November 2018 – Mid Month Update

Holistic Horsekeeping
How to have a healthy happy horse

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In This Issue:
1. Horse Temperament: Dry Weather Challenges
2. Online Class For Horse Temperament Typing

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1. Horse Temperament: Dry Weather Challenges
Dry weather is a setup for Metal horse colic but other temperaments can also suffer. Dust can irritate delicate mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and lack of lubrication can affect the respiratory tract, the skin, hooves and large intestine. The Metal horse temperament is the most at risk for colic under these conditions. The Metal horse temperament often has challenges with the lung and large intestine so a Metal horse colic is usually the impaction type.

Dryness is the environmental condition most harmful to a Metal horse temperament but all types of horses are affected by these conditions to some extent. The Metal Horse Balance Formula was developed for the Metal Horse but is good for all horses during dry conditions. Other options are more specific to the Metal horse since dryness is the environmental condition most detrimental to the Metal horse.

First, you want to make sure your Metal horse is drinking enough water so this is a time when adding electrolytes to the diet is an option to consider. In dry weather you don’t see sweat on the horse because of evaporation. I like to put out some kelp as a natural source of salt and electrolyte minerals. Most horses like kelp and will eat it better than plain salt but plain salt should always be available.

Keep an eye on your Metal horse’s manure and if it looks dry consider adding additional fat to the diet in the form of chia seeds. Chia can be given on a regular basis for his hooves and coat but you can give extra to provide lubrication in the gut. You can also add a combination of pre/probiotics, algae and enzymes for digestive support and to increase gut motility.

While all temperaments may not need extra electrolytes or chia seeds, during dry weather all types of horses benefit from the Metal Horse Balance Formula. This formula was developed to support lungs and large intestine, the organs associated with the Metal element. Dry weather can cause irritation in the respiratory system in all types of horses. Impaction of the large intestine is a serious condition for any horse.

To summarize:

  • Make sure your horse is drinking and provide electrolytes in the food if needed
  • Add fat to the diet to provide for lubrication in the large intestine
  • Support gut motility with probiotics and digestive enzymes
  • Feed the Metal Horse Balance Formula

The more I study horse temperament typing the more my horses teach me what they need to be healthy and happy as individuals. While individual preferences will always occur, the Five Element feeding guide will give you great tips on where to start with your horse feeding program and how to avoid horse colic and other ailments.

2. Online Class For Horse Temperament Typing
The self-paced online course is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Horse Temperament Types. It was created to share information about the eleven Horse Temperament Types as explained by Madalyn Ward, DVM. Dr. Ward has been a pioneering voice in the field of holistic horse care for over two decades and she breaks new ground with the Horse Temperament Typing system. Her cutting edge casework now extends to helping horse lovers find their perfect equine match or better understand their current equine partner. If you want to learn more about determining the temperament type of your horses, this course is the one for you. You can sign up and find more information at http://horsetemperament.com/class.html.

If studying Homeopathy or Nutrition is more up your alley, check out the Mentoring Program for one-on-one instruction with Madalyn Ward, DVM is a program customized to fit your holistic horse care learning needs.

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