Even when it seems like we are treading water - movement is assured in this life. As I have watched several friends' horses pass over to the next life, assisted with a precious spirit I tried to save and listened to the grieving of others whose animals have departed, I feel honored and humbled by the beloved beings I have known
Whether for decades, years or months, the connection to another is deepened by the knowing of each others' essence and the realization that the veils between this life and the next are thin indeed. I have known horses I will never forget. The special ones who have been rescued from dire conditions and certain death (like the one with me in the photo - a mascot at an Equine Rescue, belonging to someone else, but a horse I was honored to meet) are the most memorable sometimes. The ones who tried valiantly but could not rally against the neglect and injury are the most memorable always.
As I look toward the coming winter and we all retreat a little bit into our personal hibernation of the spirit - using the longer nights and cooler weather to rest a bit more and meditate a little deeper - I can exhale.
So much depends upon the love and awareness we have for our animals. Their lives are literally in our hands and we must do the best we possibly can for them.
FEEDING / NOURISHMENT
stoking the internal fires
Flaxseed ground, cooked or as oil is a healer of the respiratory system and digestive tract for horses, people and dogs. Our Natural Horse Care Guide and "The Well Being" books present many ways to maintain health.
Keep dogs slightly on the "fat" side if they live outside to add a layer for warmth. Do this with healthy foods and nourishing oils like flax. Be sure they have proper water to drink at all times. Our Natural Dog Care Handbook offers lots of canine dietary and supplemental information.
We humans need extra water in the winter, too. We tend to drink less and therefore retain toxins in cold weather. Eating lots of raw roots like carrots, yams, parsley root, burdock -
for people, horses and dogs, will keep our vitamin intake up, add enzymes to our diets and support the organs!
Preparation for the colder weather before it arrives helps you prevent stress in your own life and keeps everyone healthier. If you use horse blankets, wash and repair them now. Get a carbon monoxide detector before you start up the furnace, etc.
Stock up on delicious herbal teas and soups! Then enjoy the lack of flies, mosquitoes, algae in the water tanks and itchy manes that winter allows.
HERBAL INFO: YARROW 
(Achillea millefolium)
Reputedly used to treat wounds during the Trogan wars, it's Latin name is derived from the Greek hero, Achilles. I have used it as an infusion to drench (dose horses orally) my horses when the barn where they boarded was overcome by a severe respiratory tract infection. My geldings were the only horses not on antibiotics and they recovered first. A strong tea brewed from the flowers was used many times per day and I actually bathed their bodies with the "tea" and covered them with anti-sweat coolers to break their fevers. On this occasion, I added colloidal silver to their drenches, as well.
Yarrow tea is a profound healer of colds and flu in humans (boneset herb is added for flu to reduce aches and pain). Yarrow steam from a pot of boiled water can be inhaled to break up mucus. Yarrow blossom infusions are used orally after giving birth to slow the bleeding. It is styptic in its actions externally as well. DURING PREGNANCY, Yarrow is contraindicated.
Yarrow infusion can be used as an ear lotion for dogs. If your dog has external allergies, avoid Yarrow as it might cause a reaction.
Of course, these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
