survival and helps prepare the horse for flight or fight. Under stress, the horse’s nervous system releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. These hormones give the horse the extra energy and strength he needs to escape from a perceived threat.

A little stress is good for the horse. It keeps his immune system under control, speeds up soft tissue repair,

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Causes of stress There are four main causes of stress in horses:

1 2 3 4

Boredom is the main source of stress-based behavioral problems in horses.

Pain can be caused by an injury, illness or other activities. A lame horse is prey for predators.

Fear is one of the greatest stressors of all, in both people and horses.

Isolation is a huge stressor in horses. Like people, they need the companionship of their own kind.

It’s not proven if horses can learn to crib by watching others doing it. As I was developing my training program, I was never able to prove that one horse could learn from another, even though it seemed as if it could happen. Since this seems to be traditional folklore, however, you may have problems stabling a cribbing equine near other horses in a boarding setting.

Pinpointing the problem At some point, your horse was stressed out and developed a stable vice. Stable vices are like human habits, so once they’re learned, your horse may continue to exhibit them even if the stressor is removed. So how do you solve the problem?

First, you must identify what conditions led to the cribbing.

Eliminating the stressor is part of solving the issue. If your horse has begun cribbing since you acquired him, you can probably pinpoint what was going on in his life when it started. If he was already cribbing when you acquired him, then uncovering the problem might be more difficult.

When I did a demo at the Maryland Horse World Expo, I spoke to an owner whose horse had started cribbing after she was acquired. The mare had been sent to a trainer who abused her, and the cribbing started after she was returned.

Before we pinpoint when a horse picked up a stable vice, it is very important that everyone understand that the horse did not wake up one morning and say, “Today I am going to learn how to crib.” The same goes for people – no one wakes one morning and says, “Today I am going to learn how to do drugs, or today I am going to start smoking.” Just like people, horses develop stall vices as a way to deal with stress. And like dealing with a loved one who has succumbed to a vice, we need to get our horse treatment in order to save his life. Putting a Band-Aid over the problem will not solve it; it only covers it up so it can come back and haunt you later.

Chronic stress leads to health and behavior problems such as stall vices, digestion issues (colic), and reproductive conditions (miscarriage).

Anti-cribbing devices verses training Most anti-cribbing devices cause pain. Pain causes stress.

Using an anti-cribbing device is like putting a Band-Aid on the

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problem. I believe that while these devices may prevent cribbing in the short run, they only add to the problem in the long run.

The Crib-Free™ method takes care of your horse’s cribbing problem without anticribbing devices, by attacking the root cause of the problem. Teaching your horse how to deal with stress is the key.

Teaching your horse to deal with different stressors both on the ground and under saddle is key to modifying his behavior long-term.

Here Mike works with different frightening stimuli to recondition the horse’s response to stressful situations.

Welcome to Crib-Free Ten years ago at Penryn Oak Stables in Penryn, California, I conceived the idea that I could solve cribbing problems through training. After several years of hard work, I developed a program that successfully stopped cribbing behavior in the horses I was training.

There are two steps to the Crib-Free™ program: 1 Breaking the habit.

2 Using training to eliminate the problem.

The second step involves teaching your horse to deal with stress through training. It is the training portion of the program that creates a long-term change in your horse’s behavior. But that is another article in itself!

Now that you understand your horse’s vice from a psychological and behavioral standpoint, you can begin to think about how you will approach its correction from a slightly different viewpoint. Wouldn’t it be great not to have to use a cribbing collar on your horse every day, or spend time repairing fence boards? Deal with the root cause and address your horse’s stress, and you can begin to eliminate the behavior completely.

Mike Hughes has been a horseman since birth; a family friend gave his parents a horse for him the day he was born. Mike grew up next to a poorly managed cattle ranch where his early exposure to horsemanship was rough handling and intimidation to create submission. Even as a young man Mike knew there had to be better way. Mike has specialized in problem solving, training for the Sacramento Mounted Police Association, and he has done demonstrations in the U.S, Ireland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Mike has spent the last seven years specializing in solving stall vices such as cribbing, weaving, stall kicking/walking etc. after a dear friend’s horse ultimately died from colic brought on by cribbing. crib-free.com, 916-218-8136.

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Cellular

By Frank Reilly, DVM

healing

therapy may sound futuristic, but it’s becoming much more common when dealing with athletic injuries in horses.

Stem cell

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If your horse has ever had a tendon injury or related problem, your veterinarian may have suggested stem cell therapy. Also called regenerative medicine, the use of stem cell therapy is expanding in equine medicine. These cells were discovered in the early 1950s and first used in humans in 1968. Today, they’re routinely used in human cancer and joint replacements, and over the last decade, in horses too.

Types of stem cells There are many types of stem cells, and they’re categorized by the developmental stage of your horse. The main ones you will want to understand are early stage stem cells and adult stem cells.

1

arly stage stem cells (embryonic/fetal) have great potential, but there are E currently no commercial options available because of several factors, including bioethics, the expense of harvesting/handling them, and most importantly, the difficulty in controlling their action. These cells often turn to tumor cells.

2

Stem cells and blood delivered from your horse to the same horse is an autologous transfer, while cells delivered from your horse to a neighbor’s is known as an allogeneic transfer.

he cells we use in equine treatment are adult stem cells. They include cells harvested T from umbilical cord blood from a newborn foal as well as fat, bone marrow and blood from adult horses. There are dozens of equine stem cell kits on the market.

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) – To harvest these cells, the placenta is gathered up after the foal is born and hung up to allow gravity to force the blood down for collection. UCB is then evaluated at the lab and frozen, with the option of using it years later on the same horse in the event of an injury (e.g. bowed tendon). Stem cells and blood delivered from your horse to the same horse is an autologous transfer, while cells delivered from your horse to a neighbor’s is known as an allogeneic transfer. Allogeneic transfers of UCB have been used for years in human cancer patients and were recently used to treat a laminitic horse. at and bone marrow – These can be harvested through surgery, then filtered and F injected the same day back into your horse. Another option is to have the harvested cells sent to a lab first to be cultured in an attempt to increase stem cell numbers and, after two to three weeks, go back and inject them into the injury site.

Blood – Blood can be harvested from your horse much like a single blood draw for a Coggins test. The blood is processed in a centrifuge, removing cells (platelets), and then you inject the platelets into the injury. This process is called PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and the more concentrated the number of platelets placed into an area, the more stem cells in that area multiply. A five times increase in PRP cells can produce a seven times increase in stem cells to that area.

PRP is the most popular stem cell therapy because it involves no surgery, is the most economical, and can be done on site at the time of the blood draw. It also provides a large volume of therapeutic injections. PRP is now routinely added to fat or bone marrow stem cells because it increases healing actions above using fat or bone marrow alone. PRP is full of growth factors that coordinate stem cell action.

Continued on page 20.

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Selecting a

stem cell product

You need to consult with your veterinarian on the best stem cell product for your particular horse’s injury. Recent studies show that ultrasound misses about 20% of the injury’s length, so a 2” tendon strain is more like 2.5”. The longer the injury, the more stem cell injections are needed, so a product making three to four injections will not work on a knee to ankle suspensory problem.

The cost of PRP is about $700 on average, and fat/bone marrow (including surgery, culture and injection) is about $2,500 to $3,000. Take note – many insurance companies will pay for these treatments, so keep them in the loop.

The action of PRP is known, but the action of fat or bone marrow stem cells is not fully understood. These products are a “soup” of stem cells, fat, growth factors, blood cells and connective tissue. One company said it best: “Cells injected into an area probably do not become the cell tissue it is injected into. They only stimulate resident cells.” They create an environment of healing but rarely, if ever, are they turning into tendon or cartilage.

Continued from page 19.

The future of stem cell therapy The wave of the future regarding PRP, fat/ bone marrow or UCB will be under FDA control. Both the AMA and AVMA have been advised of this fact. Whether allogeneic stem cells will be allowed in horses is not clear. Different companies have different harvest techniques, and there is currently no standard as to what cultured stem cells do or do not do in a horse. The quantity of stem cells needed in a site to help healing, along with which type of stem cell source is best, is not known.

PRP is now routinely added to fat or bone marrow stem cells because it increases healing actions above using fat or bone marrow alone.

As research advances, however, stem cell therapy will become more and more popular.

Joint injections with stem cells to treat athlete horses will increase – with drug testing and certain medications banned, horse owners will want products that are natural and produce healing, not ones that just provide pain relief. Costs of certain stem cell therapies will come down to allow their use in pleasure and backyard horses. In time, this therapy won’t sound quite so futuristic anymore, nor will it be reserved mainly for high level performance horses. With a bit more time and research, it has the potential to become an excellent and affordable natural option for all horses.

Dr. Frank Reilly is the head doctor at Equine Medical and Surgical Associates in Wests Chester, PA with over 25 years as an equine veterinarian. A member of AAEP and also AAPF, he has worked on six world record racehorses and multiple track record holders and is a regular speaker at the

International Hoof Summit, the largest farrier convention in the USA. His website on equine insulin resistance and equine summer eczema is top rated on the internet. equinemedsurg.com

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product picks

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m a g a z i n e

Eliminate thrush!

All-in-one

Eliminate thrush and white line disease with this all-natural product that was created to work with the horse’s body. Formulated with herbs known to eliminate bacterial and fungal infections, the Thrush Spray contains powerful herbs that knock out hoof infections, but will not kill live tissue. Safe to use daily. zephyrsgarden.com

EquiPride and EquiLix are all-in-one supplements featuring ProBiotein™, viable enzymes, yeast, multiple prebiotics, Omega3 VFA’s, protein isolates, fermentation metabolites, chelated trace minerals, macro minerals and vitamins to improve nutrient utilization of the horse’s forage by 25%.

Moody mare?

Got a moody mare?

The one and only original Moody Mare from Wendals Herbs is made of a special blend of eight premium allnatural herbs, carefully selected and blended to help support emotional balance and overcome PMS blues.

