Newsletter-XV
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Edition XV |
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Hi Welcome to this month’s HorseConscious Newsletter. Typical British early summer weather we’re having here at the moment as I am in the UK this week. On Sunday and Monday, it was so hot that us Brit’s were turning a very fetching bright crimson colour after 10 minutes in the sun and today it’s about 15 degrees cooler and raining. Par for the course. How’s your month been? Thank you to everyone who completed the 1 question survey from last month about your biggest horse problem, the answers were very interesting and revealing. Let me list some of them here (in no particular order):
Do any of these ring any bells for you? There were several instances of people mentioning the same issues, so there obviously are some common themes. In order for us to get an even fuller picture, if you didn’t get chance to tell us your thoughts last month, we invite you to share this month by answering the following question: What is your 1 biggest horse, horse handling or horse training problem? It is just 1 box requiring a 1 sentance answer, so we’d love to hear from you. Thanks! Would you like to better understand how your energy centers (chakras) profoundly affect your relationship with your horse (and all your relationships)? Starting in June, Kathy Pike will be holding 2 very special teleclasses on the subject. What you will gain from these two classes:
The first is on June 16th and will cover the philosophy and understanding of the chakra system and exploration of the dynamics of the first, second and third centers (grounding, emotional agility and power) with steps required to integrate balance and harmony for both human and horse. The second is on July 1st and will look at the dynamics of the fourth through seventh chakras (spiritual bridge, sound as communication, physic abilities, and knowing), how to integrate and balance, and how to achieve higher levels of invisible connection and union with your horse through the right use of your energy system and field. This will be perfect for those of you who struggle to get centered and focused when working with your horse, especially when trying to adjust from your probably frantic life outside of time alone with your horse. The classes are called The 7 Centers of Connection and are priced at just $12.95 for both classes together (free to HorseConscious Members). There will be limited slots available as we will be opening the lines up so you can ask your questions live to Kathy. To reserve your place, go to Kathy Pike’s Chakra Class without delay
I think that about wraps it up for another month. I do hope you enjoy these newsletters and we would love to hear your feedback on the HorseConsciousCommunity Forum So, until next month, all best wishes to you and your four-legged friends |
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The quilt will be sent to KY this month, where it will be prepared to be exhibit August 13 – November 16, 2010 during the World Equestrian Games. Kentucky will host the World Equestrian Games in 2010, the first time the games have been held outside of Europe. In keeping with this event the National Quilt Museum is holding a juried exhibit of quilts about and/or depicting horses in early fall of 2010. Special guest artist for this exhibit will be Shirley P. Kelly of Colden, NY. For more information visit, http://quiltmuseum.org/exhibits_future.htm |
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Yesterdays Thoughts have created your present, Today’s Thoughts are creating your future |
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A QUESTION OF GRASSES by Joe Camp Author and horseman Joe Camp recently held his very first Teleworkshop from his new digs in TN and the subject turned to spring grasses and how wild horses cope with something backyard horseowners deal with every year. As the conversaton drifted from the importance of diet in barefoot horses, it took and interesting turn. Over to Joe…… "The minute the snow melts enough to get up there the horses head for that beautiful huge pasture on top of the mountain, staying there for most of the Spring, Summer, and early Fall. So I asked Eddie Drabek (natural hoof specialist and one of our workshop guests last Saturday): What’s the difference? If Spring grasses are not supposed to be good for horses, then how do these mustangs get by. How do they deal with it. To our knowledge none of them have ever foundered because of the Spring/Summer grasses. Eddie’s answer was, I thought, brilliant. And loaded with super information and analysis and a road map for us all to travel. Please read it, from the perspective of your own current situation (the underlines and parentheses are mine): Joe – This is something I remember Pete discussing…is it the horses or is it the grass? Or both? Without more research of the horses andthe grasses it’s hard to say for sure but we can speculate… Is it Grasses? — In the wild they are native grasses…and unstressed grasses (typically, of course I realize there are times of drought or what not, but typically grasses left in their natural state handle such things quite well anyway. Grasses going through the natural cycle they are meant to go through. Never mown down (other than naturally grazed over time each year), not overwatered, pesticides or fertilized, or encouraged to grow in a season they aren’t meant to, etc. It’s not just one sort of rich lush "improved" grass like all Bermuda or what not. It’s a mix. The horses have CHOICE. I wonder, is the wild area very lush and thick (it pretty much is, at least more so than I would’ve expected) or is it still for the most part (compared to many domestic pastures) fairly scattered grasses which would help slow grazing and create more browsing…which helps the digestive system handle things more efficiently. Some native species of the grasses may be richer, some not hardly at all…do these "non-rich" or grasses with lower starches/sugars