August 2006 - Natural Equipment
Transcription
August 2006 - Natural Equipment
Neva Say Neva Brought to you by www.naturalequipment.com.au Welcom e! Volume 1, Issue 3 B y L e e W oo d la nd August 2006 Hi everyone, I hope this newsletter finds you all well. Isn’t it great to see some rain. I hope everyone who needs it is getting it. I am very much looking forward to Spring; I don’t really enjoy the shorter days of winter - not enough time to be with the horses. I am looking forward to next month because I will be attending the Cow Camp at Braidwood with Owen Gwinn. I’m very much starting to want to put principles to purpose and get out there more with my horses. I just love working with cattle, but I also like dressage and reining, so I think I am going to dabble in a bit of everything ‘til I work out what my main focus is going to be. Articles and Adverts for the newsletter. When sending in your advert or article it would be appreciated if you could attach it to an email in a Word document. Photo’s are also best sent as an attachment . Remember ! Photo of my horse Laddie, who just loves to jump! That’s me sending him over :) , Lee As the picture shows, Laddie loves to jump, but I would have to say I find it way scary most of the time. Perhaps one day I will be brave enough to tackle it. I am pleased to say that we have permission from Stephanie Burns to publish some articles. I am sure by reading them I will get to know more about how to tackle my fears. But, first I have to better manage my time so that I can actually find time to ride; that would surely be a good start to the journey :) It is FREE to advertise and free to receive the newsletter, so let your horsey friends know about it! Deadline for next issue is 20th September [email protected] I have just purchased some books off Glen Wilson, on barefoot trimming etc, and I look forward to reading them. I must say that I haven’t read enough to make up my mind entirely about barefoot trimming, so hopefully these books will help. One thing I have learnt over the last few years is that I never ask enough questions, so I am going to start asking more questions. Seco nd ar y Sto ry Head l ine Our website is now up and running, so you can order on-line. We are busily trying to add more information to the website. You can now download issues of this newsletter from there as well, so please let your friends know about it. Yep bring on those longer sunny days! Have a great month! Always keepin’ natural, Lee Above photo, sent in by Marilyn Harvy of her friends foal. Very cute :) ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE BURNS Move Closer Stay Longer– Don’t let fear, keep you from getting what you want. Part 1 We have a great article from Stephanie Burns, up on our website, just go to www.naturalequipment.com.au or go to http://www.naturalequipment.com.au/newsletters.html Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 2 OUT of WINTER, INTO SPRING at EXETER FARM by Kate & Owen Gwinn Exeter Farm is emerging from its Winter hibernation. Not that the farm work goes into recess; every day holds some adventure, particularly now as the heifers are calving and they provide considerable entertainment as these first-time mothers figure out who’s who and besides, what is this maternity matter anyway! What we are re-embracing, with the approach of Spring, are our Horse Courses. For those that may not know us, Exeter Farm is Owen and Kate Gwinn’s cattle property that, over the last one and a half decades, has hosted many fine natural horsemanship courses, with teachers Linda and Pat Parelli, Philip Nye, Sue Elsbury, Kate and Owen, Camilla Davidson, and Richard Webb. Over the years the facilities here have been developed to where, combined with the beauty, space and goodwill of the farm’s rolling acres, it offers much as a learning environment and a welcoming getaway for humans and horses. The following program gives the Courses/Camps at Exeter Farm for what remains of 2006. Owen’s Cow Camps have gained popularity and success through giving purpose (cattle!) to the principles that participants may have gained through dedicated years to Natural Horsemanship. Through focusing on the cow and “the job” rein positions, riding dynamics, impulsion, focus and many other techniques happen “naturally”, plus we believe a sense of achievement is shared between horse and human that can be lacking when principles may not be balanced with purpose. At the end of Oct. we welcome back Richard Webb for the third Cutting/Stockmanship Camp that Owen and he have co-taught. Richard is a successful Cutting trainer and competitor, and a most engaging and positive teacher. During the 4 days Richard focuses on the art and skills of Cutting, while Owen presents a broader perspective on more practical stock skills. Participants are divided into 2 groups, each group having half of each day with each instructor. Smooth Moves is based on the premise that “a tense horse won’t give smooth moves because he can’t”. Therefore Sue and Kate focus on relaxation of your horse, rider position and feel (what you are offering and how), and motivation for your horse, with the aim of achieving “smooth moves” in any direction. These courses are coming through quite an evolutionary process as we strive to get closer and closer to a core from which to go forward in harmony. All courses have a limited number of rider positions left; there are also a few auditor positions on offer for Smooth Moves and Cutting/Stockmanship. No courses at Exeter Farm are restricted to people from strictly “natural” backgrounds; all are welcome who care for the horse, and are enthusiastically included. Spring 2006 Courses At Exeter Farm, Braidwood 15 – 17 Sept. Cow Camp with Owen Gwinn 15 – 17 Sept. Young Horse/Foundation with Camilla Davidson 23 – 25 Sept. Young Horse/Foundation with Camilla Davidson 26 – 29 Oct. Cutting/Stockmanship with Richard Webb (Cutting Horse Trainer) & Owen Gwinn 26 - 27 Nov. Smooth Moves with Sue Elsbury and Kate Gwinn For further explanation, information and bookings contact: Kate and Owen Gwinn [email protected] au ; 48461169 For Camilla’s [email protected] ; 48461002, 0429461002 Australian Natural Horsemanship Craig Hamilton Horsemanship Enquiries phone Carol on (02)66803989 or 0410467285 or Kathy on 0427732394 Are You Coming to the “SUPER” Camp? General Horsemanship * Competition * Young Horse Starting * Yearling Handling * Problem & Miss-treated Horses 14 Day Super Camp – Horsemanship Course Sat 3rd to Fri 16th March, 2007 - Cabarita Beach – NSW Ken Faulkner – Australia & Craig Hamilton – United States Ken has been conducting horsemanship courses throughout Australia, New Zealand, England, France & Japan for the past sixteen years. His passion is sharing his knowledge and experience and enjoying the achievements and success of his students. Over the years Ken has worked with horses ranging from problem station horses through to Olympic Show Jumping prospects. Craig is the Arizona Working Cowboys All-Round Champion and 2 times PRCA National Finals Rodeo Qualifier. Craig’s ability and competition experience combined with his approach to horsemanship enhances his students knowledge and understating of their horses. Craig teaches a variety of horsemanship courses throughout America, Hawaii and Canada including General Horsemanship, Roping and Problem Horses. “COLLECTION” Is posture created by the horses’ freedom of movement. “CONFIDENCE” Is when knowledge is challenged and found to be good. Join Ken and Craig for a unique experience over a fourteen day period where you can completely immerse yourself in your horsemanship, and focus totally on your relationship with your horse. You will have the opportunity to be part of a group who live and breathe horsemanship with Craig & Ken while they work with a variety of horses including colt starting and problem horses. Both these exceptional horsemen are committed to passing on their knowledge and passion for horses and to the education and growth of their students. (If you have a problem horse or young horse which may be suitable for a demonstration, please contact Carol on 0410467285). Itinerary (approximate only-may alter slightly depending upon weather conditions or unforseen circumstances) Morning Afternoon Morning Afternoon Day 1 Young Horse Starting ( KC) Liberty on the Ground (YYH) Day 8 Recap/Overview-Free/ Practice Morning Movies at the Tweed Day 2 Young Horse Starting (KC) Liberty on the Ground (YYH) Day 9 Rein Lengths (YYH) Performance Riding (YYH) Day 3 On Line Groundskills (YYH) Simulations & Group Discussion (KC) Day 10 Performance Riding/ Exercises (YYH) Adv. Liberty Riding (YYH) Day 4 On Line Groundskills(YYH) Simulations & Group Discussion (KC) Day 11 Problem & Difficult Horses all Day (KC) - Rest day for your Horses Day 5 Rein Positions (YYH) Freestyle Riding (YYH) Day 12 Sharpening Performance Manoeuvres using simulated Cattle (YYH) Day 6 Rein Positions (YYH) Variety Freestyle Riding Exercises (YYH) Day 13 Advanced Riding Manoeuvres – Competition Attitude (YYH) Day 7 Variety Freestyle Exercises (YYH) Beg. Liberty Riding (YYH) Day 14 Advanced Riding Manoeuvres – Competition Attitude (YYH) ***** (KC) = Ken & Craig/Group Participation ***** (YYH) = You with your horse During the fourteen days there will also be discussions/demonstrations on dentistry, hoof care, rope handling & confidence building exercises. Registration Form next page- Australian Natural Horsemanship Craig Hamilton Horsemanship Enquiries phone Carol on (02)66803989 or 0410467285 or Kathy on 0427732394 Are You Coming to the “SUPER” Camp? 14 Day Super Camp – Horsemanship Course rd Sat 3 to Fri 16th March, 2007 - Cabarita Beach Showgrounds – NSW REGISTRATION FORM Bookings will be accepted from 15th May, 2006 Deposits Due by 1st November, 2006 to secure Rider Position. Rider positions will be allocated on a first paid, first in basis. Name:……………………………………… …………………………………………………………... Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Phone:……………………………………… Fax:…………………………………………… Email:…………………………………………. ENQUIRIES: Phone Carol on 0410467285 or Kathy 0427732394 PAYMENT DETAILS (Please circle payment amount & payment type) Full Payment (Rider Position) $1820.00 Deposit (Rider Position) $ 400.00 CHEQUE Full Payment (Spectator Position) $700.00 Deposit (Spectator Position) $100.00 MONEY ORDER Credit Card Type CREDIT CARD M/Card Visa Bank Card Credit Card Number ______/______/______/______ Expiry Date ______/______ Name on Card__________________________ Signature_________________________________ I understand that my deposit is non-refundable unless except in the event the clinic is cancelled or a replacement is found. Signature ________________________________________________________________________________________ POST REGISTRATION FORM TO: Carol Pankhurst, P.O. Box 324, Brunswick Heads 2483 or Fax To: 07 54230811 Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 5 Trailer Talk by Andrew Williams (Distinction Horse floats) This month- Maintenance! This month in trailer talk we are going to talk about the often forgotten part of owning a horse float – maintenance! Whether you have a brand new float, an old one or one you share, beg, borrow or steal, a few little checks can make sure that you arrive at your destination safely. Tyres Have a closer look at those round black things underneath the float. On the sidewall of the tyre you will see a heap of writing – hopefully there will be something like “185 R14 LT” and another section will say something like “104T Maximum load 850kg at 45 PSI Maximum” - So what does this mean, and more importantly, what do you need to know? 185 R14 – this relates to the tyre size, and is not really important from a maintenance point of view. The 185 is the tyre width in mm, the “R” means that it is a Radial, the 14 is the diameter of the wheel in inches, and the LT means that it is a Light Truck tyre. The most important thing is that you have light truck tyres, as these are designed to carry a heavier load than standard passenger tyres. If you don’t or are unsure, get you local tyre service to check them out and make sure that the tyres are rated sufficiently for the weight of trailer and load. A quick word on retreads – don’t! If you are serious about safety then the little bit you save over the price of cheaper brand light truck tyre will seem insignificant when you’re sitting on the side of the freeway with a pile of shredded rubber, no spare tyre, probably no jack….. 104T Maximum load 850KG at 45 PSI Max – This is the really important bit. The 104 T relates to the load and speed rating capacity of the tyre, and “850kg at 45 PSI max” is the carrying capacity of the tyre when it is inflated to the maximum pressure. Why is this the important bit? The biggest cause of tyre failure, or excessive tread wear is incorrect air pressure. (This also applies to your tow vehicle!) If you have been told that 28 or 32 PSI is the correct pressure – forget it! This has been used by vehicle manufacturer’s for years as way of giving you a softer ride. Most light truck tyres will range from 45 to 65 PSI depending on the size and the load rating. As general rule, we inflate tyres fitted to our trailers to 40 Psi as a starting point. So how do you know what pressure is correct? A simple way to determine the correct tyre pressure is to get yourself a tyre pressure gauge, load up your float with what you would normally carry, check your tyre pressures, and go for a drive. You need to be at highway speed for around 30 minutes, then pull over and check your tyre pressures. If the pressure has increased by more than 2 psi, then your tyres are under inflated. If you feel the tread, they should be warm, not hot to touch. Electrical The following causes the most common electrical faults that you will encounter: • Blown bulbs • Loose or dirty connection between tow vehicle and trailer • Poor earth connection. • Blown bulbs. - Find out which type of bulbs your trailer uses and carry 1 –2 spares of each type. Depending on the type of lights that are on your float will depend on the tools that you require. • Loose or dirty connections. - Spray the trailer plug and vehicle socket regularly with WD 40, RP7 or similar lubricant suitable for electrical connections. One of the most common problems is that the pins on the trailer plug close up, and don’t contact with the contact on the tow vehicle socket. Spreading the pins gently with a small screwdriver, and reconnecting the trailer can rectify this. • Poor earth Connection- when your trailer lights seem to have been overtaken by gremlins and your brake lights flash when you indicate, and your indicators operate when you brake, more likely than not it is caused by a poor earth. Best bet is to take your trailer to an auto electrician. If possible have the auto electrician wire the float so that it doesn’t use the float body as the earth circuit. Wheel bearings and Brakes Your wheel bearings should be checked for excessive play regularly. This is easily done by holding on to each side of the tyre and trying to shake the float! If you feel or suspect any movement in the wheel then have the bearings checked by a mechanic. They should be checked at around 10,000 klms or every 12 months, and stripped down and repacked with grease at around 20,000 klms or every 2 years. Electric brakes. If your float is fitted with electric brakes you require a brake controller to be installed in your vehicle. You should be able to feel the trailer brakes slowing your vehicle when you apply the trailer brakes from the controller. If you can’t, adjust the output control on the brake controller and try again. If you still cannot feel the brakes working on the trailer have your Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 6 Trailer Talk by Andrew Williams (Distinction Horse floats) This month- Maintenance! Continued... braking system checked out by an Auto electrician or mechanic. If your float has been sitting for a while and you’re about to set off on a long trip, it is worth having the wheel bearings and brakes checked and adjusted prior to your journey. Tools and spares It is worthwhile to spend a few dollars and buy some essential items so that if something does happen, you, or somebody assisting can fix basic problems. Essential items are: • Jack. A small bottle or trolley jack of around 1500 - 2000kg capacity should always be carried. It is important to check that the jack is low enough to be able to fit underneath the axle / lift point if you have a flat tyre. A suitable base plate is handy if you have to change a tyre • Wheel brace. A wheel brace to suit the size wheel nuts on your trailer should always be carried. • Tyre gauge. A good quality tyre gauge should always be carried, and used whenever you check your float or vehicle tyres. The readings on pressure gauges from service stations can vary dramatically, so it is worth the small investment to carry your own. Other useful tools would be a pair of pliers, a 300mm (12 inch) shifting spanner and a small hammer Useful spares would include a wheel bearing kit, spare wheel studs and nuts, and an assortment of bulbs, etc to suit your float. Pre flight Checks • • • • • • Tyre pressures – Check and adjust as required. If unsure follow the simple checks or ask your local tyre service for recommended inflation pressure. Lights – Ensure all are working correctly Coupling – Check locking tab/ mechanism is latched and coupling is securely mounted on the ball. An easy way to check this is to try to wind the jockey wheel back up – if the trailer doesn’t come off the ball then you are right to go. Ensure safety chains are connected to the tow vehicle. Brakes – Ensure handbrake is off once you have coupled the trailer. When moving off, check that the trailer brakes are working. Tyre and bearing temperature: Whilst on route, or at least after the first hour or so of travel it is good practice to feel your trailer and vehicle tyres – they should be slightly warm to touch. If they are hot, or smell like burning rubber, chances are that they are under inflated. Similarly, feel the centre of the wheel with the back of your hand – it should be cool to slightly warm to touch. Periodic Maintenance The following table provides the minimum maintenance tasks that should be carried out. Interval Item Comments Every use Hinges, divider pins, moving parts Spray moving parts lightly with WD40 or similar lubricant. Includes tailgate hinges. Catches, divider pins, etc Every use Electrical Spray trailer plug, any connection points with WD 40. 12mths/ 10,000klm Suspension bolts and shackles Check U bolts, shackle bolts, etc for tightness. Grease suspension points and bushes. 12mths/ 10,000klm Wheel Bearings Check wheel bearings for play/ excessive wear. Check and adjust as required. 2 Years / 20,000Klm Wheel bearings Check bearings and replace as required. Repack bearings with grease and adjust. If you have any queries or would like more information, please drop us an email at [email protected], or give us a call on 1800 004496 .Safe and happy travelling! Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 7 DVD - Touching your Horse with your Heart Price: $79.00 2 hours/Double DVD From Wrangler Jayne's Horsemanship with Heart Program, this is the first in the 3-part series. Highly explanatory and detailed, Jayne shows you with several different horses the foundations of trust, confidence and respect - the cornerstones of a successful and natural relationship with your horse. This is an excellent demonstration of 'getting to know you' ground skills, and perhaps the single most important message you can give your horse ... that you CARE. DVD - Communicating with your Horse with Your Heart Price: $79.00 Double DVD Set. From Wrangler Jayne's Horsemanship with Heart Program, this is the second in the 3-part series. Highly explanatory and detailed, Jayne shows you the foundations of natural communication skills. You'll learn how to use the language of the horse to develop your abilities to move your horse softly and lightly and gain his respect and impulsion. This is an Excellent demonstration of relationship and respect building ground 'games' (games 2, 3, 4 and 5). Now Available from Natural Equipment www.naturalquipment.com.au PH 1800 081 541 or 02 4996 5500 Email– [email protected] Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 8 Dietary Help for the Itchy Horse by Melanie Sweeney Melanie lives in Pheasants Nest, NSW and is studying equine science at Charles Sturt University. She has always loved, and been fascinated by, horses and is keen to further best-practice horse management amongst horse owners and trainers via an informed, thoughtful and empathetic approach to our equine friends. At present Melanie’s animal clan includes Kudos (an intelligent, sensitive 8yo Andalusian × TB gelding), Jock (Australian Terrier), three sheep (Mama Chook, Buster and Serendipity) and a galah called Wally. Kudos and Wally have a special connection and can be seen “in conversation” each morning before breakfast. Pictured are Melanie, Kudos, Calypso (deceased) and Jock. As we once again face “the itchy season”, those of us with itch-prone horses face the annual challenge of trying to avoid having our horses’ manes, tails and forelocks rubbed into oblivion (or into some Tina Turner inspired hairdo). Even worse are the skin abrasions and weepy sores which can develop and, if left untreated, can lead