I WANT TO BE ABLE TO PLAY OUT!
One of McCawley’s problems came to light when it was realised that he could be suffering from claustrophobia. This information was aired on our local radio station, BBC Radio Lancashire, and was featured in local newspapers. He became quite a celebrity.
The outcome of these findings answered some of the questions as to why during the winter he tended to lose weight, because he could not stay out in the fields for long periods, due to the weather. His stable feeding should have compensated for this.
McCawley is usually a bit of a monkey but during the winter he also becomes very morose and is not a happy pony and this is definitely not healthy for him, at all.
As the final section of the build was complete, the idea was for McCawley to have his own turn-out area. This would enable him to come and go as he pleased, whilst still having his stable to go in to.
The Jigsaw Charity needs to raise about £1,000, before winter 2004, to provide McCawley with this area. As you can see from the pictures, there is still a lot to do - the area behind McCawley’s stable needs major work carrying out as it needs to be flat. Drainage must be put in, pipes moved, landscaping, a suitable surface put down in a fenced -off area to make it safe for him.
This gives you a view of the rear of his stable where the turn-out area should be.
It would be fantastic if we could have this in place by winter as you can see by reading the next stories, how happy McCawley can be.
The next stories are written by two of the youngsters who help Sue Carr at weekends. They have worked with McCawley for some time, and their stories illustrate some of the work that is being done with him.
Monkey McCawley’s Training Program
by Emma
When I first started riding McCawley I found it
quite difficult because I could not make him want to go.
Last summer when it was warm he lay down in the middle of the arena in protest
because he did not want to go. He was very stubborn and refused to move at all
in the heat!!!
After many weeks riding him I found out how to make him want to move, to make
him move strongly off a small leg aid.
One time I was riding him there were distractions outside of the arena, so I had
to make sure he was listening to the aids I was giving. He had been kept in over
night and had lots of energy. I needed to make sure I had a strong contact and I
needed to do lots of half-halts, small circles and pirouettes to make him
concentrate on me and our goals and not on some rubbish that was being taken
away!
Having achieved my goals so far, I have found riding McCawley much more fun now
than when I first started riding him.
Monkey McCawley’s Training Program (i)
by Victoria
For the past few years I have been riding McCawley,
but I got too big for him, so instead I have started to learn how to lunge him.
When I first started to lunge him I found it very difficult as he kept turning
in towards me. This really started to annoy me, so Sue said that we should start
doing some work as a team. First of all I loose schooled him. This he really
enjoyed as he could go really fast without any restraints. Then McCawley Joined
Up with me, which means he turned in to where I was standing and we walked
around together without me holding on to him. This is a very magical experience.
Then we added poles and cones to go over and in and out of. This was very
enjoyable, but I still had it in my mind that I could not lunge him although it
was something I really wanted to do.
After a couple of months doing work together, I asked Sue if I could lunge
McCawley again. Sue said “yes…….but only if I didn’t get upset”. I set up
everything and I was determined to do it.
The moment of truth: IT WORKED!!!!!
I was so happy he lunged perfectly. It was amazing and all I did differently was
stroke the whip gently over his back as he went round. This kept him out and
going as fast as I needed him to.
Monkey McCawley’s Training Program (ii)
by Victoria
Now I have done a lot of Lunging and I have started
to do something new with him.
When I used to ride McCawley we both used to love jumping - especially McCawley,
but now I can’t ride him any more because I am too big for him.
So seeing as he likes jumping so much, I decided to set out a jump and instead of me riding him, I loose school him so he has no restraints and could go as high and as fast as he wished!
I knew he liked jumping but as soon as he went over the jump for the first time any one could tell he really enjoyed it. He went whizzing round and jumped really far.
I have never seen a horse look so excited and happy when they are working.
A very happy pony.
If you would like to donate to McCawley’s appeal, please contact Sue Carr at admin@equinextra.com
Bob's Story by Sue Carr
Bob came to live with the Charity aged 9 years old. He had been bought by a friend of the boss, who had rescued him from dreadful conditions, where he had been in a stable with the top door shut and had also been regularly beaten for approximately six months.
