"What do you recomend to feed a Warmblood from age 2 on and should he get supplements? "

I have a two year old Oldenburg. As of June 5 and he is currently on 4 quarts per day of Blue Seal Sport Horse formula and 1/2 scoop am and pm of Sunshine supplement. My trainer feels he needs to put more weight on and wants to feed Fat Cat to put weight on him. I think a high fat diet is not good at his age. I just got him a month ago and his xrays were great. No OCD, DOD. What do you recomend to feed a Warmblood from age 2 on and should he get supplements? Thanks!!!


Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Deborah,

The full answer to your question is outside the realm of this forum; however, I can suggest a couple of things. One, it’s not the fat in the diet that causes OCD and DOD, but imbalanced minerals and too much protein. Higher fat diets can actually be beneficial and depending on the source, can add valuable Omega 3 fatty acids such as with ground flax.

As a two year old, he really is still a baby and won’t fully mature until he is around six years old. He absolutely does need supplements as well as large amounts of forage as in grass hays rather than alfalfa. His needs will change as he ages until he’s around 5 ½ or 6 and can switch to a maintenance diet for adult horses.

 

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"At times he can be uncontrollable."

I have a very large powerful quarter horse who's trail broke thats all. He's Western, I ride English. At times he can be uncontrollable. He used a tom thumb bit. What do you think about the twisted snaffle? I used it on another large quarter horse I had and it worked well. I am getting older and don't want anymore falls. What bit would you suggest switching to from Western to English that will control him? Thanks a million.

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Perhaps I’m not the one to answer this question as you’re probably not going to like my answer. In the natural horsemanship way of thinking, bits are not for “control” but refined communication. No bit can stop or control a horse because the brakes are in his mind, not his mouth. If anything, the pain from a severe bit causes more negative reactions. Furthermore, pulling back with both reins only engages his hind end more, giving him more power. It’s important you get into a natural horsemanship program that will teach both of you about lateral flexion and disengagement of the hindquarters; first on the ground, then in the saddle, without a bit. If this is not an option, you may want to consider finding him another home. I’m afraid that by trying to control him with pain, you’re going to end up getting hurt.

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"She is in heat and my horse is acting like he is proud cut. "

I bought a quarter horse 4 months ago who just turned 7. There is a new mare at the barn they put in the pasture with mine and 2 other geldings. She is in heat and my horse is acting like he is proud cut. He gets very upset and screams alot when I take him out to ride. I mostly lunge him now since he is acting all nervous and is usually a lazy horse. What is your suggestion? He is a sweet horse but seems to be very uneasy without this one particular mare. They put her in a pasture next to him and she jumped the fence to get back with him. I don't know if it would be better to sell him and find something else or just wait it out and see if this passes. I have alot of experience with horses and stallions and never had this problem. I told him I know stallions who act better than he. Sorry so long. Please help.

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Jennifer,

I imagine this is a very frustrating issue. Sometimes horses do bond inappropriately and it takes a lot of planning and work to break this pattern. I would first suggest finding a natural horsemanship trainer who can give you some tasks to work with him in a safe way. Since he’s a new horse to you, a relationship of trust, respect and safety just isn’t there. By building this through a program, he will start to see you as a competent leader and friend. When this happens, leaving the mare will not be so traumatic for him.

In addition to that, Flower Essences may help in balancing his emotions and giving him more confidence. Two great product lines include Natural Vibrations (www.mystichorse.com) and Anima Herbal Essences (www.animavet.com). Read through the various formulations offered and see if one or two jump out at you. However, this is not a cure-all and must be combined with a training approach.

 

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"I have a horse that has allergies."

I have a horse that has allergies. I am giving him some Spiralina Wafers that are suppose to help. It does seem to be quieting his coughing. My question is how do I monitor his exercising. He is cranky so I am assuming he just doesn't feel good. So I feel guilty riding him.

Also, to get him to eat these wafers, he gets a pound of grain and I put some molasses on it. I also soak his hay. He puts weight on very easily and I just feel I'm not doing the best for him. He is on pasture and gets a flake of hay in the evenings, with the grain. Also give him a scoop of garlic. Help!

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Lynn,

Chronic allergies really need to be addressed as a whole. First, from what you said he’s being fed, it appears as there are some holes in the diet. Giving exact details is outside the realm of this forum, but I do suggest a balanced supplement product (not concentrated feed), a potent antioxidant such as Phyto-Quench or Bio-Quench by Uckele Health, www.uckele.com. You may want to consider cutting out the grain and molasses and replacing it with some Rice Bran and ground flaxseed. Grain can actually promote allergies plus it’s high in starch; molasses is high in sugar. Both of these can promote metabolic issues.

