New Age Equine Care Ц Alternative Remedies for Horses

Articles on Horses | Topics: horses, horse, equestrian

by Winston Dudley

New Age Equine Care Ц Alternative Remedies for Horses

There are several options available for those who may be considering alternative care for their horses. Here is a list of a few options that might be of interest to you.

One form of equine care is massage therapy. The massage therapist you choose will know how to quiet the animal and gain their trust. They will be able to see where movement is inhibited and therefore release it, as well as the condition of the hooves, which is considered to mark the soundness and well being of the animal. Treating the horse in this manner includes not only the physical symptoms that the horse may be exhibiting it also looks at all aspects of the animal from the hoof to their mental well being. The objective of massage therapy is to influence and liberate fluid movement, which would then increase the health and athletic potential within in each horse. Equine massage can also assist with relaxing the horse from nervous tension or anxiety, increase the performance of the animal including and during training sessions, reduce the stress due to competition as well as aid in the general well being of the horse.

Cold Salt Hydrotherapy is used to manage pain the animal may be experiencing as well as suppressing enzyme degeneration of tendons after injury. The salt concentration has a natural healing effect on wounds and abnormally high tension within the muscles and inflamed areas. With the salt concentration, the water density naturally increases and then in turn steps-up pressure to aid fluid and waste dispersion. As the water aerates, it has a massaging effect on the leg or legs affected. Cold salt-water hydrotherapy is a great alternative to caring for the inflammation that may occur to the tissues of the lower legs.

Equine Therapy for horses is in a way similar to a therapy session people might have. For those of you who have experienced the healing effects this has had on your animals, you understand this concept. For those of you who have not witnessed this process, keep reading. An equine therapist has the ability to "read" the impressions from the horses and gather an idea of their personality traits, their emotional trauma or abuse, or how they feel about their present surroundings. The goal of this form of treatment is to help the owner/rider better understand the needs and disposition of the animal. The therapist will not only consult with your horse they will also allow you to ask your horse questions so that the communication between horse and rider will be optimal.

Homeopathic treatments which is the use of herbs may help to relieve many symptoms the horses experience at various times such as; arthritis, problems with the immune system, hoof care, skin conditions, behavioral problems, allergies, head shaking, hormonal balance, stamina, and performance. Some examples include:

╖ Trauma and bruising Ц the herb Arnica Montana or Leopard's Bane is used to treat shock that frequently comes with injury or trauma. This herb helps prevent the onset of bruises and stimulates healing and also helps prevent infections from occurring after an injury.

аHistorical Quote

One key, one solution to the mysteries of the human condition, one solution to the old knots of fate, freedom, and foreknowledge, exists, the propounding, namely, of the double consciousness. A man must ride alternately on the horses of his private and public nature, as the equestrians in the circus throw themselves nimbly from horse to horse, or plant one foot on the back of one, and the other foot on the back of the other.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

╖ Fright and sudden feverish illness Ц the herb Aconite or Monkshood can be used in the first stages of such illnesses as colic. This herb helps in calming the horse.

The use of herbs given as a dietary supplement also help boost the immune system, fortify and build stamina, provoke white blood cells to fight infection, and aid in fighting viral and bacterial infections.

Acupuncture is quite beneficial for horses for a wide variety of treatments. The best way to explain the effect that acupuncture has is that it is more like pressing the reset system to the electrical field that surrounds the horse (all living things have an electrical field). Consider acupuncture as a first resort instead of a last resort the next time your horse experiences a difficult of any kind and watch how manipulating the energy field can ease the pain your horse is experiencing.

Non-force chiropractic therapy employs massage techniques in order to restore balance to the muscles. The bones normally become displaced by tension in the muscles. Once the muscles are relaxed the bones will move back into place with little to no pressure. If this is not the case it is important to consult your veterinarian for further treatment options.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "New Age Equine Care Ц Alternative Remedies for Horses" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by DogsPetsCats.com.

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