to scarred, calloused skin. The condition known in Australia as Queensland Itch is a seasonal phenomenon which occurs on many continents and is known by various names – Sweet Itch, Summer Itch, Adobe Itch, Spanish Itch, California Itch, etc. Perhaps the most accurate and descriptive titles are - Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, and, Culicoides Hypersensitivity. Whatever name “The Itch” is going by it reappears annually during the warm, humid months and is most prevalent in coastal regions. It is not contagious - it only occurs in susceptible individuals. The tiny creatures responsible for this considerable problem are usually female midges (flies of the genus Culicoides) who are most active in the early mornings and late afternoons/evenings. Individual susceptibility to the bites of these midges is sometimes based on genetic inheritance as there seems to be a “family incidence” which correlates more with the dam than the sire. The condition occurs in horses of all ages other than the first year of life. Dealing with allergies such as Culicoides hypersensitivity can be challenging, for although the obvious symptoms are external – itchy skin – this is, quite literally, merely the surface of the issue. The skin is the only visible organ of the body but it is by no means an inert sheath, it is an integral part of the body’s immune system. If a problem is manifesting itself externally, then a look at internal function is in order. The skin is not only affected by environmental factors but also by systemic factors. Managing the environmental factors is fairly straight forward – protect the horse from exposure to the midge bites with combo rugs, insect repellents and if necessary, stabling during the early and late periods of the day. However, rugs can be ripped, repellents may have to be applied more than once a day in order to be effective, and not everyone has access to, or wants to use, stables. Therefore, the search for a solution to The Itch must incorporate as many of the external, environmental protections as possible while also addressing the internal, systemic issues. What is Allergy? The word allergy is a combination of two Greek words – allos meaning ‘altered’ and ergeai meaning ‘energy’ – Altered Energy, an appropriate description of unregulated immune forces. “An allergy is an exaggerated response to a specific, sensitising substance. In other words, it is an abnormal immune response to a chemical, called an allergen, that doesn’t normally cause a bad reaction. To become allergic to something you must be exposed to it more than once: the allergic reaction doesn’t occur with the first exposure, only with subsequent ones.”1 A healthy system can cope with external challenges, but in an overburdened, stressed system the arrival of an allergen can tip the balance and prompt an allergic reaction. The inflammatory response involves the release of histamine (by special cells called mast cells) and other chemicals that the body usually re- Volume 1, Issue 3 Dietary Help for the Itchy Horse by Melanie Sweeney CONT Page 9 leases to fight microbial invaders. However, in the case of an allergy, the invaders are not viruses or bacteria but a usually harmless substance that the body no longer views as harmless. It is histamine which, amongst other things, causes pruritis (itchiness). How can diet help? Consulting an equine herbalist is advisable as the foundation for a holistic approach to The Itch. When treating any skin condition it is vital to ensure the kidneys, liver and intestines are working properly and a herbalist can offer tailored medication for an individual’s particular circumstances. There are also, however, very helpful additions to a horse’s diet which horse owners and carers can provide on a daily basis. Indeed, a high-quality and easily digestible diet is the foundation for maintaining a healthy horse with a robust immune system. After all, both our horses and our selves “are what we eat” and the nutrients we consume (and their proportion to other nutrients) can either increase or decrease inflammatory/ allergic responses in the body. One way of viewing allergic reactions is to see them as being caused not by too much of the wrong substances but rather too little of the right substances to keep the system in order. So the foods that our itchy horses need are those that will encourage a healthy immune system, as well as foods/nutrients that are anti-inflammatory and antihistamine (counteracting the effects of histamine). It is very important to remember that dietary supplements can take a number of weeks to elicit a change and in order to be most effective they should ideally be employed before the itchy season starts, as a protective measure, rather than waiting until a horse known to be prone to The Itch starts exhibiting symptoms. Some helpful herbs/foods… ROSEHIPS (Rosa Canina) In 1936 Dr. Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi – the co-discoverer of vitamin C – noted that crude extracts of vitamin C from red peppers and lemons were better for treating guinea pigs with scurvy than the pure vitamin, which led to the notion that another substance might be present in the extracts. This ‘substance’ was later found to be a mixture of compounds which were eventually separated into individual substances and are now collectively known as bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids especially enhance the activity of vitamin C with regard to strengthening blood vessel walls, as well as having potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. Rosehips are a good source of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, as well as other vitamins (A, K) and minerals. Rosehips are often fed to horses recuperating from illness or injury as they help to restore the immune system. Feeding them as part of the daily diet is beneficial for preventing illness. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antihistamine. DOSE: 15-20 grams of granules per day. GARLIC (Allium sativum) Garlic has been used as a medicine and tonic food for thousands of years and it is the most widely known and used herb in the horse world. It is a stimulant for the immune system and is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Garlic is rich in sulphur which is essential for healthy skin and hair, and garlic also contains bioflavonoid compounds such as quercetin which retard inflammatory reactions. Quercetin stabilises mast cells (which contain histamine) and inactivates many inflammatory enzymes. Some insect repelling properties have been attributed to the feeding of garlic, however it seems this may be dependent on feeding garlic in its fresh, raw form. DOSE: 3-4 fresh, crushed cloves per day, or 15-30 grams of garlic granules per day, depending on the size of the horse. PLEASE NOTE: Beware the tendency to think that “a little is good, a lot will be better” – garlic in excess can irritate the gut and/or cause Heinz-body anaemia*. Keep to recommended dosages. Also, use caution if you are feeding garlic to nursing mares as it may flavour/taint the milk and upset the Volume 1, Issue 3 Dietary Help for the Itchy Horse by Melanie Sweeney CONT Page 10 foal’s digestive system. * Heinz-body anaemia occurs when a constituent of garlic (and other members of the Allium plant family, including onions) is present in sufficient quantity to deplete red blood cells of a chemical which protects them from oxidative damage. When this occurs, the haemoglobin in the cells oxidises and forms a “bubble” - known as a Heinz body - on the outside of the red blood cell. The spleen then removes these deformed cells from the bloodstream. If this process of damage and subsequent removal occurs consistently, the horse gradually becomes anaemic. CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita) Chamomile is most often recognised for its calming, relaxing properties – soothing the digestion and nerves. It is also well documented as possessing anti-inflammatory activity and contains at least seven different antihistaminic chemicals including quercetin, rutin, apigenin and luteolin. DOSE: 1 handful of dried flowers per day, in feed. It can be fed dry or can be steeped in just boiled water and then the ‘tea’ and herb added to the feed. LINSEED/FLAXSEED (Linum usitatissimum) Horses on hay and grain diets, without access to grazing, can tend to be short on their intake of the Omega 3 essential fatty acid (EFA) – linolenic acid. This fat is known as “essential” because it cannot be manufactured by the body and the essential fatty acid composition of cell membranes is entirely dependent on dietary intake. Linseed is one of the highest natural vegetable sources of Omega 3s, as well as containing bioflavonoids, amino acids and minerals. Omega 3 EFAs are anti-inflammatory, in contrast to the Omega 6 EFA (linoleic acid) which is proinflammatory. Linseed contains both Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids in a proportion which significantly favours the Omega 3 EFAs, that is, favouring anti-inflammatory processes. [Please note: horses do need both Omega 3 and Omega 6 EFAs in their diet]. A study in Canada, of horses which were confirmed as hypersensitive to Culicoides, found that supplementation with crushed linseed reduced the inflammatory response of those horses to Culicoides, without eliciting any negative side-effects. It is important to note that the anti-inflammatory response was greatest after 42 days of supplementation, with no significant difference in response prior to then. This result further emphasises the importance of incorporating herbal/feed supplements as part of a horse’s regular diet regime rather than waiting until the horse becomes symptomatic. There has been concern regarding the feeding of linseed to horses as there are components in it which can interact to release cyanide. The usual advice has been to boil the linseed for a minimum of an hour to release the cyanide before feeding it. However it is now known that stomach acid has the ability to inactivate the enzymes which are required to form the cyanide, thus making the feeding of freshly ground linseed safe for horses. In the study mentioned above, in which the horses were fed crushed linseed, their biochemistry and haematology profiles remained within the normal physiological range throughout the experiment. It is important to note that the positive response seen in the study is in contrast to a previous study which indicated no benefit re. Culicoides sensitivity when using linseed oil - “The seed contains a number of other phytochemicals and compounds, which may have contributed to the effect observed in the current study.”2 Thus, while a cold-pressed linseed oil will supply Omega 3 EFAs which are beneficial to the horse, it appears that the other compounds in the seed, which are no longer present in the extracted oil, may be vital in reducing the itch response. DOSE: For a full-size horse (450kg or above) - 60g (approx. 