No need to beware your mare – Moody Mare is 100% satisfaction guaranteed!

Ask for Moody Mare at your favorite horse health supplier, or log onto the website for a dealer near you. While online, check out the 35 Wendals Herbs products available. wendalsusa.com

Effective management Equi-Pak CS combines copper sulfate with Equi-Pak to effectively manage mild to moderate cases of thrush while providing the durable, shock absorbing support you have come to rely on with Equi-Pak. Equi-Pak CS adheres to the foot, blocking out dirt or debris, and delivering copper sulfate to the sole.

Thrush is covered in one easy application, eliminating the need to pick out the feet and apply daily thrush medications. vettec.com

Designed to help the digestive and immune systems operate at optimum efficiency, helping to improve hooves, hair coat, joint lubricity, feed utilization, circulation and reduce gastric problems.

EquiLix.com

Sound horse Sound Horse Herbal Liniment is a natural botanical formula that is great for sensitive skin. Works well as a liniment/massage or bath brace. This gentle formula can be used with or without leg wraps.

The liniment combines witch hazel with a proprietary blend of Chinese herbs that relieve inflammation, aches and discomfort. A light menthol mixture is added to open the pores of the skin and further maximize the effects. herbsmithinc.com

Natural healing Dr. Rose’s Remedies Skin Treatment is an all-natural herbal salve and spray combination that promotes rapid and complete healing of skin ailments. Containing ingredients such as calendula oil, shea butter, vitamin e, aloe vera oil, grape seed oil, and tea tree oil, it helps to soothe, moisturize and heal. Great for wounds, burns, infections/rashes, sunburns and inflammation. drrosesremedies.com

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Does the thought of feeding your horse mushrooms give you flashbacks to the 70s?

These ones are different, and can offer numerous benefits to your horse.

By Jenna Hahn

“What do you mean I should feed my horse mushrooms? Horses don’t eat mushrooms!

I don’t need her to see more imaginary objects than she already does – just imagine what would happen if she were soaring over a jump and the jump started to move!” These are a few of the typical comments people make when they first hear about using mushrooms on their horses. But we’re not talking about magic mushrooms of the 70s or the poisonous ones you hear about in news. No one is suggesting that horses go around their pastures picking mushrooms and sautéing them for dinner. These are special types of mushrooms.

Taking root Mushrooms have a root layer called the mycelium. This network of roots in the ground allows them to share nutrients and fight bacteria and disease. They are one cell thick; experts estimate that one inch of topsoil contains enough fungal cells to stretch more than eight miles if placed end to end. It would be similar to the underground network between trees in the movie Avatar.

Horses all over the world have been eating this powerful mycelial layer for centuries, every time they graze. More recently, mushrooms have been used in horses for many different ailments as well as general health. Olympic horses, Kentucky Derby winners and World Games horses benefit from these products along with local competitors at small shows or events.

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equine wellness

It’s in the blend Specific mushrooms are used for their different properties. For example, the Reishi mushroom has adaptogentic benefits that can help horses process their stresses better. Reishi will give you a horse that is easier to train and enjoys his job more.

Being able to process stress more efficiently has physical benefits as well, since stress can cause many different health issues, such as equine gastric ulcers.

Many people don’t think about supplements for their horses’ mouths or teeth, but improved dental health is another surprising and powerful effect provided by these mushrooms.

As horses get older, they can develop dental issues similar to people. The mushrooms work to support horses with dental disease; in fact, the use of mushrooms for dental disease has been a topic studied at universities in the US and Europe.

The blend of mushrooms used is very important when it comes to performance horses. Animals that need to run long distances – such as endurance or race horses, barrel racers or three-day horses – will benefit from a different blend of mushrooms than horses that rely more on muscle strength, like dressage, cutting or show jumping horses. The cortycep mushroom has a long history of building muscle mass and helping with muscle recovery. The most famous story related to this mushroom took place at the 1993 Olympic Games when the Chinese women’s track and field team, led by coach Mr. Ma, broke multiple world records. The world was puzzled by this amazing surge in performance. There was speculation of steroid use, but the team told the world that their secret was cortycep mushrooms.

They found the mushrooms helped the athletes recover faster from strenuous training, thus allowing them to train harder.

This has been proven true in horses as well.

Horses all over the world have been eating this powerful mycelial layer for centuries, every time they graze.

Head to toe benefits Another beneficial aspect of mushrooms that is well known in horses is hoof health. Farriers have tried many other products on the market and are often dissatisfied with the results, if there are any. But increased hoof health and growth when using mushrooms is seen across all types of hooves.

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

BEFORE: A horse with gingivitis.

AFTER: The same horse after two weeks on a mushroom supplement.

There are many more ways mushrooms are being used to help horses all over the world, and the studies are continuing. If you are looking for a natural way to increase the health and well being of your horses, whether they are sick, performing or just for their overall benefit, consider mushrooms as your solution!

ERGO – a powerhouse of antioxidants Mushrooms contain antioxidants, beta-glucans, polysaccharides, l-ergothioneine, polyphenols, essential vitamins, minerals and trace minerals along with integral enzymes and proteins. L’ergothioneine (ERGO) is known as a powerhouse of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are the body’s defense system against cellular damage that contributes to aging, injury, cancer, HIV, tumors and many other diseases. Horses, like all mammals, cannot naturally produce ERGO in their bodies, but it is easily absorbable when ingested. Humans and animals, horses included, possess a unique specific “transport” system that moves ERGO into important cells of the body, such as red and white blood cells. This allows ERGO to travel to the areas of the body that need it, while unused ERGO can be stored by the body for quick use rather than flushed as waste like other antioxidants are.

These are some of the reasons mushrooms have been labeled a “super food” by doctors and national figures such as Dr. Oz. For thousands of years, Asian cultures have used “medicinal mushrooms” for the treatment of many diseases.

For example, mushrooms are included in cancer treatment protocols in China. Western medicine has started to confirm the use of these “medicinal mushrooms”, resulting in pharmaceutical drugs made from mushroom compounds or extracts.

After

graduating from

University

of

CA, Davis

economics and organizational sociology, Jenna

with a double major in

Hahn

started her work

Animal Health Industry. She has worked for large pharmaceutical companies as a territory manager, key accounts manager and equine in the

specialist and has consulted for many small businesses in the pet and equine markets. Jenna is very active in the veterinary industry where she has spent

most of her career working with veterinarians and their staff to help improve the quality of life for the animals we love. Jenna has been an avid show jumper her whole life, and rides and shows in

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CA.

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25

Dream jobs

healing

the

Touch

Thinking about equine massage therapy as a career?

by Jessica

remember flipping through the pages of a popular horse magazine and seeing an advertisement for equine massage therapy training. It was at that moment I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my life.

Rewarding relationships

McLoughlin, REMT

The biggest challenge has been building a client base that remains consistent and dedicated, especially when competing with a more-than-ample supply of non-professionals masquerading as experts. Many are inadequately trained and have little experience to follow through with the promises they make.

Equine massage therapy is an extremely rewarding career that builds strong relationships with both horses and owners. One of the best aspects for me is my collaboration with other health care professionals in the horse community – veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, farriers and trainers. One of the most interesting connections I have made is with Alana Ritter, a Registered (human) Massage Therapist who is also an experienced horsewoman. Together, we constructed a workshop seminar that focused on the relationship between horse and rider and how poor riding habits can directly affect the horse’s performance.

A “one-treatment” fix is very rare with massage therapy. Be prepared to develop a program of care with your client – multiple applications are often necessary, and “homework assignments” are essential and require a high level of commitment from the owner. These can be as simple as learning certain stretches and riding exercises that must be performed daily. But sometimes, depending on the root cause, the program may require an investment in something like a new saddle. Likewise, many problems may be resolved by correcting poor riding habits that may be damaging to your horse.

There is also something very rewarding about working on special cases, horses that have received a poor prognosis or are suffering from serious injury. I became a key player in the recovery of one of those cases, consulting with other professionals and educating the clients about their horses’ health and how to optimize it.

How to get there

There is a lot of “old thinking” lingering in the horse industry – even though massage therapy is an ancient form of healing, many people believe it’s folklore and is of minimal value.

Overcoming old thinking Along with great reward, come great challenges. As a Registered Equine Massage Therapist, a day on the job takes a physical toll on me. Treating six horses in one day requires a huge amount of stamina and expertise. There is also still a lot of “old thinking” lingering in the horse industry – even though massage therapy is an ancient form of healing, many people believe it’s folklore and holds minimal value.

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How do you become an equine massage therapist? There is no shortcut. Take an extensive course and invest in your education, so you can continue to grow and educate yourself and establish a strong foundation. Work to build a client base on sound practice and sound advice, not the least of which involves knowing when to refer to other professionals.

Registered Equine Massage Therapy courses – darcylane.com Certified Equine Massage Therapy courses – equinerehab.ca,

equissage.com, equinology.com, nwsam.com

Jessica McLoughlin graduated from D’Arcy Lane School of Equine Massage Therapy in London, ON in 2003. She is an active member of the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists and completed a four-month internship, followed by a one-year work term, at the Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KES MARC) in Lexington. Jess returned to Nova Scotia, established Atlantic Equine Massage in 2007, and is now the Maritimes’ only registered equine massage therapist. (902) 275-7972 atlanticequinemassage.com

Staying true to the founder’s principles has made this product a leader in the industry.

More than 30 years ago, discouraged with what had become the status quo for lawn mowers, Art Evans built a zeroturning-radius lawn mower in an old dairy barn on the edge of his parents’ property, outside Fillmore, Indiana. At the time, Evans didn’t realize he was about to embark on a journey that would change the lawn mower industry and the way we cut grass.

Timeless value Evans had two distinct goals in mind when he started Dixie Chopper in April 1980. First, he wanted to build a lawn mower that wouldn’t break when you used it. Second, he wanted to build a machine that would offer timeless value, with years of productivity remaining long after it had been paid for. The speed, quality and reliability Dixie Chopper has become known for was the product of Evans’ efforts.