Bob went to live with his new owner and an old pony called Decision, where she spent a long time getting to know him, earning his trust and letting her handle him (she was bitten and kicked quite a lot in the process). Bob was very frightened of people and stables, but he became best friends with Decision, who became his safety net. After several good years together, Bob's new owner developed a bad back and although she had trained Bob to be ridden, she was now unable to look after him. The Charity took him on, with his best friend, who was by then, 27 years old.
Bob
Bob worked well in the Charity, teaching many people to ride, including people with learning disabilities. He was ridden by the boss, in side saddle displays by the boss, where he performed dressage so well, carrying out travers, renvers, half pass, shoulder in and canter pirouettes. The boss loved riding Bob but as time went on, Decision got older and started to wane, so it was decided that now would be a good time to get Bob a new friend, as well as Decision, so that he would not get upset when his old friend passed away, as Bob was still a "young man". Unfortunately, he did not want another friend and if Decision was taken away from him, he went berserk.
Decision
The boss was very worried about Bob's future. The vet was able to keep Decision comfortable, and like old people, his body was gradually ceasing to work as he was 34 years old. The boss contacted nearly every horse expert in the world, but no one could tell her how to separate the two, without causing injury to horse or human. Decision went off his food and the vet was called, who gave him 3 days treatment to encourage him to eat again, and if he was unable to respond, this could cause liver failure. They tried to separate them, but it was a disaster, so eventually the boss went in the field using a process called join-up, with Bob and Decision. This had never occurred before, despite trying endlessly, this opened an avenue to a new approach.
The next day a round pen was put up in the field and the procedure was started. Bob would not be able to hurt himself in there, and he could still see his friend, while the boss was cuddling him. Decision was still off his food but was not uncomfortable, and so everything was calm. Decision was taken out of the field and was replaced with Fred, while the boss was still with Bob, and amazingly he did not react.
Decision was fading, he still wasn't eating. The vet and the boss decided that he was not going to come round, so should be put to sleep before he started to suffer. Bob went into the pen with the boss and was cuddled, while Decision was peacefully put to sleep, in the field next to him.
Bob went to see his old friend, somehow knowing he had passed away he spent some time with him and then, eventually went back into the pen with the boss. She stayed with him while 2 other horses were put in the field next to him. Even after the entire heartache, there was tranquility. The Boss left Bob eventually, and after a while he came out of the round pen and they went around the yard to reassure him that Decision was not there. He went into his own stable, with the other horses on either side of him and he had his tea. That night a composed Bob went out into his pen with Fred and another horse called Tammy in the field.
The next day he was happy to be ridden and 3 days later Bob went into the field by himself. After such an arduous time for everyone, Bob was relaxed - a job well done by all concerned.
McCawley
McCawley came to the Charity two and a half years ago. He had been at a local RDA group where he had an accident with a mounting block. This resulted in him having back and neck problems. He was also terrified of all types of mounting blocks and would not go near them. "Jigsaw" was approached to take him on.
On arrival McCawley was assessed and followed a course of physiotherapy to improve his neck and back condition. He went through a re-training programme to work in conjunction with the physiotherapist to improve any muscle spasm problems he was experiencing. He also went through a re-training programme to de-sensitise him to the mounting block.
Several months later on, McCawley is working
comfortably with the block and some of "Jigsaw's" able-bodied and disabled
riders.
McCawley
Unfortunately these problems were not the only ones. Throughout the next two winters, McCawley showed weight loss becoming quite 'ribby' and losing some muscle. All physical problems were addressed e.g. correct feeding, comfortable teeth, warm clothing - but he still lost weight. In October 2002, Sue - Charity Organiser - and Catriona, the Charity's vet were discussing McCawley's weight loss. They were standing at his stable door, McCawley was looking quite grumpy, he was frequently grumpy in the stable. We thought we had come up with the answer! McCawley was claustrophobic and unhappy when stabled (which is all winter) living outside in the summer he was fine.
A plan was devised, McCawley would winter out with his friend Jigsaw, coming in, in the day to be fed, groomed etc. and going out at night. Care was taken to keep them warm and mud-fever free. McCawley kept his weight on beautifully. This was just a short term plan. McCawley will have his own facility developed so that he can come in, in the winter and go out when he feels the need to.