perhaps "cut" the sugar of the richer grasses? Longer blade grasses..unstressed grass….For instance every spring I see changes in my horses hooves…some rings, maybe lose a little concavity here and there. Not enough to make them sore (I keep my two founder prone ponies drylotted, they would show more damage) most would never notice, but the changes are there. We have nothing but bright green little nubs of "candy grass" as I call it, since the pasture is overgrazed…I have too many horses on too small of acreage, so not much I can do other than keep them penned up the majority of the time which I hate doing of course. I trim for a few clients that have large 40-50 acre pastures, just 4-5 horses with tall healthy grass though. A small few will show some changes and yes, I’ve had some founder cases (being fed hi-sugar grain too though!), but the majority have no problems, I believe due to the grasses being tall healthy and non stressed, thus lower starch/sugar. And typically on larger acreage there are a lot of native grasses, not all one type as in small paddocks. Or is it the Horses? — (This I, Joe, believe is hugely important) Mustangs start to drop weight in the fall typically, after getting a great weight during spring/summer. This is beneficial, as nature intended. They get lean after a hard winter with less forage, and what forage there is being dry and dormant. Then spring hits….horses are more able to handle spring grasses because they NEED this coming out of winter. Many of the mares are in final stages of pregnancy, they definitely need it to get ready for baby. If they started out being fat and chunky after winter and were put on the spring grass, this might be a much different scenario. Domestic horses don’t need the rich grasses to "come out of winter" the way a wild horse does, which is why it causes them issues. We keep them fed and fat through winter…panic if they do drop some weight. What’s worse…we still tend to feed them the same exact amount of grain/feed, alfalfa, etc. we were feeding through winter, PLUS now they are getting grass…I tell people all the time, if they are getting a lot of grass, you HAVE cut back on everything else (really probably need nothing else). But people still feed…asking them to quit feeding pellets or grain I’ve found is like asking them to give away their first born child, they look at you like you are plum crazy. Also, movement in the wild…despite being in "one area" the mustangs are still getting a lot of movement just by being in a herd interactive environment (more so than a domestic herd situation even). This helps I am sure…. They aren’t being confined, have good firm ground ( they aren’t living on soft shaving or arena sand part of their day), aren’t getting grains, sweet feeds, or alfalfa, etc. Then do we know their grazing habits (the wild horses)? Do they tend to slack off during the summer, not "gorge" so much when it gets really hot? Naturally/instinctively eat a little less when they may be stressed some due to heat? Possibly, I don’t know. Domestic horses,particularly those that are stalled during part of the night/day, tend to gorge a bit when let out on pasture, even when it’s baking hot. And their inner clocks are amazing…they know when it’s about time for them to be caught up and taken back to their pen or stall and they’ll begin to "gorge" when they know that time is coming. From summer heat and from less rain, grasses start drying out a bit by mid summer… By end of summer, when the grasses are probably getting to the point of possibly being overgrazed if this herd is staying fairly localized, it’s time for the grass to get that final "Fall Boost" where they get a little spring like for a short period (which is beneficial/natural for the Wild Horses and other grazing wild life to help prepare for winter and get a little extra pounds on)…and then start dying off/going dormant for winter…right when the horses start heading down the mountain… I would LOVE to study this, wish someone would…send in grasses and see how they differ from grasses in the typical domestic pasture situation…both spring grass and summer grass. See if there is even slight ripples in the hooves ever in some of the horses. See if their grazing habits change much from spring to summer. Nothing has changed more in natural hoof care than the diet info. The trim is the same, diet thoughts change each week it seems. For instance now many are questioning Soy and here this is what they hoped would be a safer alternative to alfalfa/corn based feeds. It is definitely something I wish more people would research…quit researching in the labs of Purina and Nutrena, and research extensively in the wild habitats…it would be fantastic what we learn I would imagine. – Eddie" Joe’s next Teleworkshop will be July 17, http://www.thesoulofahorse.com/Workshop2 To buy the book, click The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd For more about Joe and his horses, visit thesoulofahorse.com |
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"Horses…if God made anything more beautiful, He kept it for Himself." |
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RUTGERS’ YOUNG HORSE TEACHING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM A SUCCESS The Equine Science Center and Young Horse Teaching and Research Program are pleased to announce the results of the annual young horse auction. Despite unseasonably cold and rainy weather, a sizeable crowd, including 21 bidders attended the auction on Sunday, April 25 at the Round House on G. H. Cook Campus at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. All 12 of the young horse in the program were sold. This year, the Young Horse Teaching and Research Program had a unique slant; for the first time in its 11-year history, the YHTRP included mustangs. Throughout the fall 2009 and spring 2010 semester, students incorporated the mustangs into their research. The four mustangs, RU Rambling Rose, RU Canella, RU Casanova, and RU Marley, were extremely popular during the auction.