Today, Dixie Chopper builds the most productive midmount zero-turn lawn mowers in the industry, with models ranging from 19 to 54 horsepower and deck sizes from 42” to 74”. With such a diverse product line, there’s a model for everyone’s needs. The formed and welded decks, cast iron deck spindle housings, and stainless steel body panels ensure a Dixie Chopper will stand up to the most demanding of jobs.

The company also gives its customers an industry leading warranty with up to a five-year/600-hour bumper-to-bumper or 3,000-hour drive train warranty, lifetime warranties on the frame, front forks, steering levers and linkages on commercial models, and a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty on residential models.

Pioneer in alternative Fuel sources Over the years, Dixie Chopper has pioneered the use of alternative fuel sources including the world’s first propane-fueled commercial mower, dieselpowered machines up to 50 horsepower, and the world’s only mower powered with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

They’re the only manufacturer that offers models fueled by four different fuel types – gasoline, diesel, propane and CNG, giving customers the most choices.

Growth on founding principles

Dixie Chopper is the only manufacturer that offers models fueled by four different fuel types.

As the company’s products continue to evolve in order to meet the needs of customers, it still offers the rugged and dependable mowers Dixie Chopper has become known for – a mower that will last long after you have paid for it. Each mower that rolls off the assembly line is built with the same principles that Evans put into the first Dixie Chopper over 30 years ago – an affordable yet reliable zero-turn lawn mower, a product that won’t break down, and a superior warranty that covers the mower in the event something does go wrong. Dixie Chopper might not be the first mower you buy, but chances are it will be your last.

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How a childhood passion became the foundation for one of the most successful retired racehorse placement programs in North America.

LOPE for hope I was a horse-crazy suburban kid , but didn’t actually learn to ride until I was an adult – and I wasn’t very good at it either. Childhood fantasies are sometimes quite a bit harder to execute as an adult! My primary career was in accounting and office management, so I was pretty much an allaround dork from the perspective of most horse professionals.

Love at first sight As an adult, I visited a Maryland racetrack one morning during workout hours (when the horses gallop for conditioning) and fell in love with racehorses. They have so much heart and desire to achieve! Soon after that track visit, I began volunteering with a local racehorse adoption group near DC (CANTER MidAtlantic) and really enjoyed it. When we later moved to Texas, I wanted to volunteer for a similar group – but there wasn’t one.

So I started LOPE! Originally, LOPE began simply as an online listing service (a sort of “Craigslist” for ex-racehorses) in 2003. But we had so many race trainers approach us who wanted to donate horses directly to LOPE that we decided to open an adoption ranch in 2004.

The LOPE lifestyle At the track, horses are kept in stalls except when they are being exercised in the morning or raced later in the day. Horses are naturally herd animals, so the first thing we do at LOPE is “let them be horses” – which means we have them in open pastures

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By Lynn Reardon

with other horses. It needs to be a gradual process though – we like to be conservative and limit each horse’s space at first. So the horses might start in a small corral, work their way up into a larger paddock, and eventually be turned out in the fields.

We also have a couple of retired horses that act as den mothers (or cops, if needed) to the new arrivals. Zuper is our herd boss – he is super charming, gentle, calm, and a terrific authority figure.

He makes sure the younger horses don’t run around too much, gives them structure, and generally keeps the herd feeling confident and quiet.

Once the horses have had their vacation time in the pasture, we begin working with them under saddle. Mostly, they usually need some help going back over the basics. They may sometimes have been rushed a little at the track – so they might have gaps in their foundation. We like to find these and help the horses learn a fuller picture about those basics. It’s kind of like kindergarten.

Some horses come to LOPE with track injuries (knee chips, bowed tendons, etc). For them, we provide rest (in stall or pasture) and rehab care (ranging from vet exams to physical therapy to surgery).

The adoption process Before meeting a LOPE horse, prospective adopters must first fill out a detailed approval questionnaire with information about their riding and horse care experience, their plans for the horse, their facility and so on. We require current vet and farrier references, as well as references from a trainer or instructor (if applicable), and we check those references carefully.

If the adopter’s application is approved, we have them come meet the horse – so we can see how well the two get along and ride together. If it looks like a good match and the person is ready to adopt, then we have them sign an adoption contract and pay a small adoption fee.

A second career Our horses go to all types of careers – it depends on what each is capable of physically and what he wants to do emotionally. Horses have very distinct personalities and it is important to keep their preferences in mind when placing them into a new career.

LOPE horses have gone on to do trail/pleasure riding, dressage, western play days, eventing, hunter/jumper, ranch work, polo and therapeutic riding. We have also adopted horses out to be pets or companions.

How you can help LOPE is a publicly supported charity – so donations to help with the horses are greatly appreciated! Folks can sponsor horses for training, send “care” packages of barn supplies, organize barn fundraisers and so on. We also have a book about LOPE horses (Beyond the Homestretch), with royalties going to the horses, and a terrific DVD, Retraining Racehorses (with master horseman Tom Curtin); again, sale proceeds go to help the LOPE horses.

Name: Showtime Queen Age: 4 Breed: Thoroughbred Physical description: 16hh chestnut filly Background: “Queenie” showed some promise at racing, but absolutely hated the track lifestyle. She was nervous and had ulcers. She came to LOPE to find a new career.

We gave her some extended turnout time – and just recently put her back into work. She is learning every day!

Suitable for: Pleasure riding, dressage, lower level eventing Adoption fee: $400 Location: Cedar Creek, TX (at the LOPE Ranch)

Little horse, big heart LOPE takes in all breeds of ex-racehorses that run on Texas tracks, including Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Arabians and Paints. One of our favorite recent adoptions was for Chaplin, an adorable 14hh Arabian.

One day, a riding instructor brought a team of teenage equestrians from her riding school to the LOPE ranch. They were there to check out Chaplin and see if he would be suitable for their program. The girls fussed over Chaplin, and rode him all over. They decided he would be a good fit as a training prospect for their barn.

We just got word that Chaplin is learning how to jump. In spite of his stature, he rides to the jumps as if he is a 17hh Warmblood! He is living proof that desire and heart are the most important qualities in any endeavor.

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The Herb Blurb

by

The thought of , the spicy taste atop your favorite dessert or stirred and infused into a hot drink. The aromatic and flavorful uses of cinnamon predate 2000BC and it will be forever a spice of choice in culinary preparations.

Theresa Gilligan

The wonderful warm spice we know as cinnamon plays a fundamental part in these diseases by mimicking the role of insulin and thus increasing its recognition. Clinical research has proven the efficacy of cinnamon in treating horses and ponies with insulin resistance – and best of all, it’s completely safe with no known side effects!

But cinnamon offers much more than an appeal to the senses.

It boasts a much more important fundamental quality – its medicinal uses. Few are aware of the breadth of its ability to treat and heal not only humans, but horses too!

Cinnamon’s antiviral properties have been clinically proven to reduce the effects of a cold or flu. But more importantly, its medicinal benefits extend to horses and ponies suffering from insulin resistance (IR) causing laminitis, Cushing’s disease and equine metabolic syndrome. These damaging diseases of the endocrine system can leave your equine in agonizing pain and with immense suffering.

Insulin is a hormone essential for helping move glucose through the blood and tissues, creating energy but not storing it as unprocessed fat. An insulin resistant equine is unable to process insulin, causing the tissues and cells to store glucose as fat, negatively impacting the metabolic system and causing obesity and lameness. This condition is similar to type II diabetes in humans.

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So if your four-legged friend is presenting with any lameness issues, a “cresty neck” and rump obesity, or is considered an “easy keeper” when off pasture, it’s time to head to your health food store or contact an herb provider specializing in equine treatments.

Theresa Gilligan has been involved in riding and training horses for 25 years, including racing and breeding thoroughbreds. She has over 14 years in the financial industry and a bachelor and graduate degree in International Business. The last five years have been dedicated to research in alternative medicinal practices with a specific focus on

Ayurveda. Neachai is the first Equine Ayurvedic-specific alternative North America. To date results have been outstanding. neachai.ca practice in

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By Jochen Schleese, certified master saddler Finding a saddle for your wider horse doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Here are the two main points of concern. nyone who has ever owned a pony or wider horse knows the trials and tribulations of finding a saddle to fit these Thelwell lookalikes. Many people end up breaking out the special saddle pads, cruppers and breastplates in an effort to keep their saddles in place.

There are several considerations when fitting a saddle for a wide-backed horse, but the key ones to keep in mind are tree width and angle. Most riders are aware that saddle trees come in narrow, medium or wide, but these designations can refer both to the width and the angle of the tree. If the saddle is a “wide narrow”, this means the saddle has a wide tree width and a narrow tree angle.

tree angle and shoulder movement It is important that the saddle stay behind the horse’s shoulder.

If it does not, and constantly moves forward, the tree points of the saddle will drive into the horse’s shoulders, first producing a buildup of scar tissue on his scapula, then chipping away cartilage and bone. This can lead to persistent unsoundness, possible longterm damage, and premature retirement.

In order to avoid this kind of damage, it is crucial that the angle of the tree be adjusted to match the angle of the horse’s shoulder.

Think of two sliding doors. If they are properly aligned, one will slide freely past the other. If they are not, one door will jam into the other. It is the same with the horse’s shoulders and the angle of the tree. As the horse moves, his shoulder rotates upward and backwards. If the tree angle does not match the angle of the shoulder, it will be unable to rotate freely under the saddle, compromising movement, sometimes severely.

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equine wellness

Checking and measuring the tree angle We recommend a tool like the SprengerTM gauge to determine if the tree angle matches the angle of the horse’s shoulder. The Sprenger goes behind the shoulder blade, and is set so that the upper arm of the device is parallel to the angle of the horse’s scapula. The tree of the saddle should be adjusted so that the tree angle matches that of the shoulder.

