For the serious inquiries...
click the button for a list of
current papers by...
Dr. Chris Pollit
University of Queensland
click the button for a list of
current papers by...
Dr. Chris Pollit
University of Queensland
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Annie’s Story
Annie was born June 5th 2004.
When I first saw her she was investigating a Jeep.
Barely two months old, she couldn’t reach in far enough to
nose the dashboard. She was adorable. Her curiosity and
confidence opened a whole new world for me.
For the next two years, we studied natural horsemanship,
learned groundwork skills and took many walks in the nearby
Game Lands.
After what seemed like a process of trial and error; I decided
that Annie should attend Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship.
In January 2007, Annie started her training. She instantly bonded with
Clinton’s apprentice, Mary. It was the perfect match, respect and trust
provided a positive foundation for Annie future.
In March, Annie was diagnosed with EPM.
Mary recognized the symptoms, and had come to know Annie well enough
to realize that Annie’s actions were not by choice or simple clumsiness.
There had been little signs of the disease the summer and fall prior to her
training; but nothing that sent up a red flag that there was something seriously
wrong. Mary’s knowledge and concern saved Annie’s life.
Annie came home for two months of medication and rest.
I began my search for a new farrier. I found Nancy while searching the internet for a
natural hoof trimmer in Pennsylvania.
This is what I wrote: Annie needs a farrier who is patient. To look at her, you would
never guess that she has been ill. She can walk trot and canter like the breeze. She is
good when a pick up her hoofs, but seems to have a bit of trouble when her hoof is
placed between the farrier’s knees. Does she pull her hoof back because she looses
her balance or is she just being bad?
I know that Annie has a need to trust. Loosing your sense of
balance can be a frightening for a human, I cannot imagine how my Annie must have
felt when her hind quarters went out from under her the first time. I will continue to
work with her acceptance of this farrier’s position and am looking into the benefits of
massage therapy to help stimulate her neurological recovery. The prognosis is good;
the vets believe that she will recover with little or no residual damage.
Nancy’s didn’t even hesitate in her response and willingness to work with Annie.
Annie saw in Nancy a person she could trust.
Nancy’s compassion and understanding have turned what was an unpleasant
and dreaded experience into a rewarding interaction of horse and human.
Annie completed her training at Downunder Horsemanship several weeks ago.
The final four hour lesson was amazing. Annie had learned so much; she was
sure footed and so willingly responsive. Her confidence restored.
Through Annie’s bout with EPM, I have learned many things. I know I have to
be mindful of her getting tired. I need to keep her healthy and fit.
Through Annie’s eyes, I have seen the goodness in people that she has trusts.
She is my peace. Our journey has been blessed.
Happy trails to all,
Bev.
Annie was born June 5th 2004.
When I first saw her she was investigating a Jeep.
Barely two months old, she couldn’t reach in far enough to
nose the dashboard. She was adorable. Her curiosity and
confidence opened a whole new world for me.
For the next two years, we studied natural horsemanship,
learned groundwork skills and took many walks in the nearby
Game Lands.
After what seemed like a process of trial and error; I decided
that Annie should attend Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship.
In January 2007, Annie started her training. She instantly bonded with
Clinton’s apprentice, Mary. It was the perfect match, respect and trust
provided a positive foundation for Annie future.
In March, Annie was diagnosed with EPM.
Mary recognized the symptoms, and had come to know Annie well enough
to realize that Annie’s actions were not by choice or simple clumsiness.
There had been little signs of the disease the summer and fall prior to her
training; but nothing that sent up a red flag that there was something seriously
wrong. Mary’s knowledge and concern saved Annie’s life.
Annie came home for two months of medication and rest.
I began my search for a new farrier. I found Nancy while searching the internet for a
natural hoof trimmer in Pennsylvania.
This is what I wrote: Annie needs a farrier who is patient. To look at her, you would
never guess that she has been ill. She can walk trot and canter like the breeze. She is
good when a pick up her hoofs, but seems to have a bit of trouble when her hoof is
placed between the farrier’s knees. Does she pull her hoof back because she looses
her balance or is she just being bad?
I know that Annie has a need to trust. Loosing your sense of
balance can be a frightening for a human, I cannot imagine how my Annie must have
felt when her hind quarters went out from under her the first time. I will continue to
work with her acceptance of this farrier’s position and am looking into the benefits of
massage therapy to help stimulate her neurological recovery. The prognosis is good;
the vets believe that she will recover with little or no residual damage.
Nancy’s didn’t even hesitate in her response and willingness to work with Annie.
Annie saw in Nancy a person she could trust.
Nancy’s compassion and understanding have turned what was an unpleasant
and dreaded experience into a rewarding interaction of horse and human.
Annie completed her training at Downunder Horsemanship several weeks ago.
The final four hour lesson was amazing. Annie had learned so much; she was
sure footed and so willingly responsive. Her confidence restored.
Through Annie’s bout with EPM, I have learned many things. I know I have to
be mindful of her getting tired. I need to keep her healthy and fit.