4 Tablespoons) of freshly ground or boiled (for an hour) linseed, whichever is preferred. Linseeds can be ground in a small, domestic, coffee/spice grinder readily available at electrical goods outlets. If using linseed oil, it must be a cold-pressed brand and once the bottle is opened it must be kept refrigerated to maintain freshness; dosage 25ml for a fullsize horse. Volume 1, Issue 3 Dietary Help for the Itchy Horse by Melanie Sweeney CONT Page 11 SPIRULINA Spirulina is a single-cell, blue-green algae grown as food for human and animal consumption. The bluegreen pigmentation is due to its chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) content. The species most commonly recommended for use as a nutritional supplement are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Spirulina has a high concentration of functional nutrients including : B vitamins, beta-carotene (the precursor to Vitamin A), alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E), gamma-linolenic acid (a highly beneficial Omega 6 EFA), iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc, bioflavonoids and protein. The protein in spirulina is complete protein, that is, it contains all the essential amino acids (those not able to be manufactured by the body). In addition it also contains a number of non-essential amino acids – those that the body can produce itself if necessary - but which it can also utilise directly if they are available in the diet. Spirulina has been used as a nutritional supplement by the World Health Organization (WHO) to feed malnourished children, resulting in a decrease of a type of blindness that results from inadequate dietary vitamin A. It was also shown to markedly improve the immune function of children living in the areas adjacent to Chernobyl. With regards to allergies… One of the antibodies of the immune system is IgE – an immunoglobulin which, if produced in excess, is responsible for the development of some allergies. IgE influences the release of histamine from mast cells and if there is too much IgE then too much histamine is released. Spirulina suppresses this excessive IgE and histamine whilst also increasing several other immunological functions that enhance disease resistance. The inhibition of allergic inflammatory response is attributed at least in part to the activity of phycocyanin, the blue pigment, which is anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and strongly antioxidant. DOSE: Daily - 40g per 500kg of horse, preferably split into two feeds (i.e., 20g in each of the morning and evening feeds for a 500kg horse). Once satisfactory benefit has been seen the dose can gradually be reduced to see if a suitable maintenance dose for the individual horse can be found. It is worth noting that due to the high beta-carotene content of spirulina there would be no need to be feeding another high vitamin A supplement simultaneously. Also, spirulina, when it is growing, readily absorbs minerals and toxins from its environment and it is therefore important to ensure a reputable, quality source of spirulina is used – one grown in an unpolluted environment. A General Note: Whenever introducing new feedstuffs to your horse’s diet it is important to gradually incorporate them over a period of time to ensure the horse’s digestion (and palate!) has time to adjust. Do not immediately add the full amount of the recommended dose but start with a smaller quantity and build up to the full dose. Unless otherwise stated, dosage rates are for a horse of approx.450kg. In certain circumstances a herbalist may prescribe a different dosage as appropriate. © Melanie Sweeney, 2004 1 Carl Germano and William Cabot, “The Nutrition Connection: The Right Diet”, Nature’s Pain Killers – Proven New and Alternative and Nutritional Therapies for Chronic Pain Relief, 1999, p141. 2 Wendy O'Neill, Sharyn McKee, Andrew F. Clarke; “Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation associated with reduced skin test lesional area in horses with Culicoides hypersensitivity” Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Can J Vet Res. 2002 October; 66(4): 272–277. “This article originally commissioned by Country Park Animal Herbs whom the author uses and recommends. Visit them at www.countrypark.com.au or phone Carol (NSW) 02 6238 1135 or Ruth (Qld) 07 5596 4387 for mail order anywhere in Australia.” Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 12 Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 13 HORSEY PLAYGROUNDS Do you have info on how to build some play items for horses? Looking for how to build things for horses to stand on safely, bridges, boxes etc. If you do, we would like to include this in our newsletter. Perhaps you have created a great play area for you and your horse and you wouldn't mind sharing your ideas. Just email Lee at [email protected] you are most welcome to send in photo’s, plans etc. WHEN YOU ARE IN DEEP SHIT !! SAY NOTHING AND TRY TO LOOK LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. For Sale Ken Read handmade saddle, full Quarterhorse tree, 17inch seat, 34cm actual inside seat measurement, in VGC. Made for 85kg female with big rump (the rider that is!!). I've got a differently shaped horse now, so as much as I'd really like to keep this saddle, it's just collecting dust. $1600 mounted. Phone 07 54833612 or Email [email protected] EQUIPTMENT I HAVE FOR SALE: 2 X Mack Boots sets: 1 Pair in SIZE 1. and another pair in SIZE 3. (retail price $250 per pair. Asking price $150 per pair) Never used, only ever tried on horse in as new condition). 1 X Barefoot Treeless saddle. (Cheyanne style), used twice, As new condition, (retail price 899.00, asking 750.00) 1 X Physio Pad (from Barefoot, designed/shaped to fit Cheyanne/English style saddle) Used twice. As New condition. Retail price 324.00, asking 250.00. 1 X Barefoot English strips NEVER USED. Still with tags. New 50.00 asking 40.00 1 X Barefoot endurance Fenders. Used twice. As New Condition. Retail Price 125.00, Asking 90.00 Anti Gall Girth $20.00 All equipment for sale as my horse had to be retired and I no longer ride horses since. Any reasonable offers accepted. Will sell equipment together or separate. Anybody interested please feel free to enquire about equipment. Phone Laura 0417827683 anytime. Attention all horse lovers!!! Please help!!!! Only the very best of homes is required for my very special and sweet Dancing Queen - ‘Dancer’ Easter 2006 October 2004 – she has filled out a lot since then I am looking for a new home for Dancer who is a very pretty, extremely loveable and very clever 5 year old 15hh (approx) Anglo-Arab-type mare. Her ideal home would be as a liberty horse or maybe even a trick horse. She is the smartest horse I have ever come across and she will read your energy and your intentions quite telepathically before you even so much as lift a carrot stick! Conversely, in other ways, she can seem still quite green and lacking in confidence. Despite my own considerable efforts to build up her confidence she is still a little insecure. But she has a desperate desire to please and is never happier than when she feels understood and appreciated for her cleverness! ☺ She is extremely affectionate, quite cheeky, and will try to open your esky or fridge just to see if she can and she will probably lick you to death or follow you round the paddock to see what you are up to! I have done lots of Parelli ground work with her and she had taken easily to the liberty work that I have done with her so far. She is not to be ridden though. She still bucks badly and ‘unpredictably’ and she also has an old small injury on her near hind that I feel may preclude her from serious ridden work long term, even if you were able to help her with her emotional fear of being ridden. So please don’t consider this as an option unless you are literally of top instructor level and highly experienced with difficult and problem horses and prepared to fully investigate her injury. Other than this injury which does not appear to affect her movement, she is bursting with good health and vitality. Due to her troubled past in the riding stakes (which commenced before I rescued her) and after my two years of attempted restarts with highly experienced natural horsemen/women I have decided not to fight nature any longer and to allow her to live her life in a dignified way that respects and honours who she is and what she has to offer life and humanity. I took her on as a project to spare her from the doggers and I am determined that this will never be her fate, so I am ideally looking for a permanent home-for-life that is at least fairly savvy, a home that will love her to bits (this will be easy – she is totally loveable) and gently challenge her to learn and grow without having expectations of how long anything should take. I firmly believe that if you are looking for a ‘non-riding project’, a very special horse with whom to develop a strong and unique loving bond that will inspire you to become a much better person and horseperson - then she is the one for you! I would also be interested in hearing from people that could offer her a home as a companion horse although, at this initial stage, I am reluctant to ‘write her off’ to spend out her days as a pasture ornament when she has to much to offer in her own special way. However, if you could offer a companion horse home then please do come forwards anyway, I would still love to hear from you. I am open to all suggestions at this point. I would love to hear from any interested parties and will disclose everything I possible can about this gorgeous mare. She is currently living it up in luxury at Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast, NSW, Australia. ☺ I would also be thrilled if you could forward this information to all your own horsey contacts and/or contact me for a word document that you can print out and put up in your local saddlery, riding school etc. I know there is a beautiful home somewhere for her and, with your help I’m going to find it! Thank you. By the way she is free – I don’t want money – I just need to know she will be happy. ☺ Call me Sam Mudd any time on 0439 032 040. Volume 1, Issue 3 Dilemma or Drama – Shoes or Barefoot? Page 15 By Glenn Wilson What a dramatic heading for this short piece on the emerging debate about hooves and shoes. I’ll be up-front here and confess that horses’ hooves fascinate me. Weird huh? Well, we all need to have some weirdness about us