To determine if the tree angle on the saddle is correct for the horse, put the saddle on without a saddle pad. Check if the angle of the piping on the front of the flap matches the angle of the horse’s shoulder. If it does, the angle of the tree is correctly adjusted.

Baroque-style horses especially need to have saddles that accommodate freedom over the withers to allow their huge moving shoulders to move freely. While Thoroughbreds often have the paradox of “narrow wide trees” (to accommodate narrow shoulders but big withers), Baroque horses (Lusitano, Andalusian, etc.) usually have little to no withers and really wide shoulders, resulting in a need for wide narrow trees.

Tree width and shoulder rotation The tree width must be enough for the horse’s shoulders to rotate freely. Often, we see a saddle with a tree width that is too narrow for a particular horse. Not only do the shoulders not move freely

Same Angle - Different Width

Tree width and angle are two very different things.

The tree width needs to be wide enough to allow the horse’s shoulders to rotate freely. These three angles are the same, even though the widths are different.

Same Width - Different Angles

This illustration shows how you can have the same tree width, with three different angles. The tree angle should be adjusted to match that of the horse’s shoulder.

under such a saddle, but the saddle can be driven forward on top of the shoulders while you are riding. This will result in the problems we discussed above. Trying to make a saddle that is too narrow fit by adding more padding is akin to wearing another pair of socks to make shoes fit if they’re already too tight – it won’t work!

If the tree width is too wide, the entire saddle may rock or slip from side to side when it’s being ridden, or the back half of the saddle may twist to one side or the other (this

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may also happen when one side of the horse – usually the left – is more heavily muscled, forcing the saddle over to the other side in compensation).

Saddle makers and fitters should consider both tree width and tree angle when fitting a saddle to a particular horse. Tree width and angle need to be adjusted together. If the width of the tree is correct for the horse but the angle is not, the saddle will not fit. The same applies if the angle is good, but the width is not.

Adding or removing flocking from the vertical panels of the saddle will not solve the problem – the gullet plate needs to be adjusted. Some self-adjustable gullet plates will accommodate angle adjustment, but will not allow width adjustment (over the wither area). At times, both the width and angle of the saddle’s tree are incorrect for a particular horse, possibly causing restrictive movement damage.

Your saddle plays a crucial role in the well being and performance of your horse. If you are in doubt of your current saddle’s fit, or are having a challenge finding something to fit your wider mount, contact a certifiedsaddle fitting professional in your area to give you a diagnostic evaluation.

Jochen Schleese

Certified Master Saddler Passier, and came to Canada as Official Saddler at the 1986 World Dressage Championships. He registered the trade of saddlery in North America in 1990.

Jochen’s lifelong study of equine development, saddle design, the bio-mechanics of horse and rider in motion, and the effects of ill-fitting saddles, led to the establishment of Saddlefit 4 Life in 2005 (saddlefit4life.com), a global is a

who graduated from

network of equine professionals dedicated to protecting horse and rider from long term damage. schleese.com

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equine wellness

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My HEIRO! Does your horse have chronic sore feet or laminitis? Is he an easy keeper, or have elevated insulin levels? HEIRO can help get your horse back to grass pasture faster. This veterinarian-developed supplement is safe, certified, and all natural, with guaranteed results.

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Same therapeutic energy as a Laser at a fraction of the cost! For years, Equine Light Therapy has been helping animals heal faster if injured by putting the power of healing in a simple, easy to use light therapy pad for everyday treatment.

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They Deserve To Shine!

Your horses give you their all – why not give them the best? Made with 100% natural silk fibers and amino acids, Liquid Silk Serum is the perfect finisher for all breeds. Brush it through your horse’s mane, tail and coat to moisturize, detangle and shine! For best results, use it after any Equisilk shampoo and conditioner.

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Smartflex rehab SmartFlex Rehab is the ideal choice for your horse during rehabilitation. This one-ofa-kind supplement supports the healing process by combining ingredients for joint and connective tissues with those involved in the normal inflammatory response.

SmartFlex Rehab provides exactly what your horse needs for healthy recovery. Visit SmartPak.com to learn more!

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Tips for managing

winter colic staff veterinary specialist for

by Eleanor Kellon, VMD, Uckele Health & Nutrition

There tends to be a higher incidence of colic in the fall and winter.

Here’s how to keep your horse healthy during the colder weather.

C

olic can strike at any time, but fall and winter are particularly high-risk seasons. Luckily, there are several things you can do to decrease your horse’s colic jeopardy. When pastures fail in the fall and a horse switches to a different diet, two major factors come into play. One is the different diet, and the other is a change in that diet’s moisture levels.

make a complete change. Avoid rapid changes in diet, including substituting hay for grass, and changing hays. Disruptions in organisms that occur with rapid changes can cause gas and possible displacement of the colon, diarrhea from incomplete fermentation, and even changes in how well the intestine contracts and moves food along.

Transition slowly

Drink up!

Most people know they should transition slowly when adding or changing grains and other concentrates. However, it is important to realize that a change in forage, including hay types, should also be made gradually. This is because the protein, sugar and starch components of hay are digested in the small intestine, and while digestive enzymes there can adjust to changes, it takes time. Allow at least five to seven days to

Inadequate water consumption is the leading cause of impaction.

An average-sized horse needs to consume at least four to five gallons of water per day even in very cold weather, because for much of their journey through the bowel, intestinal contents have a high moisture level, much like soup. In addition to what the horse drinks, fluids are actively secreted along the intestinal tract, then reabsorbed in the terminal portions of the colon. The fluid keeps things moving freely and allows for good mixing, which assists in absorption and fermentation.

You can lead a horse to water, but how do you get him to drink?

• The horse is most likely to drink while or shortly after eating hay, so hay and water should be placed close together.

•W arm water is consumed more readily. At the very least, water should never be allowed to freeze over.

• To encourage drinking, add at least one ounce of salt to the feed daily, or dissolve and spray on the hay for picky horses.

• Intake can be increased by adding warm water to pellets, hay cubes and sweet feeds. Beet pulp is ideal because it can hold four times its weight in water.

• A dding some wheat bran improves appeal.

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equine wellness

Keep them moving The final colic risk factor, especially in winter, is inactivity. Do not reduce turnout or stall the horse unless weather is really severe. When conditions are so bad that the horse is barely moving, ensuring an adequate water intake will go a long way toward preventing impaction colic.

Eleanor Kellon, VMD, currently serves as the Staff Veterinary Specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition. An established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, Dr. Kellon is a valuable resource in the field of applications and nutraceuticals in horses. She formerly served as Veterinary Editor for Horse Journal and John Lyons Perfect Horse and is owner of Equine Nutritional Solutions, a thriving private practice.

Founded in 1962, Uckele Health & Nutrition has been a trusted leader in the formulation, development and manufacture of quality nutritional supplements for 50 years.

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Herbal IR help for

herbs

Adding to the management program of your insulin resistant horse can help him lead a longer, healthier life.

By Hilary Self, BSc, MNIMH

I

nsulin resistance (IR) in horses is on the rise. It may partly be due to genetics and breeding, but the way we manage our horses and ponies is also a culprit. In wild equines, high levels of blood glucose, whether obtained from the diet or because of insulin resistant cells, will eventually be converted and stored as fat. But unlike their wild cousins, our pampered domesticated horses are never required to go through the scarce food times of winter. Instead, we make sure they are well fed and blanketed, then we turn them out onto rich pastures in spring where they have no need to expend any energy searching for food.

The skinny on IR Experts believe IR mimics Cushing’s disease in many ways, although the horse does not have the benign pituitary adenoma present in the Cushing’s animal.

youngsters. Founder is usually a feature at some point, with hoof changes such as founder rings, or an expansion of the white line suggesting some founder has occurred, even despite the absence of apparent foot pain.

Understanding cortisol Normally, when carbohydrates are digested they are converted into glucose, which is absorbed through the gut wall and enters the bloodstream. Here, the hormone insulin acts like a “key”, allowing glucose to enter cells where it is used as an energy source by the body. Conversely, when glucose levels in the body drop, the production of insulin stops.

Diagnosis revolves around clinical signs (abnormal body fat distribution, abdominal fat, cresty neck, fatty shoulders, geldings with swollen sheaths), in combination with blood tests. Blood samples are usually taken for insulin and glucose, and sometimes triglyceride (component of fat) levels.

Body fat was once thought to be just an energy reserve and protector of vital organs. However, certain types of body fat, especially those found in the abdomen, are now thought to be actively involved in a number of metabolic processes, including cortisol production. One consequence of increased body fat is that it can lead to an increase in the level of cortisol. Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone; among its many functions, it inhibits the action of insulin and provokes the flight-or-fight response to stress.

Although affected animals may be overweight, this is not always the case. Most tend to be “easy keepers” or resistant to losing weight, or they may have been overweight as

With high body fat stores, cortisol production levels remain high and are not switched off, leading to increased circulating levels of cortisol. This further inhibits the action of insulin,

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Continued on page 40

Helpful

herbs for insulin resistance

Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus) is hypoglycemic (reduces blood sugar levels), and hypolipidemic (reduces serum lipid levels). Artichoke significantly reduces serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Artichoke is also a prebiotic that will help encourage production of “good� hind gut bacteria, and improve the liver function necessary to help break down stored fat.

Psyllium husks (Plantago major) contain a constituent known as mucilage (a plant polysac-charide). Mucilages are a class of soluble fiber and psyllium in particular has been well studied and shown to be effective at lowering blood cholesterol, insulin and glucose levels. The plant has also been shown to offer an anti-inflammatory and healing action on the digestive tract as well as acting as a prebiotic, enhancing levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These actions are particularly relevant, as it has been suggested horses may struggle to absorb nutrients from their food if the integrity of the gut is compromised. Lack of nutrient absorption has been linked to the onset of some forms of founder.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum – graecum) is hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic. It reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetics. Contains the constituent galacto-mannan, which aids with fat digestion.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a cholagogue, which means it stimulates the production and flow of bile, aiding in fat digestion.

