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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Equestrian Assistance, Webinars

Healthy Horse Tip – When Dealing with Horses – Get It in Writing

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You may know that the Equine Activity Liability Act says that you “ride at your own risk.”  However, liability protections do not apply to all causes of risk and all equine activities.  A written liability release in any equine related activity is therefore essential for liability protection.  A properly written and presented liability release provides advantages and protections not offered by the law.  For example, a release provides an opportunity to receive, in writing, confirmation that the signer has read, understood, and agrees to accept the terms of your limitation liability policy.  This alone may even deter the signer from filing a lawsuit.

A successfully written release includes a variety of essential elements including, but not limited to:

Parties:  The parties to the release should be carefully identified.
Signature:  The signature line should require the signer’s full name, address, and phone number.  The signer should indicate if they are signing on their own behalf, or on behalf of their minor child, ward, heirs, representatives, and/or assigns.  A minor signed release is not legally enforceable.
Risks:  A description of some risks inherent in dealing with or around horses is recommended to further reaffirm those risks.  The list must clearly indicate that the risks listed are merely a sampling and not intended to be an all-inclusive representation.
Waiver:  This section expressly provides that the signers, on their own behalf, and/or on behalf of others, agree to waive any legal rights to sue for claims arising from their involvement in the equine related activity.
State’s Law:  The enforceability of the release may differ depending on the applicable state law.  Therefore, providing which state’s law applies explicitly in the release prevents a debate on that issue.
Equine Act:  The release must include the WARNING notice exactly as it is stated in the applicable state’s Equine Activity Liability Act.
Specifics:  Many releases include provisions specific to the drafter’s needs.  For example, some releases ask for the rider’s prior riding experience, authorization for medical attention, agreement to wear a certified helmet, and the rider’s insurance information.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Products/Services

Cookies with a Clue for Your Horse – Simplifying the Supplement “Jungle”

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Have you ever been frustrated by how much time you spend making sure your horse has all the necessary supplements and wished there was a way to simplify the process?   After all your research, are you confident your supplement program is designed to deliver results and that the individual supplements will work together?  Well, you aren’t alone.  Lots of horse owners feel the same way.

For Marian Nilsen, owner of Healthy Horse Boutique, a company that prides itself on caring for horses with healthy, safe, effective methods, finding a solution to the supplement jungle became a mission.

“One day I was in the barn mixing and measuring when I really wanted to be riding, teaching and training.  I just felt like there had to be an answer.  So, I approached equine nutritionist Gabriele Sutton of KAM Animal Services, a company that focuses on therapeutic supplements for better health, to see if she had any clues on how I could simplify supplementing my horses.”

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Breeds, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – EPSM, EPM, IR, EMS, COPD, DJD, OA… Confused Yet?

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Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (EPSM) is a glycogen storage disorder affecting skeletal muscle function.  Diets high in carbohydrates (starch) contribute to the onset of symptoms but do not cause the disease.

EPSM is primarily found in Warmblood, Draft Horses, Quarter Horses (including Paints and Appaloosas) and mixes of these breeds with other breeds.

In Quarter Horses there is a genetic correlation and inheritance is possible.  The incidence is not gender specific.

Horses with EPSM will always be more prone to muscle soreness.  The most common clinical signs are painful firm muscles (especially along the back and hindquarters), reluctance to collect and engage the hind end, stiffness, short stride, gait abnormalities, weakness, and muscle atrophy.  EPSM can progress to tying up (exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER), Monday Morning Disease) where there is severe muscle trembling and muscle damage that can lead to secondary kidney damage and even death.

Continue reading Tip of the Week – EPSM, EPM, IR, EMS, COPD, DJD, OA… Confused Yet? →

Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Products/Services

Healthy Horse Tip – Be Proactive against Radioactive Fallout and Environmental Toxicity

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We don’t know if we will be physically affected by the after effects of the tsunami that hit Japan.  But let’s face it; the world is talking about radiation.  Radioactive fallout is a buzz phrase these days.  Hopefully, it won’t be something we ever have to worry about but there are steps that can be taken to help protect our horses.  It’s called KAM DTX-Formula, a new product recently created by KAM Animal Services.

Even before the radioactive fallout buzz began, KAM Animal Services was often approached by clients asking if the company could create a product that would protect horses against environmental toxins.  The combination of man-made pollutants, contaminated feeds and water, and natural stress, such as storms or draught, result in their bodies becoming toxic.  So, it’s not just radiation that can create toxicity in horses but so many other environmental situations.

KAM felt there was some merit to those requests and so the staff began research to find the right combination of ingredients to detoxify toxic horses.  As important as that product was, it kept taking a back seat to other projects until now.   Since KAM has been inundated with emails and phone calls recently asking if it has such a product, KAM DTX-Formula became the priority.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Horse Scents!

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We are bombarded daily with news and information about how the overuse of medications and chemicals are making our horses sick. There are ways to take care of your horse naturally… with no side-effects.

Horses are forage animals and are used to looking for plants that will assist in the regulation of their body systems. When these plants are distilled into high quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils, they affect all of the body’s systems. All oils have a complex of chemicals that interact with cells to promote cellular function and repair damage.  Certain oils can affect the limbic system in the brain to modify behavior.  Some oils are diffused for inhalation (aromatherapy), some are ingested, some are used topically, and some can be used all three ways.  Here are a few suggested uses.

