All About ... Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and has been used in humans for thousands of years.  Life energy (Chi) which consists of the eternal opposites Yang (positive) and Yin (negative), flows through the body in Meridians.  These meridians run close to the surface of the body at specific points - acupuncture points.  Stimulating these points is what achieves the effect.  

 There are 12 main meridians on each side of the body with defined acupuncture points. Each point relates to a specific internal organ or organ system.  Pain near to a specific acupuncture point will indicate that there may be a disease in the corresponding organ. 

The ancient Chinese believe that illness is a state of imbalance or a blockage of the normal energy flow of the body.  Acupuncture will restore the flow to normal. 

Specific points are stimulated by either inserting fine, sterile needles, by using finger pressure or sometimes using laser or electric current.  This then enables self healing.  

Acupuncture can be used to treat:

·         Muscle soreness; neck, back, shoulders, hindquarters

·         Arthritis

·         Digestive problems

·         Respiratory problems

·         Poor immunity

How does it work?

There is some debate about this but current thinking includes ........

The needles stimulate the nerve endings which then transmit an impulse to the spinal cord and on to the brain.  The brain will then send messages to the nervous and endocrine systems leading to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones.  These include endorphins - which are natural painkillers and serotonin which can block incoming pain signals from reaching the brain and spinal cord.  However, the needles can also increase the blood flow to the immediate area which will aid healing.

Only qualified veterinary surgeons are permitted, by law, to perform acupuncture on horses.

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Until next time!

Jo

Great Horses - Milton

Back in October I wrote a blog listing the 50 greatest horses, I thought I would look into them in more detail as there are some that I only know a bit about.  The first, though, is one of my two ALL TIME favourites ..... Milton :)
 

Milton always seemed to float in the ring, whether trotting, cantering or jumping he always seemed to hardly touch the ground.  His colour made him stand out but it was the way he carried himself and the amazing presence he had which really made him special to watch.

He made every jump seem effortless and was always so neat and tidy over the jumps.  He knew how special he was too, you could see it in his eye and his 'swagger' when he came in the ring.

Milton's sire was Marius and his dam Aston Answer, although both had competed and had jumping bloodlines neither were hugely talented or gave an idea as to how successful he would be.  He won numerous Grand Prix around the world, won European Gold individually and as part of a team, won World Cup finals and many, many classes at HOYS. 

However,  I think it is the story of his first rider that initially made him stand out.  Caroline Bradley rode Marius and with him won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 1978.  She bought Milton in December 1977 for £1000 (expensive at that time) when he was 6 months old.  Caroline was based in Warwickshire but in 1983 she died suddenly while competing at Suffolk County Show, aged 37 years.

Milton went to the showjumper Steven Hadley (who now commentates) where he competed successfully and progressed to Grade A classes whilst he was still a 6 year old.  Then he had a clipping accident where his tendon was badly damaged.  After an operation and several months rest, Milton finally found his way to John Whitaker - and the rest is history!

The bigger the jumps the better Milton jumped, he seemed to love every minute and everyone loved to watch him.  The enormous roar from the crowd when he went into the ring made him perform even better - this from a horse that would shy at a crisp packet!

Milton was a cheeky, naughty horse.  Not easy to hack out because he would shy at everything, he once shied at a crisp packet and ended up in a ditch.  He was frightened of hose pipes, hated being clipped, very difficult to have his tail pulled and his girth tightened.  He would also either break or go under the chain put across his stable door at shows and wander up and down.  Milton was brilliant at removing his rugs but leaving them in one piece, even with tummy straps!

He also had a 'party piece' which he performed when he was really excited, he leaped in  the air with all 4 feet off the ground!

Milton retired at Olympia in 1994, sadly he died 4 years later from colic :(

A few years ago I realised that Aston Answer's sire was Any Questions and that he also sired St George - Chesney's sire. 

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Jo

Where am I ??

I won't be blogging again until the 26th June - I am in Iceland! 

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Back soon!

Jo

All About ... Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic Therapy has been used throughout the centuries.  First mentioned in 200BC by Galen, a Greek physician, magnets have been used in a variety of ways.  However, research is still varied and there is still uncertainty about the effects of magnets on the body.

Magnetic Therapy can improve circulation by encouraging blood flow and therefore increasing cell activity in a particular area.  It is the increase in blood and cell activity in an area that helps to repair and regenerate tissue - therefore encouraging healing!  It is also suggested that magnetic therapy can reduce pain.
 

