Easter is upon us and spring has truly ‘sprung’ in this part of the world with the Herbarium starting to come back to life as well as the buds on the trees in the recently planted forest starting to emerge. We had summer temperatures for the last week in March, followed promptly by snow, sleet, rain and cold wind during the first week of April. However, we are optimistic that the good weather will return in time to save the hay!
With such changeable weather patterns it’s really important to support a horses immunity by offering plants such as Bladderwrack Seaweed (in all its forms – as an extract, dried or fresh) Dried Rosehips (rich in Vit C and Biotin) or even Garlic extract (a powerful anti-bacterial). Remember, never force an animal to take an extract by mixing it with a feed in order to mask the smell.
We are very pleased that an article on Zoopharmacognosy was published in the April edition of the Irish Horse Review – the first time information on this topic has been published in Ireland. This publication is central to Equine Activities in Ireland covering all disciplines in depth so we're delighted to gain such exposure. We anticipate it will stimulate discourse on the concept of the domesticated animal’s ability to self-medicate and therefore inspire some to use this approach with their own horses.
If you wish to read the article, follow the link below:
The extra three stables, demonstration area and workshop is on target to be completed mid-April and we’re very much looking forward to holding Zoopharmacognosy workshops here at Whitethorn Farm from early summer. These workshops will show owners how to offer oils and recognise responses as well as the theory on how the concept of self-medication works.
For those of you that are following Ben’s progress, we are delighted to report that he is going from strength to strength, continuing to gain weight and being allowed to mix with the herd again where he has begun to re-establish himself in the hierarchy. The wind sucking, although not as bad as it was, is still an issue so more work to be done there. But one step at a time as Ben moves towards a place of mental and physical ease.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Easter!
Carly
