Most of North America has experienced a mild winter and very early Spring this year. We have no idea how the insects, grasses, trees and our horses are going to react or be affected. I have noticed the horses around the farm are shedding in unusual patterns. Some have let go of all of their coats but most are slick through the shoulders and neck but still thick coated over the topline, croup and around the barrel. These horses were not blanketed over the winter so this is not a protected blanket pattern. In other words they are not convinced we are done with cold nights or even a possible frost.

 

 

Springtime is a time when the glands are in heavy work. Allergens cause inflammation and the glands are the filters and clearing house for dealing with these invaders. Especially this year with the rapid growth of plant life releasing sugar earlier than usual and loads of pollen and particulates flying. The salivary parotid glands are located just behind the throat latch area and can become overloaded and congested 

Letters from You: Experiences with The InBalance Horse oil blend 

 

"I love the effect your balanced horse oil has had on my horse and donkey!"

~ P. Booras  

 

"I've been trying the oil blend. It's interesting. The 13 year old Arabian mare was resistant, at first, even to cleaning her nose. I just kept working with her, she'd throw her head, she's not mean, just a little right brained from time to time, very smart horse though. She foundered, spring grass, four years ago, on a dry lot and takes Equine Performance magnesium.

 

Last night, it was late, I brought her down to the dry lot, to do her feet it's been wet, wanted to clean and treat them. When I finished with her feet, I got the oil. She was pretty good, let me clean her nose, is getting better all the time, sometimes she'll raise her head, each side is a different horse, you know, not the easiest horse, not a warm blood or Quarter horse, she wouldn't be for everybody. I like her, we work it out, somehow. 

 

It was real quiet, late, 10:30, she'd eaten. I rubbed the outside of her muzzle then got the oil. She did really good, after I finished with the oil, she started going to sleep. Standing by me, at the door, her head started dropping, bobbed, she was so still, especially for her. Her eyes were heavy, she looked like she was in a trance. I stood there with her for 15 minutes, watching her zone out. That is huge for this horse. 

 

Her eyes were open, but droopy, she stood like a rock, I think she was dozing or meditating. She usually would have been alone and in her shed by that time, so she was probably ready to go to sleep, the late hour probably encouraged quietness, but it was so special to see her do that. I know the oil caused the effect.

 

The old Arabian gelding, 31, actually "asked" for the oil once, he came over and sniffed the bottle, stood there. He's a poster horse for getting his nose cleaned and rubbed, loves it. 

 

These are my two companion horses, animals that keep me healthy, exercised and active. I just had my yearly blood work done. I'd never be as healthy as I am if it weren't for them!  I always think there is more to horses than we understand."

 

Thanks,

~ W. Cardella, Yukon, OK

........................................................................... 

 

My Friend Jimmy - Developing Nicely as an Athlete

My Friend Jimmy

Swift Taylor's brother My Friend Jimmy left in February to go to Randy Bradshaw's training center in Florida.

Jimmy is coming along nicely and looks to be in very good health. This photo was taken the first week of April. I'm so proud of him too!

Jimmy, as you may remember, is a big handsome gelding.  He is moving along nicely in his training and learning how to use his body and carry a rider. I will provide you with updates on his career as we move forward.