In previous years, the program led by Ralston, featured progeny of mares used in the production of pregnant mare urine for hormone replacement products. Ideally, Ralston’s objective was two-fold: to conduct research on nutritional growth needs and other equine research topics, and to promote draft cross horses as a valuable breed. Over the years, Dr. Ralston noted an increased acceptance of the draft crosses into a variety of disciplines. Ready to face a new challenge, Dr. Ralston decided to try her hand at researching another breed for the YHTRP, mustangs. "Mustangs are often misunderstood," said Ralston. "They have tremendous athletic potential and can be very well-behaved, as demonstrated during the auction. The students did a great job working with the mustangs throughout the fall and spring semester. I was extremely proud of both the mustangs and the students during the auction." Several of the young horses were sold to owners of previous YHTRP graduates. Other horses were purchased by the students who handled and trained them as part of the Young Horse Teaching and Research Program. For more information about the Annual Auction results or the Young Horse Teaching and Research Program, please visit http://younghorse.rutgers.edu or call Dr. Sarah Ralston at 732/932-9404 Press Release May 07 2010, Article # 16313, thehorse.com |
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SPRING GREEN: SPRUCING UP YOUR PASTURES Picture the perfect horse farm in your mind, and you probably envision contented horses grazing velvety green fields that roll away in every direction. When you visit an actual horse pasture, however, reality often includes manure piles surrounded by clumps of coarse grass; patches of bare dirt that show the beginnings of an erosion problem; a few muddy areas with poor drainage; and an amazing variety of healthy, vigorously growing weeds. Turning the reality into the dream is not impossible, but it does take a measure of time and effort. Naturally good Forage is an absolute requirement to keep the equine digestive tract functioning properly, and grasses and legumes can also contribute a significant percentage of the horse’s nutrient needs. Therefore, pasture management isn’t just about pretty fields; it’s mostly about ensuring steady development of young horses and continued health in mature animals. If landowners were not in a hurry and had plenty of financial resources, the best way to achieve those perfect paddocks would be to relocate the horses, remove existing vegetation, and establish the desired grasses and legumes "from the ground up." For most horse owners, however, this process is not practical because of limited turnout areas. The alternative–pasture renovation–is quicker, and the horses can usually be managed on part of the property while the rest undergoes improvement. While it may not be realistic to expect renovated pastures to look like golf courses or manicured lawns, proper management steps can improve almost any pasture. These steps still involve some time and expense, but the rewards–better nutrition for horses as well as an aesthetic benefit–are usually well worth the investment. What’s the first step? Renovating any pasture or turnout area begins with an assessment by a qualified professional who can walk the fields and make recommendations for improvement. An agricultural extension agent, agronomy specialist from a regional university, or knowledgeable feed mill employee is likely to be familiar with the soils, forage choices, and weather in a particular area. These individuals call on their experience to suggest steps that will have the best chance for success. Soil testing. Recommendations for pasture renovation are based to a large extent on replacing nutrients that may be missing in the soil. A soil test will indicate what needs to be added, and in what amount, to support strong plant growth. Samples should be collected from the top three to six inches of soil in several parts of the grazing area. If some pasture areas have different characteristics (ridge tops, steep slopes, and valley bottoms, for example), the soil will be distinct enough in each section so that separate samples should be collected and analyzed. Extension agents and feed mill personnel can advise on the exact sampling procedure and provide information as to where the samples should be sent for analysis. Application of lime and fertilizer. Results of a soil test indicate whether lime should be applied to bring soil pH readings to between 6.2 and 6.5, an ideal range for grass/legume pastures. Phosphorus and potassium should be maintained in the moderate to high range. Application of nitrogen is best done in the fall at a rate of around 30 to 40 pounds per acre and again at the same rate about six to eight weeks later. This schedule promotes growth and increased density of cool-season grasses as they begin to prepare for dormancy, supporting root development through the winter. Nitrogen generally should not be applied in the spring. Overgrowth of spring grass can lead to problems with colic, laminitis, and fescue toxicity, besides the obvious chore of having to mow fields earlier and more frequently. Weed control. Regular mowing of fields helps to keep weeds in check, but for heavy infestations of undesirable plants, herbicide application may be needed. The best times to apply herbicides are early spring or late fall, though some products are not effective in extremely cold weather when plants are dormant. It may be necessary to keep horses out of treated fields immediately after application of a herbicide. Landowners should carefully follow label directions when using herbicides, and should consult local agricultural extension agents or agronomists for recommendations on the best product and season for use. Water control. Areas of a pasture where water stands or runs require special measures. Though permanent streams enhance many pastures and ponds, allowing horses free access to these features can quickly lead to degraded banks and trampled waterside vegetation. It may be best to fence horses away from these water sources and provide water in tanks or automatic waterers. If a field contains areas where water stands or runs temporarily after storms, simple measures can eliminate problems with mud, mosquitoes, and washing of fertilizer and manure into streams. Filling low areas with additional soil is a start. Regrading larger areas may be necessary to channel runoff, and the installation of French drains (a combination of perforated pipe and gravel) just outside pasture fences will help keep fields dry. Seeding. Spreading the seeds