Equestrian Pros, Problems, Tips, and Tricks

A blog about everything equine from the problems and positives in the horse world to tips and tricks to help you with your riding, handling, horse health, and everything in between! Feel free to submit, suggest, and ask.

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El Shetana’s Nair.

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Palominos!

 After some reading I have discovered a quick, apparently reliable way to make your palomino's coats pristine for colour!  Sunflower seeds. Yup. Although there is a gene I've read that is known as the "smut gene" that, when feeding your light horse dark feeds like sunflower seeds and molasses. However, if this is not the case sunflower seeds are great coat enhancers. I've read a few others that work great for palominos like: canola meal or oil, lucerne chaff, whole barely, oaten chaff, and even pumpkin!

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Coats!

 Another tried trick that I've picked up over the years is cocoa-soya oil. I've noticed a huge difference in my horse's coats and mane/tail thickness and length.

 As you may probably already be aware, oil in controlled amounts is quite beneficial to horses. I prefer cocoa-soya oil to vegetable oils because it combines two somewhat nutritious oils with some Vitamin E! Cocoa-soya oil also offers plenty of Omega 3 which suggests that it is more beneficial than other oils.  I add one ounce to their feed twice a day and because it is a controlled amount, that is all I suggest amount wise.

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Keep That Black Horse Black

  If your horse notoriously gets sun bleached during show season I've got a few tips and tricks that might help you keep your black horse black.

Take note: Before you consider using this method that many breed association shows and shows may not accept this, as someone who has been on quite the hiatus from doing any personal showing this is something I've only learned in recent years.This is a tried and true method that I have used personally and does not harm the animal. However, because it reads a false positive for anti-inflammatory because of the Capasin.

We used Spanish Paprika, however during some reading I've read that regular types of paprika work just as well. Note, there is no scientific facts behind this working but it worked for me when I was showing and I've heard other positive reviews. All you've got to do is add aboutonetablespoon to your horse's feed once a day. I've read that many people add two or three tablespoons so I'm guessing it is a matter of preference.

With a little research I've discovered, apparently, the black coat enhancer known as "Black as Night" uses Paprika as the main ingredient. With coat enhancers come many different kinds of coat enhancing shampoos as well.

An obvious idea would be to only do turn out at night and overcast days when there's no sun out to bleach the hair. Also to add a flysheet to protect them from the damaging UV rays and add a lot of coat conditioner.

 We also used ground flax seed when we were feeding my horse paprika. I am not sure if that has any affect on the coat alone or not and I have no heard any other commentary about flax seed the way I have about paprika.

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For Horses With Respiratory Problems...

 This can be used for horses with bad allergies, heaves, or any other respiratory problems. A simple step by step aromatherapy that takes a minimum of ten minutes to start working.

 You'll want to make sure you have or can buy the three following burning oils: Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint. Once these are obtained have them ready.  Start by boiling water, and once this is complete transfer the water from your kettle into a bucket that (preferably) will be designated for the treatment (note, that if you use the bucket for other things like feeding or watering your horse, it is possible for them to ingest anything leftover in the bucket. Rinse well). When this is done take three to five drops of each oil into the water. It is strong.  Next, you can either simply hold your horses nose over the bucket and allow them to inhale it. Because it is strong this may be a bit agitating to them at first which is why I suggest tucking a towel around the nose of the halter and drape it over the bucket to keep it from not only cooling faster, but irritating your eyes or your horse's eyes. You should allow your horse to inhale the treatment for at least ten minutes, but no harm will be caused if the treatment takes longer.  Last summer, my heave-y mare with a whole lot of allergies was struggling with breathing due to the weather. I noticed almost immediate (the day after) results but now they vary as I imagine her system has gotten used to the treatment. Try to keep treatments down to a minimal of three times a week if your horse doesn't have a serious case of heaves but again, no damage done if you do more.  If anyone tries this, please let me know how it works for you! I'd love to hear the results.