Through Annie’s eyes, I have seen the goodness in people that she has trusts.
She is my peace. Our journey has been blessed.
Happy trails to all,
Bev.
...Annie began taking MOP when I first saw her on a
recommendation from Dr. Diane Barnhardt from OH-
her balance was very bad and she could only be trimmed
with alot of breaks and keeping her hoof very low to the
ground. Annie is now able to use a hoof jack on her hind
feet (if' she's not alone when we trim that is!!
recommendation from Dr. Diane Barnhardt from OH-
her balance was very bad and she could only be trimmed
with alot of breaks and keeping her hoof very low to the
ground. Annie is now able to use a hoof jack on her hind
feet (if' she's not alone when we trim that is!!
Jenny the mule sole penetration
Roxy June '06 April '07
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Annie overcomes EPM
Step 1. Pull the shoes! Any type of shoeing or casting restricts
proper hoof mechanism and hinders the natural healing process.
Step 2. Reconsider your feeding program. Is it a NATURAL diet?
Are they getting more than they can burn off? Are you adding
molasses or other sugars unnecessarily? Are they getting enough
minerals and salts daily? How is the water?
Step 3. Make sure they get PLENTY OF MOVEMENT! The hoof
was designed to travel across desert terrain for up to 20 miles a day.
If they don't move their feet, they aren't pumping any blood into them!
Boots may be necessary but they are for short term use only.
Step 4. Take a good look at their pasture...if it doesn't look like the
trails you ride on, then don't expect their hooves to be comfortable
with your added weight as well. The hoof will "adapt" to it's
environment with time and adding plenty of rocks to the paddock
makes a world of difference! The more the hoof is used, the tougher
it will become.
Step 5. The barefoot hoof should be trimmed in accordance with
natural wear. Anything other than a natural trim is nothing more than
man's idea of what a hoof should look like, not what it truly is. I ask
myself only this...who am I to question what nature has so perfectly
designed?
Step 6. Don't expect an overnight miracle. If your horse has been in
shoes for a long time, the healing process will take over a year on
average. Document your progress and don't give up on your horse!
Surely God would not have given him hooves he could not survive
on!
Step 7. Have you saddle and your horses teeth checked regularly.
A saddle that fit two years ago may not fit today...and mouth
problems are sometimes mistaken for other lameness issues. Have
him checked by a chiropractor of needed to rule out any spinal
issues and incorporate stretching and massage into your training
program.
Step 8. Give your horse as little medications as possible. Although
many vaccines are necessary, these too need to be considered fully
to optimize your horses health. Pain medications can cause further
injury if overused and should be given only when vet ordered.
Step 9. Read Founder:Prevention and Cure the Natural Way and
Pasture Paradise by Jaime Jackson for a more comprehensive look
into natural horse keeping.
Step 10. Listen to you Horse! They will let you know what they can
and can't do. Before you know it loosing a shoe will be a thing of the
past and your horse will be the best he can be!
proper hoof mechanism and hinders the natural healing process.
Step 2. Reconsider your feeding program. Is it a NATURAL diet?
Are they getting more than they can burn off? Are you adding
molasses or other sugars unnecessarily? Are they getting enough
minerals and salts daily? How is the water?
Step 3. Make sure they get PLENTY OF MOVEMENT! The hoof
was designed to travel across desert terrain for up to 20 miles a day.
If they don't move their feet, they aren't pumping any blood into them!
Boots may be necessary but they are for short term use only.
Step 4. Take a good look at their pasture...if it doesn't look like the
trails you ride on, then don't expect their hooves to be comfortable
with your added weight as well. The hoof will "adapt" to it's
environment with time and adding plenty of rocks to the paddock
makes a world of difference! The more the hoof is used, the tougher
it will become.
Step 5. The barefoot hoof should be trimmed in accordance with
natural wear. Anything other than a natural trim is nothing more than
man's idea of what a hoof should look like, not what it truly is. I ask
myself only this...who am I to question what nature has so perfectly
designed?
Step 6. Don't expect an overnight miracle. If your horse has been in
shoes for a long time, the healing process will take over a year on
average. Document your progress and don't give up on your horse!
Surely God would not have given him hooves he could not survive
on!
Step 7. Have you saddle and your horses teeth checked regularly.
A saddle that fit two years ago may not fit today...and mouth
problems are sometimes mistaken for other lameness issues. Have
him checked by a chiropractor of needed to rule out any spinal
issues and incorporate stretching and massage into your training
program.
Step 8. Give your horse as little medications as possible. Although
many vaccines are necessary, these too need to be considered fully
to optimize your horses health. Pain medications can cause further
injury if overused and should be given only when vet ordered.
Step 9. Read Founder:Prevention and Cure the Natural Way and
Pasture Paradise by Jaime Jackson for a more comprehensive look
into natural horse keeping.
Step 10. Listen to you Horse! They will let you know what they can
and can't do. Before you know it loosing a shoe will be a thing of the
past and your horse will be the best he can be!
How can you get hooves like these??
Follow this 10 step program to get started!
Follow this 10 step program to get started!