or it would be a very dull world. My confession continues with the fact that I am not a big fan of nailing a steel plate on the bottom of what is a beautifully designed and functional living apparatus. Yep, I am a natural hoof aficionado. This is not just a passing fad. Humans (some of us anyway) have realised that working with nature, being patient, knowing about the structure and mechanisms of hooves, knowing how and why they grow and wear and why they are beset by problems gives us the keys to successful barefoot horsing around. By and large the horses are happy too. It makes me cringe when I see some very fine horses with tragic feet. The horse that prompted me to write this lives in a 5 x 4 metre open stable. He also had four rugs on (it was 15ºc) and the surface he lived on was a mix of sawdust, sand, poo and pee. His owner must think this is all ok (or he is made to live like this so he is conveniently placed for a ride around the nearby arena). Not a very natural way of living. But wait, there’s more. His feet. This boy was shod. I said shod but soon he could be shot. And I’ll explain in a minute. Remember in the 70’s some whiz designed platform shoes? The results were that people fell off them and inflicted themselves with all sorts of ligament, muscle, tendon and bone damage. This horse’s farrier has revived the fashion. His heels are about 75mm long. His toes are about 120mm long. But the worst thing is the flaring in his hooves. On all four feet the walls are detached from the coffin bone for about 2/3rds of the structure. Ouch!! The frogs are waaay up in the hoof capsule, a long way from the ground. The walls are all long. The soles are being eaten away (along with the frogs) by fungus, thrush and bacteria. If these bugs keep at it then the maxim ‘no hoof, no horse’ will unfortunately be true. Then he will be shot. A waste of a damn fine horse if you ask me. So often I hear horse owners lament the fact that they like the natural/barefoot hoof concept but because their horse is a thoroughbred/warmblood/quarter horse or whatever breed and ‘they have had their hooves spoiled by breeding and couldn’t possibly go barefoot’. What a load of pony club myth (no disrespect to the pony club movement meant here). I often inquire if they have tried taking the shoes off and allowed for a true transition period during which the hoof is trimmed to allow correct natural function, the sole regrows, thickens and hardens, the walls grow strong and straight (and attached to the coffin bone all the way to the ground) and the frog is hard and healthy (like a piece of tanned leather) from ground contact. I mean we don’t come out of our winter footwear and run merrily down a gravel road, do we? Why then should we expect our horses to do this? Getting back to the horse owner: the answer to my question is usually ‘No!’ However, these horse owners are happy having a steel plate nailed onto a living structure 24/7. Do you sleep in your work boots? Why should horses be expected to? There are of course a whole lot of other negative affects of having shoes on a horse. Things like concussion, lack of circulation, lack of traction, lack of feel for the ground, compromised wall integrity, contracted heels, flaring, safety for horse and human, just to name a few. I suspect I have a reaction now. Well rather than retreating, I reckon I’ll just plough on. I believe that most horse owners have their horses shod because of fear, or ignorance, or both. They fear the hooves will wear away. They are ignorant of the fact that a hoof will grow at its wear rate (or in excess of its wear rate) if the hoof is conditioned for the work asked of it. They fear the horse will get stone bruises if the hoof is barefoot. Question. How can a ¼ inch steel plate nailed onto the outer perimeter of the hoof protect the sole from a 1 inch rock? A horse with conditioned hooves will pick his way when walking on rocks. Wouldn’t you? And how many rocks are there in a dressage arena, racetrack or crosscountry course anyway? Continued page 10 Volume 1, Issue 3 Dilemma or Drama – Shoes or Barefoot? Page 16 Continued from previous page They fear that the horse will slip in bare feet. Try this: Get an old saucer, take it outside, tip it upside down, push it into the dirt and try to move it forward. That’s just like a sole of a bare hoof. It will spin though. So will a bare hoof. If it doesn’t, other parts of the hoof/leg break. (Some people put studs on their horseshoes for better grip while doing competitive stuff). Now try the saucer thing with a steel plate. Slip slidin’ away. They fear that not having shoes on will earn them lesser points in the judging. No comment. (Not worthy of a comment.) They are not allowed to compete without something nailed on the bottom of the hoof. With racing (on grass and softened tracks) shoes are mandatory. Why? They shoe their horses because their father/mother grandfather/grandmother did. Tradition. No other good reason to do something that was invented in the Iron Age. For goodness sakes! Have a look at hoof boots. They are products of research and development using brains, materials and designs from the age of technology. And they are used only when the horse needs them. Not 24/7. Many smart people actually buy and use hoof boots when transitioning a horse from shod to barefoot. This process could take a few days, a few weeks, a few months or years depending on the hooves, the country they live in and the work they will be expected to perform. Often then the hoof boots are no longer needed and the wise natural hoof care practitioner will buy the boots back from the barefoot horse owner. Win, win! Need I say more? I will though. Not all barefoot hooves are natural but all natural hooves are barefoot. So which group do you belong to? The ‘fear’ group, the ‘ignorance’ group or the group who enjoys all the benefits of having natural, barefoot hooves on their horses? © Glenn Wilson July 2006 Hoofnote: (August 2006) I had a wager with a trim client of mine about the horse that inspired me to write the piece. I took a punt and predicted 6 weeks ago that the horse would break down within a year. Three weeks later it happened. The horse apparently now has ligament or tendon (or both) damage to both front legs. (Jumping). And it is still in its platform shoes, still in the stall and still has four rugs (plus a neck rug) on and is still a lovely natured horse. I would like to ask its owner to stand around all day in soft bedding in a cage, wearing platform shoes and four very thick jumpers or jackets for only a week. And on the seventh day ask him/her to do some high jumps for our entertainment. This is about as far from ‘natural’ as one can take a horse. And now the horse is broken! Such is life! Glenn Glenn Wilson Profile Glenn lives in North East Victoria where he runs a small organic farm and a B&B called Waterfall Creek Country Guest House. He began his journey with horses late in life and started pleasure harness driving an ex pacer called Katie He admits that the first few drives were pretty exciting. Then he got some lessons from John Patterson in Melbourne. After being told about riding with the brumbies in the Victorian High Country and wanting to have the experience, he had Katie trained under saddle. Katie then taught Glenn how to ride. Their annual trip to the high country with a small group of friends is one of the highlights of the horse year. After having Katie’s hooves trimmed natural by Tara Jackson, Glenn saw the immediate benefits of the natural hoof and studied Pete Ramey and Jamie Jackson’s theories on trimming and hoof care techniques. By this time the horse herd at Waterfall Creek had grown to six, so he had plenty of hooves to practice on. He is now a member of the Australian Hoof Care Association and trims hooves naturally in the Albury-Wodonga area. Email [email protected] www.waterfallcreek.com.au Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 17 Equine Touch Horse Lovers: Level 1 Foundation Clinic/Seminar With ET Founders Jock and Ivana Ruddock MVDr 19th, 20th, 21st January 2007 Hosted in Perth Hills, Darlington, WA For information and/or registration please contact course coordinator, Linda Yoxall (Level 3 Equine Touch) (08) 9299-6021 or 0407 090 166, email: [email protected] LEVEL 1 The Move and Fundamentals of palpation and Body Balancing Understanding Area of Concern Addresses and safe application On this three day foundation clinic for horse lovers, the focus is on teaching students how to care for their own horses. The novice students are introduced to the Equine Touch by practicing the basic procedures on their fellow students prior to being instructed to transpose them onto the equine. This is an extremely important facet of the work as it supplies an inner knowledge of how the technique works at the human level. This method also allows the novice to address the imbalance of the rider which may be affecting the equine and vice versa. As a result, by the end the course, the student has the ability to address not only the equine, but the rider as well. Safety for horse and practitioner is stressed throughout the three days and each student is supplied with a user-friendly manual which contains diagrams, photographs and instructions on how to perform all foundation procedures. Upon completion a certificate is issued. www.theequinetouch.com ACCREDITATION The Equine Touch is the first equine bodywork discipline to be recognized and awarded formal national educational recognition throughout the United Kingdom. "Together with homeopathy and acupuncture the Equine Touch is an important member of the alternate medicine in the horse'. MVDr Zdenek Zert Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 18 Winning entry of last months competition! How has Natural Horsemanship changed my attitude? By Vikki Benwell Vikki has won a Communication Stick Congratulations! Wow!! This is a big question because Natural horsemanship has changed my whole life. I cannot wait to be around the horses so we can go out and play and achieve something new for the day and I really feel for people who have not discovered it yet because it really does change your life. How has it changed my attitude? I think the biggest change it has had on my attitude is the fact that I think more now about what I am achieving rather than what other people are thinking of me. I know that although now they may be thinking that I am ruining my horses etc, one day they will be looking at me as someone who is great with horses and then they will be asking me for help. I have also become more assertive. In the past I would often ask my horse to do something but wasn't assertive enough when the horse decided to do the opposite