of grasses or legumes seems like a simple way to improve pasture vegetation, but if it’s not done correctly, results can be disappointing. Things to consider include: Site preparation. Drag or harrow to break up manure piles. Mow or graze down existing grass to allow seeds to reach the ground and minimize seedling competition. Lightly disk pasture soil before seeding, or use a seed drill. Choice of grass or forage variety. For turnout areas that will mostly be simple exercise areas, select a hardy species that provides dense ground cover and holds up to heavy use. Pasture that is designed for grazing will need forages that provide maximal nutrition to the occupants. Legumes, with their nitrogen-fixing ability, offer the benefit of enriching the soil. Fescue carries the risk of serious toxicity for pregnant mares, but isn’t a threat to the average gelding or pleasure horse band. Grasses that look wonderful in Kentucky horse farm photographs may not be suitable for the temperatures and rainfall in another region. Local agricultural extension specialists can recommend the best grasses and legumes for a particular area, as well as the right time to sow seeds for optimal germination. Seed choice. Certified seed is more expensive but is guaranteed to be pure for the selected strain. Noncertified seed, with a certain portion of other weed and grass seeds mixed in, is less expensive but may reduce yield of the desired strain by up to 20%. Management after seeding. As much as possible, horses must be kept off newly seeded or renovated areas until the new plants are established. Keeping horses out of the pasture when the soil is extremely wet will minimize damage to plants and root systems. Other important management steps are regular mowing of weeds, rotation of pastures, and avoidance of overstocking. by: Kentucky Equine Research Inc. May 06 2010, Article # 16300 |
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‘One reason why horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other horses.’ |
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TO BE “DEWORMED” OR NOT TO BE “DEWORMED”? THAT IS THE QUESTION! I’ve been told, you have been told, and we have all been told that “all horses have worms.” Likewise, we have been told that if you don’t deworm your horse(s) EVERY 2-3 months you are a “bad” horse owner, right? Well perhaps no one actually called you bad – but you WERE shown all those horrible pictures of all those horrible worms and informed of all those horrendous consequences. Eventually you believed, I believed, we all believed! Fear and guilt are incredible tactics BUT notice I used the past tense believED! Why the change? For me it was merely a matter of just remembering the truth. I woke up from my guilt-like trance and remembered that way back when I first graduated from vet school all horses didn’t have worms. I remembered that way back before easy to use, convenient paste wormers were available, at the most, we dewormed twice a year. I also remembered that most veterinarians did a fecal check exam on horses each time before we treated them. If they didn’t have a positive test, we simply did not deworm! Exceptions were only the obvious need, like a “wormy” looking horse. Bottom line is many horses didn’t have worms then and many horses don’t now, either! So what changed along the way? Why is their so much indiscriminate deworming today? Has the change been good or bad for our equine friends? How about those daily “preventatives,” are they really the answer? Dewormers – The disease or the cure? If horses do have parasites, studies have shown that actually about two out of three horses will become reinfected in eight to ten weeks after deworming. When reinfected, those that initially had high numbers of eggs will continue to have high numbers. Those that had low numbers to begin with had low numbers later, too! So the parasites can be reduced with chemicals BUT they obviously just come back in “parasite prone” horses anyway. Could this be more of a genetictype resistance in the horse rather than effectiveness of dewormers? In my opinion, the more you give chemicals the weaker the horse becomes, with a consequent tendency for many more problems. Have you noticed all the horses with allergies today? How about all the horses with chronic lung problems? Why all of a sudden do horses have a problem from being exposed to the opossum (EPM) when the two, horses and the opossum, have co-mingled for millions of years. Could our horses be weaker today? Noticed more laminitis lately? How about colic? There are certainly other contributing factors such as overvaccination, improper nutrition, etc., but no doubt our horses are weaker today than they used to be. Many holistic oriented veterinarians, like myself, truly believe we are damaging our horses. As much as this absolutely makes sense to me it may still just be my opinion. But facts are facts and it is a fact that parasites are becoming resistant to dewormers. The literature actually is reporting considerable resistance to wormers. There is especially resistance to daily wormers. Notice a price drop lately in these products? This brings to my mind the question, How effective are these “daily” products if resistance is already present? The only product that doesn’t seem to have resistance problems YET in equine parasites is the “mectin” compounds. For goats however, it is a different situation – there is a lot of resistance to such. Deworming goats these days is quite difficult. There is nothing left to use! UK called me a few months ago because they had heard our product That Is The Question! By Dan Moore, The Natural Vet® Visit WormCheck.com for even more info! “Finally leading parasitoligists are calling for fecal exams too instead of "just deworming". Dr Dan has for over a decade. 