Horses are expensive to keep.

As they get older and their health declines, horses require more care. The financial pressure of covering all the costs can lead some owners to make tough decisions, like rehoming their horses or even putting them down.

Owners can tend to overcomplicate things. So today, I share some affordable yet effective strategies to care for horses when money is tight.

Balancing Finances and Horse Care

Many horse owners struggle with the affordability of horse care and tend to wonder whether they can afford certain expenses, particularly when they do not recognize their value. So, for example, some owners might believe that providing hay and companionship is sufficient and may overlook the importance of preventative care.

The Costs of Crisis and the Importance of Prevention

Sometimes, unexpected health crises that are overwhelming financially and emotionally for owners can arise from a lack of knowledge or experience in horse care. A proactive approach that includes regular exercise, reducing stress, and managing their diets can help reduce the likelihood of sudden health issues, like laminitis and metabolic disorders in their horses. By being proactive, owners can also avoid high costs in the future, especially since health problems tend to increase with age.

The Emotional and Financial Toll of Ongoing Health Struggles

The financial burden of expensive diagnostics and treatments can lead to frustration and exhaustion for owners. It is sometimes best to shift from extensive treatments to more natural care that meets all your horse's needs. Chronic conditions, often caused by lifestyle and dietary imbalances, are common but preventable through a balanced approach, including dietary adjustments and plenty of space for natural movement. Horses do best when their lifestyle matches their instincts, which helps minimize the risk of chronic health issues.

Avoiding Over-Supplementation

In trying to provide everything their horse might need, many owners overspend on supplements that are of little benefit. Yet there is no advantage to over-supplementing a horse, especially when their digestive health is poor. Instead, simplify the diet with high-quality forage, as that can lead to better and more sustainable results.

The 3 Fs for Natural Horsekeeping

It is best to allow horses to live naturally with plenty of space, freedom, and social interaction. When humans become overly involved with their horses, it can be stressful for them, and health issues may arise. Owners should always ensure their horses have the 3 Fs: freedom, friendship, and forage, as providing those essentials can prevent many behavioral and physical problems.

Managing Chronic Conditions Without Over-Reliance on Medications

Relying on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for chronic conditions like laminitis over long periods can lead to health issues like ulcers or increased inflammation in horses. Working with hoof-care professionals, ensuring enough exercise and proper movement, and making dietary changes will support natural healing and reduce the need for expensive medications. Addressing the underlying causes of chronic conditions saves money and stress over time, especially for metabolic disorders that arise from poor diets and high-stress situations.

Emphasizing the Basics for Long-Term Health and Cost Savings

PPID (or Cushing’s disease) can arise as horses age. By focusing on diet and lifestyle changes early on, owners can help extend the healthy years of their horses. By managing their sugar intake, reducing stress, and providing high-quality, bioavailable nutrition for their horses, owners can also avoid costly health problems later on.

Some Key Points to Consider

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This week, I share three homeopathic remedies for horses with colds or flu. The seasonal shift to winter can make horses more susceptible to colds and flu, as horses often experience a dip in immunity as they transition to their winter coats and face changes in their diet, digestion, and hormones. As a result, we tend to see inflammation and various health issues cropping up during the fall.

Aconite

Aconite is a homeopathic remedy often used for horses with colds, flu, or general malaise. It is particularly effective for horses experiencing fear, panic, or trauma. This remedy also works for acute inflammation across various organ systems, especially when symptoms arise suddenly. Symptoms to look out for include intense thirst, heightened sensitivity to noise and touch, a dry cough, or shortness of breath. It is best to use Aconite in higher potencies (200C), administered without food, and at a frequency of one dose per day until symptoms subside.

Gelsemium

Gelsemium is suitable for horses experiencing profound weakness and fatigue, making it a good choice for those who seem incapacitated. Symptoms associated with Gelsemium include drowsiness, droopy eyes, and a low-hanging head. This remedy can also be effective for horses suffering from performance anxiety or stage fright. In cases of colds or flu, Gelsemium helps with symptoms of extreme fatigue, and it can even assist in addressing some respiratory conditions. It also gets used for horses that appear dizzy or uncoordinated due to weakness.

