Equine Zoopharmacognosy Workshop a resounding Success

Last weekend we held the first Equine Zoopharmacognosy Workshop at Whitethorn Farm. It was an absolute resounding success, with participants from a wide range of the equestrian world – including veterinary, supplement manufacturers and medicinal herbalists.

Participants journeyed from as far as Wexford and Cork to spend two days learning the theory and practice of Applied Zoopharmacognosy. The first day kicked off with a presentation giving an insight as to how and why and on what, horses self-medicate on. This was followed by a demonstration with a mare Tizzy, that we have worked with previously.  She selected mostly supporting constitutional herbs.   

Sandy selecting from Katie

The second day, following a short presentation the students worked on two horses to actively gain an appreciation of the process. The first pony, Sandy had ‘riggish’ behaviour and was very quick to engage and become involved.  His modus operandi became established very quickly by selecting oils and then turning his back on us and processing.  Vetiver and Vanilla were his favourite which are selected for aggression and hormonal imbalances. 

Gorden between the lemon & lime inhaling deeply

 The second horse was a little more sensitive and trickier, selecting oils and herbs for cleansing –lemon, lime and nettles.  He also selected Lavender and Mimosa – both oils for nervous horses. 

Debbie keeping note of oils selected 

   The open discussion encouraged participants to engage in free-flowing thought, questioning and probing the concept of horses self-selecting. 

 Of course, we also had plenty of craic and all in all it was a brilliant start to what is the first of many with another already scheduled for April 2013!

Rosie selects for a painful rash

Working with a dog this morning that has a nasty rash on her underbelly. She was text book in that she selected Spirulina and Calendula Macerate alongside inhaling English Chamomile. Whilst she has been under a very good vet for a while, the owner is concerned that the injections (that give only temporary relief) are not the long term solution. And no better compliment could have been paid to me, other than when I went to leave Rosie - who wont normally go into cars other than her owners, got into my car and sat next to my kit and had to be pulled out. Give nature the chance and it surely knows better than we ever could.

Demonstration of Zoopharmacognosy at Kildare International Equestrian Centre

Last week we held a Zoopharmacognosy Demonstration evening at Kildare International Equestrian Centre - the first to be held in Ireland. There was a good selection of attendees with members from the Racing Community as well as Riding Club and Leisure Riders. Everyone engaged and seemed to enjoy themselves and much interest was shown from all with questions coming thick and fast!
After a short presentation, we worked with one of Julieann's mares called Chocolate who had a history of being contrary. She selected Valerian and Hops and then went into a deep state of relaxation. She didnt select oils for trauma or grief (on this occasion) and with hops being associated with hormonal issues, it looks as though the problem may be hormonal. She was a model participant and was very quick to engage in the process. All in all a very successful evening!

Tizzy and her mood swings!

 

Here's Tizzy - a beautiful mare that has erratic heat periods during which time she is very grumpy! She selected Clary Sage initially (for hormonal imbalances) and then went on to select Mimosa, Linden Blossom for behavioural issues. She engaged quickly and was very responsive.  At the second session selected Clary Sage again and took more Mimosa plus plenty more Germain Chamomile.
 Well done Tizzy!