Milk thistle is hepatoprotective and has a strong antioxidant action (offering ten times the antioxidant action of vitamin E).

Garlic (Allium sativum) is hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic. It effectively reduces the levels of glucose in the bloodstream as well as lowering blood lipid levels and total cholesterol. Garlic has been shown to help clear fats accumulating in arteries, and it is used extensively for diabetes.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) contains gingerol, which has been shown to have prolonged hypoglycemic activity. Ginger is also a vasodilator and strong circulatory stimulant that will help encourage healthy blood supply to vital organs and limbs.

Goats rue (Galega officinalis) is hypoglycemic, and like psyllium it inhibits the absorption of glucose from the gut, thereby reducing sugar levels in the bloodstream. The herb also potentiates the effects of insulin, promoting uptake of glucose by the cells.

Kelp (Fucus vesiculosis) is anti-obesity, and is rich in organic minerals, biotin and methionine (needed to ensure healthy hoof growth) and magnesium (low levels of magnesium have been linked to IR). It contains high levels of other minerals, trace elements, amino acids and vitamins.

Mint (Mentha piperata) is a digestive carminative and soothing to the digestive system.

Mint is also a good source of potassium and magnesium.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a circulatory stimulant, rich in vitamin C, iron, sodium and dietary fiber. Cleansing and anti-diabetic, nettle will stimulate blood supply to vital organs and in particular to the limbs and feet.

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Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone; among its many functions, it inhibits the action of insulin and provokes the flight-or-fight response to stress.

Continued from page 38

encouraging some of the cells to become “insulin resistant” and preventing the normal uptake of glucose by these cells, leading to high circulating blood glucose levels. The body still needs an energy source to function correctly, however, so the liver starts to break down stored fat reserves (gluconeogenesis).

How can herbs help?

Many herbs that can be used for the IR horse (see sidebar) are the same ones I would prescribe for an individual suffering from type 2 diabetes, a condition very similar to IR, which produces many of the symptoms we see in IR horses (obesity, lethargy, poor circulation, muscle wastage, etc.).

It is important that any herbal supplementation be used in conjunction with a steady (gradual) fitting up/weight loss program.

Regular exercise is essential to encourage loss of body weight, and a greater muscle mass will help with fat metabolism (muscles burn more calories). Daily turnout is vital – horses and ponies were designed to graze while on the move, which again encourages the burning of calories. The lifestyle of your horse plays just as important a role as dietary management.

For the IR horse, select herbs that…

• Reduce glucose (hypoglycemic) and insulin levels in the blood.

This is the same action as Metformin, one of the main drugs used in IR. • Reduce absorption of glucose from the gut.

• Assist in the absorption of excess glucose in the bloodstream.

• Promote cellular uptake of glucose.

• Support liver function and regeneration – vital for efficient fat metabolism and removal of blood toxins.

• Support bile salt production.

• Support digestive process and gut health.

• Normalize insulin sensitivity.

• Reduce blood lipid levels.

• Improve blood circulation.

Hilary Self

is co–founder of

that for the last manufacturing animals.

22

and

Hilton Herbs Ltd,

a company

years has been at the forefront of

formulating

herbal

supplements

for

Hilary is a Medical Herbalist and a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. Hilary is responsible for all the company’s formulations and for clinical research into the use of herbs for animals. In 2004 she received the Nigel Wynn award from the National Institute for innovative projects in herbal medicine, in recognition of clinical trials she undertook into the application of herbs for

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equine wellness

horses with Cushing’s disease. Hilary is also a member of the USA’s National Animal Supplements Councils (NASC) Scientific Advisory Committee. hiltonherbs.com

Guy Franzi (left) and Wayne Blevins (right).

Wayne shoeing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Feeding for the horse rainer, breeder and farrier Wayne Blevins first experienced the positive effects of freshwater blue-green algae when he tried the supplement for himself. He felt it gave him more energy and mental clarity, so decided to see what it might do for his stallion in training. To his surprise, he found the horse seemed to make decisions more quickly. Even more interesting, when Wayne next trimmed the stallion’s hooves, he noticed the soles had a clear, plastic look to them. He began to spread the word to his clients, who in turn wanted to try blue-green algae on their own horses.

A new product is born In 1996, Wayne formed Gait And Lameness Evaluation (G.A.L.E. Inc.) for the purpose of studying and documenting gait with digital video. He also moved to El Dorado County where the horse population was abundant. It was around this time that he received a life-changing visit from Michael Saiber and Tamera Campbell.

They told him they were unhappy with the freeze-dried process for blue-green algae, the only form available at the time, and were harvesting and producing algae that was pure enough for human consumption without processing. They called it E3 Live.

Team effort Wayne, Michael and Tamera formed an alliance. Wayne started bottling and selling the product to other farriers and horse professionals, and G.A.L.E. Inc began documenting the results of E3 Live and E3 AFA in horse’s hooves through many useful testimonials, and more importantly, clinical case studies.

selling E3 Live. In 2005, they took on another partner, Guy Franzi. Guy was very interested in what his farrier (Wayne) had to say about algae and what it could do for horses. When Guy’s Arab mare developed a case of laminitis and he was told she would never be rideable again, he became a true believer in what good farrier work teamed with good nutrition could do. Guy fed his beloved mare an infusion of the live algae and within six weeks there was enough sole material that Wayne could make a rocker toed shoe and completely relieve the stress to the toe. Within another six weeks they were back on the trail. Today many barefoot trimmers are finding that when their clients feed The Perfect Horse™ E3 Live FOR HORSES, it gives them the quality of hoof material that enables them to keep horses on the trail without the necessity of shoes. Due to the success with his mare, Guy became a devoted working partner to the business and remains so to this day.

Guy’s experience in merchandizing, Jeannie’s long history in customer service and Wayne’s BA in Business and lifetime in the horse business came together to create what is now The Perfect Horse™ (E3 Live for horses) with Crystalloid Electrolyte Sea Minerals.

Around the turn of the 21st century, Wayne met and married Jeannie Blevins, who helped with the farrier business and

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Making rehab a

TTouch easier

Rather than attempting to influence the muscles, TTouch works with the nervous system and uses small, non-habitual movements to re-educate and remind the body of its potential function. by

Amanda Pretty

It’s devastating when a horse gets injured. Even minor injuries seem to take ages to heal, and then you’re dealing with the fear of re-injury, often accompanied by a sense of helplessness.

horses that seem fatigued, whether due to an injury, long trailer haul, endurance ride, or other physical exertion.

TTouch for rehabilitation You can achieve a great feeling of empowerment when you become actively involved in bringing your horse back into work through slow and mindful rehabilitation. Tellington TTouch techniques are simple and non-invasive, and can help reduce healing time, maintain mental and emotional well being, and properly bring the animal back into healthy function.

Tellington TTouch techniques are gentle enough to be used without creating discomfort in sensitive areas. They help increase and maintain circulation and functional posture.

Remember that TTouch is not massage. Rather than attempting to influence the muscles, TTouch works with the nervous system and uses small, non-habitual movements to re-educate and remind the body of its potential function. It also works to change postural habits and tension patterns in the body that may contribute to reoccurring injuries or result from compensation during periods of pain or discomfort.

The Python Lift Horses on long term stall rest are at an elevated risk of developing laminitis due to the lack of blood flow to the hoof. “Python Lifts” can be done on all four legs and are excellent in promoting circulation through the entire leg. They are equally useful for

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Python lift To do a Python Lift, begin by assessing how comfortable your horse is with having his legs touched. Place both hands on either side of the leg just below the elbow, and firmly but mindfully stroke down to the hoof. If the horse is initially hesitant or concerned with this, break down the exercise by using one hand or the back of your hands. Once he seems comfortable with this, you may begin the lifts.

Start with both hands cupping the leg, again just above the elbow. Inhale, and as you begin to exhale start to gently carry the tissue upward away from the pull of gravity.

Pause, and then slowly start carrying the tissue back down to the starting point. Slide your hands down one hand width, and continue the lifts and releases all the way down the leg to the ground.

The point is not to move the tissue as much as you can but to non-habitually move the tissue in an unfamiliar way. Initially, people often feel their horses do not like Python Lifts. Generally, once it is demonstrated on their own arms, they realize they used too much pressure and inadvertently squeezed the leg while lifting (it’s called the Python Lift, not the Boa Constrictor!).

This Lift can be done one-handed on any part of the body and is especially good around large joints such as the shoulder or along the vertebrae of the neck. It is also a great way to help swollen areas heal more quickly, as long as it is done very lightly and gently.

These simple Tellington TTouch tips can be added to any rehabilitation program!

Leg Circles As you start to bring your horse back into work, whether it’s handwalking or ridden work, “Leg Circles” (done carefully) can be an excellent way to begin opening the shoulder and releasing the pelvis and sacral area. Remember that Leg Circles are not meant to stretch out more movement, but to allow movement.

Think about showing your horse where his body can move rather than where its limitations are, which is essentially what happens when we really stretch. It is also imperative you realize that stretching yourself is very different from having someone else stretch your body for you, because you know how much is too much.

Foreleg circles

Hind leg circles

For Leg Circles on a foreleg, pick up the leg, supporting the fetlock joint with your inside hand and placing your outside hand on the wall of the hoof, keeping the pastern soft and the toe pointed down. Fold through your hips and bend your knees so your outside elbow can rest on your outside knee.

From your feet begin to circle the leg well within its comfortable range of movement, spiraling the leg in both directions to the ground.

For hind limbs, simply support the leg just below the hock with your inside hand, cup the hoof with your outside hand, and repeat the steps you used for the front leg.

Posture pointers One of the most important things to consider when bringing a horse through rehabilitation is fostering a

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healthy, functional posture – something that can be done any time you are interacting with him. Bodywork is incredibly useful, but unless you carry the relaxation and release into your horse’s movements, bracing patterns and postural habits will likely reoccur and negate much of its benefits.

Most people simply lead their horses without considering how they are affecting posture, and in turn, tension patterns.

