International Polocrosse Council

Question: I had you work on my horse’s teeth in 2002 and the horses are still in good condition , when do I need to get them looked at again?

Answer: Young horses: (especially in training), need to be checked every six months to ensure that their baby teeth are falling out and erupting at the appropriate ages. If you follow this article each month, you will know that a young horse is changing 24 teeth between the age of one to five years old. They shed 24 baby teeth and find homes for 12 additional permanent teeth within that five year term – finding space for 36 permanent teeth (males, 40 permanent teeth “ canines). Some baby teeth refuse to fall out on their own and can easily act as slivers in a young horse’s mouth. Continue reading »

By Terri Fisher, Equine Connections:
Eyebright is one of my favourite herbs, I have used it as a tea, eyewash and capsules at the first sign of an eye problem. It is an antibacterial and astringent herb, effective in maintaining the health of the optical system.

It is very good for treating a variety of eye problems, conjunctivitis, cataract formation, ulcers, weak eyesight, eye strain and to help remove cysts caused by chronic eye inflammation. Eyebright will strengthen all parts of the eye and provide elasticity to the nerves and optic devices responsible for sight.

Eyebrights antiseptic properties fight infections in the eye. Externally it can be used as a lotion or drops for the eyes or as a compress.

Herbal Compresses are made by soaking a clean cotton cloth in a strong herbal tea and applying it as hot as possible to the affected area. The heat engages the activity of the herbs and opens the pores of the skin for fast assimilation. Alternating hot and cold compresses are also successful therapies, to stimulate nerve function, circulation, veins and capillaries. The hot compress should contain the herbs; the cold compress should be plain.

Steep herbs in an egg cup, open 2 capsules into the cup fill with boiling water to make a strong tea. Strain only the liquid off. Make fresh every day to be used as an eye wash or drops.

Internally it is great to stimulate the liver and can be fed for nasal congestion, catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states.

Added to the feed give 30-40 grams daily.

Always consult a veterinarian for eye injuries or problems.

Be Well

Terri Fisher

connections@platinum.ca

Garlic is often deemed as “Nature’s Antibiotic”.  This is the best-known herb most commonly used for horses and it has many qualities and benefits. It stimulates all organs of digestion, helps to prevent coughs, improves digestion, and prevents worms. One of the active substances in garlic which holds the antibiotic properties is allicin. Among other substances garlic contains, fluorine, iodine, phosphorus, and sulphur, along with vitamin C, vitamin B6, nicotinic acid and a trace of Vitamin A.
This is one of the most effective foods for improving the physical condition of the body. It is a rich source of organic sulphur, which rebuilds and strengthens tissue cells. Garlic protects the immune system and strengthens the veins in the body. It will help increase endurance. Garlic is a valuable nervine tonic. It’s natural soft oils helps to strengthen blood vessels and has a special affinity for the respiratory tract, beneficially influencing bronchial secretions and is a useful expectorant for all respiratory affection and infections. It stimulates the gastric juices and has active carminative properties to correct any fermentive and gaseous conditions in the stomach.
Garlic promotes sweating and in doing so excretes through the skin to repel flies and insects. It is a perfect time as you start on your spring program to incorporate garlic for many different reasons. Any herb identified as a vermifuge will expel or repel intestinal worms. Garlic is a definite leader among the herbs. Others are alfalfa, aloe, couch grass, hops, marigold, valerian, wormwood and willow. Garlic can taint the milk in a lactating mare but it does transfer its benefits to the foal. Externally garlic can be applied to bites, ringworm, or boils. Add 40-50 gms. In a daily feed program Always question your product. Pure Garlic Granules are best to work with.

For more applications call your equine therapist!

If you have any questions or comments please send me an e mail.

Be Well Terri Fisher coachyou@telus.net