This project is on-going. We would be grateful for any help with funding this project.
Putting A Bridle On For The First Time by Emma Marsh aged 11
Recently I managed to start putting a bridle on
some of the horses/ponies. When I first started to try to put bridles on, I
started by trying to open Rory's mouth with my fingers, but without having to
put the bit in or the bridle to go over his ears. At first I was nervous about
putting my fingers in his mouth but over time I became more confident.
Rory
After a few weeks of trying to open Rory's mouth, Sue suggested that I should
have a go at putting Jigsaw's bridle on. I managed to do this even though it
took a while.
Sue also suggested I tried to put on Blue's bridle. This also took a while but I
managed to do it. It has taken six weeks but now I am very pleased that I can put
a bridle on.
My Relationship with McCawley by Victoria
When McCawley first came to the stables I didn't
do anything with him. Whenever I went to his stable he was always at the back of
it.
Then later on I started to ride him. He was lovely to ride but you had to make
him move sometimes. He was very aware of things around him.
I started to groom him every Saturday. I wasn't very confident nor was he, but
we both helped each other through our nerves and became inseparable.
I used to go and groom him for hours (well that's what Sue thought), I actually
used to make him shine in about half an hour then the rest of the time I used to
fall asleep leaning on his back and he also used to doze off!
McCawley
McCawley is quite nervous of people. One day as I was brushing him off, he
spread his haylage all over his stable. I untied his rope and held onto it while
I brushed him off, so that he could reach his haylage. I had nearly finished
grooming him when he stood in the middle of the stable. I wondered what was
wrong with him, but in actual fact he was so tired and relaxed with me there he
just felt like lying down.
My Horsy Experience by Joanne Gudgeon
I have always wanted to learn to ride but I have often felt nervous and unconfident around horses. I felt that until I could increase my confidence in dealing with horses I couldn't really start to learn to ride properly. Fortunately I know Sue Carr and once I explained my concerns to her, she suggested that I come to Backhouse Horse and Welfare Centre in Mawdesley to see 'what she could do'.
I went down one afternoon in December to meet with Sue at the stables. She started by showing me how horses, as herd animals react to certain body language from humans, e.g. horses cannot see directly in front of themselves so to try and stroke a horses nose by approaching them from the front will alarm the horse. This is why (when I have done this in the past) the horse raises its head in a very alarming (to me anyway!) way.
Sue demonstrated to me a 'join up' process with
McCawley. McCawley is quite a nervous pony who is particularly nervous inside
the stable. Sue took McCawley into the exercise area (arena). McCawley had no
restrains or leads on for Sue to guide him around. After the process, McCawley
followed Sue, almost directly into his stable. This was achieved without any
actual commands but purely from Sue's body language. Although, Getting McCawley actually
into his stable involved a bit of bribery with pony nuts!
Joanne with Petra
To a complete horse novice like myself the best way I can understand the process is that a horse/pony as a herd animal wants to be with other animals and will also accept and maybe even need a herd leader. Therefore they are naturally sociable. If a human adopts the appropriate body language then the human will be part of the herd. The join-up process is a way of becoming part of the herd and the horse/pony actually wants to be with the human. Sue went inside Petra's stable and faced out of the stable with her back to Petra and held out her hand to the horse.
All the time Sue's body language was completely non-threatening to the horse. In no time at all Petra was licking Sue's hand and had it's head over Sue's shoulder. Petra was actually trying to get as close to Sue as possible but in a completely gentle manner. Sue also suggested that I lean against the horse(!!) and touch and stroke the horse's body to gain confidence. She helpfully showed me the bits where a horse is particularly sensitive so I could avoid these areas.
Petra
I ventured into the stable and tried to adopt the same body language as Sue, Petra was standing a foot or so behind me. Petra then started licking my hand. Sue stayed with us for a bit then left us alone (always staying close at hand!). I initially felt a bit self-conscious but soon curiosity got the better of me. Petra didn't come as close to me as she had with Sue but nevertheless I started to feel more and more comfortable with Petra as my companion in the stable (and vice versa probably). I thought I would try the leaning thing. It took some time to get the right position but eventually I did it! Petra was brilliant, she actually adjusted her position to accommodate me, just leaning into me enough to take my weight without moving her position or mine. It was completely non-threatening and totally comfortable. It was also very warm and if I can say it, comforting. I had nothing to give this horse, I've never fed, watered or exercised Petra and yet she was totally trusting. I could do nothing but to trust her back and try to do nothing to alarm her or frighten her.
