Madalyn Ward, DVM shares her answers to specific holistic horse care questions from clients. To see more questions and answers on real holistic horse care situations check out our Holistic Horsekeeping and Horse Harmony Facebook pages.

Q – I have a Lippitt Morgan 6 year old gelding that has an SI injury we have been working with. A veterinarian/chiropractor has now been here 2 times to adjust the SI and get him more useable. She did let me know that he has the wood temperament and after reading your information it does definitely fit. He fits the 50% less temperament. He weighs about 1000 lbs, stands 14’3 and I’m feeding him twice a day with 3 lbs alfalfa/bermuda grass pellets, 1 lb bermuda grass pellets, 1 lb Nutrena Safe Choice and 4 lbs of bermuda grass hay. He is by no means underweight. I drive him almost 5 to 6 days a week. Any suggestions on this? After reading on things I’m thinking of stopping the Nutrena and trying your product for wood horse.

I compete in Combined Driving Events and also Competitive Trail. Because of his injury I have stayed in the lower levels until I feel he can move up. He has been challenging and I realized as soon as I got him I had to enforce who is in charge. He would love to be. Was interesting to read your articles on the different temperaments.

A – I suspect the Wood balance formula would be good for your horse. It will not take the place of feed but you can add it to what you are feeding. I like to keep the diet simple for Wood horses so you could go with a grass pellet rather than the Nutrena feed. The problem your horse is having with his SI joint could be related to his Wood temperament since the Wood element controls the ligaments and the SI joint is supported by ligaments. I would suggest starting with a full scoop of the formula and staying with this dose until the ligament seems better, then continuing with a 1/2 scoop until you feel it is fully healed. You will also notice your horse being less controlling as his system gets into balance.

Q – I just ordered some Formula 11 from you recommended by a friend. My horse had EPM in his system for about 10 years. When my Mom brought him to me he seemed fine he was just a pasture horse for 8 years. After she left and went back home the stress threw him into full blown EPM. I was devastated. He has since recovered but developed arthritis in his front knees. So I am going to try the Formula 11. Should I do topically or internally for this problem?

A – In this case, I would use the FM 11 topically.