Whenever you find yourself at the end of a lead, be sure to watch how you give your horse a signal and practice “mindful leading”.

Mindful leading Walk, stop and turn your horse in both directions a few times,

noticing head carriage, ease of movement, and footfall pattern.

Next time, take a moment to pause before asking your horse to walk forward. Many horses raise their heads slightly as they are signaled forward, which tightens the base of the neck, back and poll and puts them more on the forehand. Generally, when we give a signal to a horse, we do not consider the slight lag time needed for him to process the request and we inadvertently pull on him, unnecessarily triggering the “opposition reflex” and creating a bracing pattern. Remember that the signal has to travel from your brain, to your body, to the horse’s body, to his brain, and back to his body…so any time you give a signal, exhale and pause a moment before asking again. Given a slight pause, your horse will often respond to a single signal in the time it took you to previously give him multiple signals.

Stop and go If you have a flat halter and lead rope with a light snap, try clipping the lead to the side hardware on the halter rather than underneath. A signal from the side of the halter will often reduce the amount of jamming through the poll and encourage the head to lower.

•W hen asking for a walk, allow your hands to slide a few inches down the rope instead of keeping your hand tight to signal. This subtle slide will create a softer feel, reduce any bracing in the horse and encourage a lowering of the head.

•T o turn the horse towards you, try this same slide along the rope and rotate with your entire body rather than just pulling with your arm. Notice whether your horse is better able to bend through his entire body rather than just falling to the inside.

•T o turn your horse away, keep your body parallel to his nose, rather than the neck or shoulder. This may be further ahead Leading over poles with the bodywrap to improve proprioception.

NOTE:

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equine wellness

Think about showing your horse where his body can move rather than where its limitations are, which is essentially what happens when we really stretch. than you are used to being but it will allow you to guide him with your body language rather than having to push him over.

• For a halt, think about exhaling and signaling gently on the halter as you make a slight quarter turn towards the horse. Try to walk into the halt rather than just stopping your feet abruptly so you can help keep the horse straight instead of inadvertently bending him towards you and creating crookedness. For some horses, a dressage whip brought slowly towards the chest as you halt will encourage a rebalance through the entire body and allow a release through the topline instead of a retraction of the head and neck. Be sure your hand closest to the horse does not pull back constantly. Many handlers accidentally pull out of habit, which actually puts horses more on the forehand, triggering the opposition reflex. If you use an “ask, release”, or a more upward signal to stop, you may have a better response with less brace.

Advancing your rehab program Once you have mastered mindfully leading so your horse can seamlessly transition back and forth without going into a bracing posture, you may choose to add simple poles to walk over, cones to bend around, or hand walk him up and down slight inclines as he improves. Another useful tool would be the addition of a TTouch BodyWrap, as described in the July/ August 2012 issue of Equine Wellness.

These are only a few of the dozens of TTouch exercises suitable for rehabilitation. Linda Tellington-Jones’ Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training describes all these methods in detail, with photos, and is available through ttouch.ca.

Rehabilitation takes time, but these simple exercises can increase healing time and gently and effectively improve physical function. Being aware of your horse’s patterns of tension and movement will help you become better able to assess and influence his progress back into work, and sustain function to prevent future injuries.

Amanda Pretty is a Tellington TTouch P3 and Connected Riding Practitioner. She teaches workshops and trains horses at The Icelandic Horse Farm. intouchwithyourhorse.com

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Equine Wellness

Resource Guide • Associations • Barefoot Hoof Trimming • Equine Shiatsu

• Equine Naturopathy • Integrated Therapies • Massage

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

• Saddle Fitters • 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.

Better Be Barefoot Lockport, NY USA Phone: (716) 432-2218 Email: sherri@betterbebarefoot.com Website: www.betterbebarefoot.com

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

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

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• Thermography • Yoga

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

Heart n’ Sole Hoof Care Jennifer Reinke - PHCP El Segundo, CA USA Phone: (310) 713-0296 Email: HeartnSoleHoofCare@gmail.com Website: Serving Los Angeles County 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

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

Liberated Horsemanship Trimming Instructor

Serving Long Island, NY

Danny Thornburg Shelby, AL USA Phone: (205) 669-7409

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

Dino Fretterd - CEMT Norco, CA USA Phone: (818) 254-5330 Email: dinosbest@aol.com Website: www.dinosbest.info Dr. Bonnie Harder - AANHCP Ogle, IL USA Phone: (815) 757-0425 Email: drbonniedc@hbac4all.com Website: www.holisticbalanceanimalchiro.com

Servicing the central Florida area and willing to travel.

JT’s Natural Hoof Care AANHCP Certified Practitioner & Instructor Scottsdale, AZ USA Phone: (480) 560-9413 Email: jonatom3h@yahoo.com Kel Manning, CP, Field Instructor, NTW Clinician Knoxville, TN USA Phone: (865) 579-4102 Email: naturalhoofcare@me.com

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: EquineWellnessMagazine.com

EW Wellness Resource Guide Continued WITH OUTLINES

Kimberly Ann Jackson - LH & AANHCP Calabassas, CA USA Phone: (818) 522-0536 Email: KAJ@kimberlyannjackson.com Website: www.kimberlyannjackson.com

Equine Naturopathy

Serving Ontario - York Region

Serving Agoura to San Diego

NORMAL TEXT

Lone Pine Ranch Bruce Goode, AANHCP Practitioner Vernon, BC Canada Phone: (250) 545-6948 Email: lonepinehorse@yahoo.com Website: Non-invasive natural hoof care Custom hoof boot fitting services

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

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

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

Saddle Fitters

Certified Naturopath & Master Herbalist

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

www.WellRanch.com

Serving Shasta & Tehama County

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

integrated therapies Schools and trainning

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 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

thermography

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

massage

Serving Eastern Ontario, Ottawa Valley

Equine Shiatsu

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

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

yoga Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

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

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: EquineWellnessMagazine.com

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offers more than just physical benefits to you and your horse.

I

Body, mind & sou l

Yoga

By Linda Guanti, CYI f you have a body you can do yoga – yes, it is all you need.

So wouldn’t it make sense that yoga can be for horses too?

In fact, horses already practice yoga; animals, unlike humans, generally live with an acute awareness of their bodies, since it’s necessary for survival.

Yoga has existed for thousands of years. Ancient yogis developed the asanas (poses) when they realized the need for a healthy body in order to sustain long hours of stillness in meditation. This ancient tradition of mind-body connection has been medically recognized and proven in modern times.

– when we limit what we do with them they adjust themselves to accommodate, whether good or bad. A good yoga practice will reintroduce and strengthen the movements your body needs to become whole and balanced again.

Humans take horses and create environments for them, just as we do ourselves. These environments may not fully allow them to use their minds and bodies in they way they would choose.

When I realized the numerous positive effects of yoga on my life, it was only natural for me to extend it to my horses too.

Bringing awareness to ourselves through yoga can only benefit our interactions with horses, and sharing yoga with a horse can make that interaction even more special.

Good for

physical fitness

Yoga has you moving and holding your body in different ways than you normally would. Our bodies are amazingly designed

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equine wellness

Top - An arch with a lateral neck stretch for the horse.

Above - A lunge for you, a stretch for him.

Before starting any stretches, be aware of how warmed up both your own and your horse’s

bodies are. If muscles are cold, take things slowly, and do not push beyond reasonable outcomes.

When horses are limited in their daily lives – for example, by standing in a confined area for a long time – their bodies will also begin to adjust and accommodate. If we can realize this, we can be careful to try and provide a way to alleviate this imbalance; for instance, by making sure they are warmed up adequately for a ride, or turned out in a bigger area for a reasonable time. Equine stretches can be of added benefit, both from the ground and under saddle.

There are numerous internal physiological benefits that occur as well. Yoga helps to balance our internal systems, leading to more optimum function and overall well being. The equine internal system is well known for being quite sensitive. Strength of internal systems is imperative.

How does yoga

benefit the mind?

The practice of yoga has psychological benefits. Our mindbody connection increases; or, if you will, our somatic and kinesthetic awareness increases. Mood, concentration, attention, learning efficiency, sense of well being and social skills are enhanced. Things like anxiety, depression and

hostility decrease. Don’t these sound like states you would like for your horse as well as yourself?

In yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system dominates. We are then able to calm the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the “fight or flight” response. Our sympathetic system is often overstimulated by daily stresses that affect our breath, blood flow and hormones. This “fight or flight” response is about survival, and the body sacrifices itself in many ways because it believes it is under attack and an immediate reaction is necessary. Our bodies are not meant to remain in this state for long periods of time. Yoga encourages the engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn helps the body back into balance, and to heal. When you take a step back from your initial “fight or flight” reactions, your thoughts and beliefs are challenged. Taking the time to really feel your body and find control of your breath helps you realize when you do or do not need the sympathetic nervous system to take over.

Horse people are all too familiar with the “fight or flight” response. We already consistently work with horses in all sorts of ways to help them gain control over their sympathetic

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49

Linda in the Triangle Pose, with the horse in a bow.

nervous systems. We expose them to many different things, try to recognize when they are in pain or uncomfortable, and to understand their limitations and potential. Performing horse stretches can be another tool to add to your relationship with your horse.

ouls?

And our s

The soul is not far behind once all these other benefits come together. With awareness and balance in body and mind, the soul is free to flourish. In the presence of horses, this is even more apparent and spectacular.

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.

50

equine wellness

W hen horses are limited in their daily lives – for

example, by standing in a confined area for a long time, their bodies will also begin to adjust and accommodate.

When I guide yoga with horses, it’s about sharing what feels good for both equine and human. Sometimes the person is assisting the horse with a stretch, and other times the horse is assisting the person. When or if the time is right, both horse and human are stretching together. Yoga practice brings awareness to your own imbalances as well as your horse’s. You gain a new appreciation for how you might be affecting your horse when you’re riding, or what your horse may need in order to support his imbalances.

