Horserail Review

Last week I had to have some posts replaced for the fencing around the field.  The fence has been in place for just over 7 years now and because the soil is heavy clay it is not ideal for wooden posts.  The posts rot and break off at ground level :(

I had a few replaced last year but some more have broken this year, it will be an ongoing job I think.  However, it made me think about how happy and impressed I have been with the fencing I chose. 

As those of you who follow my blog or my You Tube channel will know, Basil is a windsucker/crib biter.  Despite trying many different things with him in the nearly 10 years I have owned him I have not managed to stop him.  He not only cribs in the stable but also in the field, where he finds a post or rail! 

Where I kept the horses previously the fencing was traditional post and rail and after 2 years of Basil many of the top rails were half chewed through – which looked very untidy and meant constantly replacing them.  As you can imagine when faced with fencing in a new field I was keen to find an alternative.  Now and in the past I have  used electric tape to partition part of the field off to limit grazing, but Chesney often went through this and it blew down.  I was not keen to put an additional line of electric tape inside post and rail as that seemed excessive!

Whilst watching a video of Redwings Horse Sanctuary I noticed they had some amazing fencing – which the narrator said was electrified …. Horse Rail. So I looked into it more and found my solution.

 

At a distance the fencing looks like normal post and rail, you can choose how many ‘rails’ you have – I just have 2.  As it is flexible it also makes a really smart curve, which post and rail fencing is not so great for.  One side of my field is all curve! 

The ‘rails’ are made from polyethylene so they don’t splinter (another worry when Basil cribs), a wire is contained within the edge of the fence which is then electrified.  This means that horses don’t lean on it or chew it!  I also have a single ‘wire’ on posts around the rest of the field which keeps the horses out of the ditch on one side.  It runs inside the hedge on the 2 sides because there are some thin places and I don’t want my horses running away.

The ‘rail’ is flexible so when a branch falls on it the fence bends but is still in place, a wooden rail would break with the possibility of escapees!

 

A couple of years ago Chesney rolled too close to the fence and ended up with one leg under the bottom ‘rail’.  If it had been wood he would have hurt himself but because it was flexible he got his leg back under safely and managed to roll back over. 

I really am so pleased with the fencing I would recommend it totally over any other type and it works out cheaper than post and rail too. 

http://www.horserail.org.uk/

This blog is NOT sponsored.

Have you seen last week's video 'Horses at home'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... Hydrotherapy

Standing a horse in a stream was a water therapy used in the past for all types of leg problems.  Water soothes and cleanses, it draws away inflammation and infection.  

Nowadays there are several other ways of treating injuries using water.  These each use one or all of the properties of water to help horses recover from injury:- 

·         Buoyancy - eliminates most of the force of gravity.

·         Hydrostatic pressure - is an upwards pressure which is exerted on the body when in water, the depth and density of the water affects the pressure.

·         Cohesion - water gives an equal resistance in every direction, this is only altered when the body moves through water.

Cold Spa Hydrotherapy

Used to treat lower leg inflammation associated with injuries. The cold water (2° to  4° C)takes heat and inflammation out of the limbs.  The salt in the water increases the density of the water, therefore increasing the pressure, this helps to disperse fluid in the limbs. The salt water when cold also provides some pain relief and the water is aerated which offers a massaging effect.   

This type of therapy is usually applied in a large 'container' where the horse will stand.  There are doors at either end of the container for the horse to be walked in and out.  Once the doors are closed and sealed the container is slowly filled with water.  A 'session' usually lasts about 15 minutes.

Used for: 

·         Laminitis

·         Tendonitis (injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendons and check ligaments)

·         Desmitis (strain or tearing of the suspensory ligament)

·         Arthritis

·         Shin splints

·         Bursitis/synovitis (swollen joints, windgalls)

·         Wounds and skin infections

·         Over reaches, nail prick

·         Abscesses, bruises, corns

·         Thrush

 

Water Treadmills

These help to build muscle whilst putting less stress on the front legs.  It is low intensity so can be used for horses recovering from injury as they return to work.  The horse has to step further underneath with the hind legs which helps to develop the hindquarters.  This is basically a treadmill in a container with water!  The water can be of varying depth and the speed of the treadmill can be varied according to the horse.

Hosing

This is a type of therapy you can easily do at home.  Aiming the hose just above an injury will wash away dirt but also slow down the inflammation process, reduce the swelling and the pain.  The action of the water running down the leg also gives a massaging effect.

Used for:-

·         Wounds

·         Tendonitis (injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendons and check ligaments)

·         Desmitis (strain or tearing of the suspensory ligament)

·         Shin splints

·         Bursitis/synovitis (swollen joints, windgalls)

Riding in the sea will obviously have similar effects to the Cold Spa Hydrotherapy, if you are lucky enough to be close to a beach which allows this!

Have you seen Wednesday's video 'Horses at Home'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

Two Years Ago

It's just over 2 years since Tommy arrived.  This week I have filled in the documents to take ownership of him.  Something I never really expected. I was 'borrowing' Tommy - the word used by the Blue Cross when they placed him with me.  I am so, so pleased that he is now to be mine - officially.  


The Blue Cross still have the right to visit and check on him, which is a good thing.  I know he would have been with me for life anyway but there is something about having the passport in my name and actually knowing he is mine which makes a difference.

Two years ago:

One year ago:

This year: 

I know I am ALWAYS saying it but this pony is amazing and fantastic considering what he has been through.  He is definitely a character and I am looking forward to him making me laugh for many years to come.