thing, and I would allow it to happen. Now that I am more assertive I can cause the desirable things to be easy and the undesirable things to be harder. I see everything my horse does as a challenge, and also a way to improve myself. If I had a horse that bucked for example: Instead of getting upset with the horse I would start thinking about why the horse bucked, what I could have done to cause it, and what I need to do next to help overcome the problem. One thing I love about Natural horsemanship is that you are not only learning how to overcome problems with your horse but you have the knowledge and skills to develop a partnership with any horse. The ways that my attitude has changed also relates to people as well, not just horses. I am now the person who walks straight ahead when shopping instead of being bumped into and pushed around. I used to be the quiet person at staff meetings, as I didn't want to say something that people may think is stupid, but now if I have something that I think can be improved or a new idea I will speak up about it. This has been the start of many great changes in the workplace and if people don't like my idea, that’s OK too because you never know if you don't tell anyone. Overall I think that Natural horsemanship has made me a better person. August Competition You have to be in it, to win it! We would like you to write aboutYour most memorable day with your horse. Winner will receive a; Free 22ft Line valued at $80.00 Just send your entry to– [email protected] Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 19 For Sale Shetland, gelding, approx 10 hh, 11 yrs old, brown. Good as a kids pony. Is quite cute and cuddly, has his own mind sometimes, but generally is a great pony. He is wasted in our paddock at the moment and would like a nice loving home where he will get lots of attention and cuddles and treats (but not too many as he has foundered a few years ago). Easy to catch, trim and rug and easier to feed. $450 ono. Phone Kim 4998 1739 or 0427404460. Cattle Crush - two entries, opens all sides. Price: $650 ono Call Kim 4998 1739 or 0410 144 171 We live at Ellalong (near Cessnock). Done Everything 12yo WBXTB gelding. Passed level 3 Parelli 2000, also online and liberty level four. Has been trailriding, eventing, jumping 1m, endurance, demonstrations. A talented sensitive horse that will excel with a calm and confident rider. Suit level two or above student. $3300 to the right home. Ph: Fran 02 49886031. Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 20 FOR SALE – AMERICAN SADDLEBRED GELDING Purebred (reg.), palomino, 7yo, 15.1hh. Very quiet to ride and handle, sweet, cuddly nature. Natural horsemanship & trail experience. Sound, no vices. Winston has attended regular Natural Horsemanship clinics and has excellent ground manners, great to float, trim, etc. He is a safe horse to ride, doesn't buck, bolt or rear. He can be ridden in a halter or a bridle. Winston has trail/pleasure riding experience, and always gets along well with other horses. He is sadly offered for sale as I have a very young family, and too many young horses. Winston is priced to sell as I really need to find him a new home. OFFERS OVER $3,000 CONSIDERED. Located at Brandy Hill (Newcastle/Hunter, NSW). Contact Debbie on (02) 49887118, mobile 0448 887118, or email [email protected]. HORSE FOR SALEHe is a 15.2hh 8yr, tb gelding who was a slow racehorse. I have had him about 4 yrs and being doing Parelli with him for about 3 yrs. He has just passed Level 2. He is EFA registered, having done three seasons show-jumping and eventing with success. He has never refused cross country. He is also quite pretty and would make a lovely hack. He is a great fun little horse, and would be fantastic for someone who is beginning Parelli and wants a horse who has done enough to be safe but still has a lot to learn. I am selling him as I have just had another child and don't have enough time to keep all my horses in work so I need to sell the older horses. The horse is in Walcha NSW Please email Annyka at [email protected] Horse Agistment Arcadia (Sydney, NSW) Post & rail fencing. Full board. Sand arena. Large paddock - perfect for horse socialising & games. Trails nearby. Excellent care Empathy with Natural Horsemanship Phone Leonie 0411 248 901 / 02 9655 1808 Email– [email protected] Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 21 Camilla Davidson Teacher of Natural Horsemanship In the Southern Tablelands, South Coast of NSW & the ACT Area Qualified N. H. instructor Trained in the art of Natural Horsemanship Horse Starter and problem horses. Book in now to accelerate your horsemanship 02 4846 1002 or 0429 461 002 [email protected] Please call or e-mail your interest as the group in this area is growing strong & would love to welcome new members into Natural Horsemanship. If you have any question what so ever, please contact Camilla for more information on courses & our Fun days Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 22 Natural Horsemanship Clinic with Wrangler Jayne For anyone interested in attending a Natural Horsemanship clinic with Jayne Glenn aka Wrangler Jayne www.wranglerjayne.com here in beautiful Tallangatta Valley. Potential dates are: The weekends of Oct 28 & 29 or Nov 4 & 5. For those who know Jayne and her passion for horses and teaching Natural Horsemanship, I need say no more. For those who have not had the pleasure yet, all I can say is, if you wish to have a fantastic (and safe and fun) relationship with your horse/s , being a part of one of her clinics is highly recommended. Speaking from personal experience that is. Her knowledge of horses and presentation of the principles of Natural Horsemanship are top shelf. I am offering accommodation and meals here at Waterfall Creek www.waterfallcreek.com.au for the weekend for a special clinic rate. The deal is based on casual meals and all in for cooking, serving and dishes etc (because I want to participate in the clinic as well, not be tied to the kitchen). I have 4 queen and two single beds in four guest rooms. First in, best slept! Any extras may have to bring a swag or sleeping bag (extra special rate). And to really saturate us with NH, we can show some videos and DVD's after dinner on Saturday night. Clinic investment for the weekend is $250 for two days instruction with Jayne (with a horse) or $50 per day without a horse (fence sitter). And for lunch on Saturday, dinner Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday plus a bed on Saturday night the rate is $100 (normally $165). There are several smaller paddocks with grass, shade and water near to thehouse for the horses as well as a couple of larger ones for horses that love wide open spaces. I will email you when the date has been confirmed or if there is an overwhelming preference for either date from you then we will do our best to have the clinic on that weekend. There is a limit of 10 participants with horses. May the (natural) horse be with you. Glenn Glenn Wilson Natural Hoof Care Specialist 149 Waterfall Creek Rd Tallangatta Valley VIC 3701 ph 02 6071 0210 www.waterfallcreek.com.au Photo– Wrangler Jayne Photo– Wrangler Jayne Equine Touch Courses with Jock & Ivan Ruddock Coming to Glen William (Dungog NSW) Level 1 course being held 16th to 18th November (3 days) Cost- $450 (pay by cash) or $495 (by c/c or cheque) Level 3 course being held 16th to 19th November (4 days) Cost- $725 (pay by cash) or $795 (by c/c or cheque) Lunch is included each day. Call Lee for further information 02 4996 5500 or Email [email protected] A message from YOUR HEALTH COACH Helen Hall ARE YOU SICK OF BEING SICK? Do you know anyone who has had a cold – or flu – recently? Is it YOU? How many colds have YOU had in the past 12 months? I would LOVE to know. Please send me an email telling me approximately how many colds/flu YOU have had in the past 12 months. Email: [email protected] Include your name and postal address. Reward for your effort. I will give a copy of my book: Lose Fat, Gain Health FREE to the person who writes to me and legitimately has had the MOST number of colds/flu in the past year. WHY DO YOU GET SICK? That’s easy although MOST people don’t make this connection. Most would say they get sick because others around them are sick. “Everyone is sick”. “My children are sick.” Everyone in the office is sick/” So ……? WE don’t get sick simply because others are sick. I don’t get sick and I am around the same germs, viruses, and bugs that you are exposed to. Why do some people get sick and others don’t? Good question and one that I wish more people would ask instead of being OK about getting sick frequently. I wish people were more intolerant of being sick because they might take better care of themselves. You get sick because your immune system is not working well enough. Why... Why is our immune system unable to deal with something as simple as a cold or virus? There are many reasons: Stress Poor nutrition Poor hydration Not enough rest and relaxation Toxins in our body An exhausted body What can YOU do …. Reduce your stress Increase your nutritional intake – eat a variety of whole foods grown nearby Optimise your hydration Improve the quality of your rest and sleep Enhance the removal of toxins REST when tired rather than pushing it and becoming exhausted Continued page 21 Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 24 What SOME people do …. SOME people take supplements – vitamins and minerals. Probably the most common one is Vitamin C or a multi vitamin. I have researched and written quite extensively about this practice. Basically …. IF what you are taking is a synthetic vitamin or mineral supplement – NOT a wholefood and bioavailable (meaning that your body cannot absorb it and utilize it) then it is a TOXIN. Yes – MOST people are taking toxins to try to prevent getting sick. This is what is contributing to them getting sick. Eat highly nutritious food that has been grown locally. Ensure you have a variety. It is recommended that you get 13 different fruits and vegetables daily. Hard to do, I know. Impossible even. My BEST advice …. If you can’t get a variety of fresh wholefood, take a WHOLEFOOD supplement – NOT a synthetic – man-made vitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamins and minerals ONLY work when they are in their natural form. There are over 10,000 known and unknown vitamins in a tomato. ALL Vitamins need the support of other naturally occurring nutrients in order to be assimilated into our body. If you want to know more about how BEST to supplement your nutritional intake, write to me. [email protected] I have found a supplement – the ONLY one I recommend – that is a natural wholefood. Results of the Special Offer last month …. 