27 our horses, too! A recent article in a major Equine health magazine stated “custom deworming programs based on consultation of a veterinarian and fecal exams of individual horses will help postpone drug abuse, and thus drug resistance by common parasites.” They went on to state a “looming disaster” if we continue deworming the way we do today. My feelings, exactly – we have a serious situation! “As needed” deworming, the answer! Now, I imagine I have your attention – less money! Let’s face it, saving money is important — especially when you have 30 or so horses like I do and especially when it is not much more difficult. The answer is simply to check a fecal sample first before you deworm. All it takes is a thimble full of manure. Your veterinarian can do it for you. Most usually charge $10 -$15. Do expect a little resistance because they, too, have been exposed to the same myth that “all horses have worms” for quite some time. Most have said it so much and haven’t checked in so long they too believe it as fact. Most likely they will try to just sell you a paste wormer. Yes, it may be cheaper at the moment – but what if you did have a naturally resistant horse that simply didn’t need deworming anyway? What if you had 10 of your 30 that didn’t have worms? How about if they NEVER had eggs in the fecal material? I think you could not only save money, but also have healthier horses and definitely have fewer resistant parasites in the future. I once stated in an article that resistant parasites would soon be wearing a coat of armor oblivious to everything! I can’t imagine trying to handle a real parasite problem under those circumstances. It is sort of like the antibiotic situation we will soon be facing if the “modern world” doesn’t wake up. The most “modern dewormer” today, Quest, will even kill your dog if he happens to get a hold of a little. How much stronger will they become? I want to offer another solution – if your veterinarian will not do fecals for you our lab will. It only costs $10 each. Another option is to collect “proof of purchase” stickers from our natural herbal paste, Worm Check™, and with each six, you will get one FREE fecal exam. That is putting our money where our mouth is! All it takes is a small quantity of fecal material mailed directly to our lab. You can use this free parasite exam to check either before you use the Worm Check™ paste, or any other dewormer for that matter, or to test for effectiveness afterwards. Worm Check™ is an allnatural combination of several herbs that is proving effective on all species of parasites. Technically, however, Worm Check ™ is not a dewormer but an herbal supplement in paste form. We have not proven it effective against bots because we have to kill the horse(s) to determine this – I just can’t do that! The best time to check for effectiveness after deworming with any product is 2-3 weeks. If you have a horse with a large number of eggs it should be checked and dewormed regularly, as needed. These “shedders” are the real problem on most farms. New horses entering your farm should ideally be isolated for several days and checked prior to putting them into the group. Any horse showing clinical signs of parasite problems, i.e. that “wormy looking” horse, should always be examined by your veterinarian. There are some stages of parasites that just don’t show up in a fecal exam, regardless. Which horses generally need deworming and which don’t? As we have stated, those that have worms need it and those that don’t, do not, but there are a few general guidelines to follow. Young horses are more prone to problems associated with parasites, particularly roundworm impactions, whereas older horses are usually immune to round worms and other species, too, for that matter. It is extremely important to check fecals on any horse under 3 years of age often, especially yearlings – these I suggest monthly or at least every other month. “Rather than just deworming by the calendar, it is our responsibility to look at each situation…I assure you it will even be cheaper.” Visit WormCheck.com for even more info! 2828 A few horses on a large pasture would seldom have a problem because horses seldom pick where they have gone to the bathroom if they have enough room. This selective grazing is why wild horses seldom have a problem with parasites. Even horses in 12 X 12 stalls would seldom have a problem if the stalls were picked daily. Get the picture? Crowding is usually the culprit, and the obvious stress associated with it. Other important factors are time of year and where you live. The climate is a major factor in whether or not parasite eggs even develop into a transmissible state. Worms would not likely be a problem in a dry, hot area whereas if the season is warm and moist you might be more concerned. A really cold winter would put a damper on the problem, too. Another potential problem situation might be a horse that has been on a daily wormer most of his life. This horse would never have had the opportunity to develop any natural resistance. Also, it is easy to develop a false sense of security with these products and just never check them. Don’t make that mistake – remember these classes of dewormers are the type that most parasites do develop resistance to. That is why so many of the newer “generic” ones are 2X, or twice the strength. One more note about such daily products: if you buy a new horse always ask the “daily wormer” history. Sudden exposure to a wormy environment with no resistance could be disastrous. Our horses’ future is in our hands. I don’t expect a lot of change – old habits and old myths are hard to put to rest. I also know I am not making many friends in the “drug” world – but then again my interest is our equine friend, not to “win and influence friends.” It is up to us – you and me. If I knew something was wrong and didn’t do anything about it, well….. that would even be a greater problem. Most people just don’t know. So…. Will you help me tell them? I do ask you to consider checking fecal exams first before you deworm. Consider too, the consequences if you deworm indiscriminately! Most importantly, start asking questions. A good question to begin with would be “is that drug or chemical really necessary?” By Dan Moore, The Natural Vet |
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‘There is a touch of divinity even in brutes, and a special halo about a horse, |
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FLORIDA ANTI-SLAUGHTER BILL BECOMES LAW Anyone who slaughters a horse and sells its meat for human consumption in Florida now faces criminal felony charges under a new measure signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist on May 14. HB 765 prohibits the mutilation or killing of any horse, and forbids the transport, distribution, sale, and purchase of horsemeat for human c The new law responds directly to a series of horse poaching incidents in south Florida, where the butchered remains of more than 22 horses were discovered in Miami-Dade and Broward counties last year. Criminal cases connected to those incidents remain pending. Jeannette Jordan, president of the South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the new law sets Florida apart from other states that are eager to embrace the horse processing industry. "It says Florida is a horse-friendly state," she said. The Florida legislation was among several bills on the subject of horse slaughter