The spirulina can be of help to some horses, while others it does nothing. If you are noticing an improvement, then keep on using it. There are some great Chinese Herbals formulations for respiratory-type allergies which have shown great results. www.forloveofthehorse.com

 

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"How long does it take for a horse's tail to grow in?"




Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Cami,

This really depends on the breed, his nutritional program and whether or not he is constantly breaking it off by itching against something.

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"I have a 22 year old mare who has been diagnosed with spcopd."

I have tried some traditional medications and have had no results. I was wondering if there is a holistic medication or another treatment available for her. I think it could be something in her environment causing this because it comes on so sudden. She is such an amazing horse and she is also my first horse, she has taught me so much. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Carol,

First, ensure her diet is balanced and she’s receiving adequate Essential Fatty Acids such as the Omega-3s found in ground flax, ½ cup per day. Supplement her with a high potency antioxidant; I would suggest either Phyto-Quench or Bio-Quench by Uckele Health, www.uckele.com. Can help immensely. Turnout in fresh air as much as possible can also be beneficial.

If she needs further support after balancing her diet, adding the antioxidant and extra turnout time, Chinese Herbs can give amazing results. Check out www.forloveofthehorse.com.

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"How do I stop my horse from biting my toes?"

Hi,

When I ride my horse on the arena and stop him to do some flexibility exercises and bend his neck from right side to the left he keeps biting my toes. He does that also during disengaging his hindquaters. Could you please suggest something? Thank you.

Joanna.

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

There are two options I can suggest. One is to change his focus immediately by asking him to do another challenging task such as backup or side passing. The other is to make him uncomfortable in some way. I’m not talking punishment by any means, but something that shows him it’s not fun to bite your toes. That may be wiggling your feet while shifting back and forth in the saddle or perhaps jiggling the reins (not pulling). Consistency is key here and this must be done every time and immediately when he bites in order to change this habit.

 

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"I was given an old horse he has developed a cough what do you suggest I can do for him naturally"

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer

Donna,

I’m so sorry for the delay in answering your question.  My initial response did not make it back to the website editor.

 

First, I think you need to figure out why he developed the cough.  Was it just a short episode or a chronic issue such as heaves?  This really will determine the game-plan.

 

Ensure he is getting his nutritional needs met.  This is important for any horse, but especially seniors.  If he’s in a stall, as much turnout in fresh air is beneficial. Often supplementing with a high potency antioxidant can help.  I would suggest wither Phyto-Quench or Bio-Quench by Uckele Health, www.uckele.com  Adding ground flax seed, ½ cup per day is also beneficial.

 

If it’s a chronic issue and the antioxidants and turnout don’t help, Chinese Herbs can give amazing results.  Check out www.forloveofthehorse.com

 

Naturally,

Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show

Creator Equi-Spirit Toys & Toolsâ„¢

www.naturalhorsetalk.com

 

"I live in Apache Junction, AZ and am looking for someone trained in Natural Equine Dentistry"

I have two horses and do really not want someone with power tools. Thanks for any info you may have.

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer:

We are very lucky here in Arizona to have a number of Certified Equine Dentists. My top choice and our personal CED (Advanced) is Wes Campbell, #520-560-4319. As for power tools, I certainly agree that unless they are really needed, stay away from using them. However, in extreme cases of dental imbalance, if the Dental Practitioner is trained and understands the correct use of the tools (not staying on the same tooth surface for very long at all), power options can cut down the time the horses has his mouth open.

Naturally,
Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show
www.naturalhorsetalk.com

Senior Editor Equine Wellness Magazine
www.equinewellnessmagazine.com

"Please tell me if the scabs are a threat to my horse, and how to cure it..."

My horse is in its' 20's. At the moment she has these scabs on both sides of her body. They look like lumps under her hair. When pulled off, they turn all flaky and underneath it bleeds. I have tried just letting them disappear, but they haven't gone away. Please tell me if the scabs are a threat to my horse, and how to cure it. Thank you!

Lisa Ross-Williams' Answer:

Stephanie,

Without seeing it, I can't say for sure. It might possibly be "rain rot" or something along those lines. My first suggestion is to ensure her diet is balanced and try to boost her immune system. Consider adding 1/2 to 1 cup ground and stabilized flaxseed per day. This provides Omega 3 fatty acids that help improve skin and coat as well as boosting the immune system. Antioxidants are also very important to health.

Understand that this is an "inside" imbalance showing on the outside. The diet change is imperative and you might want to consider a Chinese Herbal formula from www.forloveofthehorse.com as this focus addresses the imbalance or cause of this issue.

In addition to that, a topical product such as aloe Vera gel or grape seed oil may help.

Naturally,
Lisa Ross-Williams

Host of the If Your Horse Could Talk show
www.naturalhorsetalk.com

Senior Editor Equine Wellness Magazine
www.equinewellnessmagazine.com