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Worm Control News
May, 2010
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Guest Expert: Mary Midkiff
At Horsemen's Laboratory,
helping horse owners understand the most effective way to use fecal egg counts (FECs) is part of
our mission; as such, we're constantly on the lookout for new information and
research we can share with our customers.
This month, our guest expert is Mary Midkiff, an internationally known author, clinician, trainer and instructor, and the creator of the Women & Horses fitness and performance program as
well as a long-time H-Lab customer. Mary specializes in a holistic approach to
conditioning and training horses, one that promotes a deep bonding partnership
between horse and human.
WCNews: How long have you been using
Horsemen's Laboratory services?
Mary: Honestly, I can't remember how
long ago I was introduced to the Horsemen's Lab. I know it's been at least 6 years or more. I finally met Dr. Byrd in person at the
2009 Equestrian Lifestyle Expo held in the Chicago area, where we both were
presenters.
WCNews: Can you describe for our
readers the kind of work you do?
Mary: Yes, I'm committed to the
happiness, health, safety, and comfort of the female rider and her horse, with
an emphasis on bringing forth a new perspective on the way horses are
understood, equipped, and ridden. For over 20 years, my work has involved
writing about and doing presentations on exercises, techniques, and equipment
that promote clear thinking, sound movement, and a balanced body for the horse,
while also instructing each student on how to get in touch with her intuitive
self around her horse.
WCNews: Would you provide some
specific examples?
Mary: Certainly! I've written
several books that cover portions of my philosophy, but from different
perspectives. She Flies Without Wings: How Horses Touch a Woman's Soul is a
memoir and narrative about the magical and emotional connection between a woman
and her horse; it's been translated into five different languages, and has been
both a best-seller and an award-winner, so it's obviously touched a lot of
people with its message. However, my first book Fitness, Performance, and the Female
Equestrian, focuses more on the physical aspects of the horse and female rider relationship,
and the challenges we can face. I've also developed an essential oil blend for
the horse that produces feelings of calm and balance, helping to foster a
stronger connection between horse and rider.
___________________Win A Date With Mary!
You can win a 30-minute phone consultation
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WCNews: So it sounds like a
mind/body/spirit approach is always present in what you do?
Mary: That's absolutely right.
Through my company, Women & Horses, I focus on a holistic approach to my
training, teaching, and therapy work with riders and their horses. It's very
important in my work to maximize wellness and comfort of the horse, and keep
toxicity and stress to a minimum, since those factors translate directly into
the kind of relationship and performance you'll have with your horse.
WCNews: How does that relate to
parasites and dewormers?
Mary: Unless there is a specific
demonstration of worm symptoms, I prefer not to give horses toxic dewormers in
any shape or form. I also want to know that my own horse's internal systems are
healthy, and that his nutrition is being fully utilized. I feel that Horsemen's
Lab provides a comprehensive service so that you know what's going on
internally with your horse's parasite population.
WCNews: What's your own deworming
protocol?
Mary: I prefer and recommend using a
lab reading every three months, and then only deworming when a test result
comes back positive. That way, instead of giving a horse unnecessary toxins
every few days or weeks, I test every three months and let the horse tell me
when parasite eradication is needed. Horsemen's Lab has given me the ability to
make that choice, and to make sure my horse is healthy. I think it's also
helpful if you have multiple horses, to understand what's going on for pasture
management.
WCNews: How frequently do you
typically deworm your horse?
Mary: He's only been positive once
in two years! So that's a lot of dewormer I haven't had to give him. That's
important to me.
WCNews: Where can people find out
more about you and your work?
Mary: They can visit my Web site,
where I have a lot of good information including many articles and essays.
Plus, this coming October I'll be a presenter at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, so I hope your readers will come by my booth and seminars
and say hello!
Coming
next month: Low, medium, and high shedding horses - what it is, what it means.
Return to the May issue of Worm Control News
Visit the Horsemen's Laboratory Web site
Worm Control News is written and produced by KempEquine.com.
Copyright 2010 Horsemen's Laboratory. Please contact us at hlab@horsemenslab.com for reprint permission. Linking to Worm Control News is acceptable, and we would appreciate notification of links so we can acknowledge them in future issues.
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