Have you seen this week's video 'Horses at Home'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

Charisma - greatest horses!

Charisma is another definite great!  Ridden by Mark Todd the New Zealand eventing legend, he won numerous events despite his size.  They had such a great partnership, although Mark always looked very tall when riding him!

Born in 1972 Charisma only grew to be 15.3hh (160cm). His Dam was a successful show jumper called Planet and his sire a Thorougbred.  He began his career as a show- jumper before eventing  to intermediate level and competing up to Prix St Georges in dressage!!!

Mark Todd gained the ride in 1983 and together they won their  first two one day events together.  After moving to England early in 1984 Charisma was 2nd at Badminton that year and followed that with an individual gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in the same year.  They were 2nd at Badminton again in 1985 :(   

They won Luhmuhlen in 1986, and the British Open Championships in 1987.  They also came 2nd at Burghley in 1987 (Badminton was cancelled that year).

He never managed to win Badminton, but in 1988 again won Olympic individual gold and also team bronze. Charisma loved his food so much they nicknamed him Podge!

He was retired in 1988, and had many years happy retirement.  In 2003, he sadly broke a shoulder in the field aged 30 and was put to sleep .

Have you seen last week's video 'Exciting News!'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... Swimming Horses

Swimming is sometimes a useful therapy.  It allows limbs and joints to move without weight which can often be less painful after an injury.  The reduction in friction on the joints allows the horse to use their full range of movement.  

The pressure of the water on the limbs helps stimulate the Circulatory and the Lymphatic system which in turn helps with healing.  

Often recovering horses are box rested.  Muscle atrophy (wastage) can be a problem in these situations.  In addition, as they come back into work horses will compensate due to pain by avoiding the concussive forces felt when exercising on the ground.  Swimming will allow the muscles to be used whilst eliminating any concussion.  Thus helping a horse build up their strength without any imbalance.

Swimming can also help relax muscle spasms and nervous tension.  It removes the horse from the confines of box rest and can reduce the chance of secondary injury on a return to work by allowing the horse to utilise excess energy.  

It is important that the horse uses all 4 legs in an even pattern to ensure muscles are worked evenly.  It is also important to build up the swimming time gradually.  Short swims initially will allow the horse to enjoy the experience and build up fitness.  Heart rate and respiration rates should be checked before and after and the horse should not be overstressed.

Straight swimming pools with ramps in and out are the generally thought to be the best.  Unless they are big, circular pools can lead to uneven muscle development but may also constrict the chest and restrict breathing.  The straight pools will allow the horse to be walked gently in (2 lunge lines are used, 1 from each side of the pool) swim the length and exit at the other end.  The horses heart rate and respiration can be checked before another length is swum.

NB: It is a good idea to work with your vet when considering swimming is a therapy.

Have you seen this week's video 'Exciting News!'   on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

Product Review - Shires Boots & Roekl Gloves

For my holiday I needed rubber boots and some better gloves.  As the Iceland horses have never left the island they do not have any resistance to viruses which our horses are either vaccinated against or have some natural resistance too.  This means horses are never imported to the island but also no used leather products are allowed in.   This meant I could not take my usual boots or chaps with me.  So I had to buy some new long rubber boots.  I chose these ones from Shires, they are the 'Stanton Long Riding Boots'.

 
They look really smart and look like leather.  I also found them very comfortable even wearing them for several hours at a time.  They were comfortable to walk in too!  The zip up the back made them fit much better.  Unfortunately, they were not very waterproof,  even from rain.  Admittedly the rain on my holiday was unforgiving and continuous but I would have hoped that they would have been waterproof.

The gloves are Roeckl  'Roeck Grip' Riding Gloves.  I bought these expecting them to keep my hands dry and warm, but again they are not waterproof.  They were comfortable and I was pleased with the fitting around my wrist - often there is a gap between your coat and gloves but I didn't have that problem with these.  The gloves are not bulky and so holding the reins is no problem.  They were also plenty warm enough when dry!

I would not recommend them for riding in the rain because they were wet very quickly and then held the water inside which made my hands really cold too.

The rain in Iceland on my third day was unbelievable but I was still surprised by how quickly the gloves and my feet inside my boots became saturated :(

Did you see last week's video 'A Sunny July Day'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) helps to promote healthy function of the tissues of the body.  The craniosacral system is the Central Nervous System  which has a huge influence on the entire body.  This therapy can help stimulate the body's own healing properties and help to calm the central nervous system.

It basically works with the horse's own healing process and uses light touch on specific parts of the body to help release any restrictions in the musculoskeletal system or other tissues.  The body is not manipulated as in chiropractic treatments but CST can help to relieve tensions and constrictions.

It can be used for:

·         Head shaking

·         Lameness

·         Cribbing

·         Hock or stifle issues

·         Lumbar or sacroiliac problems

·         Facial nerve paralysis

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Difficulty making transitions when riding

·         Teeth grinding

·         Other unexplained behaviours

CST works to restore the 'energy flow' or 'rhythm' of the craniosacral system.  The aim is to increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system which helps to keep the body in a relaxed and unstressed condition.  The therapy also aims to decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system which effects the physiological reactions to threatening situations and increases heart rate for example.

After treatment the horse should be allowed to rest for 24 hours to allow them a chance to adjust to any changes.

Injured horses should be assessed by a vet before CST is considered.

Have you seen Wednesday's video 'One Sunny July Day'  on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo