February 2015 – Mid Month Update
Holistic Horsekeeping
How to have a healthy happy horse
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In This Issue:
1. Horse Temperament: 3 Top Supplements for the Hot Wood Horse Temperament
2. Mentoring Program at Holistic Horsekeeping
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1. Horse Temperament: 3 Top Supplements for the Hot Wood Horse Temperament
The Hot Wood horse temperament is energetic, athletic and highly competitive. Think about the famous Thoroughbred racehorse, Secretariat and you have the picture of a classic Hot Wood horse temperament. The Cold Wood horse temperament is also a hard working horse but with a slower metabolism. With Warmbloods, Draft breeds and some ranch type Quarter horses you are more likely to see Cold Wood horse temperaments.
The goal with the Hot Wood horse is to keep his energy flowing in a positive direction. If the Hot Wood horse is not directed down a good path he can become aggressive. On the health side, the liver and gallbladder are the organs associated with the Wood element. A horse does not actually have a gallbladder but the liver still produces bile so the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) term, Gall Bladder, applies to this function as well as an energetic function. The Wood element controls the connective tissues and the Hot Wood horse is prone to inflammation and dryness in these tissues. The 3 top supplements for the Hot Wood horse help promote the smooth flow of Qi(energy), support the function of the liver and gall bladder and nourish the connective tissues. Therefore, 3 top supplements for the Hot Wood horse temperament include flax seeds, dandelion root and an algae combination.
Flax Seeds – Flax seeds provide quality fat that is high in omega 3 fatty acids. Poor quality fats, like corn oil, provide energy but are higher in omega 6 fatty acids that can aggravate inflammation and produce erratic energy. Flax has a sweet flavor, which helps ground and soothe the Hot Wood horse energy. Flax also provides a slow, regular energy to help keep the Hot Wood horse temperament focused. Flax seeds can be fed whole to a horse with properly functioning teeth. Up to 2 cups a day can be fed to a hard working Hot Wood horse. Flax seeds can also be mixed with beet pulp or whole oats and control release energy feed such as Thrive.
Dandelion Root – Dandelion root has a very balanced mineral and vitamin profile. Dandelion root is considered a liver tonic. It also helps absorb toxins in the digestive tract and supports healthy gut flora. A healthy digestive system delivers clean nutrients to the liver for processing. Dandelion herb is one of the few herbs that supports both liver and gallbladder function. I like to give the Hot Wood horse a course of 1 TBS dandelion root twice a day for 7 to 10 days each month.
Algae Combination – The Hot Wood horse benefits from the nutrients, chlorophyl and Yin qualities of most algae. Rather than any one type of algae, I prefer an algae combination that contains Chlorella, spirulina, AFA, and 4 types of sea algae. The combination of fresh and salt water algae provides a wide range of nutrients to support healthy connective tissues. The sea algae, such as kelp, bring in the salty flavor and Yin energy which helps to nourish and moisten the body and calm the mind.
The Hot Wood horse is naturally high in energy and he needs a good job as a healthy outlet for his enthusiasm. A grounding feed can help keep energy focused and positive so it is not expended in negative behavior. He also needs nutritional support for his liver, gallbladder and connective tissues. Flax seeds, dandelion root and an algae combination fit these needs so they are 3 top supplements for the Hot Wood horse.
2. Mentoring Program at Holistic Horsekeeping
At Holistic Horsekeeping we have presented lots of information on holistic horse care, nutrition, and five element temperament typing over the years to educate those interested in these areas. If you are ready now to take this education to a whole new level, the Mentoring Program at Holistic Horsekeeping may be for you. This program offers a six month intensive training on a one on one basis with Madalyn Ward, DVM. in one of the following areas or a combination of the three.
- Homeopathy Mentoring Course – Beyond Arnica
- Horse Nutrition Mentoring Course – Using foods to heal
- Horse Temperament Mentoring Course – Know your horse
For more information on this unique educational opportunity, see the Mentoring Program on our website.
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