Horse Temperament typing is valuable for health issues as well as behavior. When you know the temperament you can more accurately predict problems or choose the most successful treatment for current challenges. Kuffs is an ex-racehorse who I was able to help more easily once I knew his temperament. I was able to use the control cycle to choose some acupressure points to help bring him back into balance.
Kuffs’ Owner Tells About Kuffs
Kuffs is a 2006 OTTB. He was adopted from a KY Racetrack in 2010 when he bowed his right front tendon. The trainer pulled him immediately so that he could have another successful career outside of racing. His tendon healed quickly after some Cold Laser Therapy and within 3 months he was in training for Hunters/Jumpers. He gets hives every once in a while and stocks up when stalled too long. Kuffs has always been very brave and bold and had some training as a Mounted Patrol Horse for the Sheriff’s Department. He likes to boss around anyone that he thinks he can, but once he is told the rules, he will become submissive. He still tests the rules occasionally. He learns quickly but gets very ‘race-horse-ey’ when he is unsure by falling heavy on his forehand and leaning on the rider’s hands. He loves attention and will get into trouble just to get some. He thoroughly enjoys messing with my husband, who is NOT a horse person.
Dr. Ward Sees Kuffs
I first saw Kuffs in the fall of 2012. His history of tendon injury and occasional hives caused me to suspect he was a Wood horse temperament. Tendons and ligaments are the tissue related to the Wood element. Allergies are often a sign of imbalance in the Wood element. I suggested Kuffs be started on a powdered blend of blue green algae product that includes digestive and antioxidant support. I also suggested a 2 month course of a stem cell support supplement to support continued healing of his injured tendon. Kuffs had a slight dullness to his hair so I felt that a deworming with Power Pak would be helpful.
I saw Kuffs again in April. He had been dewormed and started on the nutritional support. He was improved but his coat was still a little dull. I suspected an imbalance between his Wood and Metal element. I worked on acupressure points Lung 9, Large Intestine 16 and Bladder 25 to support his large intestine function. The lung and large intestine are the organs related to the Metal element. I also worked on Bau Hui, a point near the lumbosacral junction. This point strengthens the hind end of the horse.
My treatment in May included additional support for the Metal element with acupressure on Bladder 25, Stomach 25, Lung 9, Large Intestine 11 and 16. I saw Kuffs again in June. He did not need any acupressure at this time as his Wood and Metal elements were now working in harmony. His weight was good and his coat was shiny. He was back in training and working well.
Knowing your horse’s Five Element horse temperament can help you recognize behavior that is not a match for that temperament. When you realize your horse is having health challenges or behaving in a certain way because he is out of balance then you can take steps to bring him back into balance.
For more information on Five Element typing please check out our book, Horse Harmony, our Five Element typing e book and our online certification course.
For more information about feeding based on horse temperament type check out The Feeding Guide.
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