Magnets can be used:

·         to warm up muscles and ligaments before exercise

·         to ease aches and pains after exercise

·         to reduce inflammation and encourage new cell growth

·         to calm or soothe a horse

Magnets can also be used to treat injuries, for example:

·         bowed tendons, tendonitis etc

·         ligament injury

·         bone injury

There are a huge range of magnetic products available now for use on horses including leg wraps and blankets.  Many people have found them to be effective.

Remember: horses should not be exposed to magnets whilst they are being exercised.  This is because a result of magnetic therapy is to stimulate the circulatory system which increases body temperature.  Horses already become hot when working!

Have you seen this week's video 'More enthusiasm needed!' on my You Tube channel?   
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Jo

June Sunshine ... Sometimes!

So far June has been disapointing, windy and a bit colder than it should be :( 

 ... but the grass has started growing.  
 

Chesney and Tommy are becoming better friends!  Chesney lets Tommy get closer now and Tommy is braver :)

Have you seen yesterday's  video 'More enthusiasm needed'  on my You Tube channel?   
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Until next time!

Jo

The Don

The Don breed name comes from the river Don which is found in the steppes of Russia.  Don Cossacks used the horses as far back as the 18th century as cavalry horses.    They are still found on the Asian Steppes where they cope with heavy winter snow and have to forage for survival.  They are extremely tough and hardy.

It is believed that the Don contains blood from Turkoman and Karabakh stallions which were captured from the south and set free to roam with the original smaller horses which the Don Cossacks rode.  As with the Akhal-Teké this is where the golden chestnut colour originates!

History

Thought of as a working horse, the Cossacks used the Don for raids on Napoleon's army during the retreat over the winter of 1812.  The horses had to be able to survive on little food but also cope with the bitter cold whilst carrying riders.  These horses also marched to Paris and back - an unprecedented campaign!

  
The breed became popular and many horses were exported.  Unfortunately, numbers fell during the Russian revolution and WWI.  However, a programme of breeding was established to restore numbers.

Characteristics

Height:  15.1hh - 16hh

Colour:  'Gold' chestnut, chestnut, bay or grey.

Conformation:  Fairly wiry appearance. Good clean head set onto a good neck.  The withers are high and the chest deep.  The back is long as are the legs and the hooves are strong.

Temperament:  Tough and self sufficient.

Used as a good all rounder.  Popular for long distance riding but also driving and are often used in a Russian tachanka - 4 horses are hitched side by side.

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Jo

All About ... Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a different type of treatment, for some physical and psychological problems in horses, which uses essential plant oils (essence).  The use of these oils can be traced back to at least 2000BC, the Bible records their use and the Egyptians were known for using them widely.  There are records of the use of Aromatherapy in Britain from the 13th century.
  

 The plant essences are mixed with a 'carrier' before they can be used and the quality of the essence will depend on the extraction method.  The best oils are obtained using steam distillation and they must then be stored correctly to maintain their quality, in a tightly sealed dark glass bottle.    It is also very important that the strength of the essential oil is correct to ensure the desired effect is achieved, overly strong essential oils can have the opposite effect.  The 'carrier' is often sweet almond or sunflower oil although a water based gel is sometimes used.  

The plant essences can be used for:

·         massage

·         compresses

·         lotions

·         ointments

and for treating

·         sweet itch

·         mud fever

·         other skin problems

·         allergies

·         aches

·         arthritis

·         respiratory problems

·         behavioural problems

An aromatherapist will often mix several oils together and offer options to a horse, the horse will pick out their choice by showing more interest in one!  

The oils can then be massaged into the horses skin when they will be absorbed via the hair follicles into the body.  Alternatively, the essential oils can be administered by inhalation; using a vapouriser in the stable or by spraying onto the rug. The smell of the oils is transmitted to the brain via the Nervous System  these messages can then trigger reactions ; reduce pain, encourage calm, balance the body, or stimulate.  Herbs often used include:

·         Basil

·         Bergamot

·         Chamomile

·         Citronella

·         Eucalyptus

·         Geranium

·         Lavender

·         Lemon

·         Tea Tree

·         Yarrow

I have written blogs about several of these herbs in the past.

REMEMBER: 

·         Horses with oil on them should not be turned out in the hot sun - they will burn! 

·         Never use essential oils undiluted as they can be toxic.

·         Some essential oils are banned from competition.

·         Qualified equine aromatherapists will work with the permission of  a vet.

Did you see Wednesday's video 'Muddy Tommy'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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Until next time!

Jo