Homeopathic Influenza

The Homeopathic Influenza remedy targets symptoms of the flu. It can be particularly effective for horses affected by viral infections. It matches the symptom picture of flu and helps stimulate immune defenses to combat the virus. Homeopathy focuses on the symptom picture rather than the specific strain of the virus, making it versatile for various flu symptoms, including chills, fever, and aches. Homeopathic Influenza can also work in herds when flu is circulating among horses.

General Recommendations

It is advisable to use those remedies at a potency of 200C, although 300C can also be effective. Homeopathy emphasizes getting results and then backing off. Once you see improvement, discontinue the remedy, as the immune system may continue to strengthen without further dosing.

Integrating Nutritional Support

In addition to homeopathic remedies, nutritional support plays a vital role in the recovery of horses. Consider supplementing their diet with vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which can bolster their immune system during colds or flu. High-quality hay and easy-to-digest grains can also help maintain energy levels and overall health. Remember, a well-nourished horse is more able to fight off illnesses, so dietary considerations are just as significant as the remedies themselves.

Consult with a Professional

While homeopathic remedies can be effective, it is advisable to consult a certified homeopath or veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.

Building Your Homeopathic Kit

Creating a homeopathic kit is an excellent proactive measure for any horse owner. Alongside Aconite, Gelsemium, and Homeopathic Influenza, consider including remedies for common ailments, like Arnica for trauma or injury and Belladonna for fever and inflammation. Having homeopathic remedies readily available can save time and stress during emergencies, allowing for prompt treatment when your horse needs it most. Remember that the goal of homeopathy is not just to alleviate symptoms but to support the health and resilience of your horse.

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Today, we are exploring the benefits of Vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient for horses and humans, and I use it regularly for various purposes. In this episode, I explain how it functions in the body, the signs and causes of a Vitamin B6 deficiency, and how to use it effectively.

Vitamin B6 gets used for its therapeutic properties in horses, even without a confirmed deficiency. Many horses are likely deficient in Vitamin B6, especially those on hay diets without access to fresh forage.

In Canada, the CFIA mandates minimum levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E) in horse feeds, but B vitamins like B6 are often left out. That can lead to deficiencies, as the commercial feeds might not always meet the nutrient requirements of some horses.

Many horses struggle to absorb nutrients from their feed, especially those with digestive issues like ulcers, colic, or diarrhea. Even when given sufficient food, compromised digestion can reduce the effectiveness and compound nutritional deficiencies over time.

Vitamin B6 is essential for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, so it is critical for horses with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance. Vitamin B6 also supports magnesium and Vitamin B12 absorption and helps to address those nutrient deficiencies.

Vitamin B6 helps with conditions like itchy, flaky skin and hives in horses. It also improves immune health by regulating inflammation and fluid retention, making it particularly useful for horses with metabolic issues.

Vitamin B6 is involved in neurotransmitter production, like serotonin and melatonin, which affect brain health and mood regulation. Horses with anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues may benefit from Vitamin B6 supplementation, as it helps balance the nervous system.

Vitamin B6 helps regulate estrogen, making it useful for mares with hormonal issues or insulin-resistant horses with liver stress. It supports liver detoxification, which is crucial for horses with a high toxic load due to poor diet or metabolic conditions.

Vitamin B6 is in flax and wheat germ, but it is hard to determine the exact amount in horse feed. As such, targeted Vitamin B6 supplementation is often necessary to meet their needs.

Deficiency symptoms include hormonal imbalances, weight gain, joint inflammation (often misdiagnosed as arthritis), skin problems, depression, and anxiety. So, horses with these symptoms tend to improve with Vitamin B6 supplementation.