After some time Sue prised me away from Petra and I went into the stables with another horse where much the same thing happened. Overall I left the stables much more confident with horses and ponies and actually liked being close to them because of the way they made me feel.
My Horse William by Paula Clare
I had wanted a horse for a while and was advised that it would be more beneficial to get a horse on loan so I could see whether I could manage one on my own before I bought one. I saw an advertisement in the Farmers Guardian saying that there were horses available for winter loan from November to March. I rang up and luckily it was near to where I lived. When we arrived they only had one horse left. He was a dark bay, 15.3 hands with two white socks. He seemed extremely quiet and well natured. I had a ride on him and he was responsive and sensitive. He was forward going but hadn't been ridden recently so that was probably influencing his active behaviour. I was told that he wasn't to be jumped as he had slight arthritis in his forelegs. I was very happy to take him on loan but our facilities had to be checked first to make sure we had a suitable stable and field.
When he arrived he was frantic and restless in his new stable. Everything was new to him as he was only used to being able to see the horse opposite him and was only ever ridden in the same sand paddock and had never seen grass since the previous winter. He was very interested in all the new things around him and kept walking round and round and looking over his door. He pricked his ears up at all the new noises. We were advised what to feed him: haylage or soaked hay, carrots, pasture mix and AlfaA. We were told to insure him. He settled down a lot the following day and was happily eating hay. I turned him out in the field and he had a gallop and a look at the horses in the field next door. I had been told to restrict how long I left him out because he wasn't used to any grass in his diet and therefore it needed to be introduced gradually. I watched him and as soon as he started to graze I made sure that he only had 15 minutes.
I brushed him off the next day and tacked him up. I had no problems apart from discovering he was head shy. When I tried to brush him above his eyes, he pinned his ears back and had a very anxious look in his eyes. I decided not to touch his head as much unless it was necessary until I thought of a way to cure his problem. I described my problem to Sue Carr, whom has cured many horses who have been badly treated through violence and neglect, and she offered to come and have a look at William.
Firstly, she watched me try to brush his head and saw the response that I got from him. She then went into the stable and made friends with William by talking softly to him. Sue stroked his neck to calm him down and show him that she was no threat and that there was nothing to be worried about. Sue then offered her hand to William and he started to lick it. At the same time she spoke gently to him and gradually started to move her hand closer to his head. William allowed this to be done with very little movement, as Sue had gained the trust of William and gave out no signs of fear, which would have scared him.
Every night from then on I have tried this method myself. It has proved successful as he no longer looks frightened when the bridle has to be pulled over his ears. There are still the odd times when he pulls back but when this happens I just talk softly to him and he soon relaxes again.
Overcoming My Fear by Mandy Pendleton
Up to about 18 months ago I had a definite fear of horses. I would take my daughter, 16 years old, for riding lessons from Sue Carr for about 8 years but I always stood well back from the horses.
My friend bought a horse, Troy, and gradually I got closer to him in his stable but I was still very wary. As my friend was busy as she was undertaking a degree course I slowly found myself getting more and more involved in the care of Troy. Over time I learnt how to groom him, pick out his feet, feed him, put on his head collar, rugs etc. Troy and myself developed a great deal of trust between us. He was very patient with me as he knew I was new to caring for horses. I found he responded really well to praise and is extremely aware of any changes in mood. He is able to sense if you are not feeling as well as you would like and has an uncanny way of cheering you up very quickly.
Sue Carr said she was looking for help at her stables in Mawdesley and much to my own surprise said I would help her out. I spoke at length to Sue about my long-standing fear of horses. We traced the fear back to when I was 13. I had been reluctantly sat on a horse for lessons - my sister was the horse enthusiast of the family - and bounced around a muddy field for many weeks. I dreaded it and there had been no getting to know the horse before my lessons. Sue embarked on a programme of 'horse-therapy' for me. I spent some time in the stable with Petra and was asked to stand shoulder to shoulder with her and lean on her gently. She responded by leaning back. Gradually we were rocking gently in unison. Petra bent her neck back to wrap it around me, to cuddle me. It was an incredible experience. I also did join-up with McCawley and Fred (16+hh).
