Holistic Horsekeeping – March 2023 – Mid Month Newsletter
By: Dr. Madalyn Ward – How to have a healthy happy horse!

Horses are such giving creatures. There is no reason they should do what we ask but they seem to enjoy interacting with humans and doing fun stuff. That is until we get too greedy. We keep asking more and more until they rebel or get sour on working at all. Different horse temperaments will get to this point of burnout faster that others.

A Fire horse temperament will continue to work as long as he understands what he is being asked to do and gets praise for doing it well. This type will need some days of lighter work to avoid physical breakdown. Burnout can happen quickly in a Fire horse temperament if he gets confused and is punished for not understanding or can’t do the task due to pain. The Fire Balance formula was designed to help the Fire horse handle stress. Focus mushroom formula and Focus hemp are also beneficial. Low doses of this hemp formula are best for emotional issues, .25cc once or twice a day.

A Earth horse temperament does not like to work hard but he will be willing to work long hours if the work is not strenuous. This type horse can work all day carrying small kids around at a horse show and as long as he gets some treats he will do this willingly week after week, year after year. However, frequent competition events or continued hours of hard work will cause the Earth horse to get grumpy. The Earth Balance formula gives the Earth horse nutrition to sustain heavier work. Lean Muscle mushroom formula helps the Earth horse build muscle and lose fat so he he is in better condition to work.

A Metal horse temperament will work hard for long hours and he can handle pain well. The Metal horse does not like too much variety and will get mentally stressed if his routine is disrupted. Because the Metal horse is so tough early signs of pain or exhaustion can be missed. It is best to give the Metal horse a month or so off at a time so he can totally unwind and then he will be physically and mentally ready to get back to work. The Metal Balance formula helps support the hard working horse and also helps him be more flexible in his thinking. Immune mushroom formula and and Spine and Nerve mushroom formula help support the Metal horse in hard work.

A Water horse temperament will burn out quickly if he is asked to do events that cause fear or pain. Arthritic pain can cause the Water horse to resist work and become difficult to handle. Keeping the environment consistent and offering calming reassurance when introducing new things will help the Water horse build confidence. Lightening the work and letting joints recover will keep this type horse working longer. The Water Balance formula supports the bones and joints as well as helping relax the nervous system. Water horses can also benefit from Focus mushroom and Focus hemp. If the Water horse as already gone into burnout and is showing constant high anxiety then Calm hemp is given at the rate of .25cc twice a day. PhytoAdrenal is a wonderful product for Water horses and Fire/Water combination types. In Traditional Chinese
Medicine the adrenal glands are associated with Kidney health. Supporting the adrenal glands supports the Water element.

A Wood horse temperament loves to work and will only get sour if the work is boring. He can hold up to hard mental and physical challenges. This temperament type does not like time off but they may do well with a change in activity from their regular job. The Wood Balance formula helps the Wood horse be more accepting of the training process. Joint and Recovery mushroom helps keep the hard working Wood horse sound.

All horses benefit from an algae with probiotics formula to support their gut health and
microbiome. The algae has nutrients that not only support health but cross the blood brain barrier to give a sense of well being.

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http://www.holistichorsekeeping.com
http://www.horsetemperament.com
http://blog.horseharmony.com
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