The recommended Vitamin B6 dose for horses is around 750 mg of B6 daily, with up to 1000 mg for a loading dose. The pyridoxine form of B6 is commonly used for horses, while the P5P form is more bioavailable for humans.

Vitamin B6 offers significant benefits, from supporting metabolic health to improving behavioral issues and reducing inflammation. If you are trying Vitamin B6 for your horse, pay attention to any health or mood changes and adjust the dosage as needed.

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Today, we are tackling the topic of swelling, a symptom I often encounter in horses.

Swelling, particularly in the udder or sheath, is usually accompanied by extremity swelling (peripheral edema) due to fluid pooling in the legs. Visible swelling is a common concern for horse owners. It is never a good sign, especially if it becomes chronic.

When I see fluid retention in horses, I think about the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system maintains the fluid balance between the blood and tissues, excreting toxins and supporting the immune system.

Many owners fail to recognize fluid retention in their horses, mistaking it for weight gain. But they usually realize it when they notice the swollen or puffy tissues. Once these horses get put on a proper metabolic program, the swelling reduces, and they lose significant weight.

Fluid retention in horses can be the result of various factors. Insulin resistance and metabolic issues are common, but owners should consider thyroid health, liver function, and lymphatic efficiency. Damaged capillaries due to advanced insulin resistance can cause fluid leakage, and protein deficiencies can also result in fluid buildup, presenting a pot-bellied or bloated appearance.

A big reason for fluid retention is a lack of movement. Horses must move as their lymphatic system relies on movement to function properly. Their hooves play a vital role in circulating blood and lymph, and when horses stand still for long periods, the fluid retention worsens. So movement is essential, whether through exercise or simply encouraging them to walk around in their environment.

Sugar content in a horse's diet, especially from grass, plays a significant role in fluid retention. Too much sugar leads to glycogen storage, which causes water retention. By controlling the sugar intake and increasing fiber, protein, and healthy fats, the swelling will reduce, and metabolic function will improve. However, diet alone will not solve the problem if the horse does not move enough.

If swelling persists despite addressing movement and sugar levels, it is worth exploring allergies or protein deficiencies. Sometimes, horses react to particular types of hay or even alfalfa, which may lead to inflammation and fluid retention. Ensuring a balanced protein intake is essential, as low protein can cause fluid to pool in the belly area.

Stress affects insulin and cortisol levels, potentially damaging capillaries and leading to fluid retention. Movement is a great way to reduce stress and improve circulation, and exercise is a critical factor in managing insulin resistance and overall health.

Once the diet and movement of the horse are optimized, supplements can help address any remaining fluid retention. Vitamin B6 is my go-to, as it helps reduce fluid retention by acting as a diuretic and improving kidney function. Magnesium can also be helpful, but B6 is usually the most effective supplement.

Fluid retention in horses is a common issue and often a sign of underlying problems like poor circulation, high blood sugar, or nutritional imbalances. Movement, diet, and stress management are the keys to addressing it, with supplements like B6 providing additional support if needed.

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Food is most important for horses.

Last time, we covered the signs indicating your horse may need a food change. Today, I follow that up by diving into five signs that your horse loves its current diet, which is critical, especially for easy keepers and metabolic horses.

Horses are highly motivated by food and need to eat constantly, so food restrictions can negatively impact their quality of life. When they cannot eat, they tend to fixate on food, leading to stress-related issues like delayed healing and a weakened immune system.

When starting new feeding programs, it may take time for horses to adjust, especially if they are picky eaters. Owners often worry that their horses will refuse to eat the new food, but over time, with careful adjustments, most horses begin to enjoy their meals.

One of the first signs that horses are enjoying their food is a change in how they interact with their owner. When horses become more engaged and attentive at feeding time, displaying excitement and curiosity, it is a sure sign that they are enjoying the food and starting to feel better physically.

Another sign indicating horses love their food is stomping their feet during feeding. That is an expression of satisfaction, similar to when someone taps their foot while enjoying a meal.