Petra
Over the months I have carried out a very varied
array of tasks with all of the horses. I am now able to brush Doris and Tiger's
teeth! Pick out the feet of all the horses, apply treatments where necessary,
groom all the horses and put on head collars and rugs etc. I recently helped
assist the vet whilst he rasped Rory's teeth and supported his head while
holding his tongue for the vet to see into his mouth, I certainly wouldn't have
believed I could have done that 18 months ago!
I have found the horses extremely therapeutic and rewarding. I think that before you ride for the first time, it would be very beneficial to learn about the handling and care of horses/ponies, so that riding is a natural progression, not a frightening experience.
Troy's Story by Sue Walsh
I feel that this is my opportunity to commend the aims and objectives of 'Jigsaw' together with the commitment and knowledge demonstrated by its team of experts.
There have been a number of times when I have needed help with some equine psychology and physiology. You know, questions and queries you have, but the books don't give you the answer!!!!
Well, here's my story...I am the proud owner of Troy, who is about 16 years old and an Anglo/Arab gelding. He is gorgeous, cheeky, very forward going, but loves to work and tries really hard at anything he is asked to do. He has got 'Arab' traits, but he also has a lovely placid, pleasing side to his nature and we love him to bits!
You can imagine how distraught I was last May (2002) when I came home and found my horse, Troy, displaying some very distressing behaviours. He was stamping about in the paddock continually running around, not able to settle to eat. When we got him into his stable, nothing would calm him and he continued snorting for hours, in fact, all through the night. He couldn't eat because he wouldn't stand still long enough. He did not touch his hay or his bucket feed. He continually 'box walked', and was thrashing around. The following morning, I went to give him his breakfast, he looked totally distressed, his bed trashed and continued to snort.
By this time I was very worried about him and equally as distressed to see him in such a state. I just could not work out what was the matter and nothing I did or said to him made any difference. He seemed oblivious to me and any efforts to calm him, he was a completely different horse and his behaviour was quite terrifying!
As I opened the stable door, with his feed bucket, he barged right past me, out of the stable, into a small enclosed grassed area adjacent to his paddock. I must admit by this time, I was not only frightened about what he might do to himself, but what he might do to me, or anybody else near him! He was just jumping around and trotting in circles, continually changing direction. He appeared to have no concept of the danger or damage he might do to himself or others....what was wrong???
My mind was running riot. Had he seen something in his paddock that he was afraid of? Was he suffering from claustrophobia, because I had not had the hawthorn hedges cut low enough so he could 'nosey' over them? Was it the 'local ladies' arousing his libido? Was it the fact that he lived on his own, with no other horse for company? By this time he was in such a lather and so was I!! I did not know what to do. The way he was crashing about, there was no doubt he was going to hurt himself, I thought he was going to 'explode' completely.
I was desperate and starting to get a little panicky. Suddenly I thought, Jigsaw? They will know what to do.
One of their experts came responded immediately and observed what was happening. She advised us to open up the enclosure and let him into the paddock, where he would be safer and he could 'run' some of his energy off. She decided to change his routine completely, so he never knew what to expect each day. (Riding at different times, grazing at different times etc.)
She also set up a plan, so his work was much more varied and at a level she knew would stretch him. We did more complicated flat work in the arena to make him think and test him, he was lunged more regularly and also hacked out. She also suggested that we kept him from the company of other horses, particularly mares, until he seemed to settle, then introduce him gradually back into their company, when hacking out to see whether his problem was hormonal.
We also gave him access to his field and to his stable 24 hours a day, so he could come and go as he pleased. If he had not settled, another suggestion was to get him some company, such as a sheep, goat or another pony, as horses are naturally 'herd' animals. I was also advised to speak to my vet, who visited and gave Troy a general, but thorough, examination. Physically, the vet could find nothing wrong with him, but she agreed the use of the strategies which had been discussed with me.