Lavender is wonderful for wounds (antibacterial and less scarring) and other skin conditions plus it’s a natural anti-histamine and has sedative compounds useful when needing to calm your horse.

Peace & Calming is a fragrant blend of oils useful when trailering, showing or whenever more serious calming is required.  It may be rubbed on the nose and ears.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Equine First Aid – Be Prepared!

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The most common equine emergencies are: colic, skin wounds, eye injuries, tying up, severe lameness (abscess, fracture, laminitis), and infections (bacterial, viral).  Having an emergency kit of medications from your veterinarian can help you treat your horse until the veterinarian arrives.  In some cases it may save your horse’s life or save a vet call.

Always advise your vet of emergency situations and ask for advice on treatment before administrating any medications.  If there is an open wound, cover it to keep it clean.  Apply a firm wrap to control bleeding and minimize swelling while waiting for your vet’s advice.  If there is still bleeding from a limb, a tourniquet may be applied above the wound to decrease the blood flow.

For colic, giving KAM’s KLPP (a pre & probiotic) and hand walking may help.  Having FRE liquid, a natural anti-inflammatory, available for injuries will help with the pain, heat, and swelling.  You can support the immune system with transfer factors (TF-Formula) to help prevent or fight infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal). TF may be used alone or in combination with drug therapies. As a general rule, don’t give any grain or oral medications without checking with your vet if you are unsure of the horse’s problem.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Mushrooms to the Rescue for a Healthy Horse

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Cough, sneeze, sniffle!

Cold and flu season not quite over and horses too can fall victim to the runny-nose blues.

While humans can try to avoid contact with other ill people, cover their achoo-ing and attempt to wash their hands with the same germaphobic zeal as Howie Mandel; the fact is, horses simply can’t keep up.

Two critical conditions exist that make horses (and humans) sick:

First, the cold.

Now remember, it’s not literally the cold that causes a cold or the flu. It’s the body’s reaction to those decreased temperatures. Horses who are kept outside or in cold stalls during the chilly season exert more energy to maintain a core body temperature (through, for example, shivering). As a result, calories are diverted to temperature upkeep rather than immune system maintenance.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week – Your Horse Has Been Diagnosed with Founder – Call 911 Now!

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If you have ever owned a horse diagnosed with laminitis, founder, navicular syndrome or any other type of hoof problem you know how devastating it can be.  Even with advances in modern technology some horses are still diagnosed incorrectly and inadequately leaving the owner helpless and the horse in pain.

Most diagnosed cases start out with strict regimens of prescription medications including steroids, pain killers and other anti-inflammatory medications.  This is then followed by costly farrier bills, stall rest, more vet bills and a horse still in pain.

Preventing hoof problems in a horse is a great stress on a horse owner and with all of the different variables to consider from footing, shoeing, conditioning, diet and nutrition, to genetics, even the best cared for equines on the planet could still be plagued.

So what do you do if your horse is having lameness issues or has been diagnosed with a hoof condition such as navicular?   Get your facts and know your options.  Prescription medications have long lists of side effects. Prescribing a medication like a steroid to “see how your horse looks” after a certain period may do more harm than good.  This is not a good way to try to diagnose a hoof condition and could even make the situation worse.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa

Tip of the Week: Fats – Yummy!

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Many horses crave fats, just as we do.  However, not all fats are created equally.  “Good” fats are called Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) because they are essential to live and function optimally.

An indication that your horse is extremely deficient in EFAs is dry and/or itchy skin and a dull hair coat.   The brain and nervous system is composed primarily of fats.

The membrane of every cell in the body is made of fats.  Fats are used to balance the immune system and inflammatory response. They are needed for hormone synthesis and vitamin absorption.

Fats help protect organs, including the liver, kidneys, and skin from damage.   Fats provide long term energy during exercise.

No wonder the source and quality of the fats in the diet affects health and performance.  Fats are fragile and are easily destroyed in processing (heat) or if exposed to air without being protected (stabilized or chelated) to prevent oxidation.  Some “bad” fats, such as corn oil and mixed vegetable oils, are pro-inflammatory and can contribute to making muscles and joints sore.

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Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, USEF

Healthy Horse Tip – As USEF NSAID Rules Change It’s Time to Go Organic

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NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may help mask lameness while reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, but they can also be very harmful to the equine, whether pet or athlete.

NSAIDs can contribute to GI ulcers, diarrhea from colitis and colic, which all may trigger bouts of laminitis.   Even short term NSAID use has the potential for renal (kidney) and liver toxicity, and may decrease a horse’s health and performance.

Research has shown that NSAIDs may also slow down the healing process of soft tissues.  This means that the patient using NSAIDs may look normal and not have pain evident, but the tissue is weaker longer and at a higher risk for re-injury during the extended healing period.

The USEF now requires an “NSAID Disclosure form” to be filed with the Steward/Technical Delegate if more than one NSAID is used during a competition or in the five days preceding a USEF competition.  The use of Bute and Banamine together is currently prohibited.  Starting December 1, 2011, the presence of only one NSAID will be allowed!  The seven NSAIDs currently allowed with quantitative restrictions are Bute, Banamine, Naproxen, Ketofen, Arquel, Equioxx, and topical Surpass.

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