If you haven’t yet tried yoga, I encourage you to do so. If you have tried it but decided it’s not for you, I encourage you to try again. Try more than one style or class. A certain style or instructor will resonate with you. It may take a few different classes for you to discover this, but when you do it will be well worth it. All the benefits discussed above – and more – await you and your horse.

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

Linda Guanti is a certified She discovered yoga after

yoga instructor based out of

Pemberton, BC.

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

Green Acres

By Clay Nelson

I

f asked to recall the classic features of a horse barn, you might begin by describing the long center aisle that greets you as you open the door, or the cupola perched atop the roof. One item not likely to make your list is a solar array mounted on the barn’s roof.

Horse farms make great candidates for solar power. Barns offer plenty of roof space to mount a solar array. If the roof is not ideally oriented to capture sunlight (with a clear, southern view), there is usually an open area on the farm where you can install a ground-mounted solar array.

Tied in to the grid Howard and Nancy Plemmons, owners of a small, five-acre horse farm, recently installed such a system on open land adjacent to their barn. They took advantage of state and federal tax incentives that covered 65% of the cost of the solar array. They also receive a monthly check for the energy generated by the system that is fed back into the grid. “While the income from our solar array is certainly nice,” notes Howard, “the non-monetary value of being part of the green energy movement is even more rewarding.”

Husband and wife Austin Holland and Liselle Batt recently purchased 122 acres to build their horse farm. With the house and barn located a half-mile from the nearest public road, connecting to the energy grid would have been an expensive proposition.

Instead, they chose to invest in an off-grid system to provide 100% of the electricity needs for their home and barn. “The offgrid solar system we built is probably about 20% more expensive than conventional electricity would have been, assuming no change in the cost of electricity over time,” estimates Liselle.

“However, we consider the added expense worth the nonmonetary benefits of energy independence and clean energy use.”

The stories above are just a few examples of horse farms that have made the switch to clean, renewable energy. As green energy technology continues to improve, solar panels may soon replace the cupola as one of the most distinctive features of the classic horse barn roof.

Find more information about these and other green projects on horse farms across North America at horsekeepingatlas.com.

Grants and tax incentives:

Chad Ray of Ray Family Farms agrees. A proponent of green energy, Chad received two grants to help pay for the installation of a solar array on the roof of his horse barn. Chad estimates the array provides enough energy to power about a third of the farm’s daily energy needs – not bad considering the large size of his operation.

Independent energy The solar arrays described above are both examples of gridtied systems, meaning these farms are still connected to the energy grid. For some horse farm owners, however, the sun’s rays may be the only thing keeping the lights on.

In the U.S. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), dsireusa.org USDA Rural Energy for America Program, rurdev.usda.gov/Energy.html In Canada Canada Energy Grants, canadaenergygrants.com Natural Resources Canada, nrcan.gc.ca/energy/renewable/1580

Clay Nelson

specializes in the planning, design and management of

sustainable equestrian facilities. and

SustainableStables.com.

Learn

more at

HorsekeepingAtlas.com

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Last

resort by

Marilyn Gilligan

Micky, a retired driving horse in his early 30s, is rehabbing from founder.

Rehabbing any lame horse can be a challenge, but those challenges often become compounded with age. Here are some things to take into consideration with your elderly equine.

“I

got your name from a friend,” says my caller. “The vets and farriers have tried everything, but my 15-year-old gelding is still lame. Can you help?”

My heart sinks. Much of my career in trimming has been like this: I only get the call when all avenues have been tried and the horse is about to be euthanized. In my heart of hearts, I suspect not much can be done, but I always at least return the call and try to do the best I can for these horses.

Wishful

thinking

Let’s backtrack a bit here. When I was first initiated into the barefoot world I was assured that all ills could be cured with

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the proper trim. Just put all to rights and the horse would be fine. Oh, if it only worked that way!

Jake was my first founder right out of the chute. He was 27 when I met him, and had lymphangitis. Both front coffin bones were through the sole. With Jake, I learned the hard way that with serious bone deterioration you can only do so much. His coffin bone was so deformed I had to trim him every two weeks. Why, you may ask?

Because as the hoof wall grows past where the coffin bone is, it has nothing left to attach to and wanders off.

So in order to keep the good attachment to what bone he had left, I had to maintain a very exact trim. When Jake’s

pasture buddy passed on, he stayed with me until he was in his mid-30s – I loved that horse!

Function over

beauty

I now ask a battery of questions before undertaking any horse, including his age, job, lifestyle (I do not trim any horses that are stall kept) and his current level of soundness. Once I know the horse’s circumstances – and his owner’s – I can formulate a plan for him. I have the highest hopes for those that live 24/7 in a herd. Even if I cannot help develop a “beautiful” foot, I can generally make a serviceable, functioning foot.

To shoe or

not

to

shoe

Shoes, especially those with clips, can cause bone loss and deformation as well as many other problems for the horse, which can result in loss of good circulation to the foot.

Even if I cannot help develop a “beautiful” foot, I can generally make a serviceable, functioning foot.

Toad belonged to a good friend of mine. She’d had him for sale for quite awhile and could not sell him. I would ride him for her when she was away. He was shod all around with bar shoes behind to “fix” bad stifles. In my world, a horse with bad stifles can often be fixed just by lowering the heels. That said, when Toad would not sell, she sold him to me for a dollar (my favorite price). He had very odd clover-shaped walls on his fronts, so I had the vet take x-rays to see what was going on.

The x-rays clearly displayed a “dent” due to loss of bone from years of side clips. Toad’s stifles were declared sound within

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two months of his arrival. He went on to jump quite remarkably and is retired now at 21.

Are there ever times when it’s best to leave the shoes on? I think so. I met a wonderful gelding in his late 20s that was a fine harness driving horse as well as a three-phase competitor.

The hairline on his front feet was wider than the bottom of his hoof wall! In a normal healthy foot the bone diverges, becoming wider at the bottom. Seeing this horse, I told his owner that I could not in good conscience take his shoes off. He probably had so little coffin bone left that he would have been in quite a bit of pain without the restriction of circulation his shoes offered him.

Special trimming

considerations for elderly horses Now that you’ve met a few of my elderly friends, I have to say that trimming them can be quite the task. Any lame horse can be challenging to trim, but even moreso with age. Misshapen feet can cause quite a bit of remodeling in the joints, often in the form of sidebone, ringbone, hock spurs, etc. I find you

When to say NO

This is April. She is in her late 20s. Since starting to trim at this farm I have taken over all the horses except her. She is lame, underslung and flared (although it looks like she was just re-shod). As I travel forward in life, I am learning when to say no. These long term flat-footed horses often have shallow coffin bones due to demineralization. This is caused by undue stress.

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Jake had foundered to the point that both front coffin bones were through the sole.

must accommodate these horses or you get nowhere.

There has to be a level of trust – trust that if they really need their foot back they will get it. The other thing I will often do is trim their hind feet off the hoof stand. I know those arthritic joints hurt when they have to hold their legs up in a certain position for any length of time. I have learned to just tip the foot forward, leaving the toe resting on the ground, and to trim like crazy before the horse stands on it.

When working with older horses, due to the long term damage from shoes and/or lifestyles, there is often abscessing when healing takes place. I try very hard to trim minimally to stay away from this – if you work for smaller changes over the long term it can go easier for the horse.

Any lame horse can be challenging to trim, but even moreso with age.

Micky is in his early 30s, and is owner is also quite elderly and spunky. They did many a driving competition in their day and I love to hear her tell the stories. When I met Mickey, he was lame and foundering on all four. The picture on page 52 shows him one-and-a-half years into rehab. I think he was lame for almost three months after I met him, but then he never looked back. He is quite a character.

Since I have taken up trimming and rehabbing horses I have come into contact with some remarkable horses of all breeds, ages, temperaments and soundness levels. They all have something to teach me but I have to say, I particularly love the older ones!

The

10

CAN-AM celebrates

years

of education and entertainment

Canada’s longest running All Breed Equine show is moving to the Orangeville Event Centre for 2013.

Now in its tenth year, the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Emporium will run March 28 to 31 and provides something for people of all ages and disciplines.

• For young horse owners, Equi-Mania will offer their award-winning interactive and educational experience.

• For fans of The Road to the Horse, 2012 Champion Guy McLean will perform alongside former champion Stacey Westfall, and Canada’s own Jonathan Field.

• For buyers and collectors, the Great Can-Am Tack and Trailer Sale has retailers coming from North America with new and used trailers, tack and accessories for everybody.

• 35 top clinicians will be on hand in the Home Hardware Arena and seminar tents.

• For all, the RAM Parade of Breeds, showcasing ten top breeds and demonstrating Ontario’s world-caliber horse breeding programs.

• For kids, an Easter Egg Hunt takes place on Sunday along with an Easter church service.

Plan to spend the weekend at one of the many hotels, inns and B&Bs in Hills of the Headwaters Horse Country.

Details regarding admission prices, local accommodations, and clinician information are available at canamequine.ca

Marilyn Gilligan trims in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. She rehabbed a horse named Juneau at age 17 – this horse went on to compete to Grand Prix and is still showing at age 22. Marilyn trims a few hundred horses a month including endurance horses, show hunters, foxhunters, gaited horses, dressage competitors, eventers and everything in between. zelbug@aol.com

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by

Liam Killen

!

Want more exposure for your equestrian business or organization? Give these three social media tools a try.

he days of marketing your business solely through the phone book, word of mouth or local newspapers are over. At least they are if you want to attract the new generation of web-smart equestrians!

The new equestrian generation This new breed of equestrian has grown up with the internet and expects 24/7 access to information, entertainment, shopping and news. They can compare and contrast goods and prices at the click of a mouse and spend hours doing so in search of the hottest item or a bargain, making the internet their first port of call. And let’s not be ageist: 56% of over-70s in the UK have the internet at home, according to National Statistics. With increased media coverage of social networking sites, we are seeing an increase in the number of silver surfers making the most of them.

If you’re not on the web, these potential customers are lost.