Fortunately, with his new routine in place, he began to settle over a very short period of time - thanks to the expertise, support, advice and strategies of Jigsaw's team. I now feel more confident and have a greater understanding of horse psyche and we will continue to work together for the mutual benefit of horse and owner,
A big thanks to Sue Carr and her team again!!!!
Alex's Diary by Alexandra Donald
I am Alexandra Donald. I am 12 years old and I attend Sue's horse riding stables. I also help out whenever I can. I have been riding for almost 8 years and my favourite animals are horses. My hobby of course is horse riding! I would like to give you a few ideas on how to get to know your new pony or just relax a tense horse. These remedies are used in Jigsaw and always work effectively.
Alex with Fred
Many horses get uptight or have problems with new riders of even riders that have owned them for a long time. Horses can be shy or jumpy, to stop this you should always warm your horse up :
Before you get on, walk the horse around the exercise pen a couple of times both ways, you must keep your feet going in time with the horse. When the horse puts its left hoof down your left foot must go down at the same time and so on. Horses live in groups in the wild called herds so they stick together. By walking in time with the horse it will feel more relaxed and at ease with you and will want to be closer to you. At Jigsaw we tried this and it works brilliantly. I have done this with a pony called McCawley whom is claustrophobic and it puts him at ease. I have also successfully tried this with a pony called Petra. Ponies are the type of animals that will always welcome company but will have problems with tension.
Stress Management by Karen McGathan
I have worked full time for 30
years….20 years of this as an Operations Manager.
It’s an office job and I have a staff of 40.
The job is all about planning time and resources and achieving demanding service
levels. There’s never enough staff and never enough time. I’m first point of
contact for customers’ complaints, managers’ complaints and staff complaints.
They all want something and they want it now.
Then the bombshell – I’d be redundant within the next few months unless I could find a job elsewhere. Very stressful.
That weekend I arrived at the stables feeling quite depressed. I went to have a talk to my friend Jigsaw and give him a ‘quick brush’. It took all afternoon. He was very relaxed and we leaned on each other a lot. Although he doesn’t like folk messing with his ears, he didn’t mind me whispering into them whilst I groomed his mane. He took all my ‘messing’ without any quibbling and if it wasn’t for the fact that he ‘woke up’ when he heard food buckets at teatime I’m sure we’d have been there well into the night!
I came away from the stables feeling like I was walking on air. Whilst there all my stress fell away. My thoughts didn’t ponder on all the negative things. Grooming seems to stroke them all away. I’m sure it does Jigsaw good too. At least his coat gleams !
And I got a job.
Now grooming Jigsaw is a regular part of my stress management.
Diana's Story by Diana Davies
My name is Diana Davies and I have known Sue Carr for 9 years. I first approached Sue to ask if it was possible to ride under her supervision and with her help, as I was not as mobile as I should have been. We have, since then, laughed and cried a lot together - due to things that have happened when I've been riding, general episodes in our lives and the very sad and painful loss of old, dear horse friends - too many to mention in those six years!
Sue has been setting up the Jigsaw Charity for some time and she has worked extremely hard to try to fulfil that dream! Along the way some of us have taken part in various sponsored rides to try to help financially - resulting in areas of our bodies becoming numb and experiencing wonderful scenery in the process! This year I managed to complete the ride using only one hand - due to after effects of minor surgery and some might say I ride better one handed!!!!
I have sometimes, in the past, found that going to
'chill out' with Sue and her wonderful horses has been my salvation. There have
been too many stressful moments in my life over the last 6 years and without the
opportunity to forget everything and spend quiet time riding and chatting
I
probably would have 'lost the plot' by now. Sue cares for her animals in a way
seldom seen these days and she has tried to reflect this ethos on to her charity
friends.
We can only ever wish her success!
15.1 H.H. - 16 YEARS OLD GELDING.
Sam has had one owner all of his life and has been stabled next door to his mother – Vodka. In May 2001 Vodka died at the age of 35 years. She also had the same owner for 24 years.
