Holistic Horse Care

Horses are like us, they need sufficient sunlight for vitamin D production and bone formation.

An excertp from the book, Beyond The Track (see our other blog).  The article talks about the  common causes of weight loss in off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).

Common reasons for weight loss poinnted out by the books are-: 

What are the potential caused of gastric ulcers?
-    Long period between meals and resulted in buildup of stomach acid
-    Low forage diet
-    Stress
-    Medications
-    Intense training

Horse Training In-Hand, a book by Ellen Schuthof-Lesmeister and Kip Mistral forward by Sylvia Loch. 

The hoof and sole can bruise, causing pain and lameness

What is Hoof Bruising?


On a healthy foot the sole will be slightly concave, elevated off the ground.  If the sole bears pressure it will often bruise, causing lameness, and may develop into an abscess. 

When it comes to horses, nothing should be done suddenly.

Feeding

Beyond the Track Retaining the thoroughbred from Racehorse to Riding Horse by Anna Morgan Ford with Amber Heintzberger

Personally, I think being able to give a new and happy life to a off track thoroughbred (OTTB) is a very admirable thing to do. 

We figure most horse lovers are also dogs lovers; we are including a book review on holistic dog care.   

Signs that a horse might have a dental problem include:

- head tossing,

- turning the head sideways when chewing,

- feed being dropped while chewing,

- resisting the bit or fighting bit placement, 

- reluctance to work or move in one direction, 

- mouthing the bit excessively,

- excessive salivation,