Maintaining Healthy Weight in Older Horses with Vegan Fat Sources
In this episode, our founder, April Love, shares valuable information on maintaining the well-being of older horses, focusing on a simple recipe for a vegan fat source. The discussion delves into practical tips for horses with missing teeth, difficulty gaining weight, and the importance of identifying and addressing insulin resistance.
The Hyoid and First Rib Connection
Many people talk about the hyoid as the cause of an issue. The equine industry has established that the hyoid is connected not only directly to the tongue, forelimb, and poll but also indirectly to the hindquarter. However, looking at this from a holistic perspective, it is also important to consider what else the hyoid is affected by. The prominent first rib misalignment, as we talk about so often here at Holistic Horseworks, will not only impact the front end of the horse but also back to the hind end and even all the way up to the hyoid.
Are you ready to treat a wound in an emergency?
In this episode of Holistic Horseworks, April retells a story about an incident in one of her clinics. Despite being told repeatedly to NOT tie the horse to the corral panels, one student did just that. When the horse spooked, the corral panel hit another student in the head and caused a small but bloody gash. While her students were wondering what to do, April stepped in to treat the wounded student.
Caring for Older Horses: Arthritis, Mobility, Nutrition, and Hooves
In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April Love shares helpful practices for caring for older horses. She offers information not only about supporting the symptoms of arthritis but even more importantly, preventative measures to keep it at bay for as long as possible. April also shares many other useful tips for aging equines such as choosing healthy feed to keep on weight, the importance of daily stretching, and even hoof care.
How does your horse’s environment affect their mood?
In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, host April Love delves into the often unseen environmental factors that can significantly affect a horse’s behavior, mineral assimilation, and overall immune system.
Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, April sheds light on how power lines, water sources, and even natural elements like trees out in the pasture can impact a horse’s well-being.
The Importance of the First Rib in Horses
Join us in this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks with April Love as we explore the often-overlooked significance of the first mobility rib in equine anatomy. She sheds light on how misalignments of the first rib can lead to various issues with people such as thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, bursitis, and carpel tunnel syndrome. So think about all the things it could be impeding your horse’s freedom of movement in the front end. This is what starts the high-low hoof syndrome, horse not picking up right or left lead, mysterious lameness, kissing spine, behavioral issues, and even roaring in horses requiring expensive tie-back surgery.
Keep Your Horse’s Lungs Healthy (Especially During Fire Season)
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Horses Grieve, Too. How to Help Them.
In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April offers guidance on helping your horse cope with the loss of a pasture mate. Horse’s herd is their family, and the absence of a companion can be deeply distressing. While it’s natural to want to replace the lost companion immediately, April suggests giving your horse space to grieve and process their emotions.
Why won’t my horse pick up its hoof?
In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April, addresses a question about a horse that refuses to pick up one of its hooves. If the horse is avoiding putting weight on one hoof, the focus should be on understanding why it’s uncomfortable shifting its weight rather than forcing the hoof to be lifted.
Do you have a “Moody Mare?”
In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April Love discusses ways to handle moodiness in mares during the summer when they are cycling. The main concern is that the moody behavior may affect interactions with other horses, and impact performance at horse shows or events. By understanding the mare’s specific needs, balancing her hormonal system, and addressing any physical discomfort, it becomes possible to improve her behavior and overall well-being. Similar to humans, horses can become irritable when in pain.
Young Horses With Cow-Hocked Posture
A cow-hocked horse refers to a conformational issue where the horse’s hocks are positioned closer together than normal when viewed from the rear. We’ll explore why this happens and discuss ways to address and prevent such issues for a healthier, sound, and rideable horse.
Black Horses That Fade Out in Summer
Does your black horse fade to brown in the summer? In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, April discusses how the color change is likely due to a copper deficiency in the horse’s diet. She suggests feeding the horse Dynamite Liquid Trace Minerals once a week to provide the necessary copper and prevent the fading of its black coat.
April’s Interview on Bookish Talk
Although I spend a lot of time caring for horses, I really care about people, too. I believe that by helping the owner, in turn you are helping the horse! A lot of the techniques in my equine...
Your horse is wounded! Quick, what do you do?
What’s the first thing you should do to clean an equine wound? How about the second? And aftercare? Learn what I’ve used to care for horse wounds quickly and successfully in the past, as well as what not to do.
You can potty-train your horse, here’s how
Wouldn't it be nice if your horse put all his manure in a nice pile for you? In this episode of Holistic Horseworks Talks, I talk about my own personal horse journey. Among the things I learned, by...
Learn What Is Wrong With Your Horse, From Your Horse
If you cannot get someone to come out to do bodywork on your horse, you can learn how to do it yourself at home or a clinic. Live help is so challenging to find these days. Some clinicians want you...
Learn how to tell where the lameness originated
When your horse is lame, you will watch him move to figure out where he hurts. However, what you see, may not always be the result of the actual cause of the issue. I see a lot of horses and the...
Healthier alternatives to chemical paste wormers
Many internal parasites are building up resistance to chemical paste wormers, so how can you control parasites naturally? Remember, the paste wormers available on the market are poison! There are...
What To Do When Your Horse Colics While You Wait For The Vet
notually, it is a few HOURS before the vet can get to you, so what can you do to help your horse while waiting? Recently, I worked on some horses that were distressed with colic symptoms while I was...
Love riding your horse? Here is how to help them be more comfortable in their bodies and be rideable into their 30’s
Is your horse tripping or short striding? Do you wonder why your horse is pinning ears, swishing tail when saddled or when being asked for the trot or canter? A horse unwilling to flex at the poll,...
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