considered by lawmakers in several states this year. A Wyoming bill (HB 122) that allows state livestock authorities to process abandoned horses and sell their meat to prisons and other state institutions, became law in March. Meanwhile, in Missouri, HB 1747, a bill that would establish horse processing plant operation and meat inspection regulations was tabled in a Senate committee. However, language from that bill was later incorporated into SB 795, an omnibus agriculture bill. Members of a joint House and Senate Conference Committee later stripped the horse processing language from that bill. Similar bills in Tennessee and Illinois were put on hold. Illinois HB 4812 to repeal that state’s prohibition against horse processing for human consumption was withdrawn from a state House floor vote and returned to committee for further study. Tennessee’s HB 1428 establishing licensing, inspection, operational regulations, and fees for horse processing plants in that state was also redirected for further study. by: Pat Raia May 18 2010, Article # 16364 |
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‘The journey is the reward.’ - Chinese Proverb |
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NEW ARTICLES ON HORSECONSCIOUS
Created by horseman Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling himself, this video shows in sensitive images the softness in dealing with nature in general. Wonderful, ballad-like guitar music (performed by Klaus himself). To view the video and read articles by Klaus, visit Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling on HorseConscious |
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Equine Apothecary™ – Sandra Wallin Traditionally an apothecary has been thought of as a medial practitioner, a sage and My horse Grace is such a healer. Chiron’s her apprentice. I have watched Grace dispense her gifts with mastery, carrying a child with autism to a place of calm interconnection, teaching a bruised woman how to create and maintain healthy boundaries, evoking soothing tears after the death of a loved one, and breathing deeply into recently diagnosed cancer. To read the compete article and more of Sandra’s articles, visit Sandra Wallin on HorseConscious |
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T.L.C Training – Welcome to a day when your horse greets you at the gate with a rolling nicker, excited to see you, and invites you to ride. Welcome to a place where the two of you converse in the unique, silent language of your equine companion. Welcome to the world of a highly motivated individual; sharing mutual respect, understanding and enjoyment, naturally, and on a regular basis. To watch the video and read some of Anna’s articles, visit Anna Twinney on HorseConscious |
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‘Still dark I dream horse galloping across my chest. I reach and fold my arms around deep black sky.’ |
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SUMMER READING LIST To purchase the book, click
To purchase the book, click: |
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NEW ON VIDEO
Say good-bye to frustration, struggle, confusion, misunderstanding, flaring tempers, fear and anxiety for both you and your horse. Instead, welcome to a new way of thinking, a new way of being. To buy the DVD, click:
http://www.thecloudfoundation.org/index.php/online-store/cloud-gifts
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‘The joy with horses is it brings us in contact with elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.’ |
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Consequences of Stall Confinement Confined horses tend to display undesirable behaviors and are more at risk of developing intestinal or musculoskeletal problems. When we think of a contented horse, in our mind’s eye we see him grazing in an expansive pasture, surrounded by fields of green and other equine companions. But for some horse owners, this vision might also appear as an eager equine head popping over a stall door, attentive to its human entering the barn. What inspires the practice of housing a horse in a stall? It might have begun as an attempt to provide shelter from adverse weather or to protect the hair coat from sun and dust. Such seclusion also allows a horse to eat without other horses interfering. Stall rest prescribed for an injured horse might persist despite full recovery. And confinement conveniently keeps a horse contained and ready to ride, rather than requiring a hike across the field to catch him. Whatever the reason, modern horses spend more time confined to stalls or small paddocks, with results that aren’t necessarily in the best interests of health or mind. The Stall Environment Without inhabiting a stall, it is easy for us to ignore some microclimate effects of an enclosed space. Frederik Derksen, DVM, PhD, Dip. ACVIM, of Michigan State University’s Pulmonary Laboratory in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, has investigated the effects of such an environment on equine airways. While viruses and bacteria pose risks to airway health, environmental exposure to particulates dispersed from feed, bedding, footing materials, and other sources (i.e., gas or diesel exhaust) can lead to inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Horses living in a dusty environment have increased mucus in the airways; even a moderate amount of mucus impairs performance, so Derksen stresses, "Mucus matters!" A critical player in generating respiratory inflammation is endotoxin, a component of the bacterial cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria that is liberated as these bacteria die. Endotoxin is found in large quantities in fecal matter, hay, and straw. Soaking hay can minimize dust and respiratory irritants, and Derksen suggests feeding wet hay immediately. Bacteria multiply quickly in moist materials, making wet hay a rich source of endotoxin. He explains, "Endotoxin tends to adhere to airborne particles, which are then inhaled. This is potent stuff and not good for animals or people to breathe. The body thinks it’s getting infected, although these are dead bacterial cell walls. This foreign protein (antigen) elicits an aggressive inflammatory response." Derksen says British studies have shown exposing horses prone to respiratory disease to dust creates lots of inflammation and breathing difficulty. "However," he says, "If endotoxin is removed from dust particles, the reaction is much less severe, indicating that endotoxin is an important stimulus of equine respiratory problems." He said individual horse behavior affects