Within the month Sam was showing signs of distress. He began chewing his stable door. (From past experience of Sam’s behaviour, this was a sure sign that something was wrong). Another sign was that he was passing fewer droppings and drinking less water. On closer inspection, I found that his front hooves were hot (not always an accurate indication) but I called the vet because something was obviously wrong. She diagnosed Laminitis and advised box rest, “bute” and cut down his feed ration. (he was overweight)
This was the beginning of 16 months rehabilitation for Sam. After discussions with the vet, farrier and extensive research – Internet articles and the Robert Eustace Explaining Laminitis and its Prevention book,(excellent reading) I was able to put together a care plan for him. Sam’s farrier was called and it was agreed that Sam would keep shoes on to give support to his feet. Shoes would be removed, feet trimmed and rasped back and shoes replaced every 4 weeks. His feed plan would be completely changed : X-rays were taken of both front feet and the Vet’s report reads as follows:
“Sam had a history of Laminitis for approximately seven weeks prior to X-Rays being taken. Both feet were affected. The X-Rays showed that the pedal bone had rotated downwards within the hoof capsule relative to the dorsal wall of the hoof. In a normal foot, the hoof wall is parallel to the leading edge of the pedal bone.
In Sam’s case, there was a moderate degree of rotation, which gave a guarded prognosis. In addition to box rest and anti-inflammatories, Sam needed corrective farriery to realign the hoof wall relative to the pedal bone and to provide support to the foot. His box rest continued until he was sound without anti-inflammatories, then he was allowed short periods of turnout with an eventual return to ridden exercise.
Luckily for Sam, he responded to treatment and has made a full recovery.”
Sam had two weeks with `bute` added to both his daily feeds, but I was not happy for him to continue with bute long term. More research revealed that a Company in Norfolk – Feedmark, (I had used them before) had a herbal product on offer – Zerobute. (name – self-explanatory) It was worth a try. A new feed regime was put together i.e.
1 large scoop soaked sugar beet 2 good double handfuls Dengie Hi-Fibre lite
1 large scoop flaked barley 1 scoop Hi-fibre nuts
1 large scoop Bran
1 scoop Farriers Formula
(once daily for 6 months)
3 good cakes hay 1 large cake hay
Codlivine,
Garlic and Carrots in each
feed.(once daily)
Codlivine,
Garlic, some carrots.
Turned out to grass.
1 scoop of Zerobute was added to his morning feed along with half a scoop of pure dried Mint. Mint is used to aid digestion, and, as part of the Laminitis problem is due to hindgut activity, it had to be tried. After four weeks on this diet and complete box rest, Sam was ready for light exercise. 5 minutes daily walking on the lunge for the next week. 10 minutes daily the week after, and then15 minutes daily. After the third week, Sam decided himself that he was comfortable enough to canter on the lunge. Two weeks after, I could hardly believe it, he was high spirited and galloping, bucking and kicking out with squeals of delight. Next step – continue with lungeing and allow 1 hour’s grazing daily and increasing on a weekly basis. Then on to ridden exercise and eventually to hacking on the road. Extremely short distances to begin with. Still on his Hi-fibre diet with the addition of another product from Feedmark - Prolamin, Sam is now being hacked out for 2/3 miles each week-end and some lungeing through the week.
Keen observation has been key to this success and is constantly ongoing. Know your horse!
How much water is he drinking?
What are his droppings like?
Is he eating properly?
How are his feet?
Is he happy?
There are several causes of Laminitis, over-grazing, standing around in cold wet weather, Cushing’s disease, fast trotting on hard roads, stress, toxiamia. This has been Sam’s story, the main cause of his problem was the stress of losing his life-long companion. I’m pleased to say that he now enjoys the company of an elderly pony who keeps him on his toes!!
Sam’s Farrier says: “People would report a thin horse, but an overweight horse is in danger just the same”
Useful Web
sites: http://www.feedmark.com/
http://www.laminitis.org/
http://www.dengie.com/
http://www.equilife.co.uk/
Useful reading: Robert Eustace - Explaining Laminitis and its
Prevention.
This case study has been
approved by Sam’s Farrier and an Independent Vet, with an explanation of Sam’s
X-Rays and the prognosis at that time written by his Vet.
If you are in any doubts about Laminitis and your horse - Don’t forget - contact your vet.