Some horses show their enjoyment by closing their eyes while eating, fully immersing themselves in the experience. That shows they are relaxed, content with their food, and savoring every bite.

Horses that love their food often lick the bowl clean. While some horses may leave food behind when not fully satisfied, a horse that finishes everything shows it has enjoyed its meal.

A sign of a successful feeding program is improved physical health. When horses start improving physically, they show enhanced mobility, reduced inflammation, and overall better health, and that often coincides with them beginning to enjoy their new diet.

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Horses should love their food because it is important to them.

However, many horse owners struggle to determine whether their horse's diet provides enough nutrition or if something in their food could be causing them problems. So, I have identified seven signs indicating your horse may be ready for a food change.

One of the biggest challenges for horse owners is determining when their horse needs a diet change. Many owners struggle to assess whether their horse is getting enough nutrition or if there could be a problem with their diet. To simplify that, owners must look for signs indicating a change is required. It could mean adding certain essential nutrients or removing any ingredients causing intolerances or digestive issues.

Metabolic horses, particularly those with insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), often show signs of excessive hunger. Those horses may be aggressive around food, constantly searching for more due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Stabilizing their blood sugar through appropriate dietary adjustments can significantly improve their satiety and behavior around food.

If your horse plays with its food, tips the dish over, or walks away, it might be a sign they dislike something in their diet. Horses are food-motivated, and when disinterested, it could indicate a food intolerance or a taste preference. A process of elimination can help owners identify the offending item.

A change in their attitude toward food can be a sign of improvement. Horses that eagerly run to their owners for food without showing indifference are likely enjoying the diet and experiencing positive health benefits. This shift can indicate that the current nutrition plan is working.

Behaviors like cribbing or wind-sucking after eating can signal digestive discomfort. That may be linked to certain ingredients in the diet, like high levels of alfalfa or feeds with many additives. Removing the problematic items and supporting digestion with proper nutrients can alleviate those behaviors.

If a horse starts eating manure, dirt, or other non-food items, it may be searching for missing nutrients or trying to soothe its indigestion. Changing their food and perhaps introducing probiotics can help resolve that behavior.

Chronic digestive issues like diarrhea, fecal water syndrome, ulcers, and colic often indicate dietary problems. Feeding the wrong types of hay, such as coarse hay or straw, or giving a diet too high in sugars can cause bloating, distension, and gut discomfort. Adjusting the diet to include more suitable hay and reducing sugars can help resolve these issues.

If the health condition of a horse does not improve despite lifestyle and supplement changes, it may be due to something in their feed. In such cases, stripping down the diet to just hay and water for a short period may reveal whether the food may have been the issue. Many commercial feeds contain similar ingredients that may aggravate the condition if not properly reviewed.

Understanding the dietary needs of your horse does not have to be complicated. Horses thrive on simplicity and variety, so focus on keeping their diet straightforward. Avoid overloading their meals with too many ingredients, and observe their behavior as you make changes. By keeping things simple and observing their responses, you can improve their health and happiness through a well-balanced, tailored diet.

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We are exploring muscle testing for horses today.

Muscle testing is an alternative tool that is gaining popularity in equine care. You can use it to determine the best remedies for your horse and to formulate a personalized program tailored to its specific requirements.

Muscle testing, also known as applied kinesiology or autonomic response therapy, has been gaining popularity in human and animal health practices. Applied kinesiology can be confused with the academic study of kinesiology, which focuses on human movement. However, muscle testing is a distinct diagnostic tool rooted in chiropractic care used to identify imbalances in the body.

Muscle testing has evolved into a safe and non-invasive diagnostic tool to identify blocks in the energy field surrounding the body, pinpoint specific problems, and provide insights into the course of diseases. It can be helpful to assess food allergies, nutrient deficiencies, and emotional imbalances in humans and animals.