degree of exposure, too. For example, a horse that defecates in a corner (not walking all over his stall) lessens his exposure. Ensuring a barn has good ventilation with ample air changes per minute is important to airway health. He notes, "A fan may not carry air flow out of the stall, instead generating a whirlpool effect that whips up dust and endotoxin." Dust particle concentrations are increased in stalls in proximity to manure handling, air-moving fans, or foot traffic. Derksen recommends consulting with barn designers, engineers, or extension agents to develop effective barn and stall ventilation. Turnout isn’t always a cure. "If horses congregate in one corner of a paddock or pasture (or in a run-in), wind and stamping feet stir up manure and dust to develop a stall-like environment, with increased exposure to endotoxin. And, in overgrazed or overstocked pastures, manure contamination limits clean grazing areas, exposing a horse to more endotoxin." Other strategies to minimize dust: Use high-quality, low-dust hay/bedding; Clean stalls of manure and urine-soaked bedding regularly–twice daily is best; Minimize activities that kick up dust when horses are inside (i.e., raking, sweeping, leaf blower use); and Place fans so they don’t whip up dust. Confinement and Intestinal Health Recently imposed stall confinement is associated with 54% of impaction colic cases; researchers on another study found 62% of colon impactions occurred within two weeks of significant management changes, such as stall confinement or transport. Earl Gaughan, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, a surgeon at Littleton Equine Medical Center, in Colorado, notes, "The word ‘change’ is the most important factor–changes in feed and housing, especially if concurrent, pose a bad formula for intestinal health." For a horse accustomed to stall confinement and consistent feeding, additional stall time is not as big a worry. However, Gaughan remarks, "Intensive housing and feeding programs enhance the potential for colic problems as compared to horses living at pasture with the opportunity to regulate their own feeding patterns." He says to use common sense when stabling: "Minimize changes in feed type, volume, frequency, and water availability." Reduce feed quantity, especially of concentrates. Vets have acknowledged that free-choice forage intake reduces the incidence of developing gastric ulcers, and Gaughan recommends feeding less calorie-rich hay and supplements. Minimizing a horse’s overall stress can also deter ulcers. Exercise increases metabolism, and there’s evidence that light physical activity (walking) stimulates gastrointestinal motility. Fiber digestibility increases by up to 20% in exercised horses, promoting greater retention of the fluid part of the diet and shortened retention of the more formed, particulate part, deterring impaction colic. Just as dietary changes challenge equine digestion, horses with sudden decreases in activity should be monitored closely for digestive problems that can lead to colic. Gaughan says, "As much turnout time as possible is best for overall equine health." Performance Effects Patty Graham-Thiers, PhD, of Virginia Intermont College, evaluated confinement’s effects on fitness of middle-aged (14-year-old) horses separated into three groups. She and colleagues found that pastured horses and stall-kept horses with nighttime turnout in a small paddock that were in an exercise program demonstrated improved fitness. (More details on the study can be found at www.TheHorse.com/15901.) Over 24 hours, pastured horses traveled twice the distance (detected on GPS) of those with only nighttime paddock turnout, averaging 6.7 miles; those in stalls, with or without exercise, went 2.8-3.2 miles. Also, pastured horses had a larger increase in bone density, significantly different from exercised/nonexercised stalled horses. Effects on Growth and Development Many studies have focused on confinement of youngsters and musculoskeletal development, particularly joints. One overriding conclusion is that restricting exercise in a growing foal retards cartilage development, but this is reversible once he gets pasture exercise. The objective: Allow pasture playtime to achieve submaximal joint loading. Stall confinement of a young horse can lead to potential cartilage injury, especially if short bouts of heavy exercise are superimposed on unconditioned joints. A newborn’s joint cartilage is a blank slate, ready for adaptive change. Particularly before five months of age, juvenile articular cartilage is a dynamic, continuously remodeling tissue, gradually assuming characteristics important to future joint strength and resistance to injury. "Impressionable" cartilage functionally adapts via weight bearing to a "mature" state by 18 months. "Flexural deformities (contracted tendons) can result from imbalances between growth and exercise," he notes. "If physes (growth plates) or angular limb deformities (crooked legs) generate pain, then exercise restriction is essential. (But) normal weight-bearing exercise is necessary for normal equine limb development." Confinement for an Injury Stall rest does not always have negative consequences, according to Gaughan. He observes, "Short-term confinement likely has little influence on joint and musculoskeletal tissue health and maintenance. Horses are obligate weight bearers and as such will engage these tissues even at rest. Some horses may incidentally ‘exercise’ more when stall confined than with paddock confinement–that is why ‘rest’ needs careful defining to be effective." Gaughan says, "Certain injuries (e.g. bowed tendon, post-arthroscopic surgery) are amenable to turnout exercise in final stages of rehabilitation prior to return to controlled exercise or conditioning." This should be supervised and graduated in steps. Every horse tolerates stall rest differently. Gaughan says, "Give horses as much outside time (with other horses visible) as reasonable for mental and physical health." Behavioral Effects of Confinement Raf Freire, PhD (animal behavior and welfare), of Charles Sturt University, in Australia, says, "In common with other social animals, (horses) experience behavioral problems when isolated and confined. Our recent study showed that stabling does not meet horses’ needs for exercise, resulting in expression of high levels of activity when given the opportunity to exercise. This ‘rebound effect’ indicates that stabled horses are frustrated by the inability to exercise." One hour of exercise per day was sufficient to relieve frustration in Freire’s study horses, but he stresses that the absolute