The Kindness Factor

When we actively practice kindness with our horses, dogs and each other, we can communicate more clearly. I am watching new scenes all around me these days and I find that I am drawn to and listen to the kind voice while I instinctively tune out what feels unkind.

You just know it is the same for our animals. The horse in pain from inhumane equipment or handling will no longer be able to comprehend. I have switched the majority of our horses over to bitless bridles, not only because a student's hand could accidentally jerk the reins, but because the equine nose/face can feel just as much as the thin, gum covered bone of his jaw.



As Autumn arrives for us in New Mexico and the monsoons continue, I am examining policies and practices of our stable. Weeks of (much appreciated, if overly annoying) rain assure life and water tables, but pretty much stop all lessons in their tracks. A time for introspection... this has been pointed out to me by a wise young man at the health food store who sees through the eyes of a sage. This same young man has advised me on everything from eye health to being patient to seeing with my heart - (It takes a special sort of wisdom to talk with someone older than your parent with kind intentions and relevant facts).

So, I've been examining all aspects of my life while I consider how to improve everything. And being even kinder becomes the obvious path. With our animals, we need to be clear and consistent to be kind. Confusion always rattles the equine mind and dogs cannot relax if they expect aggression to show itself several times a day.

Sometimes it is kindest to step back and give someone space when they need it - and sometimes we peeps need to hold on tight to each other and not let go. Either is a kindness at the appropriate time.

Kindness must be partnered with common sense, too. The dog who is begging to go for a drive has no comprehension that the car will get hot enough to kill him while you run into the market. You have practice the more sensible kindness for him.

I grow weary of the rains. I write a lot, found my easel to start a new painting... I apologize to the horses for the mud! And, being in a very long distance relationship leaves me at the mercy of technology which I both curse and bless in the same breath (the technology!). But I would not change a thing!

So, I notice that the horses really appreciate a hug when I slip and slide my way to their feeders with a mound of hay. The dogs are so pleased with an extra biscuit while they lie by the storm door watching the (at this very moment!) sheets of water roll down the driveway. The people I see at the nursing home respond with smiles or half smiles to the smallest act of kindness... everything in my life is teaching me how to be a better human.

My three favorite herbs for healing horses are:

Comfrey - a plant that is easily grown and is the premier herb for injuries of all kinds. It is used externally to heal bruises, broken bones, lacerations (cuts), abrasions (rubbed sores), contusions (wounds with bruising), burns (heat, chemical and friction) and any swelling or inflammation.

Comfrey leaves are brewed as aninfusion - steep one handful dried leaves (2 fresh) to 2 quarts pure water just off the boil, covered in a non-metal pot. Let steep for 25 minutes and strain well. The infusion of leaf is mild and used for infants (externally only, always), small and delicate animals or elderly persons.

 

Comfrey Roots are boiled to make a decoction - one handful dried roots (2 fresh) to one quart of pure water in a non-metal pot. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Then let sit, covered for an hour before straining. Squeeze all the moisture from the herb.

 

Apply these by sponge or sprayer COLD to acute injuries; WARM to old chronic injuries.

 

Comfrey Oil is made by heating the roots and leaves in safflower oil.

Comfrey Ointment adds beeswax to the infused oil to form a salve.

 

The root of the Comfrey plant stimulates the growth and healing of bone cells. It contains allantoin to soothe and stimulate skin cell growth. It used to be called "bone knit" and is a profound healer of bone fractures and injuries to the skull or blows to the eye (especially in Homeopathic form). Do not use Comfrey until a fracture has been set. Do not use Comfrey on a wound that has debris in it. Comfrey can heal things too quickly.

 

Homeopathic Symphytum is made from Comfrey and is the first thing to dose when a severe injury occurs (along with Homeopathic Arnica or Bellis). It is good for excessive pain, injuries to the cartilage and periosteum that covers the bones. Use it for any injury to the eyeball or head. Homeopathic remedies are usually in small pellet form and you dose humans, horses or dogs the amount suggested on the container - it is not the amount that determines the strength of the healing, but how often it is dosed. The little pellets can be added to bland treats, mixed with water and placed in the mouth or put under the tongue.

 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - The flowers are used and it is an important healer.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Rosemary - "Rosmarinus officinalis" is a Mediterranean shrub with powerful medicinal properties.

 

The powdered or ground rosemary "leaves" are used on oozing or weeping sores. It is packed into cleansed wounds to act as an antiseptic "scab" while healing takes place rapidly beneath it. It is especially useful for wounds on horses.

 

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