If you are, the good news is that it has made marketing your business to web-smart equestrians really straightforward, thanks to social networking sites. In the beginning, people thought of these sites as a narcissistic way for those who had too much time on their hands to inform others about the mediocrity of their lives. Not the case! Used intelligently, they can become a key marketing tool.

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Anyone can do it!

Social networking sites, used in parallel with an up-to-date and engaging website, give you the power to reach out directly to new stakeholders and add a whole new personal dimension to organizations. You can also use them to show your business or organization’s allegiances. By responding to events that happen in the equine news arena, you can come out with a reaction or opinion that can enhance your brand position. Social networking sites really work for getting your name and brand out there, and creating a buzz about your business.

Different social networking sites require varying levels of technical knowledge. However, for the most part, you can get a great deal out of them without being a techie whizz-kid. The three I recommend for ease of use, results and level of equestrian use are Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Top three equestrian social media avenues F acebook has the largest following of any general networking site, and is by far the most user-friendly.

By “general networking” we mean sites where people create a profile, add information or photos about themselves, join networks (e.g. schools and clubs), and invite their friends to do the same.

With Facebook, you can add images, videos, testimonials, status updates and links. This is a great form of viral marketing because once someone has joined your business’s group, they can invite their friends to join and share your content with their own networks.

Twitter is a stripped-down version of Facebook.

It lets users add status updates called “Tweets”, each consisting of no more than 140 characters. As businesses continue to invest in their constantly evolving brand story, conversation enablers like Twitter have become integral. Twitter is not for everyone, but for a targeted niche like equestrian businesses it’s got massive potential!

The majority of equestrian organizations use Twitter to keep people updated on competition dates, new developments and promotions. It’s a really simple format, but do not underestimate its power; it’s one of the fastest growing social networking sites for business-to-business interaction.

YouTube lets users view, upload and share video clips and has become a formidable force on the web. YouTube’s bandwidth costs were estimated at approximately $1 million US per day, and that was in 2009. It’s great for video blogging and demos. You can embed YouTube videos into your website, keeping your hosting costs down and enabling cross-marketing – creating your own TV channel.

The whole idea of social networking is to keep your endeavors updated regularly to ensure your followers are kept interested, and to attract new followers. This is where the potential for “buzz” occurs around your brand. It can lead to many people linking to your site and spreading the word – great for your brand and search engine optimization.

Gauging impact You can measure the impact of social media on your site’s traffic by linking your site to Google Analytics. This generates a number of really clever reports letting you know how many times your site has been visited, how they got to your site (directly, via search engines or referrals), how long they stayed on your site, their location, and so on. Make sure you have links from your website to your social networking sites – get the traffic going both ways.

Social networking sites should be exactly that – social – and never a chore. Finding your feet can be quite an enjoyable experience and once you’ve built up your network it will become second nature. Enjoy!

Liam Killen Awards, set

is the director of the up in

2010

PagePlay Equestrian Social Media

to reward equestrian organizations for enriching

the online world for horse lovers everywhere. Nominations for the 2013 ESMAs opened on December 10, with the finalists being announced soon.

Find out more at equestriansocialmediaawards.com.

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book and dvd reviews TITLE: Beyond the 9 Points of Saddle Fitting WITH: Jochen Schleese, CMS, CSFT, CEE Jochen Schleese has a passion for educating horse owners, riders and professionals about the importance of proper saddle fit. This educational DVD begins with his own powerful experiences with the consequences of ill-fitting saddles – the horse he’d qualified for the 1984 European eventing championships was unable to compete due to a mystery lameness later discovered to have been caused by a poor-fitting saddle. This experience started Jochen on a journey to becoming the youngest master saddler in Europe.

Beyond the 9 Points of Saddle Fitting is an extension of the collection of video clips offered on YouTube and the Schleese website. The DVD thoroughly explains the signs of poor saddle fit, and how to clearly check and identify any potential problems with the fit of your horse’s saddle.

PRODUCER: Padma Video

TITLE: Spirit Horses PHOTOGRAPHER: Tony Stromberg Tony Stromberg is well known for his powerful photographs of horses. Spirit Horses contains 140 stunning images, accompanied by thoughtful quotes and a forward by Linda Kohanov.

On his travels in Europe and the western US, Tony has captured visually intriguing moments of both domestic and wild horses in their element. The photographs remind us of the joys and beauty of freedom. In a time when we typically see horses in box stalls, paddocks, or performing under saddle, Tony takes us back to the horse’s raw natural state.

The imagery tugs at something deep inside us, encouraging us to offer our horses more of what they used to know.

Tony dedicates his book to “the horses, who for centuries have served and taught us without expectation for anything in return. They deserve to be loved, respected, and honored. Let them run free again. Let them no longer be faithful beasts, but let us embrace them as the true friends and profound teachers they are and have always been.”.

PUBLISHER: New World Library 58

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Marketplace

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

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Marketplace

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ADVERTISE DISTRIBUTE MAGAZINES SUBMIT STORIES

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equine wellness

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

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

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 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

Need money for your rescue?

Contact John@RedstoneMediaGroup.com

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

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 EQUINOLOGY – Offers international courses for professionals including certified Equine Body Worker - equine massage, anatomy, biomechanics, saddlefit, acupressure, equine dentistry, MFR and CST, taught by world-renowned Instructors. (707) 884-9963 equinologyoffice@gmail.com www.equinology.com 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 KINESIOLOGY 4 HORSES – Learn cutting edge Energy Medicine techniques to access your horse’s wisdom resolving behavioural, emotional, physical, dietary and other issues effectively and quickly. Classes with handson skills for horses and humans. www.K4horses.com

WANTED

Western U.S. Advertising Sales Manager. Send resume to publisher@redstonemediagroup.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.

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Events EQ900: Equine Anatomy Discovery Workshop: Clay & Hands On February 12-20, 2013 – Calgary, AB Using bones, models, visuals, books, handouts, reference material and of course our signature painted horse. Students will work in teams of two, building the muscles on models at a comfortable pace, researching each muscle as the building progresses with course instructor Debranne Pattillo.

For more information: (707) 884-9963 equinologyoffice@gmail.com www.equinology.com/info/course. asp?courseid=19

Scottsdale Annual Arabian Horse Show February 14-24, 2013 – Scottsdale, AZ In its 58th Year, this Arabian show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world.

For more information: (480) 515-1500 info@scottsdaleshow.com www.scottsdaleshow.com

EQ106: Equinology Equine Body Worker Review Course February 22-24, 2013 – Petaluma, CA This three day course allows the Equinology student to just concentrate on and review the original EEBW course. Those participating who have not completed the EEBW externship will be eligible to turn in the EEBW externship for certification.

For more information: (707) 884-9963 equinologyoffice@gmail.com www.equinology.com/info/course. asp?courseid=62

Healthy Happy Horses Hands-on Equine Education Workshop February 23, 2013 & March 3, 2013 – Erin, ON You will find education on topics such as: • Pasture & Manure Management • Horse Health Check • Whole Horse Hoof Care • Sustainable Equine Practices For more information: Bridget Ryan (519) 855-4562 equineerin@gmail.com www.equineerin.com

Illinois Horse Fair March 1-3, 2013 – Springfield, IL

Horsefest March 22-24, 2013 – Springfield, MO

At this 24th annual event you will find clinics, demonstrations and over 140 commercial vendors open for the entire day. Tickets are now available and children under the age of 8 may enter for free when accompanied by an adult.

This years’ equine event includes respected clinicians such as Julie Goodnight as well as other equine entertainment. There will be something for everyone at this fun 3 day event!

For more information: (217) 529-6503 HCI@horsemenscouncil.org www.horsemenscouncil.org/HorseFair/

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo – Holistic Horse Fair March 8-10, 2013 – Denver, CO

For more information: (620) 421-9450 farmtalk@terraworld.net www.horsefest.net

Can-Am Equine All Breeds Emporium March 28-31, 2013 – Orangeville, ON

Can-Am is Canada’s largest Equine education and recognition Event. This year features appearances by Guy McLean (2012 Road to the Horse Champion), Jonathan This year you will find a new “Mane Event” and “Cowboy Trails” in the evenings on Friday Field (2012 Road to the Horse Finalist) and Stacy Westfall, the only female winner of and Saturday. As well this year the expo will be featuring Julie Goodnight. Her background Road to the Horse. varies from dressage and jumping to racing For more information: and reining and much more.

(416) 587-0003 rmillar@bell.net For more information: www.canamequine.ca (303) 292-4981 expo@rockymountainhorseexpo.com www.rockymountainhorseexpo.com

Road to the Horse March 15-17, 2013 – Lexington, KY Road to the Horse is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines education and entertainment for an all out horsemanship experience. Don’t miss this year’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Party!

For more information: (325) 736-5000 www.roadtothehorse.com

Western Fair District – All Equine Show March 15-17, 2013 London, ON Existing and potential “equine parents” will be coming to the show with a keen interest in horse nutrition, health, services, and breed information. The interactive nature of the show will encourage attendees to actively participate by getting close to the animals, speaking with breeders and product experts, and watching live competitions and demonstrations.

Feature Guest Clinician – Doug Mills www.westernfairdistrict.com (800) 619-4629

All About Pets Show featuring Ontario’s Mane Event March 29-31, 2013 Toronto International Centre – Toronto, ON The newest feature! Ontario’s Mane Event is a “Show within a Show”, boasting an equestrian showcase with a dedicated exhibition hall.

Live demonstrations daily with respected industry leaders and experts providing wellness, conditioning and fitness, training methods, equipment and nutrition tips. www.allaboutpetsshow.com info@allaboutpetsshow.com (877) 340-7387

CHA Standard Instructor Certification Clinic with Heidi Potter April 1-5 2013 – Buxton, ME These 5-day clinics are hosted by CHA accredited host site facilities and are designed for instructors who want to become CHA Certified. This particular clinic will be held at Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center.

For more information Stephanie Keene (207) 929-4700 hnhtrc@roadrunner.com www.heidipotter.com

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

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