time out of the stall is not the critical factor; what a horse is able to do while outside appears equally, if not more, impor-tant. He emphasizes, "Horses confined for prolonged periods may become increasingly frustrated by lack of exercise–there are likely to be other adverse effects on their social behavior. With time, the prevention of movement, social interaction, and grazing becomes channeled into problem behaviors, such as weaving and crib biting." Freire added, "A critical finding in our study is that continuously stabled horses were more likely to misbehave during handling and trailer loading, for example. This has important implications for horse and rider safety since the majority of riding accidents are due to horse misbehavior." Take-Home Message Confined horses tend to display undesirable behaviors and are more at risk of developing intestinal or musculoskeletal problems. When stalling your horse, consider effects this might have on general health and emotional state, particularly over the long term. Explore alternatives to balance confinement time with turnout and exercise to optimize your horse’s health and performance. by: Nancy S. Loving, DVM from www.thehorse.com |
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| DIARY DATES: | ||
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May 31- June 3 |
Liz Mitten Ryan, Animal Communication Workshop, Mara Williams, http://www.equinisity.com/workshops.html |
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| June 1-29 | Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, Compact Schooling, http://www.hempfling.com/CS2010.pdf | |
| June 3-4 | Kathy Pike, Workshop: Flying on the Wings of Horses – A Shamanic Journey of Self-Discovery with Horses, near Aspen, CO, http://www.coachingwithhorses.com/calendar.html | |
| June 3-8 | Kathy Pike, Workshop and Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching – Level Three Training, http://www.coachingwithhorses.com/calendar.html | |
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June 5-6 |
Debra Olson Daniels, "Clicker Compatible Horse Handling Skills", The Magic Center Toutle, WA, http://www.equineclickermagic.com/schedule.htm |
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| June 5-12 | Liz Mitten Ryan, E.A.R.T.H. Program Workshop wiht Billa DeVries, http://www.equinisity.com/workshops.html | |
| June 9 | Anna Twinney, Animal Communication Evening, Golden, CO, jaceyt@hotmail.com | |
| June 11-13 | NHE/Maurizio Patti, Summer Tour and demonstration of Nevzorov Haute Ecole principles, Mt. Shasta, CA for information email Maurizio at lifedream@email.it or Catherine at cescott410@msn.com. | |
| June 14-18 | Liz Mitten Ryan, Animal Communication Workshop, Marta Williams, http://www.equinisity.com/workshops.html | |
| June 18 | Kim McElroy and Sandra Wallin, Open house at Chiron’s Way Centre for Equine Guided Development and Screening of Kim McElroy’s Inspirational DVD Secrets of Drawing Horses Sandra Wallin, Maple Ridge, B.C., chironsway@shaw.ca | |
| June 19-26 | Liz Mitten Ryan, E.A.R.T.H. Program Workshop wiht Billa DeVries, http://www.equinisity.com/workshops.html | |
| June 20 | Kim McElroy and Sandra Wallin, The Unseen Realms: with visionary artist Kim McElroy, Maple Ridge, B.C., www.chironsway.com/seminars.html | |
| June 22-23 | Anna Twinney, Animal Communication Consultations Zen Dog, Denver, CO, zendog@zendogonline.com | |
| June 23-29 | Linda Kohanov, with Shelley Rosenberg & senior Epona Faculty, The Epona Approach to Emotional Fitness, Riding, Training and Caring for horses, www.taoofequus.com | |
| June 25-27 | Anna Twinney, A Journey to Spirit Through Horses, A Journey to Spirit Through Horses with Melisa Pearce & Susan Williams, Longmont, CO, www.touchedbyahorse.com | |
| June 26-27 | Debra Olson Daniels, Pacific Northwest Horse Festival, Puyallup Fairgrounds, WA, http://www.equineclickermagic.com/schedule.htm | |
| July 4-11 | Anna Twinney: Healing Horses, Bitteroot Ranch, Anna@reachouttohorses.com | |
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Various dates – Please quote HorseConscious when booking |
For details of all of all Anna Twinney’s events and workshops click here |
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Various dates – Please quote HorseConscious when booking |
Kathy Pike’s calendar and clinics can be found here |
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Various dates – Please quote HorseConscious when booking |
Details of Epona workshops by Linda Kohanov can be found by clicking here |
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Remember: |
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| June 5-6 | Julia Felton, Connect Thru Horses: Improving Horse Human Relationships, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK www.connectthruhorses.com, julia@connect-thru-horses.com | |
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June 14-16 |
Karen Head, Stepping Outside the Stall, Equinection Program teaching Advanced Skills for Practitioners of EFL, Green Mountain, NC, info@equinection.org |
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| June 20-22 | Karen Head, Stepping Outside the Stall, Equinection Program teaching Advanced Skills for Practitioners of EFL, Green Mountain, NC, info@equinection.org | |
| June 28-30 | Karen Head, Stepping Outside the Stall, Equinection Program teaching Advanced Skills for Practitioners of EFL, Green Mountain, NC, info@equinection.org | |
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"There were bidding wars on all but one of the mustangs," said Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVN, associate professor of animal sciences at Rutgers University and associate director of teaching with the Equine Science Center. "The interest in mustangs was so high, I will be including them in the Young Horse Teaching and Research Program again next year–with six to eight mustangs."
onsumption. Violators face felony mandatory minimum penalties of $3,500 in fines and one year in prison, and maximum penalties of five years in prison and $5,000 in fines for each offense.
healer who amalgamates wisdom to create just the right formula to soothe your ails. Today, in fields and stables across the country, we find ourselves in the company of modern day healers. Healers, who like their human counterparts, are able to assess the needs of each visitor, creating an experience or remedy to precisely match each unique set of conditions.
Anna Twinney
Whole Heart, Whole Horse: Building Trust Between Horse and Rider
Feed Your Horse Like A Horse, D
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