Muscle testing relies on quantum physics. Human and animal bodies are composed of particles and waves, with the electromagnetic field being a fundamental aspect that influences how energy flows through and around the body.

The electromagnetic field and biophotons (light particles in DNA) play crucial roles in cellular communication and strengthening how energy fields impact overall health. Incoherent energy fields can weaken the organism, making it harder for healing to occur. Practitioners aim to align those fields to enhance the natural healing processes within the body.

You can apply different muscle testing techniques to assess imbalances and deficiencies within the body. You can use the muscle strength of a surrogate, which involves creating a biofeedback circuit with another person, or the sway method, where you observe how the body moves. You can also use the ring method or the pendulum method to tap into the energy field surrounding the body. For those new to muscle testing, it may be helpful to begin working with a partner or more experienced practitioner to build confidence and skill in interpreting results accurately.

The healing process starts with the intention of the practitioner. The energy fields of the practitioner and the horse interact, influencing the outcomes. So practitioners and horse owners must maintain high energy and positive intentions as they can significantly affect healing processes.

Effective muscle testing requires a deep understanding of equine health, nutrients, and conditions. Practitioners should remain open and free from preconceived notions, as biases can skew results. Trusting the diagnostic tool and being receptive to unexpected outcomes is crucial for accurate assessments and effective treatment plans.

Over time, I have learned to trust that muscle testing will lead me in the right direction, even when I do not fully understand the results. Sometimes, it takes a few months to see how test outcomes align with historical issues or emotional changes of a horse. It is essential to remain patient and trust the process, as understanding often comes with time.

Try not to let your personal beliefs or past experiences influence your muscle testing results. If a particular approach does not work, it is okay to reassess and try a different strategy. The goal is to stay objective and open-minded throughout the process.

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This week, we are focusing on the benefits of chaste berry.

Chaste berry is an herb that ties right into our recent podcasts on the effects of PPID (Cushing’s Syndrome) or hormonal imbalances, as it often gets mentioned in the context of those issues for horses.

Chaste berry, derived from the chaste tree, is also known by its Latin name, Vitexagnus-castus. When searching for this supplement in stores, it may also be labeledVitex. Both names are commonly used, including in homeopathic versions.

Chaste berry contains various medicinal compounds, including flavonoids, glycosides, organic acids, alkaloids, essential oils, and sterols. Those ingredients work synergistically, providing a more balanced and effective treatment in whole-plant form than isolated compounds.

Chaste berry is available in several forms, like tinctures, whole berries, and capsules. It is used for treating hormonal imbalances in horses and often gets used for human health, particularly for regulating hormones related to PMS and menopause. For horses, it is better to use the whole plant due to the broad spectrum of its active ingredients.

Chaste berry is known for its effects on dopamine-producing cells and the pituitary gland, making it particularly useful for managing horses with PPID (Cushing's disease). It helps regulate various hormones, although its effects are more about balancing rather than increasing or decreasing particular hormone levels.

Chaste berry, like other adaptogens, including ashwagandha and licorice root, helps regulate hormone levels rather than targeting a specific hormone. That regulation is helpful for horses with symptoms of irritability and reproductive issues, which could indicate a hormonal imbalance.

Chaste berry is also a beneficial herb for managing symptoms related to PMS, menopause, and possibly even infertility in mares. Its ability to balance estrogenand progesterone levels can alleviate mood changes, irritability, and other hormonal symptoms in mares.

Always consult with a veterinarian or a qualified herbal practitioner before introducing any new herb to ensure that it is safe and will not cause unintended side effects in your horse when combined with other medications. While chase berry can be effective, it should not be used simultaneously with other medicines that target the same pathways, as it might enhance or diminish their effects or even lead to adverse reactions.

Chaste berry has shown many beneficial effects on horses with advanced hormonal issues-particularly when used as a tincture for a more concentrated dose. Even though chaste berry has improved symptoms like shedding patterns and overall vitality in older horses with PPID, always be cautious when using it and monitor its effectiveness.

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