6 week program: Lose Fat, Gain Health and coaching with Helen Hall CONGRATULATIONS Danni Showers won the FREE 6 week program value: $495.00 And Lyn Whitehead,, Rebecca Kempton and Hilary Jackson won the 1/2 price 6 week program: Lose Fat, Gain Health and coaching with Helen ALL are ready and keen to kick start their health program. In 6 weeks they will have lost unwanted weight and optimised their health significantly. We’ll keep you posted. Here’s a joke I came across – sorry I can’t quote the source. Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap. If you have some burning questions you would like me to answer, write to me [email protected] Until next time … Be well. Nap well. Your health coach, Helen www.thelifestylenetwork.com Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 25 NEWS FROM KIWI SAVVY Due to the rather more tricky than usual winter Chip has relocated to the Matakana country park for the next few months for the use of their great facilities there. People are enjoying the consistency of having him in one area and he is enjoying seeing these people progress quickly with their horsemanship skills. And also enjoying being able to spend quality time with the horses he is starting. Some of the extras Chip is able to offer whilst at Matakana are mid week lessons for groups or individuals and a holiday programme for children. More details are available on our web site www.kiwisavvy.co.nz This winter/ spring five horses will be starting their future ridden career with their owners and what an exciting time for all. I have been lucky enough to take my young horse to three introductory courses now and it has been great for both of ours education. There really aren’t enough times you can do these courses and refresh yourself and your horse. There are always different people, horses, surroundings and challenges, great exposure for you both. Looking forward to the spring and summer we will be doing a 3 day course at the farm at Raglan in October. This course is specifically aimed at those people that have recently had horses started or restarted. Perhaps they have had some time off during winter, or perhaps like many of us you just haven’t been able to put the time in to get their foundation solid since they were started – either by Chip or someone else. Perhaps also some things have arisen that you are unsure about and may need help. For three days we will focus on our young horses and setting our relationship up for a summer of fun. Two days will be indoors and the third we will venture out onto the farm. There will be special discounts for people who have had their horse started by Chip, but all are welcome to come along. Contact us for more details, or keep an eye on the website. More exciting news is that David Stuart will be returning to NZ for some courses later this year or early next year. If you are interested and have not heard directly from David please contact Sarah as she is organizing some dates for him. Chip’s schedule for September: Date Venue Course Sept 2,3 Whangarei RTC Advancing horsemanship Sept 4,5 Avalon Farm (Whangarei heads) Introducing horsemanship Sept 6 Matakana country park Sept 7,8 Matakana country park Demonstration of understanding horse behaviour Introducing horsemanship Sept 9,10 Matakana country park Natural approach to dressage part 2 Sept 15 Wintec indoor arena Hamilton Sept 16,17 Wintec indoor arena Hamilton Evening demonstration of horsemanship Horsemanship Sept 23,24 Napier RDA Horsemanship It’s great to see so many people writing and enjoying Neva Say Neva, thanks Lee for the opportunity to contribute. We are looking at creating a NZ horsemanship association and would welcome any feedback from people interested in what an association dedicated to horsemanship would mean to them. [email protected] And don’t forget we stock and sell Natural Equipment here in NZ – quality items from Lee and Danny. Don’t forget to look at our website- www.kiwisavvy.co.nz Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 26 Bungendore NH Fun & Support day held on the 12th August. By Camilla Davidson Down on the Southern Tablelands of NSW at Bungendore the NH Fun & Support day group, run by N.H instructor and trainer Camilla Davidson, held their August Fun Day. It was the biggest attendance for this year with many enthusiastic students turning up to spend a fantastic day with their horses and like minded friends, on a beautiful warm winter’s day. We celebrated two birthdays, Joy Woonton and Heidi Guenther, having a great lunch and a yummy cake, donated to the group by Philip Dakin. There were a few newcomers who were warmly welcomed and who got plenty of friendly help and advice from a strong group of NH students. The next N.H Fun & Support day at Bungendore will be on the 9th September with all welcome to attend this day, with or without horses Please contact Camilla Davidson for more information on these days and other courses, on 02 4846 1002 or 0429 461 002 or e-mail [email protected] Photo below-taken at the Bungendore NH Fun Day NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP GROUPS & CLUBS… Central Coast Natural Horsemanship Group Our group meets monthly at Warnervale NSW with a NH instructor. Please contact Karen on 02 4362 3859 for further details. Upper Murray Horseman's Association meets on the 1st Saturday of each month for Natural Horsemanship clinics at the Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre at Thurgoona NSW. Bookings essential. Ph Coral on 0260712855 or email: [email protected] NH Play Days held at Lobethal Polocrosse grounds, Kuitpo forest or Tilling Hill in the Adelaide Hills, SA Contact Michelle on 08 8339 2759 or [email protected] to be added to the mail out list. Nambucca Natural Horsemanship Club– Contact Secretary Cheryl Hasson– Ph 02 6569 3244 or Email [email protected] Central West Natural Horsemanship Group Inc. Our Group meets at the Geurie Racecourse at Geurie, NSW. Contact Trish via email– [email protected] Southern Tablelands & ACT Natural Horsemanship Fun & Support Days Run By Camilla davidson @ Bungendore show grounds, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th All welcome, come along and join in with us in having Fun with our horses and friends whilst learning & being inspired by each other. Contact Camilla [email protected] Natural Horsemanship Fun & Support Day News: SOUTH COAST For the South Coast students, be looking out for the Milton and Cobargo N. H Fun & Support days to be held soon. We ran the first fun/support day at Milton in late June @ Tracey Wakefords place with 8 students attending, we all had a great day and looking fwd to more with new students attending, if you are interested make contact with Camilla at [email protected] The Cobargo Fun & Support day was held on the 15th July with loads of enthusiastic students attending and having a great day. For more information please contact Camilla at [email protected] Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 27 Do you worry about money? If you have a problem with making money, saving money, paying your bills, or thinking that there is never enough then have a look at this remarkable on-line wealth coaching program. Did you know there is only ONE key difference between the rich and the poor? It’s true, and IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY EARN Imagine having enough time and money that you are able to wake up each day and do whatever it is you desire; studying, riding or just having some fun play time with your horse! You’d have enough time to really accelerate your relationship together. By taking only 15 minutes out of your day, every day, you can achieve this and be well and truly on the track to financial independence. ? Have you ever asked yourself why it is that some people have money and others do not ? Have you noticed that some people who have more money than you don't necessarily earn more money than you ? Do you live from payday to payday, juggling the bills and wondering where you will find the money for the things you really want to do in life ? Do you get a shock when you open your credit card bill and find that the balance is more than you expected Here’s what Wealth Coach, Lynn Pearce has to say: Seven years ago I found myself in a financial crisis. I had a business that folded, no money and no income. I had participated in a lot of seminars on "how to get rich" or "how to invest", which gave me good information, yet my situation was getting worse. It felt as if there were no way out of my dilemma. That’s when I discovered the missing link, and it was so simple. In order to make a change in your life you must take action and implement the knowledge you have. This is one of the major differences between the rich and the poor – the poor know they should do something while the rich do it! But it is the TYPE of action that makes the difference Here is the key… it’s all about HABITS. My breakthrough occurred when I asked the question “what do rich people do that poor people do not do?”. I realised that, unless I did something different then I was always going to be broke. What I discovered was that doing what rich people do wasn’t about getting another job or selling my home, it was about doing lots of little things each day that really mattered. I started changing my money habits and establishing new ones by doing something differently with my money each day. I developed new beliefs and mindset about my money, my ability to make money, and my own value. Now I am in a position where I can happily say that if I choose, I don’t have to work for money in my life again. Anyone can change their money habits; all it takes is the willingness to learn and actually change your habits on a daily basis. Once these habits are changed, and new ones installed, you cannot fail to achieve your financial goals. Although I'm 46 years old, and have never struggled financially - I have never managed my own income. I had no idea what was coming in, going out, saved, invested... I was irresponsibly oblivious!!! Lynn's on-line wealth coaching program arrived almost at the moment my life was about to change and financial management was about to be up to me. Well, I had no idea where to start, and I had some level of fear around it too. This on-line program took me by the hand, spoke to me almost daily for six weeks and in a practical and simple way opened my eyes, allayed my fears and gave me strategies and a conscious awareness around money - from what is coming in, to reducing debt, all the way up to contribution and investments. This program should be part of the school curriculum. I wish I'd had this information a long time ago - AND it's never too late! I highly recommend this program to anyone, it has given me a sense of control and creativity around money. Thank you Lynn. Sincerely Vivienne Black NSW Continued page 25 Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 28 How You Can Have Wealth Habits There is no magic pill to changing your habits, it cannot happen overnight or even in a one or two day seminar. It does take a certain amount of time and focus to change these habits. That is why I developed my “15 Minutes A Day To Wealth” online coaching program. Changing your habits doesn’t have to be hard, scary or a long drawn out process; all you need to know is what areas to change that will make the major difference to your money, time and your life. Over the course of six weeks I become your personal wealth coach. You will receive small daily tasks to perform and report on. This will make it easier for you to make the ‘habit’ changes necessary to building wealth. I will monitor your progress and be there to help when you need it. I will support and guide you, answer your questions and most importantly help you realise that you are not alone in this process. The program is unique and set out simply for anyone to participate in and achieve results. It does require your commitment for 15 minutes each day for six weeks, and if you can do this I am prepared to 100% guarantee the results of my program. The only risk you have is by not taking action of your financial situation. If extra horse time and more money is important to you then this program is for you. I guarantee you will receive the tools and support to achieve the results you desire; you have nothing to lose. It’s never too late to take control of your wealth. All you need to do is change these simple habits and you’ll never have to juggle your bills or worry about money again. Special Offer For Readers Of Lee’s Newsletter: The “15 Minutes a Day to Wealth Program” is a unique personal coaching program that lasts for six weeks. Every day (Monday to Friday) you are personally coached by Lynn in building your new wealth creation habits. If you were to employ a daily personal coach for six weeks it would cost around $4,000. And that would be for only one hour a day! In the “15 Minutes a Day to Wealth” program your coach is available 24 hours a day. Imagine how this kind of support will help you achieve your goals. Take control of your financial freedom and sign up for your course before 5 September and invest only $349 SAVE $96 Or Register a friend to complete the course with you and receive a ‘buy one get one free’ for only $445 – that’s only $222.50 each! If you are ready to change your life visit my website to register Remember, sign up before 5 September and invest only $349 for a single registration Or ‘Buy One Get One Free’ for two registrations ($222.50 each) Click here to sign up for Lynn’s FREE E-Program – “7 Essential Keys To Wealth” Lynn Pearce – [email protected] Create the life of your dreams and never have money worries again… Join Lynn’s Online Wealth Coaching Program and discover the secret habits of the wealthy. Limited one time Special for readers of this newsletter: • • Single enrolment $349… save $96 Double enrolment buy one get one FREE $445 (only $222.50 each!) • Register online now at www.onlinewealthcoach.com.au/index.asp Email Lynn at:[email protected] Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 29 For Sale 8yo 16.1hh chestnut TB mare well into Level 2. Excellent with all of the games, very willing & intelligent; aims to please. Jewel is great to handle and is only ever ridden in a rope hackamore. She catches you and excels at liberty. She's good to float, and has done trips of up to five hrs. I would absolutely love to see this mare go to a natural home, as she deserves it. She's a great horse with great potential. Loves to go out on the trail and she loves water - is great at the beach - and she's also never refused a jump! Suit teen or adult for natural horsemanship, pony club, adult riders, eventing etc. I'm asking $2800.00 Including winter rug. Please contact Nadine on 0422 850 852 or email [email protected] Nadine Baseden Accounts Payable David Golf and Engineering Pty Ltd 03 9540 0011 ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE BURNS Move Closer Stay Longer– Don’t let fear, keep you from getting what you want. Part 1 We have a great article from Stephanie Burns, up on our website, just go to www.naturalequipment.com.au or go to http://www.naturalequipment.com.au/newsletters.html Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 30 HORSE FOR SALE… LYRIC is a 7 year old bay part arab gelding, approx 15.2HH, of solid, strong and sound conformation. He has been handled naturally since birth and was beautifully started by 3 Star Parelli Professional, Alain Martignier. Lyric is very comfortable in the human environment. Confident and curious by nature, he has personality and presence. This horse has loads of unrealised potential. He is inquisitive and a very quick learner, and as such responds well to a person with savvy. In the right hands, he will become their dream partner. The sale of Lyric has come about due to changes in my life circumstances. For a while now he has been gainfully employed as a paddock ornament, but I know he has so much more to offer than just being handsome, fat and happy! Price $3500 More recent photo’s available on request. If you are interested in Lyric, please phone Carmel on 07 5485 4363 or email [email protected] Located– Sunshine Coast (near Noosa) QLD MS Horseride 23rd– 30th September Ride the track winding back to Gundagai Southern NSW Fundraiser for MS For further information email me at [email protected] I can email you some information. Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 31 Natural Hoof Care Book have JUST ARRIVED from the U.S. ‘Making Natural Hoof Care Work For You’ by Pete Ramey. Written in down to earth language and chock full of photos and drawings. A perfect companion to Jamie Jackson’s H.O.G. Horse owners will find countless bits of useful information in this book to make their hoof care programs more successful. 192 pages. RRP $42.00 AUD + $5.00 P&P ‘Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care’ by Jamie Jackson. The ‘bible’ of the Natural Hoof Care movement. Step by step instructions for the Natural Trim. For horse owners wanting to do their own hoof work or improve their understanding of Natural Hoof Care, for farriers wanting to transition to Natural Hoof Care, how to make the successful transition from shod to unshod. 320 pages. RRP $45.00 AUD + $5.00 P&P The Natural Horse By Jamie Jackson. Vivid accounting of wild horses and their natural habitat. The model for true natural horse care. 192 pages. RRP $$40.00 AUD + $5.00 P&P Founder: Prevention and Cure the Natural Way Step by step guidelines to natural healing for foundered horses to bring them back to complete soundness with beautiful naturally shaped and functioning hooves. Extensive discussion of diet and management issues. 156 pages.$32.00 AUD + $5.00 P&P For orders please send cheque or money orders to Glenn Wilson (Hooves Naturally) 149 Waterfall Creek Rd, Tallangatta Valley 3701 Ph 02 6071 0210 Email [email protected] Like humans, horses get tired, sore and torn muscles, tendons and ligaments Also; Nutrition Consultation Exercise/Training Physiology Conformation/Locomotion Analysis Hoof/Health Care/Saddle Advice MICHELLE WEIN Mobile; 0401 447 329 Email; [email protected] Above photo; of Pam Dunne with her lovely horse Morgan, photo sent in by her lovely husband Danny MORE NEW PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM NATURAL EQUIPMENT ORDER ON-LINE WWW.NATURALEQUIPMENT.COM.AU The Revolution In Horsemanship and what it means to Mankind. RRP $60.00 By Robert M. Miler. D.V.M and Rick Lamb LIMITED EDITION HARD COVER There has been a change in how we treat our horses. We no longer “break” them to harness or saddle; we “gentle” them, so they become our partners, their natural grace and athleticism restored and enhanced through humane and thoughtful methods. With its thorough exploration and analysis of training attitudes and approaches- from such classical horseman as Xenophon and Pluvinel to modern masters like the Dorrances, Buck Brannaman, Pat Parelli, and John Lyons- THE REVOLUTION IN HORSEMANSHIP is one of the most important equestrian publishing events of this decade, and ensures its position as a classic in the field. Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 32 SPECIAL FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER FREE POSTAGE !! FOR ALL ORDERS WITHIN AUSTRALIA The website has been adjusted so if you order on-line no postage will be charged for Australian customers. You are also most welcome to phone, email or fax through your order. Website– www.naturalequipment.com.au PH 1800 081 541 or 02 4996 5500 Fax– 02 4996 5513 Email– [email protected] "Heart as Big As TEXAS" is looking for a Partner with Harmony We have a lovely QH gelding looking for someone to love. Texas is rising 4yrs and 15hh and still growing. He loves people and playing. He was started by Trina Fuller naturally in Nov last year and has been going well with the limited time I have put into him. He is great on a trail ride with or without other horses and takes most things in his stride. Being a young green horse, Tex needs someone with a bit more time than I can offer him to keep him going well. He is such a great and quiet youngster, so rather than sell him we are offering him for lease to the right Natural Horsemanship home. He is offered for lease through no fault of his own, but rather due to time constraints with a young family of my own. Tex would suit someone looking for a great quiet horse to go on with in their NH journey; perhaps someone considering retiring their current horse but not quite ready to take the plunge into buying a new horse just yet. If this sounds interesting to you then give me a call. The lease terms are very negotiable to the right home, and agistment can be arranged if required at our property at Burra. (sth of Canberra). Kellie Woodger 62363535 or 0417678179 [email protected] Ranchin’, Ropin’ an’ Doctorin’ RRP $18.00 A book of cowboy and veterinary cartoons by Dr Robert M. Miller, DVM This collection of Miller’s cowboy cartoons was created for the National Cowboy Hall of Fame’s Cowboy Cartoonist Art Show. Long known to veterinarians for his hilarious “RMM” cartoons, Dr Miller has over the past 50 years created many western and cowboy cartoons. Since his days as wrangler and rodeo bum himself, Miller has always found humour in the world of ranching and rodeo. So sit back and get ready to laugh with Ranchin’, Ropin’ an’ Doctorin’! Available from www.naturalequipment.com.au